These are the changes travelers need to be aware of in 2026

Travel remains a promise of freedom – but in 2026 it will also become somewhat more regulated. Across Europe’s highways, southern rental car markets, and world-renowned national parks, governments are tightening rules, increasing fees, and adopting new digital systems.

What is officially intended to bring more safety, sustainability, or fairness can quickly become expensive and complicated for travelers if they are unprepared. Anyone who wants to travel stress-free in 2026 should be aware of the relevant changes. Travelnews presents ten new regulations in popular travel destinations.

Euro introduction in Bulgaria

With the start of the new year, Bulgaria replaced the lev with the euro. The Balkan state is now the 21st country to adopt the common currency as its official means of payment. This will make many things easier for tourists: currency exchange and additional fees are eliminated, prices can be compared more easily, and card payments are simpler. However, many people in Bulgaria doubt that the euro will benefit them. There is growing concern that the currency switch will fuel price increases, leaving consumers with a more expensive euro.

Stricter ETA controls in Great Britain

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has been mandatory for visa-free travel to the UK since April 2025, but has not been consistently enforced until now. This is changing: from February 25, 2026, the system will be fully implemented, according to the government in London, with airlines required to check for a valid ETA before departure. The authorities stated that the previously less stringent enforcement was intended to allow travelers a transition period. The ETA is linked to a valid passport, costs £16 (approximately CHF 18), and can be easily applied for via the UK ETA app. Once approved, it is valid for two years and allows multiple stays of up to 180 days each.

Stricter entry rules in Georgia

Georgia, a travel destination at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, captivates visitors with its spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and renowned hospitality. However, new entry requirements for international travelers will come into effect on January 1, 2026. From then on, proof of valid health and accident insurance, covering the entire duration of the stay, will be mandatory upon entry. The insurance must have a minimum coverage of 30,000 Georgian Lari (approximately 9,000 Swiss francs). The required proof can be submitted digitally or in paper form and must be written in English or Georgian. With this new regulation, Georgia aims to ensure that visitors are adequately protected in the event of illness or accident.

New speed limits in Greece

Greece tightened its traffic regulations on January 1, 2026, most notably by lowering speed limits in urban areas. A 30 km/h speed limit now applies in many residential neighborhoods and on narrow streets, even where 50 km/h was previously permitted. The limit generally remains at 50 km/h on major inner-city roads, while the existing posted limits outside of towns and on highways remain largely unchanged. These adjustments are part of a comprehensive reform of traffic law, with which the government aims to reduce the high number of traffic accidents. The new speed limits are accompanied by stricter enforcement and, in some cases, significantly higher fines.

Higher entrance fees for US national parks

Visiting many major US national parks is now significantly more expensive for international travelers. Eleven of the most visited national parks are now charging an additional fee of $100 (around 80 Swiss francs) per person . The new fee applies to foreign visitors aged 16 and older. Children are exempt. The previous park entrance fee – usually around $35 per vehicle and valid for several days – is now noticeably more expensive for international guests. Alternatively, foreign visitors can purchase an annual pass for $250. This pass covers all passengers in the vehicle, authorities announced. However, those traveling by bus or arriving on foot must pay the $100 fee. The following parks are affected by the price increase: Acadia National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Everglades National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Zion National Park.

Warning triangles banned on Spanish motorways

Anyone picking up a rental car in Spain should now pay close attention: Vehicles with Spanish registration must now be equipped with a so-called V16 warning light. This battery-powered light is placed on the roof of the vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident and emits an intense yellow or orange flashing signal. It is visible from a great distance and significantly increases safety, as it eliminates the often dangerous need to set up a warning triangle along roads or highways. Mobility experts advise travelers to have the location and use of the light briefly explained to them when picking up the vehicle. However, there is good news for those traveling to Spain from Switzerland in their own car: The traditional warning triangle remains permitted for vehicles with foreign registration. The new regulation applies exclusively to cars with Spanish license plates.

More expensive vignettes in Austria

Motorists in Austria will face higher vignette prices in 2026 : The daily vignette will cost €9.60, the ten-day vignette €12.80, the two-month vignette €32, and the annual vignette €106.80. This represents an average increase of approximately three percent. Anyone driving on Austrian motorways without a valid vignette risks a substitute toll of €120 for cars and €65 for motorcycles. Failure to pay can result in fines and penalties of up to €3,000. At the same time, the motorway operator Asfinag is pushing ahead with digital transformation: Around three-quarters of customers already use the digital vignette. From 2027, the traditional adhesive vignette will be phased out completely – the motorway sticker will then only be available electronically.

Tourist tax in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the first city in Scotland to adopt a tourist tax, introducing a 5 percent Transient Visitor Levy on overnight accommodation. The charge will apply to hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and short-term rentals such as Airbnb for up to seven consecutive nights, starting July 24, 2026. The city expects annual revenues of up to approximately 60 million Swiss francs, which will be invested in infrastructure, affordable housing, culture, and events. Around 35 percent of the funds are earmarked for the arts and culture sector. With this step, Edinburgh is following the example of other European metropolises such as Amsterdam.

Refund for traffic jams in Italy

From June 2026, drivers in Italy will receive a refund if they experience excessively long traffic jams on toll highways due to roadworks . This is based on a new regulation from the traffic authority, which provides for a partial or full refund of tolls if the normal travel time is significantly exceeded. Compensation can be claimed via a central app, which includes all private highway operators. A refund is provided for delays of ten minutes on routes up to 50 kilometers, and for longer distances, for delays of 15 minutes or more. If the journey takes at least three hours longer than usual due to traffic jams, the entire toll must be refunded. The exact amount of compensation will be determined by the operators within official guidelines; however, payments will only be made for amounts exceeding one euro. It is currently unclear to what extent foreign drivers will also benefit; the system is expected to be fully operational by December 2026.

Higher passenger fees at Thai airports

Passenger fees in Thailand are increasing. The fee for international departures is rising from the current 730 baht to 1,120 baht – just under 30 Swiss francs . The fee is automatically collected when purchasing a ticket and is therefore included in the airfare. The move is justified by investments in security, infrastructure, and improved passenger comfort at airports. Airports of Thailand, which operates the country's six largest airports, expects additional revenue of around 10 billion baht per year (approximately 240 million Swiss francs) as a result. For domestic flights, everything remains unchanged: the fee for domestic departures will continue to be 130 baht. The exact date when the new regulation will come into effect is not yet known.