New entry regulations and tourist fees in 2026 - A guide for travelers outside Schengen
- Damian Brzeski
- 3 hours ago
- 7 min read
Planning a vacation outside of Schengen in 2026? Check your passport… and your phone app. More and more countries are introducing digital permits, mandatory insurance, and additional fees that may surprise you at check-in.
The new travel reality is unforgiving – did you know that without a QR code you won't be able to board a plane to Mexico, and that not having insurance in Georgia means a fine?
In this article you will learn how to prepare for the changes that await European tourists in 2026.
Great Britain: Implementation of the ETA system and new entry rules
Border relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom are undergoing a fundamental change.
The Brexit transition period has ended, and the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is coming into effect. Travel "with an ID card" or passport only without prior registration becomes impossible.
Implementation dates and cut-off dates for EU citizens
The Home Office has adopted a strict timetable. The following chart will help you determine which rules apply when you travel:
Date | Event | What does this mean for the traveler? |
March 5, 2025 | Opening the system | You can now create an account and apply for an ETA. |
April 2, 2025 | Start of obligation | Each entry requires an ETA. |
February 25, 2026 | Full enforcement | "Day zero." Without an ETA, the carrier will not allow you to board a plane or ferry. |
Costs, validity and application procedure
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital permit, not a traditional visa. The process is entirely online, and the key parameters are as follows:
Parameter | Details |
Official fee | 16 GBP (approx. 85 PLN) |
Validity period | 2 years (or until passport expires) |
Stay limit | Up to 6 months (multiple entries) |
Waiting time | Up to 3 business days (recommended) |
Where to apply? | UK ETA App or GOV.UK website |
The procedure requires a biometric passport scan and a facial photo. Despite the automation, it is recommended to submit the application at least three days in advance.
Rules for dual citizens
An important change applies to people who hold both Polish and British citizenship. UK citizens are exempt from the ETA, which paradoxically means they cannot apply for it.
If you have dual nationality , you will need to use a British passport to enter the UK after 25 February 2026.
Attempting to enter on a Polish passport (without ETA) will result in systemic problems and refusal of entry.
Exclusions from the system (Ireland)
The ETA system does not apply to citizensof the Republic of Ireland due to the Common Travel Area (CTA). They can enter the UK without any additional authorisation.
Georgia: Mandatory health insurance
Georgia is tightening entry regulations in order to relieve the state budget of the costs of treating foreigners.
The new regulations are absolute in nature and are set out in the amended Tourism Act.
Legal basis and date of entry into force
From January 1, 2026, having a valid insurance policy is a mandatory condition for entering the territory of Georgia for every tourist.
Required policy parameters
For insurance to be recognized by the Georgian border guard, it must meet strict criteria. A simple European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will not suffice.
Requirement | Technical details |
Minimum sum | 30,000 GEL (approx. EUR 10,000 / USD 11,000) |
Document language | Georgian or English (Polish is not accepted) |
Scope of protection | Inpatient and outpatient treatment + accidents |
Duration | Full period of stay (from entry to departure) |
Sanctions for lack of insurance
Failure to present the appropriate documentation (in paper or electronic PDF format) will result in refusal of entry to the country or an administrative fine of approximately GEL 300. Airlines may also verify insurance coverage prior to departure.
Egypt: Digitalization of procedures and visa fees
Egypt is modernizing its border infrastructure, aiming to eliminate paper-based airport bureaucracy. These changes are intended to improve passenger flow during peak season.
Electronic check-in system (from February 2026)
As of February 1, 2026, paper locator/entry cards will disappear from Egyptian airports. They will be replaced by a digital system integrated with airline data (API).
In the case of a visa purchased at the airport (Visa on Arrival), the traveler will receive a QR code after paying the fee, which will be used to pass through the automatic gates.
Current visa rates
Despite media reports of planned increases, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism has maintained the current rates until the beginning of 2026, although it is worth remaining vigilant.
Visa type | Cost | Comments |
One-time (30 days) | $25 | Standard tourist visa. |
Multiple | approx. $60 | Useful for longer detours. |
E-Visa | $25 | The best option ( visa2egypt.gov.eg portal). |
However, please note that the law allows the fee to be increased to a maximum of USD 45, so it is worth monitoring government announcements immediately before traveling.
Thailand and Indonesia: New taxes and financial verification
Southeast Asian countries are changing their tourism model to be more selective ("Quality Tourism"), introducing additional fees and wealth controls.
Thailand: Entry Fee and Airport Charges Increase
In 2026, tourists visiting Thailand will have to face two new charges that together increase the cost of their ticket.
Type of fee | Amount (THB) | Amount (PLN) | When? |
Entry tax | 300 THB | approx. PLN 35 | Mid-2026 |
PSC (Airport) Fee | 1120 THB (up from 730) | approx. PLN 130 | From February 2026 |
Part of the entry tax is to be allocated to an insurance fund for tourists, which is a certain benefit in return for an additional cost.
Bali: Funding Verification
Bali authorities have announced tightening entry controls in 2026. Immigration officials may require bank statements from the last three months to confirm that a tourist has the funds to cover their stay.
There is also still a tourist tax of IDR 150,000 (approx. USD 10), payable online.
Japan: Departure tax increase
Japan uses fiscal instruments to combat the phenomenon of "overtourism" and finance tourist infrastructure.
New "Sayonara Tax" rate
Starting in July 2026, the International Tourist Tax will undergo a drastic change. This tax is automatically added to the price of your flight ticket.
Period | Rate (JPY) | Rate (PLN) |
Until June 2026 | 1,000 JPY | approx. 27 PLN |
From July 2026 | 3,000 JPY | approx. 80 PLN |
Jesta System Status
Contrary to some information, the Japanese Travel Authorization System (JESTA) will not come into effect in 2026.
Its implementation is tentatively planned for 2028. Currently, Polish citizens travel to Japan without visas or prior registration.
Mexico: Visitax Fee Enforcement
In the tourist region of Quintana Roo (Cancun, Tulum), the voluntary period for paying the Visitax tax (approx. USD 15) is ending.
In 2026, strict checks on QR codes confirming payment before entering airport security will be introduced. Payment must be made individually through the official government portal.
European Union: Implementation of the EES and ETIAS systems
Global changes coincide with border reform in Europe itself.
EES (Entry/Exit System): Full implementation of the biometric registration system (face, fingerprints) at the Schengen external borders in 2026. It replaces traditional passport stamps.
ETIAS: A travel authorisation system for citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g. USA, UK) is planned for the end of 2026.
Fee and Change Summary - Summary Table
Country | Change | Validity date | Estimated cost |
Great Britain | ETA System | Full: 25/02/2026 | £16 |
Georgia | Compulsory insurance | 01/01/2026 | Depends on the policy |
Thailand | Tax + Airport Fee | 2026 | + approx. PLN 85 |
Egypt | Digitalization of borders | 01/02/2026 | Visa: $25 |
Japan | Departure tax | 07.2026 | 3,000 JPY |
Mexico | Visitax (checks) | 2026 | approx. $15 |
What's next? When planning a trip in 2026, you should treat formalities as carefully as you would a hotel or ticket reservation.
It is recommended to check the current requirements on the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassies 2-3 weeks before departure, as regulations may evolve.
Need help with your ETA form or choosing insurance? Leave a question in the comments – we'll prepare a dedicated guide.
FAQ: New entry regulations, fees and visa requirements
Below you will find quick and specific answers to frequently asked questions about changes to travel to the UK, Georgia, Egypt and Asian countries in 2026.
What is the ETA system in the UK? It's a digital travel authorisation that EU citizens must obtain online before entering the UK, replacing the previous freedom to enter with just an ID card/passport.
How much does it cost to obtain a UK ETA? The application fee is £16 (approximately PLN 85) and is non-refundable.
When will the ETA system become fully mandatory for Poles? Full enforcement of the regulations (no boarding without an ETA) occurs on February 25, 2026.
If I have dual citizenship (Polish and British), do I need an ETA? No, British citizens are exempt from the ETA but must travel on a British passport.
Do Irish citizens need an ETA to travel to the UK? No, due to the Common Travel Area (CTA), they are exempt from this requirement.
What are the insurance requirements for entry into Georgia from 2026? The policy must be for a minimum of 30,000 GEL (approximately 10,000 EUR) and cover medical and accident costs.
In what language must insurance be issued for Georgia? The document must be in Georgian or English; a policy written solely in Polish will not be accepted.
What are the penalties for not having insurance in Georgia? You may be denied entry to the country or face an administrative fine of approximately 300 GEL.
Will visa prices to Egypt increase in 2026? At the beginning of 2026, the price of a standard visa is still $25, although the law allows for an increase to $45.
How will the entry procedure to Egypt change from February 2026? Paper entry cards are being replaced by digital registration and QR codes.
How much is the new Thailand entry tax? The planned fee is THB 300 (approximately PLN 35) for air arrivals.
How much will airport taxes in Thailand increase in 2026? The passenger service charge (PSC) at major airports is increasing from 730 THB to 1,120 THB.
What is financial verification in Bali? Officials may request bank statements from the last three months to confirm you have sufficient funds for your stay.
How much is the departure tax (Sayonara Tax) from Japan from July 2026? The rate is tripled to 3,000 JPY (approximately 80 PLN).
Will Japan's JESTA system be in effect in 2026? No, implementation of the JESTA system is tentatively planned for 2028.
Is Visitax mandatory in Mexico? Yes, in 2026, payment checks (QR codes) will be strictly enforced at Cancun and Tulum airports.
What is the European Union's EES system? It's an electronic entry and exit registration system (biometrics) that will replace passport stamping at the Schengen external borders in 2026.
Do Poles need to apply for an ETIAS? No, the ETIAS system only applies to third-country nationals (e.g., the US, UK) entering the European Union.
Comments