12 Countries Where Visa-Free Travel Could End Soon

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From 2025 onward, visa-free travel is undergoing significant changes. The EU’s ETIAS system requires pre-travel authorisation for many non-EU nationals, while Brazil has reinstated visa requirements for some countries. These developments affect convenience, cost, and planning. Below are 12 countries most impacted, with key dates, fees in USD, and practical guidance for travellers.

1. United States

US citizens will need ETIAS authorisation to visit the Schengen area, costing roughly US $22, valid for up to three years. Additionally, Brazil reinstated visa/e-visa requirements on April 10, 2025, with an estimated cost of US $85. Travellers must submit online applications, provide supporting documents, and plan ahead. Frequent travellers should note that visa-free privileges are no longer guaranteed, and ETIAS adds mandatory pre-travel security checks.

2. Canada

Canadian passport holders now face ETIAS requirements for Schengen travel, paying approximately US $22 per authorisation, valid for three years. Brazil also reinstated e-visa rules for Canadians on April 10, 2025, costing around US $85. Applications must be submitted online with proper documentation. These changes require Canadians to allocate additional time and budget for travel planning, as prior visa-free access to Brazil and Europe no longer ensures hassle-free entry.

3. Australia

Australian travellers must obtain ETIAS authorisation for Schengen countries, costing around US $22, valid for up to three years. Brazil also reinstated visa requirements for Australians on April 10, 2025, with an estimated cost of US $85. Online applications and supporting documents are mandatory. Travellers should plan well in advance, as visa-free convenience is no longer guaranteed, and additional pre-travel checks are required for both Europe and Brazil.

4. Japan

Japanese nationals must apply for ETIAS before entering the Schengen area, with a fee of roughly US $22, valid for up to three years. While Brazil’s visa reinstatement does not currently affect Japanese citizens, Europe now requires pre-travel authorisation. Travellers should complete applications online in advance to ensure approval. ETIAS introduces a bureaucratic step where previously none existed, making careful planning essential for smooth entry.

5. United Kingdom

UK citizens are subject to ETIAS pre-travel authorisation for Schengen countries, costing around US $22, valid for three years. Post-Brexit, prior visa-free privileges have been replaced by this system. Early application is advised to avoid travel disruption. ETIAS ensures security checks before departure, adding a mandatory step for UK travellers visiting Europe for tourism, business, or short-term visits, and planning ahead is now necessary.

6. India

Indian nationals travelling to the Schengen area will need ETIAS authorisation from 2026–2027, costing roughly US $22, valid for three years or until passport expiry. This applies to short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Travellers must apply online and ensure approval before departure. Pre-travel planning is crucial, as the previous assumption of visa-free access is no longer valid, and ETIAS adds both a cost and an additional procedural requirement.

7. Brazil (for US, Canada, Australia travellers)

Brazil reinstated visa/e-visa requirements for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens from April 10, 2025, costing around US $85. Applicants must submit forms online and provide supporting documents before departure. The move ends prior visa-free convenience, adding both time and cost for tourism, business, or short-term visits. Travellers should plan ahead to avoid delays or entry denial due to missing or incorrect documentation.

8. Mexico

Mexican nationals previously enjoyed visa-free access to Europe under Schengen rules, but will now need ETIAS authorisation at US $22, valid for up to three years. This pre-travel check must be completed online and approved before departure. The change affects short-term tourism and business trips, requiring Mexicans to adjust planning, budgeting, and scheduling to comply with EU security and migration standards.

9. South Korea

South Korean passport holders must obtain ETIAS for Schengen countries, costing roughly US $22 per authorisation, valid up to three years. Approval is mandatory before travel, replacing previous visa-free convenience. Pre-travel online submission and planning are necessary to avoid denial of entry. These steps reflect increased EU border security and monitoring for non-EU nationals, ensuring compliance and reducing potential overstays or irregular migration.

10. Israel

Israeli nationals travelling to Schengen countries require ETIAS authorisation, costing approximately US $22, valid for three years or until passport expiry. Online pre-approval is mandatory. Previously visa-free access is now conditional on ETIAS, which introduces a bureaucratic step. Travellers must plan ahead for tourism or business visits, as entry may be denied without approved authorisation, highlighting the growing importance of pre-travel compliance.

11. Singapore

Singaporean citizens are required to apply for ETIAS before visiting Europe, paying US $22 per authorisation, valid for up to three years. Online application and pre-approval are mandatory for short stays under 90 days. While previously enjoying unrestricted visa-free entry, Singaporean travellers now face a new cost and administrative step. Planning ahead is critical to ensure smooth entry for leisure, business, or educational travel.

12. United Arab Emirates

UAE nationals visiting Schengen countries must obtain ETIAS authorisation at US $22, valid up to three years. Applications must be submitted online and approved before travel. This change replaces prior visa-free access and introduces mandatory pre-travel security checks. Travellers should plan well in advance for tourism or business trips, as ETIAS ensures compliance with EU migration policies and reduces the risk of denied entry.