Travel to Japan could become more expensive in 2026 as the government considers higher visa fees, a larger departure tax and new tourism-related charges to manage growing visitor numbers.
The EU will start rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES) from 12 October 2025, with full deployment expected by 10 April 2026. ETIAS is expected in late 2026 and the travel authorisation fee is set to rise to €20.
The ETIAS application fee is set to increase from EUR 7 to EUR 20 before the system's launch in 2026.
EU Home Affairs Ministers have endorsed a revised rollout plan for two major travel systems. The Entry/Exit System will go live in October 2025, while the European Travel Information and Authorisation System will launch in late 2026, supported by transitional and grace periods.
The EU is upgrading how Schengen external borders work, including the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). If you travel visa-free, these changes will shape border checks and advance screening.
The EU is introducing two new border management tools that will change how visitors travel to Europe: ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System. Both strengthen European security, but they operate in very different ways.
The EU is introducing two new border management tools that will change how visitors travel to Europe: ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System. Both strengthen European security, but they operate in very different ways.
For many travellers, 2025 was not about one new rule but several overlapping systems moving at different speeds. The key to making sense of the year was understanding that the UK's ETA, the EU's EES and the later ETIAS permit were separate changes with separate timelines.
As the UK prepares to roll out its Electronic Travel Authorisation for European travellers, leading figures in the travel industry are pushing back — warning that introducing multiple border systems at once could cause widespread confusion.
From late 2026, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS approval to enter most European countries. Here’s what you need to know.