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US Joins Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China And Brazil in Implementing Major Travel Changes – TSA Real ID Fee for Domestic Flyers and CDC Health Warnings for International Destinations
Travelers planning domestic flights within the US or preparing for international journeys to destinations such as Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, and Brazil are now facing an array of new regulatory and health advisories that could affect travel logistics, security screening, and health precautions.
Federal government agencies in the United States have introduced updated travel documentation fees for domestic flyers without compliant identification and heightened health travel notices for international destinations experiencing mosquito‑borne disease outbreaks. These updates require travelers to reassess documentation and health preparation for upcoming trips.
What Is Changing and Who Is Affected?
The new changes fall into two distinct categories impacting different groups of travelers:
- Domestic U.S. Travelers affected by changes to security screening verification and associated fees.
- International Travelers to destinations with active health advisory notices from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Who Is Affected by the TSA Real ID Fee?
Effective late 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a new $45 fee option for adult travelers who do not present a federally compliant form of identity while flying within the United States. This measure applies to:
- U.S. citizens and lawful residents flying domestically who lack a Real ID‑compliant state driver’s license or identification card. These IDs are marked with a star symbol denoting federal compliance.
- Non‑U.S. citizens flying domestically who do not possess an acceptable compliance document such as a foreign passport or other DHS‑accepted ID types.
- Travelers who have but forget or lose a compliant ID at the airport and must rely on the alternative TSA ConfirmID verification process.
The $45 fee is only required for U.S. domestic flights through TSA’s alternative ID verification system when standard compliant identification is not presented. Travelers with U.S. passports, Real ID‑compliant state IDs, or other approved documents will not incur this charge.
Which International Destinations Are Under CDC Health Advisories?
Meanwhile, the CDC continues to monitor global health trends and has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for several countries due to active outbreaks of chikungunya virus, a mosquito‑borne illness that presents an elevated risk for travelers. Level 2 advisories encourage travelers to “practice enhanced precautions” due to ongoing disease transmission.
The current Level 2 travel health notices include:
- Cuba – Active outbreak of chikungunya virus.
- Bangladesh – Chikungunya transmission reported.
- Sri Lanka – Chikungunya cases prompting enhanced precautions.
- Guangdong Province, China – Notable chikungunya outbreak.
In addition, CDC monitoring identifies other destinations with elevated risk of transmission, including Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand, where virus vectors remain active even if specific official outbreak notices are not currently posted.
When Do These Travel Impacts Take Effect?
- The TSA Real ID fee option became available in early December 2025 and is applicable immediately for travelers passing through TSA checkpoints without compliant identification.
- The CDC Level 2 health notices are ongoing and subject to update as disease patterns evolve. The current notices are active as of December 2025.
Why These Changes Matter for Travelers
These travel updates matter because they directly affect both the cost and preparation required for domestic travel and the health precautions necessary when going abroad.
- Domestic travelers within the U.S. may be unexpectedly charged an additional fee if they lack compliant ID at airport security checkpoints, potentially disrupting travel budgets and causing delays at security screening.
- International travelers heading to countries with CDC health notices need to prepare for enhanced protective measures against mosquito‑borne diseases, including vaccines where recommended, mosquito avoidance strategies, and health planning prior to departure.
How Travelers Should Respond
For domestic flights within the U.S., travelers are advised to verify that their state‑issued identification is Real ID‑compliant before departure or be prepared to use the TSA alternative verification and pay the corresponding fee.
For international travel, individuals planning trips to the affected destinations are encouraged to consult the CDC’s Travel Health Notices to understand the specific health risks at each location, including outbreaks of chikungunya virus and other emerging threats. Official CDC resources outline necessary precautions and health preparation for travelers amid these advisories.
What Travelers Should Know Before Departure
- Confirm domestic travel documentation and purchase compliant ID if needed.
- Review CDC travel notices for destination country health alerts and required precautions.
- Plan for mosquito protection measures for affected regions.
- Check official government advisories before travel to stay updated on changing travel health conditions.
