Travel Policy and Regulation in 2026: ABTA's Priorities for the Year Ahead

Border systems remain one of the biggest operational issues

ABTA says the rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit System is one of the most significant changes facing the travel industry in 2026, with ETIAS expected later in the year if the wider sequence stays on track. The association's focus is practical as much as political: gathering feedback from members, discussing progress with UK authorities, and updating guidance so businesses can prepare customers for changing border procedures.

Policy work goes beyond EES and ETIAS

ABTA's review of the year points to a wider regulatory agenda. The association says it has responded to consultations on the Package Travel Regulations, price transparency, accessibility and the UK-EU relationship, while also pressing policymakers to understand the operational realities facing travel companies. It highlights encouraging movement on issues such as youth mobility discussions, limited disruption to core package travel rules and continued work on aviation accessibility.

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The next phase is about representation and preparation

Looking ahead, ABTA says its next priorities include the UK-EU relationship, skills, consumer protection, sustainability and accessibility across aviation and maritime travel. The practical takeaway is that 2026 will not be defined by one single reform. Instead, businesses and travellers should expect a year in which border changes, regulatory reviews and broader transport policy continue to evolve in parallel.