Visa Information

General Visa Information:

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Depending upon where we’re traveling as well as your citizenship, you may need a visa for our tour. Because visa applications must be personally completed by the applicant, all travelers must obtain their own visas, both for the destinations we'll be visiting as well as those we'll be passing through. Depending upon the country, you may be able to apply for an electronic visa, a paper visa, or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

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Electronic Visas

Many destinations, like Cambodia and Vietnam, allow travelers to apply for an eVisa. EF  recommends using Sherpa to process visas for these destinations as applicable.

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Paper Visas

Some destinations, like mainland China, require a paper visa for entry. For these destinations, EF recommends using Visa Central, which provides a visa processing discount for EF travelers.

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Electronic Travel Authorizations

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is necessary for countries like Australia or New Zealand. The eTA is an online application completed using the specific country’s government website. Please visit the applicable government website directly to submit your application.

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Requirements for U.S. Citizens

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The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization

For U.S. citizens whose tour either visits any country in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) or who transits through an airport in the United Kingdom, are now required to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). 

 

The ETA application costs a non-refundable £10.00 (approximately $12.00). Note that you will not need to enter travel details as a part of the application process. In order to process the ETA application, you'll need:

• The passport with which you’ll be traveling (not a photocopy or digital passport)

• Access to your email

• A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

You will also need to either upload or take photos of:

• Your passport's signature page (with the photograph of the person applying)

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Most applications are processed within three working days. Your ETA will be digitally linked to your passport; you will not need to show anything else when entering the UK. To apply, download the UK ETA App via either the Apple App Store or Google Play. Please refer to the UK ETA App User Guide for additional instructions.

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The European Entry/Exit System (EES)

In October of 2025, the European Union began rolling out the Entry and Exit System (EES), which will eventually replace manual passport stamping. The EES is due to be fully implemented by April 10, 2026. This “smart borders” system digitally records the entry and exit of non-EU nationals visiting participating European countries for a short stay by collecting biometric data (typically a facial image and fingerprints) along with passport/travel details.

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As part of this new system, travelers may be asked to provide proof of international medical insurance and proof of accommodation. As accommodation is provided on EF Tours, this requirement is met.

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For those travelers who have purchased Global Travel Protection, the medical insurance requirement is also fulfilled. It is important to take proof of purchase, which will be sent by email, with you on your tour. Purchase of Global Travel Protection may be completed up until three days prior to departure.

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Those travelers who wish to purchase a different international medical policy should ensure it meets the necessary requirements of the countries they'll be visiting while on tour. You may access a brief video regarding the new EES HERE; you may also find additional information HERE.

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The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

At some point during the last quarter of 2026, the European Union is scheduled to require an authorization (called ETIAS) similar the the U.K. Electronic Travel Authorization. Please refer to the European Union's official ETIAS.com for more information.

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Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens

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All travelers are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and/or travel documents for all locations on their tour. Once the tour itinerary is confirmed at approximately 70 days before departure, non-U.S. citizens should visit Sherpa, contact Visa Central, or contact the embassies or consulates of all locations they will be visiting and traveling through to verify which documents are required. If proof of insurance coverage is required, travelers who purchased insurance through EF should contact Traveler Support to obtain this documentation.​

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Please note: Visa requirements do apply even if travelers only have a short layover or a stop at the airport in a particular destination. Travelers should inquire at relevant embassies and/or consulates two weeks before departure to ensure that requirements haven’t changed. For instance, if you are flying to Madrid via Frankfurt, check with both the German and Spanish embassies.

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For a list of embassies and consulates in the United States, visit state.gov.​

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The embassies and/or consulates of your destinations may require that you submit documentation from EF verifying your travel plans. If so, our Traveler Support team can provide a sample template. Contact them via live chat here on our site (click on the “EF” icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen) or by calling (800) 665-5364.​

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Non-U.S. Citizens Traveling on the European Showcase Itinerary

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​Navigating visa requirements can be challenging. Redhawk Texpeditions aims to simplify the process by providing step-by-step guidance to assist travelers through this often confusing and time-consuming process. Though we're not allowed to be present at the actual interview, we'll provide a timeline to follow as well as all necessary itinerary documentation.

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United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa Application

Fortunately, applying for a United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa is a fairly straightforward process and may be completed entirely online. Please refer to this Guidebook for detailed step-by-step instructions, and visit gov.uk to complete your application.

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Schengen Visa Application

Once our itinerary has been finalized approximately 70 prior to our scheduled departure, you'll receive a Traveler Confirmation and Itinerary prepared specifically for the Embassy to which you'll be applying, generally the country in which we'll be spending the most time. For both of the 2026 and 2027 European Showcase itineraries, for example, we'll spend more nights in Italy than any other country on our itinerary. This document will accompany your completed application and provide the information necessary to successfully process your application in a timely fashion. Please refer to this Guidebook for the detailed step-by-step instructions necessary to complete your application.

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It is imperative you stay in close contact with Redhawk Texpeditions staff throughout your application process so we may assist in the event you encounter any difficulty. Also, note that travelers requiring a Schengen Visa for travel will be required to carry EF Tours Global Travel Protection Plus travel insurance. ​

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Please note: Beginning the visa application process in advance of your tour itinerary confirmation (approximately 70 days prior to your scheduled departure date) is neither necessary nor recommended.

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You may visit travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date requirements.

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