Many countries will introduce new requirements for tourists in 2026: ETIAS in the EU, ETA in the UK, updated ESTA for the US and digital arrival cards. Find out what will change and how to prepare for your travels in advance

Electronic travel permits, extended visa-free travel, digital arrival cards instead of paper forms – in 2026, the rules for crossing borders in many countries will change again. Travel will not become more complicated, but will require more advance preparation.

We tell you about the key innovations that tourists and business travelers should consider.

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Travel is going digital: a global trend

In recent years, travel formalities have changed dramatically. Paper visas in passports and migration cards that were handed out on airplanes are gradually becoming a thing of the past. They are being replaced by:

- Electronic visas (e-Visa);

- Electronic travel authorizations (ETA);

- Digital arrival cards (e-Arrival Card).

This transition is due to security issues, passenger flow control and the desire of states to speed up border crossing. In 2026, this trend will only intensify: more and more procedures will need to be completed before departure, online and in advance.

European Union: ETIAS launch

After several postponements, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) should be operational in the last quarter of 2026.

The system will apply to citizens of countries that currently enjoy a visa-free regime with the Schengen area. Main conditions:

- Cost - 20 euros;

- Validity period - 3 years or until the passport expires;

- Authorized stay - up to 90 days within a 180-day period;

- Application submission - completely online.

For travelers, this means another mandatory step before traveling, and for the EU - an additional tool for controlling and forecasting migration flows.

Important! In early 2026, it became known that the launch of ETIAS could be postponed to 2027.

United Kingdom: ETA to become mandatory

The United Kingdom has completed the phased implementation of its own ETA system. The transition period is coming to an end, and from February 25, 2026, an electronic authorization will become mandatory for all visa-free travelers.

Key details:

- Cost - 16 pounds sterling;

- Validity - 2 years;

- Multiple entry for short-term trips;

- Covers 84 countries and territories, including EU countries, the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan.

ETA to the United Kingdom works according to a logic similar to ETIAS: pre-screening of passengers before boarding the flight.

USA: ESTA to become more demanding

The USA is preparing for major changes to the ESTA system as part of the Visa Waiver Program. The US Customs and Border Protection is already discussing a number of innovations that may come into effect in the near future.

Among the possible changes:

- Transition to ESTA processing only via a mobile application;

- Use of NFC-reading of passports and biometric identification;

- Mandatory declaration of social media accounts for the past 5 years;

- Expanded collection of contact and family data.

Although final decisions have not yet been made, the direction is clear: entry to the USA will become even more digital and controlled.

Important! Starting in the fall of 2025, the cost of obtaining an ESTA for entry to the USA will almost double.

China: Visa-free travel extended

China has confirmed the extension of its 30-day visa-free policy until December 31, 2026.

Citizens of 45 countries and territories will be able to travel to China without a visa in 2026. The program, launched to revive tourism and business travel, has shown positive results, so the authorities have decided to maintain it.

For tourists, this means stability and simpler rules amid a global tightening of formalities.

South Korea: K-ETA remains optional

The K-ETA system was introduced in 2021, but many nationalities are temporarily exempted until December 31, 2026. Citizens of 67 countries and territories can enter South Korea without an electronic permit if they comply with the permitted period of stay.

Mongolia: Visa-free travel extended at the last minute

Mongolia has announced the extension of its visa-free regime until January 1, 2027, with the following conditions:

- Allowed stay - up to 30 days;

- Valid for citizens of 34 countries, including 32 European countries, Australia and New Zealand

- For citizens of South Korea - up to 90 days, also until the end of 2026.

This decision was made as part of the “Visit Mongolia Year” tourism program.

Single tourist visa for the Gulf countries

The GCC countries are preparing to launch a single tourist visa, often called the “Schengen of the Gulf”. Participants: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The full launch of the project is expected in 2026 after technical and intergovernmental coordination. One visa will allow you to travel to several countries in the region without re-issuing documents.

Other possible changes in 2026

In 2026, entry rules in other countries may also change:

- Georgia – mandatory travel insurance from January 1, 2026.

- Senegal – possible visa refund.

- Ghana – e-Visa launch in the first quarter of 2026.

- Sri Lanka – plans for free visas for ~40 countries.

- Mauritius – preparation of electronic travel authorization.

In 2026, travel will not become more complicated, but it will definitely become more digital and planned in advance. Electronic permits, online forms and pre-checks are gradually becoming the new norm.

The best advice for travelers is to check the entry rules before booking tickets, because awareness today is the main key to a safe and comfortable trip.

In 2026, electronic permits, digital questionnaires and border control will become even stricter. Health insurance not only protects your health, but is also often a necessary document for entering the country. Take care of it in advance - just like ETA or ETIAS.

Choose travel insurance in 2026 on the Visit Ukraine portal!

Let us remind you! A trip to Europe can be comfortable and full of impressions even without big expenses - it all depends on the right approach to planning. We have already told you how to save money while traveling in Europe: when is the best time to travel, how to reduce costs for transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment without compromising the quality of the trip.

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