European Union and United Kingdom

Traveling to the EU and UK in 2026 requires navigating several new digital systems. The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is already mandatory as of February 2026 — you'll need to apply online (£16/$19.84) before boarding your flight to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

For the broader EU, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is rolling out in late 2026. It's not a visa, but a pre-travel authorization (€7/$7.60, valid for 3 years) required for visa-exempt travelers staying under 90 days. You'll also encounter the Entry/Exit System (EES) at borders — this digitally records your fingerprints and facial data instead of stamping your passport.

Pro tips: Apply for both authorizations well before your trip. Keep your passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Use the Schengen 90/180-Day Calculator if you're visiting multiple countries — your 90-day allowance applies across all 29 Schengen countries combined, not per country. Track your days carefully with Hello's trip planning feature to avoid overstays, which can result in fines or entry bans.

European travel is becoming pricier in 2026. Tourist taxes are proliferating across major cities — Venice charges a day-tripper fee, Barcelona and Paris have restricted short-term rentals, and Budapest recently followed suit, driving up accommodation costs. Iceland, Spain, Norway, and the UK are implementing nightly tourist taxes.

To stretch your budget: Consider staying in emerging destinations like Guimarães, Portugal (Europe's Green Capital for 2026) or Oulu, Finland, which offer authentic experiences without peak-season crowds and prices. Book accommodations directly with hotels rather than rental platforms to avoid extra fees.

Use Hello's expense splitting feature when traveling with companions — it automatically converts costs to your home currency and tracks spending in local money, making it easy to settle bills fairly. Set daily budget limits in Hello to monitor spending across accommodation, food, and activities. Eat where locals eat: grab lunch at neighborhood trattorias in Italy or tapas bars in Spain rather than tourist-focused restaurants. The savings add up quickly, especially across a multi-country trip.

Europe in 2026 is embracing sustainable tourism, and travelers are expected to respect these shifts. Green travel is increasingly important — cities like Guimarães feature extensive bike lanes and green spaces, making car-free exploration both practical and encouraged.

Seek out reimagined museums, emerging cultural hubs, and bold new festivals showcasing everything from Nordic design to Portuguese heritage. Finland's Oulu is the standout 2026 destination, offering Northern Lights viewing and authentic sauna culture on the Bay of Bothnia. In Portugal, embrace eco-friendly practices while exploring historic sites brought to life through fresh perspectives.

Be mindful of local communities — overtourism has strained infrastructure in popular destinations, so consider visiting shoulder seasons or lesser-known regions. Support local businesses: eat at family-run restaurants, shop at markets, and book experiences with independent guides rather than large tour operators. Stay connected responsibly with Hello's eSIM feature, which keeps you linked to travel companions and local recommendations without expensive roaming charges. This thoughtful approach enriches your experience while contributing positively to the destinations you visit.

Moving between EU and UK destinations is seamless thanks to excellent public transport networks. Trains are your best friend — Europe's rail system connects major cities efficiently. Consider rail passes for multi-country trips, though point-to-point tickets often cost less if you're selective about routes. Budget airlines offer cheap flights between cities, but factor in baggage fees and airport transfers.

Within cities, public transport is comprehensive: London's Underground, Paris's Métro, and Barcelona's metro systems are intuitive and affordable. Many cities offer day passes that cover unlimited travel. Rent bikes in car-free zones like Amsterdam or Copenhagen — it's how locals navigate.

Download offline maps before you go — Hello's trip planning helps you organize routes and save locations. Use public WiFi cautiously; Hello's eSIM keeps you securely connected for navigation, translation apps, and real-time transport updates without roaming fees. Walking is often the best way to discover neighborhoods — cobblestone streets in Prague, canal-side paths in Venice, and medieval alleyways in Dubrovnik reveal details no guidebook captures. Plan transport between countries a few weeks ahead, especially for trains during peak season.