Heading to Europe in 2026?
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You might want a short guide to the latest European travel updates. Like many cities and regions, travel authorities and hospitality groups have launched and revamped dozens of rules, initiatives, and programs designed to improve travel for tourists and locals alike.
For example, Spain delisted over 60,000 illegal Airbnbs. Meanwhile, Venice launched new tourist taxes geared at day-trippers. Outside of Europe, authorities in Peru outlined new entry rules for Machu Picchu. Further north, Mexico banned dolphin shows—a popular pastime for visitors.
Domestically, travel updates have been just as expansive and dramatic. Just this week, the US proposed new changes for ESTA applicants that would require them to provide social media handles, email addresses, and phone numbers. Meanwhile, the TSA has changed a handful of high-impact travel policies, especially around airport security.
It’s a lot, to put it lightly.
For now, let’s focus on the latest European travel updates you need to know about.
European travel updates from 2025 that you need to know in 2026
EES is here: Europe now has fully digitized borders
EES stands for Entry/Exit System, which is a digitized border system that the whole European Union is rolling out. The EES must be established before Europe can launch its ETIAS visas—which is why ETIAS visas have been delayed. (More on this below.)
On October 12, 2025, the EU finally launched EES across most of its borders. The full EES is expected to be completed by early April 2026.
So, what does this mean for you? EES is live at almost every major international hub airport, meaning when you land, you no longer stamp your passport. Instead, you submit biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) and scan your passport. This confirms your identity and grants you passage into the EU.
To clarify: EES only applies to EU countries, not Schengen countries. You will have your passport stamped and checked normally when you enter Norway, Iceland, Cyprus, and Switzerland.
ETIAS is still delayed: You don’t need a visa to visit Europe yet
EES will be complete in early April 2026—meaning the European Union won’t require visitors to submit ETIAS applications until then. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It’s a small visa application that visitors from normally visa-exempt countries must apply for when entering the EU.
It costs around $23 and is valid for three years. You can stay in the Schengen zone for 90 days within a 180-day period. The ETIAS permit lets you travel freely throughout the EU and Schengen countries.
ETA is launching in 2026: You need a visa to enter the UK
For years, the UK has warned incoming travelers that they will need an ETA or an Electronic Travel Authorization permit. It’s like the EU’s ETIAS or the US’s ESTA in that it’s a small digital permit that tourists from visa-exempt countries must have to enter the UK.
The application costs around $20 and can be accessed online. Though it was originally launched in 2023, it looks like the UK will start to actually enforce ETA in February 2026.
Cabin bags are standardized in Europe: Your carry-on should almost always fit
Now onto the best European travel update of 2025: the EU is pushing to standardize cabin bag sizes across its airlines—and it’s pushing for airlines to make all carry-on luggage free. For now, all we have is a promise from A4E (Airlines 4 Europe) members to standardize baggage size, which was made in late summer 2025.
The standardized dimensions are 40 x 30 x 15 cm. A4E includes 17 major European airlines, including Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, and Ryanair, for example. However, don’t expect free bags for budget airlines.
Short-term rentals are on the fritz: Double-check your rental licenses
Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, and similar hubs cracked down on illegal Airbnb and other short-term rental licenses. Consider this your reminder: short-term rentals must apply for local licenses, in almost all cases. If a profile doesn’t have a license number listed, it’s probably illegal.
When I say illegal, I mean that the hosts probably aren’t paying taxes or reporting earnings on the rental, the building likely isn’t zoned for tourism rentals, and might not even be safe for you to stay in. Remember: no regulations, no guarantees that you’re safe, either.
As more European cities and regions crack down on short-term rentals, double-check that yours has the correct licensing before booking the stay. If you’re not sure, you can always reach out to ask the host about licensing information.
Tourist taxes are on the rise: Expect to pay small daily fees in certain locations
In addition to cracking down on illegal short-term rentals, many European cities are also launching tourist taxes. Most are nightly taxes, along with fees for day trips and access to popular sites. Expect to pay these fees in more places around Europe in 2026.
What’s with the hiked fees? They’re designed to help local authorities combat the effects of overtourism while also funding initiatives like uncovering illegal rentals.
