What Major International Travel Changes Are Coming in 2026?

New Routes Drive Global Connectivity

Australian carriers are significantly expanding their international networks. Virgin Australia launched daily services from Melbourne to Doha on December 1, 2025, in partnership with Qatar Airways. This new route complements existing daily services from Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth. The partnership offers one-stop access to over 170 global destinations via Doha's Hamad International Airport. The expansion is expected to inject more than $190 million into the Victorian economy each year.

Low-cost carrier Jetstar is also adding new international capacity. Direct flights from Perth to Manila and a seasonal Brisbane to Cebu service began in late 2025. The Brisbane-Cebu route runs until May 2026. Starting March 23, 2026, Jetstar will also operate five return flights weekly between Melbourne Avalon and Bali (Denpasar). This adds over 120,000 seats annually to the popular Indonesian destination.

Qantas and Jetstar are expanding trans-Tasman services for 2026. This adds nearly 210,000 seats between Australia and New Zealand. A new direct Jetstar route from Brisbane to Queenstown will begin in June 2026. Meanwhile, Emirates and other major international carriers continue to adjust capacity to meet rising demand.

Digital Border Systems and Visa Updates

Travel to Europe will undergo two major digital changes in 2026. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital identity system. It records data for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. The EES started a progressive rollout in late 2025. Full implementation is expected by April 10, 2026. The system replaces passport stamping and records entry, exit, and biometric data. The goal is to streamline border control and enhance security across the 29-country zone. The EASA is working with authorities on related aviation security impacts.

Following the EES rollout, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026. ETIAS is a mandatory electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals, including Australians. The application fee is set at €20 for travelers aged 18 to 70. The permit will be valid for three years.

In other major regulatory news, the US Global Entry Program is now open to all eligible Australians. This trusted traveler program allows for expedited customs and immigration clearance upon arrival in the United States. Separately, China has extended its 30-day visa-free entry scheme for Australians until the end of December 2026. This policy aims to boost international tourism. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.

New Safety Rules for Portable Power Banks

Australian airlines have implemented new safety restrictions on portable power banks. Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar banned the use of power banks on all flights from December 2025. This follows several international incidents involving lithium-ion batteries.

Key restrictions include:

• Usage Ban: Power banks cannot be used or charged onboard.
• Quantity Limit: Passengers are limited to carrying two power banks per person.
• Storage: They must be kept in carry-on baggage and remain visible or easily accessible.
• Capacity: Devices over 160 watt-hours (Wh) are banned.

These rules align with guidance from global bodies like the IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The focus is on mitigating fire risk from lithium-ion batteries in the cabin.