Remember when travel was simple? Passport, ticket, go? Those days are over. Between ETAs, e-visas, biometric requirements, and the EU’s new entry system, crossing borders now requires a bit more care. Here’s what changed in 2026 and what you need to know before booking that flight.

THE BIG ONE: UK ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA)

What changed: The UK now requires an ETA for visitors from countries that previously didn’t need any advance permission, including EU citizens, Australians, Americans, and Canadians.

Cost: £10

Validity: 2 years or until your passport expires

What it means for you: If you’re a UK passport holder, nothing – this affects people visiting Britain, not Brits travelling. But if you have friends or family planning to visit, make sure they’ve applied in advance. It’s quick and online, but you can’t do it at the airport.

EU ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES) – THE SCHENGEN FINGERPRINT THING

What changed: After years of delays, the EU’s biometric border system finally launched. Non-EU citizens (including Brits) entering the Schengen area now have fingerprints and photos taken at the border.

What it means for you: First trip into Schengen will take longer while they register you. After that, it should speed up (automated gates). But the system is enforcing the 90/180 day rule properly now – overstaying is tracked, and you WILL get caught.

The 90/180 rule refresher: Brits can spend 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen zone. That’s total across all Schengen countries, not per country. Plan accordingly.

ETIAS – COMING SOON (PROBABLY)

What’s happening: The EU’s equivalent of the UK ETA (called ETIAS) was supposed to launch in 2025 but got delayed. It’s now expected mid-2026.

Cost: €7

What it means for you: Once live, Brits will need to apply online before travelling to EU/Schengen countries. Valid for 3 years. Not a huge hassle but another thing to remember.

COUNTRIES THAT GOT EASIER

Vietnam: Extended e-visa validity to 90 days (was 30) and added multiple entry. Massive win for Southeast Asia itineraries.

Saudi Arabia: Continuing to open up with easy e-visas for tourism.

Kenya: Scrapped visa fees entirely for most nationalities. Free entry for UK citizens.

Malaysia: Extended visa-free stay to 90 days (was 30). Digital nomad visa also now available.

COUNTRIES THAT GOT HARDER

Indonesia: New criminal code (including restrictions on cohabitation) technically applies to tourists. Enforcement against visitors expected to be minimal, but the rules exist. More significantly: visa fees increased.

Thailand: Cracking down on visa runners. The old hop-to-Laos-and-back trick is being scrutinised. Long-term stayers need proper visas.

Canada: Increased scrutiny on working holiday visa applications. Processing times have stretched. Apply early.

Top tips

  • Always check entry requirements before booking – gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice is your friend
  • Screenshot your approvals – wifi at immigration desks is never reliable
  • Track your Schengen days if you’re doing multiple trips – there are apps for this
  • Passport validity matters – many countries want 6 months remaining
  • Don’t assume rules are the same as last time – check every trip

Disclaimer: Visa rules change constantly. This article was accurate at time of publication but always verify with official sources before travelling.