According to Squaremouth, around 70% of U.S. travelers plan to take two or more trips in 2026, but with the TSA set to introduce a new $45 REAL ID penalty from February 1. Do American passport holders know about the travel changes that could disrupt their plans this year?
Squaremouth, the nation's leading travel insurance marketplace, has highlighted five global travel changes that could impact U.S. tourists in 2026 and explained whether travel insurance will cover disruptions caused by these shifts.
Five global travel changes American passport holders should know in 2026:
TSA ID Requirements
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced a new $45 penalty for travelers without a REAL ID, effective February 1st, 2026. Ultimately, having all travelers present an acceptable form of identification ensures that everyone who flies is who they claim to be. This fee ensures that the cost of verifying an insufficient ID will be covered by the traveler, not the taxpayer.
Travel insurance is unlikely to cover delays caused by the new TSA Confirm.ID process, as policies often exclude delays due to a lack of necessary documentation on behalf of the traveler.
The EU Entry-Exit System
US citizens travelling to the EU should be aware of the latest Entry-Exit System requirements. The EU Entry-Exit System (EES) is a digital border system that has replaced manual passport stamping for biometric data, designed for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area. The complete implementation of the EES is expected by April 10, 2026, following a gradual rollout that began in October 2025. Since the launch, non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area have experienced widespread delays at border control, increasing the risk of missing connections onward in Europe.
Delays caused by the EES are unlikely to be covered by travel insurance unless the policy specifically treats immigration or security delays as unforeseen events. Because the system is now established and ongoing delays are anticipated, most travel insurance providers are expected to classify these disruptions under general policy exclusions. As a result, travelers who miss connections due to extended border wait times are unlikely to qualify for reimbursement or refunds under standard coverage.
The ETIAS Pre-Travel Authorization
For US tourists visiting the Schengen area, the following visa rule applies. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new pre-travel authorization requirement for travelers heading to the Schengen area who don’t have a visa. According to the latest official guidance, it’s expected to become operational towards the end of 2026.1
Once the requirement has been rolled out, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will need to apply for an ETIAS online before departure. The application requires submitting personal information and paying a small fee of €20, and it will be valid for short stays of up to 90 days across 30 European countries.
Any travel delays that may arise from a missing or incorrect ETIAS are generally not covered by travel insurance, as they are considered avoidable errors rather than unforeseen events. Travelers are therefore advised to apply for their ETIAS in advance of their trip (once the system is live), to avoid entry delays or even refusal at the EU border.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization
US tourists traveling to the UK should be aware of the following visa requirements. The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is now required for American travelers visiting the United Kingdom who don’t hold a visa. This digital travel permission is directly linked to a traveler's passport and must be obtained in advance of departure to the UK.
The ETA is usually approved in a short amount of time online; however, if American tourists have issues with missing or incorrect information, boarding or entry into the EU can be delayed or disrupted. Similar to the ETIAS system, standard travel insurance policies usually don’t cover these types of errors, meaning travelers could face denied entry without a refund.
The Unified GCC Visa
When visiting Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, US tourists are subject to the following visa rule. The United GCC Visa is a new travel authorization that enables American travelers to enter multiple countries under the Gulf Cooperation Council, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, under a single visa. Similar to most visas, this visa must be obtained online before departing.
Any delays or errors in securing the United GCC Visa can prevent boarding or entry into the Gulf region, and again, travel insurance policies do not cover these administrative issues. American passport holders planning a trip to countries within the GCC should apply for the visa in advance to avoid having their travel plans disrupted.
Looking at broader travel trends set to hit in 2026, Squaremouth’s exclusive survey data shows:
Around 70% of U.S. travelers are looking to take two or more trips in the new year.
One in four Americans plans to increase their travel budget in 2026, and nearly half (46%) plans to maintain the same travel spending this year.
Almost one in three U.S. tourists is likely to visit major international cities in 2026, and 17% plan on traveling to a beach or resort destination.
Three in ten American jet-setters will prioritize the best value for their money when booking travel plans for 2026, and one in five are seeking unique or authentic cultural experiences.
About Squaremouth:
Squaremouth is a trusted travel insurance comparison platform with over 20 years of experience. Known for its no-nonsense approach, award-winning customer service, and commitment to transparency, Squaremouth has helped more than 4 million travelers easily search, compare, and buy coverage. Squaremouth offers the largest portfolio of carriers and products in the U.S.
