Corporate travel demand from Australian businesses shows no signs of slowing with bookings to the UK up almost 14 per cent year-on-year, despite the rollout of new and more complex UK and Europe entry rules and changing requirements for other countries.
According to new data from Corporate Traveller, UK bookings surged in the second half of 2025 – even as Australian passport holders contend with multiple new UK and Europe entry rules and travel authorisation systems.
The growth comes as travellers contend with three separate UK and Europe entry rules: the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES), and the upcoming European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to launch in late 2026.
Corporate Traveller Australia’s latest travel manager survey found that 54 per cent saw traveller education as the biggest challenge with the new UK and Europe entry rules, not the actual systems.
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley said the data demonstrates that Australian businesses see travel as essential.
“Entry requirements are becoming more complex, and they’re evolving constantly. Companies that partner with a travel management company have someone keeping track of every update, ensuring travellers aren’t caught out, and with the ETA similar to the ESTA in the USA, travellers should be well-equipped to navigate the changes,” he said.
UK entry changes: ETA becomes mandatory in 2026
Australians have been able to apply for a UK ETA since January 2025, but the requirement becomes mandatory for boarding on short visits for leisure or business from 25 February 2026. The ETA costs £16 (around AUD$31) and allows multiple entries over a two-year period.
From the same date, dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship are not eligible for an ETA and must prove citizenship using a valid British or Irish passport. Dual citizens should carry both a valid passport and their UK passport to enter and exit the UK and their Australian passport for Australia.
Europe’s digital border systems take shape
Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) replaced passport stamps with digital biometric checks from October 2025. First-time registration involves a face scan and fingerprints at the border, adding up to seven minutes to processing. Subsequent entries are faster.
Meanwhile, the ETIAS is scheduled to roll out in late 2026. It will require Australians to apply online for pre-travel authorisation before visiting any Schengen country. The €20 (around AUD$33) permit will be valid for three years and aims to pre-screen visitors from visa-exempt nations.
Latest entry requirements for other countries
China has extended its 30-day visa-free entry for 45 countries, including Australia, to 31 December 2026 for business, tourism, family visits and transit.
South Korea has waived the K-ETA for Australian passport holders until 31 December 2026 for tourism and short business trips, but the new e-Arrival Card is now mandatory as of 1 January 2026.
Thailand doubled visa-free stays for Australians from 30 to 60 days. Travellers must hold a passport valid for at least six months from the time of entry and complete a mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TRAC) within three days before arrival.
For USA entry, biometric data collection became mandatory for all non-citizens from 26 December 2025. ESTA applications now require five years of social media history, 10 years of email and phone records, plus biometric identifiers.
Corporate Traveller advises businesses to verify visa requirements directly with the relevant government agency website and speak to travel advisors for advice.
