Big changes to international travel: US hikes ESTA cost, new entry process in Europe, Japan

Make sure you're across the latest changes to travel requirements before you head off on your next trip. Pic: Getty Images.

There are significant changes being made to the application and entry processes of Australia’s favourite overseas destinations.

Words by Chantelle Francis for Escape.com

Australians are being warned to be aware of new entry requirements to some of the most popular destinations across the world.

Europe’s new entry system starts next week, while last week the United States almost doubled the cost of ESTA applications.

“Some of the most frequented international destinations like Europe, the US, UK, China, and others, are introducing significant changes to the application and entry process, and the related fees, and it’s critical that travellers are aware, and don’t just follow the same method they may have previously relied on,” Corporate Traveller global managing director Tom Walley warned on Thursday.

“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.”

Australians are warned to take note of changes to application and entry processes overseas. Picture: iStock, as appeared on Escape.

America hikes the price of an ESTA

Tourists heading to the US will now need to pay US$40 (about AU$60) to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization, most commonly known as the ESTA, which allows tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.

While it might not seem like a lot of money in comparison to other holiday expenses, it’s a significant jump from the US$21 (about AU$32) it cost previously.

The price hike came into effect the day before the US government entered a shutdown on October 1, affecting federal government operations and agencies.

On Wednesday, as the shutdown entered its second week, the Australian government issued a warning for “flight delays and longer queue times at a number of airports” through its travel advice agency Smartraveller.

“Check with your travel provider to see if your travel plans have been affected,” it said.

As of last month, the US government also requires applicants and those renewing non-immigrant visas to schedule their interviews at a US Embassy or Consulate in their home country. It means Australians working in the US may have to travel back to Australia every two years.

New entry system across 29 European countries

Over in Europe, a new Entry/Exit System (EES) will come into effect on October 12 in the Schengen area, which is made up of 29 countries.

The process of registering travellers’ biometric details will replace the current system of manually stamping passports.

“You’ll need to register at borders and have your fingerprint and photo taken,” Smartraveller said, warning there may be longer border queues as the system starts.

However, the aim is for the change to be more efficient in the long term. When visitors return to the Schengen area within three years of creating their digital record, they will only need to provide their fingerprint or photograph when they enter and exit at the border.

The nations will introduce the system and collect data gradually at their external borders with full implementation by April 10 next year.

The Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The next big change for travelling in Europe is expected to be the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), similar to the ESTA.

It will cost 20 euros per application (about AU$35) and, after delays, is now expected to start coming into effect in late 2026.

The UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) came into effect in January. That costs 16 pounds or about AU$33.

Japan, China and South Korea

Another Australian favourite, Japan is expected to introduce its Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) in 2028, which would require visa-exempt Australians to apply online for approval before their trip.

The Asian nation is expecting to reach a significant milestone in 2025: more than one million Aussies visiting in a calendar year.

Mr Walley warned travellers to keep an eye out for scam websites looking to take advantage amid the changes that will require more tourists to enter personal details online in advance.

“We have seen a ramp up of fake websites that pose as immigration-related sites,” he said.

On the other hand, China and South Korea, both quickly growing in popularity among Australian tourists, have made it easier for foreigners to visit — but only temporarily.

China’s 30-day visa-free policy, which was introduced on November 30 last year and is scheduled to end on December 31 this year, has been described as a “game changer”.

“It’s given Australians the extra nudge to finally explore a culturally rich country that’s long sat high on their bucket lists,” Margy Osmond, Australian Tourism & Transport Forum CEO, told news.com.au recently.

Dr Xin Jin, an expert in visitor economy and behaviour from Griffith University, said the visa-free policy had a positive impact beyond simply the savings travellers made on visa costs.

“The policy signals openness and accessibility, which encourages travel,” she said. “Internationally, relaxed visa regimes have repeatedly proven effective in stimulating visitation.”

Australians can visit South Korea for up to 90 days without applying for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) until December 31.

This article originally appeared on Escape.com.au as Big changes to international travel: US hikes ESTA cost, new entry process in Europe.

Travel & Tourism