Travel never stands still.
For those of us who spend as much time in departure lounges as we do in meeting rooms, the pace of change can feel relentless—new systems, new rules, new fees, and the occasional curveball thrown in just when we think we’ve mastered the landscape.
As we move into 2026, a wave of regulatory and operational updates is set to reshape how British business travellers move through Europe and beyond. Some changes promise smoother journeys in the long term; others introduce new layers of admin or cost. All of them matter when your schedule is tight, your connections are critical, and your trip is more about productivity than poolside downtime.
Here’s what we’re watching closely—and what you should be preparing for.
The EU Entry/Exit System: Biometrics Become the New Normal
After years of delays, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is finally rolling out. For British travellers—now classified as non‑EU visitors—this means biometric checks at the border, including fingerprints and facial images.
The goal is to replace manual passport stamping and tighten tracking of overstays. In practice, the rollout will be uneven for a while. Some airports are already equipped; others won’t be fully operational until 2026. Expect variability, and build in extra time for early‑year travel, especially through busy hubs.
For business travellers, the key takeaway is simple: don’t cut your arrival times fine. Those tight 45‑minute airport dashes between landing and your first meeting may need rethinking.
ETIAS: A New Pre‑Travel Requirement on the Horizon
The EU’s new visa‑waiver system, ETIAS, is edging closer. Once live, British travellers will need to complete an online pre‑screening before entering the Schengen Area. It’s inexpensive and valid for multiple years, but it is another step to remember—particularly for frequent flyers juggling multiple destinations.
For corporate travel managers, this will become a standard pre‑trip compliance check. For individuals, it’s one more item on the pre‑departure checklist—alongside passport validity, insurance, and itinerary approvals.
Rising Costs: Tourist Taxes and Tiered Pricing
Overtourism pressures mean more destinations are introducing visitor taxes or adjusting pricing structures. While these fees are often framed around leisure travel, they apply equally to business travellers.
From hotel surcharges in major European cities to new arrival fees in long‑haul markets, the cumulative impact is becoming noticeable—especially for companies managing large travel volumes or multi‑city itineraries.
Some attractions and national parks outside Europe are also moving to two‑tier pricing, with non‑residents paying significantly more. While this won’t affect your boardroom schedule, it may matter if you’re extending a trip or entertaining clients.
Liquid Rules: A Patchwork of Airport Policies
The long‑promised relaxation of the 100ml liquid rule is finally happening—but not everywhere, and not consistently.
Some UK airports now allow up to two litres of liquids in hand luggage thanks to upgraded scanners. Others still enforce the old limits but no longer require liquids to be removed from bags and many international airports have yet to make any changes at all.
For business travellers, this means one thing: don’t assume symmetry. What you can carry outbound may not be allowed inbound. If you’re travelling with product samples, specialist liquids, or presentation materials, double‑check both ends of your journey.
Smoking and Vaping Restrictions Tighten in Key Destinations
Spain—home to countless conferences, corporate retreats, and trade fairs—is moving toward stricter bans on smoking and vaping in outdoor public spaces, including beaches and bar terraces. Enforcement is expected to come with on‑the‑spot fines.
If your business travel includes client dinners, networking events, or incentive trips, it’s worth being aware of these cultural and regulatory shifts.
Crackdowns on In‑Flight Behaviour
France has introduced tough penalties for disruptive behaviour in its airspace, including heavy fines and multi‑year flight bans. Other EU countries are expected to follow.
While most business travellers aren’t the ones causing mid‑air drama, this is a reminder that compliance—phones off, seatbelts on, instructions followed—is becoming more tightly regulated.
What This Means for Business Travellers
For those of us who travel for work, the stakes are different. Delays aren’t just inconvenient—they can derail negotiations, disrupt events, or jeopardise client relationships. The evolving rules of 2026 reinforce a few core principles:
- Build in buffer time—especially at EU borders.
- Stay ahead of admin—ETIAS will soon be as routine as checking your passport expiry.
- Expect higher costs—and factor them into budgets and approvals.
- Stay flexible—airport rules are no longer uniform.
- Keep behaviour impeccable—airspace penalties are getting sharper.
Travel may be changing, but with preparation and awareness, business travellers can stay ahead of the curve