Governments will make travel requirements stricter and more costly by 2027, as stricter pre-entry authorizations take effect, according to a new analysis by Visamundi. The findings show a growing reliance on electronic approvals, increased fees, and broader data collection—all justified as measures against global instability.
Existing systems already reflect this shift. The U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and the U.K.’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will expand their scope. Meanwhile, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for the Schengen Zone and Japan’s planned Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), due in 2028, will introduce additional requirements. Current electronic visa programs will likely raise their costs, while new regional visa schemes may appear as nations adjust entry rules amid rising diplomatic tensions.
Security and revenue drive these changes. Authorities seek deeper visitor data, including biometric information, to improve screening. Most applications will be submitted via smartphones, with artificial intelligence processing them before they reach border officials. Airlines, travel agencies, and online platforms will incorporate these new rules through standardized application programming interfaces.
Travelers face higher upfront expenses as a result. Some destinations, such as India, have already adjusted pricing, its e-Visa fee dropped from $25 to $10 for a temporary period, though such price adjustments may become more frequent. The report states that pre-approvals reduce the risk of rejection at airports, ensuring smoother departures. However, the rapid processing times, often granting approval within minutes, could encourage last-minute bookings, altering traditional travel planning.
In an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment, staying updated on regulations will be essential. Visamundi cautions that shifting policies may force travelers and tourism operators to track changes closely. The company’s founder has previously characterized the trend as a move toward “reciprocity,” where entry policies reflect trade disputes, making travel arrangements less predictable.
Visamundi notes that for destinations, the formalities at borders and their prices constitute a lever to adjust visitor flows and combat overtourism. The price of the Indian e-Visa, for example, was reduced from $25 to $10 from April to June.
For the specialist in entry formalities, these developments will not be without influence on the behavior of travelers. These authorizations, which have a reputation for being very quick to obtain, in general, just a few minutes, could lead travelers to systematic last-minute departures. Moreover, the report emphasizes that in a more unstable regulatory and geopolitical environment, vigilance becomes indispensable, both for travelers and for tourism professionals.