{"id":43829,"date":"2026-01-07T08:56:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T08:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reedmackay.com\/?p=43829"},"modified":"2026-01-14T06:10:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T06:10:08","slug":"whats-new-visas-and-travel-regulations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reedmackay.com\/au\/whats-new-visas-and-travel-regulations","title":{"rendered":"Travel regulations and visa updates every corporate travel buyer should know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Stay informed on the latest travel regulations and visa updates with our essential guide for corporate travel buyers and event planners.<\/p>

From evolving entry requirements to key destination policies, this regularly updated resource helps you navigate international business travel with confidence and compliance and keep your travellers safe.<\/p>

EES and ETIAS \u2013 latest updates<\/strong><\/h2>

The EU\u2019s Entry\/Exit System (EES) launched on 12 October 2025.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

This automated IT system, capturing biometric data, registers travellers from outside of the EU or Schengen Zone every time they cross an EU external border. This data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.<\/p>

It will also monitor if the traveller is staying within the rules of the\u00a0Schengen visa entry and exit rules<\/strong><\/a>. Non-EU passport holders can only stay 90 days within 180 in the Schengen area. Longer stays will require different visas depending on where they are travelling to and from.<\/p>

The implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)<\/strong><\/a> will follow in the last quarter of 2026. The ETIAS will be an EU equivalent of the US ESTA, will cost \u20ac20 and be valid for three years<\/a> or the lifecycle of the passport (whichever is first).<\/p>

Entry into the UK: Electronic travel authorisations<\/strong><\/h2>

From 25 February 2026, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0requirement will be strictly enforced. ETA is a legal requirement and carriers will not board eligible visitors without one.\u00a0From this date, everyone (except British and Irish citizens) wishing to travel to the UK will need a permission to travel. Wherever possible, the permission will be digitally linked to the passport being used. This must be shown through an ETA, eVisa, other acceptable physical proof\u00a0or an exemption. The fee for an ETA is \u00a316.<\/p>

Entry into the US for international travellers<\/strong><\/h2>

The\u00a0Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>for visitors to the US has increased from $21 to $40.<\/p>

A new \u2018Visa Integrity Fee\u2019 of US$250 has been implemented on foreign nationals applying for non-immigrant visas to the US<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0This will affect individuals entering the US on tourism\/business visas and work visas from non-waiver countries. Visitors from\u00a0Visa Waiver Program<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0countries will be exempt.<\/p>

Duty of care tips for international travellers<\/strong><\/h2>

Ensure possession of a valid passport (6+ months), an approved\u00a0and valid ESTA<\/strong><\/a> or visa<\/strong><\/a>, and relevant travel documents (itinerary, tickets, boarding pass).\u00a0<\/p>

Confirm visa type permits planned activities (tourism, business).\u00a0<\/p>

During travel, carry copies of entry documents and comply with visa limits.\u00a0<\/p>

CBP may request electronic device access.\u00a0CBP indicates that \u201cless than 0.01 percent\u201d of international travellers had their devices searched<\/strong><\/a> in 2024.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Travellers from visa waiver countries or with visas can be denied entry<\/a> if they refuse access to their devices.\u00a0<\/p>

TIP:<\/strong> If concerned about sensitive information or data privacy, work with your IT department or consider having travellers download sensitive information to a device left at home during their trip.\u00a0<\/p>

Entry rules for US travellers<\/strong><\/p>