Visa rules are shifting across multiple regions in 2026. Some countries are tightening entry controls. Others are opening doors wider than before. A few are building entirely new systems from scratch.
This page covers the most significant visit visa changes happening right now. If you are planning international travel this year, these updates directly affect how you prepare, apply, and enter your destination country.
Before booking flights, it is worth confirming whether your passport allows visa-free entry to your destination. Rules change. Fast.
In this article…
United Kingdom: ETA Becomes Mandatory from 25 February 2026
The UK has ended its soft-launch phase for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Starting 25 February 2026, every visa-exempt traveler must hold a valid ETA before boarding a flight, ferry, or train to the UK.
Airlines and carriers will check ETA status before departure. No ETA means no boarding. There is no grace period.
The ETA costs £16 (approximately US$22) and is valid for two years. It covers multiple entries for tourism and short business visits. Citizens of 85 countries need one, including travelers from the US, EU member states, Canada, Japan, and Australia.
Applications can be submitted through the official UK ETA app or via GOV.UK. Most decisions come within minutes, but the UK Home Office recommends applying at least three working days before departure.
If you are unsure whether you need a visa or ETA, read our guide on how visas differ from passports.
The UK is also moving to fully digital visa status. Physical visa stickers (vignettes) are being replaced with eVisas linked to a UKVI online account. Dual British citizens must travel on a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement — they are not eligible for an ETA.
💡 Tip: Apply for your UK ETA before booking your travel. A refusal could affect your trip timeline.
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United States: Expanded Travel Restrictions Under Presidential Proclamation 10998
The US has significantly widened its entry restrictions since January 2026. Presidential Proclamation 10998, signed in December 2025, expanded the existing travel ban to cover nationals from approximately 39 countries.
Nationals from designated countries who were outside the US and did not hold a valid visa as of 1 January 2026 face either full or partial suspension of visa issuance. Full suspension blocks all visa categories.
Partial suspension halts visitor (B-1/B-2), student (F/M/J), and certain other categories.
Existing valid visas issued before the effective date have not been revoked. However, travelers should expect increased vetting, longer processing, and possible delays at US ports of entry. If you are preparing a US visa application, see our step-by-step guide to applying for a US visit visa.
Countries affected under full suspension include several nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Partial restrictions apply to others, including Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and more.
The policy is reviewed every 180 days. Countries may be added or removed based on whether they meet US security and vetting standards.
💡 Tip: If your nationality is affected, check the US State Department website before scheduling an embassy appointment.
United States: Social Media Screening Expanded
The US Department of State has expanded its social media review requirement. Previously applied mainly to student and exchange visa applicants, this now includes H-1B workers and their dependents.
Visa applicants must disclose social media identifiers and keep accounts set to public during the adjudication period. For Visa Waiver Program travelers using ESTA, proposals to require up to five years of social media history are under review. Prepare early — our US visa interview guide covers what to expect.
United States: Visa Waiver Program Now Includes 43 Countries
The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has grown slightly. Qatar joined in 2025, and Romania became the newest member in 2026. The program now includes 43 countries.
VWP travelers can visit the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a traditional visa. Instead, they apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online. The ESTA fee is US$21.
To qualify, travelers must hold an e-passport, have no history of overstaying in the US, and enter by air or sea. Importantly, VWP entry does not permit work or study. If your country is not on the VWP list, check whether you need a B-1/B-2 US visitor visa instead.
💡 Tip: ESTA approval is not a visa. It can still be revoked at the US border.
Europe: Entry/Exit System (EES) Rolling Out Across Schengen
The EU’s Entry/Exit System launched on 12 October 2025 and is being expanded throughout 2026. All Schengen countries must have EES fully operational at their external borders by April 2026.
EES replaces the manual passport stamping process with digital registration. On entry, non-EU travelers provide fingerprints and a facial image. The system records entry and exit dates, making it easier to detect overstays.
No additional fee is required for EES. It applies automatically at border control. Travelers who previously entered Schengen countries without formalities should now expect slightly longer processing at ports of entry. For more on Schengen visa rules, read our guide on Schengen visa processing times.
From 10 April 2026, transport carriers will also be required to verify that non-EU nationals hold a valid visa (if applicable) before boarding.
Europe: ETIAS Expected to Launch Late 2026
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026. It is not a visa. It is a pre-screening authorization for nationals of visa-exempt countries who want to enter the Schengen Area.
ETIAS will cost €20, be valid for three years (or until passport expiry), and allow stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The application is fully online.
Around 60 countries will be affected, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. There will be a six-month transition period after launch where entry will not be refused solely for lacking ETIAS. For details on Schengen visa documents and costs, see our dedicated page.
💡 Tip: ETIAS is not live yet. Do not pay any website claiming to process ETIAS applications today.
Schengen Area: Bulgaria and Romania Now Full Members
Since 1 January 2025, Bulgaria and Romania are full Schengen members. Land border controls between these countries and other Schengen states have been lifted.
Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, becoming the 21st Eurozone member. Travelers no longer need local currency when visiting.
Cyprus is expected to join the Schengen Area around 2026 as well. Until then, a Schengen visa does not cover Cyprus. Check our Schengen visa types guide to understand what each visa covers.
EU Launches First-Ever Visa Strategy
In January 2026, the European Commission adopted its first EU Visa Strategy. The framework sets out a more strategic approach to visa policy, balancing growing global mobility with regional security concerns.
Key elements include a unified online visa application platform (EU VAP) planned for rollout starting in 2026, with full adoption across all member states expected by 2031. This will replace individual national application portals with a single digital gateway.
The strategy also reinforces the EU’s visa suspension mechanism. If visa-free travel from a particular country is abused, the EU can temporarily suspend visa-free access. For a full breakdown of Schengen visa costs, see our Schengen visa fee guide.
China: Visa-Free Entry Extended Through 2026
China has extended its unilateral visa-free policy until 31 December 2026. Citizens of 46 countries can now enter China without a visa for up to 30 days.
This covers tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit. Sweden was added to the eligible list in November 2025. Canada is expected to be added soon following diplomatic discussions in January 2026.
Russia has a separate arrangement allowing visa-free entry from 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2026. China’s 240-hour visa-free transit program has also expanded to 65 ports across 24 regions, covering travelers from 55 countries. If your passport is not on the visa-free list, check whether your nationality offers visa-free access to other destinations.
China has also extended its reduced visa fee policy and its exemption from fingerprint collection for short-term visas through 2026. Both measures aim to make travel to China more accessible.
💡 Tip: Visa-free entry to China does not allow work or study. If your purpose changes, you must apply for the correct visa before entering.
Gulf Region: GCC Unified Tourist Visa Confirmed for 2026
The six Gulf Cooperation Council countries — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman — have confirmed 2026 as the launch year for a unified tourist visa.
The GCC Grand Tours Visa will allow travelers to apply once through a digital platform and visit all six countries on a single permit. Expected validity is 30 to 90 days, with fees estimated between US$90 and US$130.
This is often compared to Europe’s Schengen visa but tailored for the Gulf region. Until the visa goes live, travelers must still apply separately for each country. Our Bahrain passport visa-free guide covers current entry rules for Bahraini nationals.
Technical work is ongoing. Challenges include harmonizing immigration databases, establishing shared biometric screening, and finalizing fee-sharing between member states. A phased rollout is expected later in 2026.
South Korea: K-ETA Exemption Extended Through 2026
South Korea has extended its K-ETA exemption until 31 December 2026. Nationals of 67 countries and territories can continue entering South Korea without applying for the electronic travel authorization, as long as they meet the permitted length of stay.
The K-ETA system was introduced in 2021 but has been optional for most eligible travelers since April 2023. The extension reflects the positive impact on tourism recovery. See visa-free countries for South Korean passport holders for outbound travel from South Korea.
Mongolia: Visa Exemption Extended to January 2027
Mongolia has extended its temporary visa exemption for nationals of 34 countries until 1 January 2027. The measure allows 30-day tourist stays without a visa and applies to visitors from 32 European countries plus Australia and New Zealand.
South Korean nationals receive a longer exemption under the Visit Mongolia Year program, with visa-free stays of up to 90 days through the end of 2026.
💡 Tip: Mongolia’s visa exemption is temporary and subject to renewal. Confirm before you travel.
Comparison: Key Digital Travel Systems in 2026
| System | Region | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| UK ETA | United Kingdom | Mandatory from 25 Feb 2026 |
| EU EES | Schengen Area (29 countries) | Full rollout by April 2026 |
| ETIAS | Schengen Area | Expected late 2026 |
| US ESTA | United States (43 VWP countries) | Active; screening changes proposed |
| GCC Unified Visa | UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman | Confirmed for 2026; exact date TBD |
Latvia: Electronic Travel Authorization Required Since September 2025
Latvia introduced its own ETA requirement in September 2025. Third-country nationals traveling without a Latvian visa or residence permit must now submit an electronic travel authorization before entry.
This applies regardless of whether the traveler is visa-exempt for the broader Schengen Area. If you are visiting multiple European countries, it is worth checking individual entry requirements beyond your Schengen visa. Our Schengen visa interview guide can help you prepare.
Russia: EU Limits Visa Issuance to Single Entry
Russian nationals no longer receive multiple-entry Schengen visas. As part of the EU’s response to the conflict in Ukraine, only single-entry visas are being issued. This policy continues into 2026.
The restriction was adopted in late 2025 and reflects heightened security screening for Russian applicants across all Schengen consulates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the UK ETA if I already have a visa?
No. The ETA is only for travelers from visa-exempt countries who do not hold a UK visa or immigration status.
Is ETIAS the same as a Schengen visa?
No. ETIAS is a pre-screening authorization for visa-exempt travelers. If your nationality requires a Schengen visa, ETIAS does not apply to you.
Can I enter China visa-free for work?
No. China’s visa-free entry covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit only. Work and study require a separate visa.
When will the GCC unified visa be available?
The GCC has confirmed a 2026 launch. The exact start date and fee structure have not been finalized. Until then, apply for each country’s visa separately.
Has the US revoked existing valid visas under the new travel ban?
No. Visas issued before 1 January 2026 remain valid. However, travelers from affected countries should expect increased screening at US ports of entry.
Do I need to pay for the EU Entry/Exit System?
No fee is charged. The EES is an automated border control process applied during passport control at Schengen entry points.
💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.
Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.
Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.
Disclaimer
Visa rules and entry requirements change frequently. The information on this page reflects the latest available updates as of February 2026.
Always confirm current requirements on the official government immigration website of your destination country before applying or traveling.
VisitVisaGuide.com is not affiliated with any government or embassy. This page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
Sources: UK Home Office (GOV.UK) | US Department of State | European Commission | China National Immigration Administration | GCC Secretariat
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