As 2026 dawns, European tourism faces transformative shifts with new regulations and opportunities for savvy travellers.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) began a phased rollout on October 12, 2025, digitising border controls for non-EU visitors with full operational status across all external borders expected by April 9-10, 2026. This will replace physical passport stamping with digital records for non-EU short-stay visitors to the Schengen Area.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is anticipated to become operational by the end of 2026, requiring a €20 online authorisation valid for three years for long haul visitors.
London introduced its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) last February, at a cost of £16 and valid for two years. It will be reach full enforcement for non-eligible visitors from Feb 25, 2026, requiring applications to be made online via the GOV.UK app or website before travel. Again it does not apply to Irish passport holders.
Airlines like Ryanair have updated hand luggage policies (40x30x20cm free) and push for digital boarding passes, though pushback from authorities may slow down the process. Tourist taxes are evolving, with local authorities in Scotland now authorised to charge them. Overtourism management is creating new challenges, and the demand for experiential trips is rising, while there is excitement among consumers for AI-planned itineraries, and eco-friendly options.
