Visa-free travel faces growing red tape as 2027 approaches

International travellers face rising authorisation fees, expanding entry requirements, and greater pressure to apply early in 2027, creating new challenges for travel companies and insurers, according to travel formalities specialist Visamundi.

Seven out of 10 applications handled by the company in 2026 involved travellers who did not need a visa but still required another document, paid fee, or advance authorisation, CEO Sébastien Couix said.

Visamundi’s 2027 Travel Trends Report, published on 19 October, highlights how visa-free travel increasingly demands administrative preparation. The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee rose to £20 in April 2026, while the US increased its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee from US$21 to $40 in September 2025.

Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and planned European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) add further complexity, with Visamundi expecting ETIAS to become a major consideration in 2027. Confusion between border registration and pre-departure authorisation could leave travellers unable to board or enter their destination.

Digital requirements are also expanding, potentially involving passport-chip data, selfies, and additional personal information. Meanwhile, last-minute planning is increasing: applications submitted less than three days before arrival rose from 6% in April to 16% in October 2026.

Document errors pose another risk. Visamundi found that 8% of passports checked in 2026 had less than six months’ validity remaining when uploaded.

Processing times vary sharply, from an average of 42 minutes for a UK ETA to 8.6 days for Tanzania’s e-visa, making early applications essential.

The findings underline the importance of communicating entry requirements, deadlines, and official application channels clearly. Missed authorisations can disrupt trips before they begin, potentially creating avoidable claims, costs, and customer dissatisfaction.

Visamundi cautions that its projections are assessments, not official government announcements, and requirements can change quickly.