US and Brazil Join France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and UK as New Year Brings Major Visa Changes Shaking Up Global Travel: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 29, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

As 2026 set to begins, the US and Brazil join France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK in introducing major visa changes, including new digital systems and travel authorisations, to improve security, simplify travel, and boost tourism and business. These shifts are part of a global trend to streamline entry processes and enhance border security. The US will overhaul its H-1B visa system, prioritising high-skill workers based on salary rather than a random lottery, while Brazil will launch an e-visa system to make it easier for international visitors to apply online. Meanwhile, countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Spain will require travellers from visa-exempt countries to apply for the ETIAS travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area, including popular destinations like Paris, Rome, and Berlin. These changes aim to create a smoother and more secure travel experience, making 2026 a year of transformation for global mobility.

United States: Major Overhaul of the H-1B Visa System

In 2026, the US will introduce a radical change to its H-1B visa system, which is primarily used by high-skilled professionals in fields such as technology, healthcare, and engineering. The current random lottery system, where visas are awarded without consideration of the applicants’ skills or salary, will be replaced by a wage-based selection system. This means that higher-paying job offers will take precedence, ensuring that the most qualified and high-earning workers are prioritised.

Details:

• In 2025, the US issued over 85,000 H-1B visas, with the majority going to applicants in the IT sector.
• According to the US Department of Homeland Security, over 30% of H-1B visa holders are employed in computer science and engineering roles.

The change is aimed at addressing concerns about the potential for lower-wage workers filling high-skilled positions, ensuring that only the most skilled professionals are granted visas. This overhaul is expected to have a long-term economic impact, particularly in the technology and scientific research sectors, as the US is seeking to attract and retain the best talent globally.

Brazil: E-Visa System to Streamline Travel for International Tourists

In 2026, Brazil will adopt an e-visa system, simplifying the entry process for many international visitors, including those from the US. Previously, obtaining a Brazilian visa required a cumbersome process of applying in person at a consulate, but the new online visa system will enable travellers to complete the process electronically. This will reduce wait times and improve the overall efficiency of the visa system, encouraging increased tourism to the country.

Details:

• Brazil recorded 6.35 million international tourist arrivals in 2019, and the country is expected to see a boost in numbers as the e-visa system becomes operational.
• With the implementation of direct flights from major international hubs like New York and London to Brazilian cities, the country expects to see a 15% increase in tourism by 2026.

This change will allow Brazil to better compete with other Latin American nations that have already implemented digital visa systems, positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for business and leisure travellers.

France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK: Introduction of the ETIAS and ETA Systems

Across Europe, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom are implementing major changes to entry requirements for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. These nations will require travellers to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) in 2026, which is a mandatory pre-authorisation system for short stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area. Similarly, the UK will introduce an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for citizens of visa-exempt countries starting in 2026.

ETIAS: Europe’s New Border Control System

The ETIAS system will require visitors to apply online before travelling to any Schengen country, which includes France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. ETIAS is similar to the ESTA system used by the United States. The application process is expected to take only a few minutes, and once approved, the authorisation will be valid for three years.

Details:

• ETIAS will be required for approximately 60 countries worldwide, including US citizens, who previously did not need a visa to visit the Schengen Area.
• The ETIAS authorisation will be checked electronically at border control, allowing for faster and more secure entry to European countries.
• The system will cost €7 per application, and travellers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before travel.

The UK’s ETA, set to launch in 2026, will mirror the ETIAS but apply to the United Kingdom, which is no longer part of the EU. This digital authorisation will require online registration and will streamline entry to the UK for travellers from countries such as the US and Canada.

Impact of ETIAS and ETA: What It Means for Global Travellers

The introduction of the ETIAS and ETA systems will have far-reaching consequences for global travellers. US citizens, who are among the most frequent travellers to Europe, will now need to apply for a travel authorisation before their trip, a significant departure from the previous visa-exempt status. This means that Americans planning to visit popular destinations such as Paris, Rome, and Barcelona will need to incorporate the online authorisation process into their travel planning.

Details:

• In 2019, US citizens made over 14 million visits to the Schengen Area, a number that is expected to increase as travel becomes easier with ETIAS.
• The UK saw over 3.7 million visitors from North America in 2020, and the introduction of the ETA is expected to improve entry efficiency for these visitors.

Bulgaria: Digital Nomad Visa to Attract Remote Workers

Bulgaria is introducing a digital nomad visa in 2026, making it one of the first countries in Europe to target remote workers with long-term residence options. The new visa will allow remote professionals and freelancers to live and work in Bulgaria for up to 12 months. This move is part of Bulgaria’s broader strategy to attract global talent and foster economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Details:

• As of 2025, Bulgaria has been experiencing an uptick in the number of remote workers choosing to relocate due to its relatively low cost of living and picturesque landscapes.
• The digital nomad visa is expected to increase the number of international residents in the country by 20% over the next 5 years.

Turkey: Expanding the E-Visa System

Turkey is also expanding its e-visa system in 2026 to include more countries. The country has already seen a rise in tourism and business travel with the introduction of its online visa application system. By streamlining the visa process, Turkey aims to attract visitors from the US, Europe, and Asia.

Details:

• Turkey recorded 45 million international tourist arrivals in 2019, and it is aiming for a 10% growth in tourism by 2026, thanks to easier access through the e-visa system.
• The e-visa system will expand to 80 more countries, making Turkey a more accessible destination for global travellers.

As 2026 set to begins, the US and Brazil are joining France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK by introducing major visa changes, including new digital entry systems and travel authorisations, to improve security and make travel easier and faster.

Conclusion: A New Era of Global Travel in 2026

The introduction of ETIAS, ETA, e-visa systems, and the overhaul of visa programmes in 2026 signals a new era for global travel. From the US’s H-1B overhaul to Brazil’s e-visa system, and Europe’s shift towards digital travel authorisations, these changes will streamline the travel experience for millions of visitors while enhancing security. Travellers must remain vigilant and updated on these new requirements to ensure smooth entry into these countries.

As the global travel landscape shifts, the 2026 visa reforms highlight the growing importance of digital immigration systems, making it easier for qualified travellers to enter countries while securing their borders more effectively. With these changes in place, travellers will need to plan ahead, apply for the necessary authorisations, and stay informed about the latest entry requirements for a hassle-free journey.