Sébastien Couix said seven out of 10 applications Visamundi handled in 2026 concerned travelers exempt from visas but still facing another requirement, a fee or advance clearance. Exemption did not end the paperwork.
The company published its 2027 Travel Trends Report on October 19, 2026. It draws ten trends from Visamundi’s application data and developments in border policies.
The figures describe the company’s cases, not all travelers. Its report forecasts more entry formalities and authorization fees, but does not establish government rules.
Electronic permissions can carry separate charges
Free toolDS-160 Form Filling Online Helper ToolThe UK requires visa-exempt visitors covered by its Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme to secure approval before traveling. The fee rose to £20 in April 2026.
The US also increased the cost of its Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. The fee went from $21 to $40.
| India | China | ROW | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Feb 01, 2023 | Aug 01, 2023 ▲31d | Current |
| EB-2 | Nov 01, 2013 | Oct 01, 2021 | Apr 01, 2025 ▲90d |
| EB-3 | Jan 22, 2014 ▲21d | Jan 22, 2022 ▲14d | Jun 15, 2024 ▲31d |
| F-1 | Jan 22, 2021 ▲366d | Jan 22, 2021 ▲366d | Jan 22, 2021 ▲366d |
| F-2A | Oct 22, 2026 ▲30d | Oct 22, 2026 ▲30d | Oct 22, 2026 ▲30d |
Visamundi also points to pricing measures beyond travel authorizations. India uses seasonal e-visa pricing, while Japan plans to raise its departure tax.
The company describes electronic permissions as a potential revenue source for governments. It also says some destinations use prices to influence travel demand. Those examples involve different policies, rather than a single shared fee system.
Europe’s systems require travelers to distinguish registration from permission
Two European systems feature in the report’s outlook: the Entry/Exit System, or EES, and the planned European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS. Visamundi expects ETIAS to become a major consideration for travelers in 2027.
They do not serve the same function. The report says travelers will need to distinguish border registration from authorizations that must be obtained before boarding.
Visamundi warns that confusion between those systems could cause more problems than refusals. Japan’s planned JESTA authorization is expected in 2028, according to the report.
A proposed ESTA data request is distinct from current validity rules
Digital applications may seek more than passport details. Visamundi points to possible requests for passport-chip information, selfies and additional personal details.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, issued an ESTA data-collection request on December 9, 2025. It covers Visa Waiver Program travelers from 42 countries.
CBP published the request under the Paperwork Reduction Act as an “information collection request,” not as a formal notice of proposed rulemaking. It would ask applicants for five years of social media history, along with expanded personal, family and biometric information.
The comment period ended February 9, 2026. That request is separate from the validity period described for current ESTA authorizations: two years, or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first, unless DHS revokes the authorization sooner.
Last-minute applications and varied processing times add pressure
Visamundi’s 2026 data show passport and timing issues among applications it handled. 8% of the passports it checked had less than six months’ validity remaining when uploaded.
Applications submitted less than three days before arrival climbed from 6% in April to 16% in October 2026. These figures track Visamundi’s applications, not a broader measure of all travelers.
The company also measured different average processing times by destination. Its figures, as of October 2026, were:
| Authorization | Average processing time |
|---|---|
| UK ETA | 42 minutes |
| Saudi e-visa | 2.6 hours |
| South Korea K-ETA | almost four days |
| Tanzania e-visa | 8.6 days |
The ranges differ sharply. A traveler applying shortly before departure could encounter very different waits depending on the authorization.
The study urges checks against destination rules
Visamundi characterizes its 2027 projections as company assessments, not official government announcements. Entry requirements can change quickly.
The company advises travelers to check passport validity, application deadlines, fees and official authorization channels before departure. Those details belong to the destination’s current rules, not the report’s forecast.
The company’s data point to continued demand for late applications: by October 2026, 16% of its applications had arrived less than three days before travelers’ expected arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Does visa-free travel mean I do not need advance authorization?
No. Visa-free status does not necessarily remove all entry formalities. Some destinations require visa-exempt travelers to obtain electronic authorization before departure, and some charge a fee. The report gives the UK ETA and US ESTA as examples. Requirements depend on the destination and can change, so check the government’s official travel or immigration information for your circumstances before booking or traveling.
What is the difference between Europe’s EES and ETIAS?
They serve different purposes. The Entry/Exit System (EES) registers certain travelers’ border crossings, while the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an authorization travelers covered by the system must obtain before traveling. Visamundi warns that confusing registration with permission could cause problems. Check official European information to confirm which requirements apply to your trip and when they take effect.
How early should I apply for an electronic travel authorization?
Apply well before departure rather than relying on a last-minute approval. Visamundi’s processing-time figures, as of October 2026, range from 42 minutes for a UK ETA to 8.6 days for a Tanzania e-visa; other authorizations also take hours or days. These are company figures, not guaranteed processing times. Check the relevant government’s current processing guidance and leave time to address delays or application problems.
