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Travelling To Europe In 2026? 5 Things You Need To Know Before You Go

Europe is one of those trips many Australians dream about for years.

Flights are booked, hotels are locked in, cruise cabins are confirmed and the itinerary starts to feel real.

But if it has been a few years since your last European holiday, it is worth knowing that some parts of the travel experience have changed.

Border checks are becoming more digital. Popular destinations are managing visitor numbers more carefully. Some cities are charging new visitor fees. Transport disruption can still affect tight itineraries.

None of this means you should avoid Europe.

It simply means a little planning before you leave Australia can make a big difference once you arrive.

The key message: Europe is still an incredible destination. The risk is not travelling there. The risk is assuming the trip will work exactly the same way it did five or ten years ago.

1. Europe’s New Entry/Exit System May Change Your Arrival Experience

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System, known as EES, is changing the way many non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen Area.

For Australian travellers, the biggest change is that passport stamping is being replaced by a digital record. You may also be asked to provide biometric information, such as a facial image and fingerprints, when entering participating European countries.

The system is designed to improve border security and make future border checks more efficient.

That is the long-term aim.

In the short term, travellers may experience longer queues while the system continues to bed in, particularly at busy airports, seaports and land borders.

What this really means

Do not assume your first arrival into Europe will be as quick as previous trips. Allow more time, especially if you are connecting to another flight, train, cruise or tour.

2. You May Not Be Able To Complete Everything Online Before You Travel

Some travellers may be able to use the official EU “Travel to Europe” app before arriving at selected border points.

The app may allow eligible travellers to pre-register certain information, such as passport details and a facial image.

That can be helpful.

But it does not mean the full border process is completed before you leave home. It also does not mean every European airport or border point will offer the same experience.

Do not rely on pre-registration alone

Even if you use the official app, you should still expect to complete border checks when you arrive. Check what applies to the country and entry point you are using before you travel.

3. Tight Connections Could Become More Stressful

On paper, a short connection can look convenient.

In real life, it can become stressful very quickly.

If you are arriving into Europe and then connecting to another flight, train, ferry, cruise or organised tour, border delays can have a flow-on effect.

This is especially important for travellers who are:

  • joining a cruise on the same day they arrive
  • connecting through a major European airport
  • travelling across several countries in one trip
  • attending a wedding, conference or sporting event
  • relying on separate bookings with different travel providers

A delay at the border may not be a major problem if you have a relaxed arrival day.

It can be a very different situation if your ship departs that afternoon.

The safer approach

If you are joining a cruise, tour or important event, consider arriving at least one day earlier. If you are connecting to another flight, avoid the shortest available connection where possible.

4. Popular Destinations Are Requiring More Planning

Europe is busy.

In many places, that is not just a feeling. It is something local authorities are actively managing.

Some destinations have introduced visitor caps, booking systems, tourism taxes, cruise passenger limits or rules designed to reduce pressure on local communities during peak periods.

That can affect how easily you can visit popular attractions, enter historic city centres or secure tickets once you arrive.

Travellers who assume they can simply turn up may be disappointed, particularly in peak season.

Book the things that matter most

If there is a museum, landmark, tour, restaurant or experience you would be disappointed to miss, consider booking it before you leave Australia.

5. Travel Insurance Should Match The Trip You Are Actually Taking

European holidays can involve a lot of moving parts.

Flights, cruises, trains, tours, accommodation, transfers and prepaid experiences can all connect together in one itinerary.

That is why it is important to think about travel insurance before you leave, not after something goes wrong.

Travel insurance does not cover everything. Every policy has conditions, limits and exclusions.

But if your trip is disrupted, your luggage is delayed, you become unwell overseas or you need emergency assistance, having the right cover in place can make a significant difference.

Do not just buy the cheapest policy

Make sure the policy suits the trip you are actually taking. A simple city break, a European cruise and a multi-country itinerary can involve very different risks.

Before You Leave Australia

  • Check your passport validity and destination entry requirements.
  • Allow extra time for European border processing.
  • Avoid very tight onward connections after arriving in Europe.
  • Arrive early if joining a cruise, tour or major event.
  • Check whether the official “Travel to Europe” app is available for your entry point.
  • Book important attractions and experiences in advance.
  • Check for local visitor fees, tourism taxes and destination rules.
  • Read your travel insurance Product Disclosure Statement before departure.

Final Thought

Europe is still Europe.

The food, history, culture, scenery and unforgettable travel moments are all still there.

What has changed is the level of preparation many travellers now need before they arrive.

The biggest mistake is assuming your trip will work exactly the same way it did five or ten years ago.

Before you travel, check the rules, allow more time, build in flexibility and make sure your travel insurance suits the journey you are taking.

That is how you give yourself the best chance of enjoying Europe for all the right reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Australians be affected by Europe’s Entry/Exit System?

Yes. Australian passport holders travelling to participating Schengen Area countries may be required to complete EES checks when entering and leaving the region.

Can I complete the Entry/Exit System process online before I travel?

Not fully. Some travellers may be able to use the official “Travel to Europe” app at selected entry points, but it does not replace border checks on arrival.

Should I allow more time for connections in Europe?

Yes. It is sensible to allow additional time, particularly after your first arrival into the Schengen Area. This is especially important if you are connecting to another flight, cruise, tour or fixed-time event.

Do I need to book European attractions before I leave?

For popular attractions, it is often a good idea. Some destinations and experiences now use timed entry, visitor caps or advance booking systems, especially during peak travel periods.

Does travel insurance cover border delays?

It depends on the policy, the circumstances and the reason for the delay. Travel insurance policies have conditions, limits and exclusions, so travellers should read the Product Disclosure Statement and understand what is covered before departure.

This article is general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, travel plans or insurance needs. Entry requirements, border processes, tourism taxes and local rules can change. Before travelling, check official government travel advice, airline updates and destination requirements. You should also read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement to understand the cover, limits, conditions and exclusions that apply.