You might have your hotels booked and flights scheduled, but 2026 is shaping up to be a challenging year for travelers. Countries are imposing stricter entry rules, airlines are introducing additional fees, and cruise ports are placing limits on visitors, all of which could complicate your travel plans unless you’re well-prepared.
Advance Approval to Enter
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors, with a fee of £20 effective April 8, 2026. Airlines have adopted a "no ETA, no boarding" policy, meaning travelers without prior approval linked to their passports will be denied boarding.
New Paperwork and Fees
Starting late 2026, traveling to Europe will require an application for the upcoming ETIAS system, mandating a €20 fee for travelers from visa-exempt countries before entering the Schengen Area. This authorization is separate from the previous biometric entry checks now adopted at European borders.
Real ID Deadline
As of May 2025, TSA requires REAL ID-compliant identification for all domestic flights. Travelers without a compliant ID may need to present a passport or pay a $45 fee for special TSA verification, which isn’t guaranteed to clear them for flying.
Tourist Fee Schedule
Venice has expanded its access fee to 60 peak days in 2026, with a tiered structure: €5 for advance bookings and €10 for last-minute visits. Overnight guests are still exempt but must register for a digital QR code.
Cruise Passenger Charges
Starting in 2026, Greece will implement tiered fees for cruise passengers depending on the season. During peak summer months, the fee is €20 for popular islands, dropping to €12 in shoulder months.
Addition of Fees to Basic Economy
Major airlines, such as Air Canada, have raised checked bag fees to $45 for the first bag for Basic Economy tickets, while many ultra-low-cost fares no longer allow carry-ons without additional charges.
An End to Open Seating
Southwest Airlines has ended its open seating policy, transitioning to assigned seating and initiating a $45 checked bag fee for new bookings after April 9, 2026.
Digital-Only for Boarding
Ryanair has transitioned to 100% digital boarding passes, requiring check-in through their app. Failure to do so could incur steep fees at the airport.
Face Scan Rules
Facial recognition technology is expanding at airports to monitor entries and exits, potentially leading to longer processing times for travelers as they undergo more detailed screening.
Cruise Visitor Caps
Popular destinations like Santorini and Bar Harbor are enforcing limits on the number of cruise passengers disembarking each day, while Venice is redirecting large ships to industrial ports.
Airport Security Tech Update
Paris airports are introducing new scanning technology, but travelers still need to follow traditional security protocols unless in specifically marked lanes.
Smart Bags and Biometric Boarding
While being able to track your luggage and pass through gates with a face scan sounds convenient, challenges remain, including restrictions on the type of smart bags that can be checked.
Passenger Protections
The new Department of Transportation regulations require automatic refunds for significant travel disruptions, including canceled flights or failures to provide services.
Biometric Exit Monitoring
Starting April 10, 2026, the EU’s Entry/Exit System will utilize facial recognition to track movements across 29 countries, leading to potential slowdowns if there are discrepancies with passengers’ data.
Thailand Entry Levy
Effective in 2026, Thailand implemented a 300-baht (approximately $9) entry fee for air travelers, which includes basic medical and accident insurance during the stay.
With all these changes on the horizon, it’s crucial for travelers to stay informed and prepared to avoid disruptions in their plans.