New international visa rules Australians need to know for 2025 and 2026
Europe will be the latest of a growing list of international destinations automating and digitising their visa and immigration systems in an attempt to improve border security, speed up airport wait times, and enhance the overall travel experience for visa-exempt travellers.
Known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), from 12 October, the 29 Schengen countries within Europe will replace manual passport stamps with automated digital registration. It means that travellers will now need to complete checks during their travels to most European countries.
“While the cost associated with these new electronic authorisations, or e-visas, is mostly relatively small, the consequences of being unaware of this requirement could be significant, particularly for travellers on tight schedules.
“Travellers can expect to spend less time at airports, but slightly more time planning beforehand.
“But a warning to keep an eye out for scam websites looking to take advantage of travellers applying for different types of visas – we have seen a ramp up of fake websites that pose as immigration-related sites.
“This is where your travel advisor can deliver true value – we are acutely aware of the changes and are making sure our travellers are aware and travelling according to the new requirements and making their applications through the official channels.”
With the introduction of the EES and a raft of changes in place and coming for Aussies travelling overseas, Corporate Traveller has rounded up the need-to-know changes ahead of your next international trip, so travellers don’t get caught out.
Europe: Will introduce the EES in 2025, and ETIAS in 2026
Currently, Australians can enter most European countries in the Schengen Area visa-free and cost-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, this is set to change soon.
The EES will commence on 12 October and will be free for third-country nationals staying in the Schengen area for short stays, whether visa-exempt or holding a short-stay visa.
Passports will no longer be stamped, and entry and exit data will be recorded automatically. Travellers will need to register at border crossing points via kiosks or counters when they first enter a border point. Subsequent crossings will be faster, given that the data will already exist on file.
The EES paves the way for the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is an electronic travel authorisation system, similar to the ESTA in the US. The ETIAS is expected to come into play from the end of 2026. Unlike the EES, the ETIAS will have a fee, which is currently set at €20, or about AUD 35.
The Schengen consists of 29 countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Norway and Switzerland.
UK: Introduced the ETA in 2025
Earlier in 2025, the UK introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation system (ETA), and Australian passport holders now need to apply for an ETA for a set fee, which was recently increased, and converts to roughly AUD 33.
Aussies, who could previously enter the country visa-free, need to obtain the e-visa ahead of travel, even for short stays, and it allows a stay in the country of up to six months.
United States: Opens the US Global Entry Program to Australia, set to lift the cost of its ESTA
Australia has been welcomed into the US Global Entry program this year, which is available to pre-approved, low-risk, and frequent travellers to the US. Primarily of benefit to business travellers, it offers expedited airport entry.
Suppose you're visiting for less than 90 days and are not covered by the US Global Entry program. In that case, you may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program.
Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure. The cost is currently USD 21 per person for an ESTA, but Congress is reviewing this fee, and it could soon be raised to USD 40.
Canada: Possible changes coming to Canada’s longstanding eTA
Visa-exempt and Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) eligible travellers, including Australians, may soon have to complete an additional biometric data step in their online eTA application. It’s been highlighted by Canadian immigration authorities as a layer that will strengthen the integrity of the program. It will likely involve an upload of the applicant’s passport and photo during the application process. It is expected that the additional step could see an increase in the current CAN 7 cost.
China: Extends visa-free entry for Australians to 30 days
The Chinese Embassy in Australia has announced that Australian citizens travelling to China for business, tourism, family visits, transit, and exchange purposes are now eligible for a visa-free entry of 30 days, extended from the existing 15 days. It was made available from 30 November 2024, through to the end of 2025, on a trial basis.
South Korea: Australians may require a K-ETA from 2026
Australian passport holders can visit South Korea for stays of up to 90 days without applying for a K-ETA until 31 December 2025. Originally set to expire on 31 December 2024, this exemption was extended through to the end of 2025, but it is unclear what 2026 will bring at this stage. Australians should anticipate the need to apply for a K-ETA from 1 January 2026. The cost of a K-ETA roughly converts to AUD 11 currently.
Japan: JESTA set to launch in 2028
Travellers have plenty of time to prepare for the JESTA, which is the Japan Electronic System for Travel. It will be modelled on the US’s ESTA system and is set to launch in 2028, applying to Australian travellers.
Bali: Long-stay travellers to apply for extension in person locally
Since 29 May 2025, travellers staying more than 30 days – even those with a visa on arrival – must complete the extension process in person at a local immigration office to renew their stay permits.
Starting in May this year, the process now includes a photo and fingerprint session before the visa is approved. Previously, travellers could complete the entire extension online. However, applicants must submit their extension application and upload the required documents online before appearing in person.
Brazil: Visas reintroduced for Australians
From April 2025, Brazil reintroduced the need for Australians to apply for a visa, which will be valid for multiple entries over five years for up to 90 days at a time, costing roughly AUD 125.
Australia: Increase in costs associated with entry for foreign nationals
Effective since 1 July 2025, Australia introduced new pricing for most visa types for arriving foreigners. Whilst it won’t impact Australians, foreign nationals entering Australia are being encouraged to review the new costs associated with entry.
This information is current as of 30 July 2025. For up-to-date information on a country's visa requirements, travellers need to visit the country's appropriate government agency website. Corporate Traveller advises travellers to be aware of scam websites, which often look to capitalise on changing requirements. Always speak to your travel advisor about the visa requirements for the country you’re visiting.
