Published on
January 21, 2026
2026 Will Redefine Your European Travel as UK, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, France, and more Schengen countries unite for unprecedented border security, digital permits, and skyrocketing costs. These major changes are set to impact every traveller heading to Europe. Starting in 2026, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will introduce digital border controls and require biometric data for entry, replacing traditional passport stamps. These new measures are aimed at improving security and controlling the flow of visitors. Alongside these security upgrades, rising travel costs will challenge tourists as countries implement higher overnight taxes and increased fees.
If you’re planning a trip, you need to know about the new rules that will affect your entry, travel costs, and even how you cross borders. These changes are being introduced by the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) to improve security, control the flow of tourists, and raise more money to maintain travel infrastructure. This article will explain how these changes will impact tourists, including new systems, digital permits, tighter border checks, and increased costs in different countries.
New Systems and Border Checks for 2026
The EU is launching a new Entry/Exit System (EES) that will change the way non-EU travellers enter Europe. This system, already in motion, is set to be fully operational by April 10, 2026. If you’re not from the EU or EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries, you’ll have to provide your biometric data, including your passport data, fingerprints, and facial image, when you cross any of the external borders in the Schengen Area. This will replace the traditional passport stamp that many are used to when entering Europe.
What does this mean for you?
For most non-EU travellers, there will be no more passport stamps. Instead, the data will be stored electronically, helping authorities track entries and exits more efficiently. The goal is to catch visa overstayers, reduce illegal migration, and increase overall security. It’s a significant step towards more digital border management across Europe. The system will apply to all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
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The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) Will Change the Game
Alongside the EES, another game-changing development is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will be mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries. Starting at the end of 2026, travellers will need to apply online and pay a small fee to get approval to enter Europe. ETIAS is similar to the U.S. ESTA system.
How will ETIAS affect your travel plans?
Once ETIAS is active, if you come from a country that doesn’t require a visa for short stays in Europe, you will need to apply for online authorisation before travelling. The cost for this is €20, and it will allow you to visit the Schengen Area multiple times for short stays, usually for up to three years.
Key Points for 2026: What’s Changing in Europe?
There are several critical factors to consider when planning your European trip in 2026. Not only will you need biometric data and digital permits, but travel costs will also rise. Some countries are increasing taxes on overnight stays, and regulations around short-term rentals are becoming stricter. These changes are being made to control the number of visitors, manage resources, and generate funds for infrastructure projects. Ski resorts and tourist attractions will also hike their prices as part of this new reality.
Why are these changes happening?
Increased security and better management of visitor numbers are among the driving forces behind these changes. The EU’s plan is to ensure that tourism is beneficial for both the visitors and the countries. The entry and exit systems, along with digital permits, will help make travel smoother and more secure while cutting down on delays and improving control over who enters and leaves.
How Countries Will Implement EES and ETIAS
Let’s break down how specific countries will be affected. The EES system applies to all 29 Schengen Area countries and will be active in major travel hubs, including Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid. It will be used at airports, seaports, and land borders.
Austria, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland will start using the EES system at their borders in 2026. Non-EU citizens will have to provide biometric data before entry, making it easier for authorities to track who’s entering and exiting the country.
France, Spain, and Italy are already well-known travel destinations, and the new system will further enhance security checks. Tourists from non-EU countries visiting these hotspots will have to comply with new entry rules, meaning they’ll undergo biometric screening at border control points.
The Impact on UK Visitors
For UK visitors, ETIAS will also be necessary from 2026, marking a significant change for those who have enjoyed visa-free travel to Europe in recent years. An online application will be required before you travel, with a fee of €20 for approval. The application process is quick, but it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Will all visitors face the same rules?
No, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) only applies to non-EU travellers. If you hold a valid EU passport or a residence permit, you will be exempt from biometric data collection and the ETIAS requirement. However, UK nationals and other non-EU nationals will have to follow these rules from 2026. Countries like Ireland are not part of the Schengen area, so they will continue to have different entry procedures.
Rising Travel Costs and New Taxes in Europe
In addition to these new border checks, tourism costs are also rising across Europe. Countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal have announced increases in their overnight tourist taxes for visitors staying in hotels and short-term rental properties. These taxes are being introduced to manage tourist numbers and generate revenue for local infrastructure.
Ski resorts in Switzerland and Austria are raising prices for ski passes and services to cover the costs of increased demand.
City taxes in popular locations like Paris, Amsterdam, and Barcelona are likely to see hikes in the coming years, which may make budget travel harder for some tourists.
These changes reflect a shift towards sustainable tourism and better management of visitor flows, but they also mean that travellers will need to budget more carefully in 2026.
A Crackdown on Undesirable Tourist Behaviour
In addition to these logistical and financial changes, some European cities are cracking down on bad tourist behaviour. While some of these measures have been introduced as a reaction to overtourism, they also aim to make the experience better for both tourists and locals.
For example:
San Sebastián in Spain has introduced a ban on smoking at its beaches.
Albufeira in Portugal now imposes fines for inappropriate clothing on its beaches.
Palma in Spain has banned party boats to reduce noise pollution and free up space for more sustainable tourism activities.
As tourism continues to grow, European destinations are increasingly finding ways to balance tourism with quality of life for residents, which means tourists may need to follow stricter local regulations to avoid penalties.
What This Means for You as a Tourist
If you’re planning a trip to Europe in 2026, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be aware that you will likely need to provide biometric data when entering the Schengen Area. Make sure your passport is valid, and remember that your data will be recorded electronically.
Additionally, be prepared for the introduction of ETIAS by the end of 2026 if you’re from a visa-exempt country. It’s also essential to budget for rising travel costs, including increased taxes and service fees, especially in major cities and tourist hotspots.
Lastly, respect local rules and regulations. Whether it’s avoiding smoking at the beach or dressing appropriately in public, following the rules will help you avoid fines and ensure a smoother experience.
The Future of Travel in Europe
In conclusion, the new Entry/Exit System and ETIAS are just the beginning of changes that will shape European travel across the Schengen Area. These measures are designed to enhance security, manage visitor numbers, and generate funds for local infrastructure. While these changes may make travel a bit more complicated and expensive, they will also make Europe safer, more sustainable, and better equipped to handle future tourism growth. If you’re planning to visit Europe in 2026, understanding these changes will be key to enjoying a smooth and memorable trip.
As Europe ushers in this new era of travel, it’s clear that the continent is focusing on safety, sustainability, and quality experiences for both locals and visitors. So, pack your bags and prepare for the new rules that will make your European adventure all the more exciting!
