Europe Visa and Travel News
Russia continues to expand its single electronic visa (e-Visa) system, designed to make entry easier for foreign travelers. A new border crossing has just been added to the existing list, bringing the total number of entry points accessible with this type of visa to 107.
As the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) becomes fully mandatory for visa-exempt visitors starting February 25, 2026, the British government has announced its intention to increase the fee in the near future. Currently set at £16, the cost is expected to rise to £20.
As of January 1, 2026, all foreign tourists entering Georgia will be required to carry valid health and accident insurance covering the entirety of their stay. This new requirement, enshrined in Georgia’s “Law on Tourism,” is intended to strengthen visitor protection and clarify the country’s entry conditions.
Belarus has decided to extend its visa-free regime for citizens of 38 European countries by one year, keeping it in effect through December 31, 2026.
As the UK prepares to fully implement its ETA program on February 25, 2026, the British authorities report having issued nearly 20 million electronic travel autorisations since 2023, more than half of them to European nationals.
The UK has announced that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will become strictly mandatory starting in February 2026 for all visa-exempt travelers. The measure marks the end of the transition period and accelerates the digitization of border control procedures.
Guernsey announces the extension until 2026 of its program allowing French visitors to travel to the island for same-day trips using only a national ID card. The measure aims to support tourism and strengthen cultural ties with France.
The release of French cyclist Sofiane Sehili, who was detained in Russia’s Far East for “illegal border crossing,” highlights an often-overlooked detail: the electronic visa (e-Visa) does not allow entry into Russia through every border checkpoint. A timely reminder for travelers drawn to this otherwise simplified entry option.
Montenegro has undertaken a series of reforms aimed at aligning its legal framework with European visa standards, while also initiating work on a future electronic visa system.
Since October 12, 2025, non-EU travelers entering or leaving the Schengen Area have been subject to a new digital system called the Entry/Exit System (EES). This automated system replaces the traditional passport stamp and is designed to better monitor the length of stays while enhancing border security.
Starting September 1, 2025, Latvia will require travelers from certain third countries to obtain an ETA.
Between October 2023 and June 2025, the UK has issued 13.4 million Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA) to visa-exempt travelers.
Starting on October 12, 2025, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for travelers will begin to be rolled out at the external borders of European countries. Designed to modernize controls, this system will be fully operational by April 2026. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a European program aimed at automating the
The fee for the ETIAS electronic travel authorization, expected at the end of 2026, will increase from €7 to €20. This decision by the European Commission aims to cover the system’s costs and align it with international standards. However, several European tourism stakeholders have expressed reservations… On July 17, 2025,
Between late 2025 and early 2026, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man plan to introduce their own electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, which will be legally distinct from the UK’s system. Introduced in stages since 2023, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is now in place for entry into
