Stay informed on the latest travel regulations and visa updates with our essential guide for corporate travel buyers and event planners.
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.
EES and ETIAS – latest updates
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on 12 October 2025.
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.
It will also monitor if the traveller is staying within the rules of the Schengen visa entry and exit rules. 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.
The implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will follow in the last quarter of 2026. The ETIAS will be an EU equivalent of the US ESTA, will cost €20 and be valid for three years or the lifecycle of the passport (whichever is first).
Entry into the UK: Electronic travel authorisations
From 25 February 2026, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement will be strictly enforced. ETA is a legal requirement and carriers will not board eligible visitors without one. From 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 or an exemption. The fee for an ETA is £16.
Entry into the US for international travellers
The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) for visitors to the US has increased from $21 to $40.
A new ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ of US$250 has been implemented on foreign nationals applying for non-immigrant visas to the US. This will affect individuals entering the US on tourism/business visas and work visas from non-waiver countries. Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries will be exempt.
Duty of care tips for international travellers
Ensure possession of a valid passport (6+ months), an approved and valid ESTA or visa, and relevant travel documents (itinerary, tickets, boarding pass).
Confirm visa type permits planned activities (tourism, business).
During travel, carry copies of entry documents and comply with visa limits.
CBP may request electronic device access. CBP indicates that “less than 0.01 percent” of international travellers had their devices searched in 2024.
Travellers from visa waiver countries or with visas can be denied entry if they refuse access to their devices.
TIP: 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.
Entry rules for US travellers
- Travellers, including US citizens, may face additional questioning by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- US citizens and lawful permanent residents cannot be denied re-entry but must confirm their identity and legal status.
- Refusing to answer travel-related questions may result in delays or further inspection.
- CBP can inspect phones, laptops or tablets.
- US citizens and lawful permanent residents may decline to provide passwords and cannot be denied entry for doing so, but could face delays or device seizure.
Additional US entry restrictions – what travellers need to know
At time of publication, there are full entry suspensions for citizens from:
Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia Sudan, and Yemen.
There are limited visa suspensions for citizens from:
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
Exemptions include US lawful permanent residents; travellers with valid US visas issued prior to 9 June; dual nationals using non-restricted passports; certain humanitarian or diplomatic travellers.
Expanded visa-free access to China
Nationals from 48 countries (including Argentina, Brazil and Saudi Arabia) can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism or transit.
What does this all mean for business travel in 2026?
Increased planning
Visa processes are becoming more time-consuming. Companies should start applications earlier.
Digital transformation
Systems like ETIAS, EES and UK ETA reflect a global shift toward biometric and online pre-clearance. Travel managers should integrate these into booking workflows.
Cost implications
New fees may mean higher upfront costs. Budgeting for visa-related expenses will be essential in corporate travel planning.
Compliance and risk management
Stricter entry rules and tracking systems (eg EES) may increase the risk of non-compliance penalties. Businesses should ensure travellers understand and follow visa conditions.
Need advice and support on visas and travel regulations for your business travellers?
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