Overview
- The EU’s Entry/Exit System, which takes fingerprints and a facial image from non‑Schengen arrivals, began rolling out in October 2025 and is due for full deployment by 10 April 2026, with some crossings such as Dover pushed to early 2026.
- ETIAS, the EU’s online authorisation for visa‑exempt visitors, has no confirmed launch date and is presently slated for Q4 2026 with a €7 fee and validity up to three years or until passport expiry.
- The UK is reported to require an Electronic Travel Authorisation for visitors from about 85 countries starting 25 February 2026, with UK and Irish citizens exempt.
- New or higher charges in 2026 include Edinburgh’s 5% hotel levy from July, Thailand’s 300 baht air passenger fee, and higher prices for non‑EEA visitors at the Louvre and at U.S. national parks.
- Air travel rules are shifting, with 2‑litre liquid allowances at Birmingham, Gatwick and Edinburgh, no liquid removal at Luton under the 100ml limit, Ryanair’s move to digital‑only boarding passes, and new French penalties of up to €10,000 plus possible flight bans for unruly passengers.