The start of a new year brings with it loads of changes to how people make their way around the world. Some of these changes started in 2025 but with grace periods that are now ending in 2026. Others are new or hit later in the year. Many require advance applications and time so plan ahead! Airports and governments will not be understanding or let you proceed just because you forgot to do all the necessary things. Read on and be prepared for smoother travel experiences. 

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Important Changes to Travel in 2026

General alerts, changes, and tips:

1. Many Asian and international airlines are banning the use of power banks in flight. Southwest Airlines now prohibits charging your phone inside your carry-on. The limitations are: Up to 100Wh: Allowed without restrictions; 101Wh to 160Wh: Allowed, but you can only carry up to two units, and prior airline approval is required; Above 160Wh: Not allowed on passenger flights

• Power banks must be in your personal item, not checked luggage.
• Some airlines require you to keep your phone in your lap or tray table while it charges.
• Use reputable brands of power banks (e.g. Anker) with heat-monitoring safety features.
• Some luggage contains power banks built-in. You must be able to pop those out to remove them during flight because they could combust in the cargo hold during flight.

2. A year-over-year increase in delays and cancellations makes travel insurance more important than ever.

• Get travel and medical insurance for international trips.
• Arrive the day before if traveling for a cruise or major event.
• For domestic connections, allow 4 hours at major airports.

Europe alerts, changes, and tips:

1. Entry/Exit System (EES) takes full effect in early April 2026, although it became operational October 12, 2025. European countries now require the use of this automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals (defined as a traveler not holding the nationality of any European Union country of the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland) traveling for a short stay (90 days within any 180-day period), each time they cross the external borders of one of the countries using the system.
2. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) becomes mandatory in late 2026.

• Apply at least several weeks before your trip to avoid processing delays.
  • https://www.etiaseu.com/application
• ETIAS costs 20 Euros (~$23) and is valid for 3 years.
• Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your trip.
• Keep your ETIAS approval printed or saved offline in case your phone dies.

2. Europe is replacing passport stamping with biometric scans. Rollout began in Oct. 2025, becomes widespread in 2026.

• You’ll be funneled to the machines instead of lining up to meet with a border agent.
• Expect longer lines during the first year of rollout.
• Arrive 3-4 hours early for international flights involving Schengen entry.
• Make sure your passport chip is undamaged – chipped passports may fail scanners.
• Expect major delays while driving through Dover or Calais during early adoption.
• If you rely on passport stamps as proof of travel for visas, request a printed entry receipt.

3. The UK is implementing its own mandatory ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system and affects travelers even if they are only flying into or out of the UK on their way somewhere else.

• Apply online or via UK ETA app before travel, costs £16 (~$22).
  • https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
• Your ETA is linked to your passport – renew your passport first if it expires soon.
• It applies to U.S. citizens traeling to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences or short-term study for 6 months or less.
• Keep a digital and printed copy of your ETA confirmation.
• To avoid this, consider flying into/out of Paris or other cities.

4. Europe and UK continue to enforce strict passport validity rules.

• Your passport must have 3-6 months of validity beyond your return date.
• If your passport expires in 2026, renew it now – processing times spike during big travel years.
• This also relates to the EES and ETIAS mentioned above.

5. Increased Tourism Taxes.

• Budget an extra €1–€10 per night depending on the city.
• Some cities required payment in cash at check-in.

U.S. alerts, changes, and tips:

1. Changes to U.S. ESTA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, for people traveling to the United States who are eligible nationals or citizens of VWP countries.

• All applicants are required to submit advanced biometric data, including facial recognition scans and fingerprints.
  • These data can be submitted via an approved mobile app.
• ESTA will incorporate AI-driven risk assessments into its screening process.
• Applicants are required to provide identifiers and information from their social media activity.

Tips:

• Renew ESTA early if you travel frequently – it’s valid for 2 years.
• If your passport changes, you must reapply.
• Always use the official U.S. government site to avoid scam fees.
  • https://www.usa.gov/passport

2. Major US/regional events that will affect travel demand.

• World Cup (US/Canada/Mexico)
  • June 9 – July 19, 2026
• US 250th anniversary
  • July 4, 2026
• Route 66 centennial
  • April 30– May 2, 2026

3. As of Dec 2025, TSA will charge a $45 fee if you show up at TSA without a REAL ID and need manual identity verification.

• A valid passport works even for domestic travel and voids the fee.
• Only travelers 18+ need REAL ID.
• Once TSA verifies you (and you pay the fee), that verification is valid for 10 days.
• Check TSA’s official list of acceptable IDs to avoid surprises.
  • https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

4. More airports are using advanced imaging and facial recognition for ID verification.

• You can opt out, but expect to wait an extra ~15 minutes for a manual check.
• TSA officers may seem annoyed at your refusal – ignore it. You have the right to decline.
• If you plan to opt out, arrive earlier to avoid stress.

5. Most US airports use CT scanners that allow you to leave liquids and electronics in your bag, unless instructed otherwise.

• The 3-1-1 rule still applies (1 quart bag, 3.4 oz containers) – including for liquid medication.
• Original bottles for medications are not required.
• Keep your liquids bag in your personal item unless TSA instructs otherwise.
• Some airports still require removal.

Sources:

Entry/Exit System (EES) – EES

https://www.generateforvisa.com/blog/us-esta-visa-waiver-program-2026-new-biometric-requirements-

https://tandslaw.com/uscbp-issues-proposed-rule-to-revise-esta-application-process-social-media-information-will-be-required-of-applicants/

https://travelobiz.com/united-states-esta-fee-hike-update-2026-inflation/

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias/about-etias/news-corner/revised-timeline-ees-and-etias

https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/residency-rights-and-border-changes-whats-new-and-changing-in-france-in-2026/759280

https://www.antaeustravel.com/new-eu-travel-rules-2025-2026-ees-etias-and-rising-tourism-taxes/

https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/article/what-to-know-about-etias-and-travel-to-europe-CM1348