Home » EUROPE » Everything You Need To Know About Europe’s Major Travel Changes In 2026, From Border Controls To Rising Costs And New Regulations Shaping Tourism
Published on
January 6, 2026
Europe’s travel scene in 2026 is set to undergo significant transformations, with tighter border controls, rising costs, and new regulations reshaping the experience for travelers. The implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System and the delay of ETIAS are among the major changes, aimed at enhancing security and streamlining border checks. Meanwhile, increased tourist taxes and restrictions on short-term rentals in popular destinations aim to manage overtourism and fund infrastructure improvements. These shifts reflect Europe’s ongoing efforts to balance tourism growth with sustainability, ensuring a more controlled and manageable travel environment in the coming year.
Europe is gearing up for a transformative year in travel, with new regulations aimed at improving both security and the tourism experience. From stricter border controls to rising travel costs, there are significant changes ahead that will affect both tourists and residents alike. These developments are a response to increasing demands for sustainability and quality tourism, as well as efforts to manage the growing pressure of mass tourism. Here’s an overview of some key trends and changes in Europe’s travel rules for 2026.
Stricter Border Controls Across Europe
The European Union (EU) is continuing its efforts to modernize its borders with the final rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), scheduled to be completed by April 2026. This system, launched in October 2025, will require non-EU travellers to submit biometric data—such as passport details, fingerprints, and facial recognition—electronically upon entering the Schengen Area. This new procedure replaces traditional passport stamping, and aims to combat illegal immigration and visa overstays, while also strengthening border security. Although the new system faced several delays in 2025, it promises to streamline border checks in the long term, even though travelers may face delays in some countries initially.
Another significant border-related change is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Originally slated for a 2025 launch, ETIAS has now been delayed until late 2026. It will require visa-exempt travelers from certain countries to apply for an online authorization before entering the Schengen Area. For a fee of €20, the ETIAS will provide a digital entry permit for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, valid for three years.
The UK Implements New Travel Authorisation
The UK is also tightening entry requirements with the enforcement of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) starting in February 2026. The ETA, which was soft-launched in 2023, will now be mandatory for tourists from 85 countries that do not require a visa. The digital permit, costing £16 (€18.20), will be valid for up to two years and cover stays of up to six months. This move comes as the UK continues to improve its security measures post-Brexit, reflecting broader trends across Europe to digitize border management.
Rising Travel Costs Across Europe
As Europe continues to grapple with rising costs, tourism is becoming more expensive. Travelers in 2026 can expect to pay higher fees for everything from accommodation to sightseeing. Many cities have introduced or expanded tourist taxes, including places like Iceland, Spain, and Norway, with the aim of funding infrastructure and mitigating overcrowding. These taxes, which may also include daily fees for day-trippers in places like Venice, are part of a broader trend towards “quality tourism,” a shift aimed at attracting high-spending visitors while reducing the pressures of mass tourism.
Some cities, such as Paris and Barcelona, have implemented restrictions on short-term rentals like Airbnb, hoping to combat rising rents for local residents. Budapest joined the trend in early 2026, imposing similar limits in its popular 6th District. These measures are designed to ensure that tourism benefits local communities rather than exacerbating housing shortages and rising prices.
The rising cost of travel isn’t limited to accommodation and taxes. Ski resorts in countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Italy have also seen a significant increase in prices, with ski passes now costing as much as 40% more than they did in 2021. This is largely due to soaring energy costs and higher maintenance fees for resort infrastructure. Travelers looking to explore the continent’s ski resorts in 2026 should prepare for steeper prices than before.
Curbing Undesirable Tourist Behavior
In addition to cost-related changes, several European destinations are introducing new regulations aimed at curbing bad tourist behavior. San Sebastián in Spain, for example, has become the latest city to ban smoking on its beaches, following similar moves in other popular tourist spots. In Portugal, the city of Albufeira has imposed fines for tourists wearing scanty clothing, while Palma, Spain, has banned party boats to address noise complaints and free up infrastructure.
Meanwhile, France has introduced fines for disruptive passengers on flights. As of November 2025, air travelers who flout rules or cause disturbances during flights could face penalties of up to €20,000 and even boarding bans of up to four years. This is part of a broader effort to reduce anti-social behavior among tourists and ensure that visitors respect local cultures and regulations.
Changes to Passenger Rights and Airline Regulations
There has been ongoing discussion about improving passenger rights, particularly in light of frequent flight delays and cancellations. The European Union has been debating new laws to enhance passenger compensation for delayed flights, potentially removing certain fees for cabin baggage. However, airlines have pushed back against these changes, arguing that they could result in higher ticket prices.
One of the latest developments in air travel concerns Ryanair’s decision to stop accepting paper boarding passes. This has raised concerns about compliance with passenger rights, particularly in Portugal, where the aviation authority has warned the airline that such policies may violate passenger protection laws.
A New Era of Tourism in Europe
Europe’s tourism landscape is undoubtedly changing, as new regulations and shifting trends reflect a desire to prioritize sustainability and manage the pressures of mass tourism. While rising costs and tighter regulations may make it more expensive to explore Europe, the region is taking steps to ensure that its tourism industry can thrive in the long term. For travelers, the key will be to stay informed about these changes, plan ahead, and adjust to the evolving landscape of European travel in 2026.
These changes will undoubtedly reshape the tourism experience across Europe, encouraging more responsible travel while ensuring that the region’s tourism infrastructure can cope with the growing demand. Whether it’s navigating tighter border controls or dealing with higher costs, the 2026 travel season will require flexibility, preparation, and a keen understanding of the new rules and regulations that will define Europe’s travel landscape for the years to come.
