It’s not just your passport you need to make sure is up to date when you’re going on holiday.
Multiple other requirements are in place for different countries. From visas and visa waivers to paying tourist taxes there can be a long list of things to do.
Here are all the news details you need to know for 2026.
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Europe’s new EES (Entry Exit system) started on 12 October 2025. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Japan’s new tourist tax kicks in
One of the most popular destinations for Aussies to holiday has now brought in a tourist tax to tackle over tourism.
As of March 1, 2026, the historic city of Kyoto in Japan will slap an extra fee on hotel prices.
It will be tiered depending on the cost of the accommodation.
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At hotels in the $500 and $1,000 per night range, it’ll cost $40 a night extra in tax, while a $10 a night tax will apply to guests at hotels costing $200 to $500 a night.
That’s an increase of ten times what the city’s initial tourist tax cost, and will add a decent amount to Aussies’ holidays.
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From March the historic city of Kyoto has added an extra fee on hotel prices. (Getty)
(Nine)New fee to see famous landmark
Tossing a coin into Rome’s Trevi Fountain has become a must-do on a visit to the Eternal City.
However it comes with an extra price to try and combat over tourism.
Visitors now need to pay around $3.40 (two Euro) to walk up to the fountain to throw their coins and pose for photos.
You now have to pay to visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome. (Vincenzo Livieri/Reuters via CNN Newsource)
Pictures show ticket barriers set up around the landmark. It is still free before 11am on weekdays and 9am on weekends and after 10pm at night.
Authorities tested the idea in 2024. and saw a drop in crowds.
It follows a similar ticket system set up at another Rome hotspot, the Pantheon.
New entry system for Europe
Europe’s new EES (Entry Exit system) started on 12 October 2025. It’s gradually being introduced at borders with full implementation planned by 10 April 2026.
The new rules apply to Aussies, who don’t need a visa to go to Europe. However they will need to comply with the new rules, which don’t have a cost.
The first time travellers get to a border, such as an airport or even London’s Eurostar terminal, they’ll have a photo and fingerprints taken.
Subsequent times, this data will have been saved, so there’s no need to do this again.
Vienna is one of the EU nations with new rules. (Getty)
Travellers with biometric passports, such as ones used by Aussies, will be able to use the self service system.
Nothing has changed on the amount of time Aussies can stay.
If you are visiting any of the 29 countries in the Schengen Area, you are usually allowed to stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
A new system, the ETIAS is also due at the end of the year. This will be like a visa waiver and will apply to 30 countries. It will valid for up to three years or until the passport expires.
Aussies will need one, but firm details have not yet been revealed. It’s mooted to cost around $35.
Eurostar passengers will undergo new checks to go to Europe. (Getty)
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China extends visa-free holidays
This year will bring benefits of longer visa-free visits for Aussies.
The Asian country has extended its visa-free entry scheme for 45 countries, including Australia, to the end of 2026.
This means that if you have an Australian passport, you can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa.
The visa-free scheme for Australians was first introduced in 2024 with a 15-day limit, but it was later extended to 30 days.
The move was part of a plan to help boost tourism between the two countries
Visitors from eligible countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.
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Visitors from eligible countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits or transit for up to 30 days without a visa. (Getty)South Korea extends visa-free travel
Visits to South Korea are on the up, but planned changes to visa free travel have now been put off to 2027.
From then Aussies need to get a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) costing $10.60. The K-ETA is a visa waiver, allowing stays of up to 90 days.
It takes around 72 hours to come through.
But for 2026, you’re able to go visa free.
Changes are coming in 2027 for holidays in South Korea. (Getty)Edinburgh to levy tourists
The Scottish capital will start a tourist tax on 24 July, 2026. It’ll be a five per cent extra fee on the cost of overnight accommodation.
It will only be charged on the first five nights’ stay, and added to the hotel bill.
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Victoria Street in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland. (Getty)UK
The UK introduced a new visa waiver-style system last year. However in 2026 the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be properly enforced.
From February 2026, visitors will not be able to travel to the UK without it.
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The UK introduced a new visa waiver-style system this year. (Getty)
The UK government says enforcing it will mean that everyone who is not British needs an ETA or an eVisa. Airlines will be checking people before they travel.
The ETA, which is available to Aussies, costs $20 and lasts for two years.
Only official sites should be used to apply as scams are rife.
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