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The year 2026 will bring a wave of new regulations and fees that affect travellers across the globe. From currency changes to stricter entry requirements and updated traffic rules, those who prepare early can avoid unpleasant surprises. Here is an overview of the most important changes awaiting travellers in the coming year.
Bulgaria Adopts the Euro
Goodbye currency exchange hassles. Starting 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will officially join the Eurozone. The Bulgarian lev will be replaced by the euro, making travel significantly easier for visitors. No more conversion calculations, no more exchange fees—tourists can look forward to simpler payments and clearer price comparisons throughout the country.
Venice Expands Its Tourist Fee
The lagoon city continues its efforts to manage overtourism. Beginning in 2026, Venice will expand its access fee for day‑trippers. Between 3 April and 26 July, visitors will be required to pay a fee on 60 designated days.
- Standard fee: €10 per person
- Early‑booking discount: €5 if booked at least four days in advance
The measure aims to reduce overcrowding and ease pressure on the city’s fragile infrastructure.
Rome Introduces a Fee for the Trevi Fountain
Italy’s capital is following Venice’s lead. From 7 January 2026, Rome will introduce a new tourist fee for one of its most iconic landmarks: the Trevi Fountain. Visitors will need to pay €2 to access the viewing area. The fee can be paid by card and is part of a broader strategy to regulate tourism and protect heavily frequented sites.
USA Raises National Park Entrance Fees
Travelling to America’s natural wonders will become more expensive. Beginning January 2026, many U.S. national parks—including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite—will introduce an additional $100 per person fee. Children under 16 are exempt, but for most visitors, exploring the country’s most famous parks will come at a higher cost.
Stricter Entry Requirements for the UK and USA
United Kingdom
From 25 February 2026, travellers to the UK will face tighter checks on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Although the ETA has been mandatory for Austrian citizens since April 2025, airlines will now be required to verify the approval before boarding. Without a valid ETA, passengers will be denied entry onto the aircraft.
United States
Entry into the U.S. may also become more demanding. A proposal currently under discussion would require travellers to disclose their social media activity from the past five years. If implemented, this measure would add another layer of scrutiny for visitors.
New Traffic Rules in Popular Holiday Destinations
Spain
From 2026, Spain will abolish the requirement to place a warning triangle in the event of a breakdown or accident. Instead, a special flashing emergency light will be mandatory. This rule applies only to vehicles registered in Spain, so travellers using rental cars should ensure the device is included.
Croatia
Croatia plans to switch to a digital toll system in autumn 2026. Drivers of cars and motorcycles will be able to use a toll box or pay digitally when using Croatian motorways. The change affects vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and is expected to take effect in September. For summer travellers in 2026, the current toll system will still apply.
- Hector Pascua with reports from oe24.at/picture: pixabay.com
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