Interior modernizes U.S. national park passes with digital access
The Department of the Interior announced a major overhaul of national park access, including fully digital America the Beautiful passes and updated annual pass artwork. The changes, set to begin Jan. 1, 2026, also expand motorcycle access and introduce a resident-focused fee structure with higher costs for nonresidents. The agency said the new revenue will go back into park maintenance, visitor facilities and services.
Tourist taxes rise in Spain, Greece and Portugal in 2026
Travel budgets are facing higher tourist taxes in 2026 as several popular European destinations raise or introduce fees. Barcelona, Venice, Norway, Iceland and Edinburgh are among the places changing what visitors may have to pay, while Greece and Portugal continue to charge by destination and season. Some of the biggest costs fall on overnight stays, cruise passengers and even hikers in specific protected areas.
Interior Department Overhauls National Park Passes With Digital Access, Resident Pricing
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced the most significant modernization of national park access in decades, centered on new digital America the Beautiful passes and resident-focused pricing.[2] Launching January 1, 2026, the changes include higher fees for nonresidents at popular parks, expanded motorcycle access, and refreshed patriotic pass designs.[2] Revenue from the revised fee structure will be reinvested directly into national park facilities, maintenance, and services.[2]
EU digital border system now fully operational after phased rollout
The European Commission says the EU’s new Entry/Exit System became operational on 12 October 2025 and was fully operational at external border crossing points from 10 April 2026. The system applies to non-EU travellers on short stays and replaces manual passport stamping with electronic records. It records passport details, biometric data and entry or exit data, with only fast verification needed on later crossings.
Summer 2026 Border-Rule Shakeup Hits UK, Japan, Vietnam, US
A roundup of summer 2026 travel-rule changes highlights new or changing entry requirements across several major destinations. The list includes the UK ETA, Japan visa fee changes, Vietnam’s health declaration, and the US expedited B-1/B-2 interview option. China is also noted for extending visa-free entry for more than 40 countries through the end of 2026.
Australia to Replace Paper Arrival Cards With Digital Declaration
Australia will replace paper arrival cards with a new Australia Travel Declaration. The digital form will roll out across international airports and seaports over the next 12 to 18 months. Cathay Pacific is also reducing fuel surcharges on most passenger flights.
EU Extends ETIAS Processing to 30 Days for US Applicants From August 1
The European Union lengthens ETIAS approval times to 30 days for United States citizens beginning August 1. Applications must now include additional security questions. Travelers face longer wait times before Schengen entry.
UK Tightens EES Border Rules for EU Visitors From November 10
The UK will enforce full Entry/Exit System checks for EU citizens from November 10. Fingerprint and facial scans will be required at all major ports. Processing times are expected to increase by 45 seconds per passenger.
EU Extends Temporary Border Checks With Balkans Until December 2026
The European Union prolongs random border checks with Serbia, North Macedonia, and Albania until December 31. The measure targets irregular migration and smuggling networks. Travelers face possible 30-minute delays at land crossings.
Chile Extends Land Border Checks With Argentina Until June 2027
Chile extends enhanced land border checks with Argentina until June 2027. The measures apply at all six major crossings including Los Libertadores. Officials cite ongoing smuggling concerns as the reason for the extension.
US Extends Land Border Checks With Mexico Until March 2027
The United States extended temporary land border checks with Mexico until March 2027. The policy applies to all 24 ports of entry along the southern border. Average wait times increased to 95 minutes for pedestrian crossings in June.
EU Extends Land Border Checks With Switzerland Until December 2026
The European Union extends temporary land border controls with Switzerland until December 31 2026. Checks began in 2024 to manage migration flows. Motorists at Basel and Geneva crossings face added delays.