Since May 7, 2025, all U.S. citizens and residents must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
Previously, Americans could use a standard driver’s license or state ID to board domestic flights. However, with the REAL ID Act going into full effect, travellers will now need to present a REAL ID, passport, or other approved forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. This change is part of a nationwide effort to enhance the security of the nation’s air travel system, ensuring that all travellers have a verified, secure identification.
“There’s a lot of speculation and a lot of misinformation on what REAL ID is,” shares Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director at World Travel Protection in a recent interview with FOX 32’s Good Day Chicago. “Ultimately, REAL ID is about making travel safer for Americans” Harrison adds.
Comprehensive support for your business and academic travellers
Partnering with a travel risk management provider can help organisations prepare their teams for evolving travel regulations like the REAL ID implementation in the U.S. and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK.
At World Travel Protection, we ensure travellers are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate new requirements before travel. This includes helping travellers understand which forms of identification are acceptable and when they need to make changes or upgrades to their documents, ensuring there are no surprises at the airport.
Proactive travel risk management: A safety-first approach
In addition to staying updated on travel regulations, we also offer a range of services designed to mitigate risks and prepare and empower travellers, including:
- 24/7 global emergency assistance: Whether it’s medical care or an urgent evacuation, our global team is ready to assist travellers at any time, no matter where they are in the world.
- Real-time insights and alerts: stay informed of disruptions such as strikes or security incidents, wherever your team is so you can respond immediately.
- Location management services: giving you visibility into your travellers’ whereabouts and enabling two-way communication in the event of an incident.
- Pre-travel briefings: access destination-specific reports that include safety advice such as common risks, transportation recommendations (for example, is it safer for your employees to self-drive or user a driver), and health considerations.
- Tailored training and consulting: our team of medical and security experts offer a range of consulting services that cover areas such as risk awareness training, mental health support, and crisis response planning.
By proactively preparing travellers, organisations can minimise risks, adapt travel plans as needed, and avoid disruptions such as delays, fines, or denied boarding, all while ensuring the safety and peace of mind of their teams. Contact our team today to learn how we can support you.
