Corporate travel from Australia to the UK has seen a significant surge in the second half of 2025, with bookings up by almost 14% year-on-year, according to a new report from Corporate Traveller. This increase in demand comes despite the introduction of new and more complex entry rules for the UK and Europe, such as the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES).

The rise in bookings suggests that Australian businesses are continuing to view travel as a vital component of their operations, even as the process of entering the UK and Europe becomes more complicated. Business leaders are adjusting to these evolving entry requirements, recognising that efficient travel is key to maintaining their international operations.

Navigating the New UK and Europe Entry Rules

The new rules, including the UK’s ETA and Europe’s EES, have added additional layers to international travel. The ETA, which became available for Australian travelers in January 2025, will be mandatory from February 25, 2026 for all short visits to the UK for business or leisure. This will require travelers to apply online, providing multiple entries for up to two years.

In addition, Australia’s business travelers must contend with the EES, which replaced passport stamps with biometric checks. These checks, which started in October 2025, involve a face scan and fingerprinting upon arrival, with an initial processing time of up to seven minutes. While the process is quick for repeat entries, first-time registrations can add extra time at border control.

Looking ahead, ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is set to roll out in late 2026. This system will require travelers to apply online for pre-travel authorisation before visiting any Schengen country. The €20 (AUD$33) ETIAS permit will be valid for three years and aims to improve security by pre-screening travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Australia.

Australian Businesses Adapt to Changing Entry Requirements

Despite these evolving regulations, Australian companies are finding ways to navigate the changing landscape of international travel. Corporate Traveller, a leading business travel service provider, reports that 54% of Australian travel managers view educating their travelers about the new UK and Europe entry requirements as their biggest challenge. Understanding the new systems, such as the ETA and the EES, is critical for Australian business travelers to avoid delays and ensure smooth travel experiences.

Tom Walley, Managing Director of Corporate Traveller Global, pointed out that the significant growth in bookings despite the complexity of these systems highlights the importance businesses place on travel. By partnering with travel management companies, businesses can ensure their employees are fully prepared to meet the new requirements, keeping operations running smoothly.

Additional Entry Rules for Other Destinations

In addition to the UK and Europe, other popular destinations for Australian travelers, such as the United States, South Korea, and Thailand, have introduced new entry rules.

For the USA, biometric data collection became mandatory for all non-citizens from December 26, 2025. ESTA applications now require social media history, email records, and biometric identifiers, making the entry process more comprehensive and time-consuming.

South Korea has waived the K-ETA for Australian passport holders until December 31, 2026, for tourism and short business trips. However, since January 2026, the new e-Arrival Card has been mandatory for entry.

Meanwhile, Thailand has extended the visa-free stay for Australians from 30 to 60 days, provided they complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TRAC) three days before arriving. This new regulation aims to simplify the entry process but also adds a mandatory step for travelers.

The Growing Complexity of Global Travel

With travel becoming more complicated due to new regulations, businesses must prepare their teams for the extra effort required to navigate these changes. For Australian business travelers, this may mean additional steps before departure, such as applying for the UK ETA, registering for the EES or ETIAS, or completing the necessary entry documentation for countries like South Korea or Thailand.

The UK’s ETA and Europe’s ETIAS and EES systems are part of a global trend toward more stringent security checks, and while they may add complexity, they also promise to make travel safer and more efficient in the long run. However, the increased demand for corporate travel means that businesses will need to integrate these new systems into their travel planning processes effectively.

How These Changes Impact Travelers

For business and leisure travelers, understanding and adapting to the new entry systems is crucial. With the rise in corporate bookings to the UK, the travel management sector is working hard to help clients manage the impact of these evolving entry requirements. Travelers who take the necessary steps to comply with the rules will avoid delays and ensure a smoother experience when entering the UK or Europe.

For tourists, these changes may add extra steps in their pre-trip preparations. It is important for those planning holidays to destinations like Disneyland or Universal Studios to keep abreast of the latest travel rules and apply for the necessary permits and authorisations ahead of time. Ensuring travel plans are in order before departure will help mitigate the impact of these new systems and keep travel as stress-free as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for International Travel

Here’s a simple guide for Australian travelers to ensure they are ready for the new UK and European entry systems:

1. Apply for UK ETA: If traveling to the UK, ensure you apply for the UK ETA online at least 72 hours before departure. The ETA will be required for business and leisure visits from February 25, 2026. (gov.uk)
2. Register for EES: If traveling to Europe, be prepared for biometric checks as part of the EES system, which became effective from October 2025. First-time registration requires face and fingerprint scanning, so allow extra time at the border.
3. ETIAS for Schengen Countries: Starting in late 2026, apply for ETIAS for travel to any Schengen country. The application is online and costs €20 (AUD$33), valid for three years.
4. Complete Arrival Cards: For destinations like South Korea and Thailand, make sure to complete the required e-Arrival Card or Digital Arrival Card (TRAC) before departure.
5. Check Entry Rules Regularly: Entry requirements may change, so always check government websites for updates on visa and entry rules. (gov.uk, etias.europa.eu)

Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of International Travel

The rising demand for corporate travel to the UK and Europe, coupled with evolving entry rules, presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses and travelers alike. While new regulations like the UK ETA, EES, and ETIAS may make travel more complex, they also offer greater security and streamlined entry processes in the long run. By staying informed and applying for the necessary authorisations in advance, travelers can ensure their journeys are smooth and efficient.

Key Takeaways for Travelers:

• Corporate Travel Growth: Corporate bookings to the UK from Australia are up 14%, despite new entry rules.
• New Entry Requirements: Be ready for UK ETA, EES, and ETIAS when traveling to the UK and Europe.
• ETIAS Launch: ETIAS for Schengen countries will launch in late 2026, requiring online pre-travel authorisation.
• South Korea & Thailand Updates: New e-Arrival Cards required for South Korea, and visa-free stays extended for Australians visiting Thailand.
• Plan Ahead: Ensure you apply for necessary authorisations early to avoid delays and complications.

By following these steps and staying updated, travelers can seamlessly navigate the changes in entry requirements and continue their business and leisure trips across the globe.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated