Australians planning overseas holidays in 2026 are being urged to check new travel requirements before booking their trips, as several popular destinations introduce updated entry rules and visa changes.

Among the biggest changes, the United Kingdom now requires eligible visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival, while Europe has rolled out its new Entry/Exit System (EES), which records travellers’ biometric information at border crossings.

Travellers heading to Europe should also be aware that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch later in 2026, adding another pre-travel requirement for visa-exempt visitors, including Australians.

Meanwhile, Japan has extended visa-free entry for Australians through the end of 2026, although some cities are introducing higher tourism and accommodation taxes to manage growing visitor numbers.

Travel experts are advising Australians to confirm passport validity, visa and entry requirements, and any destination-specific regulations well before departure to avoid unexpected delays or denied boarding.