Japan, Singapore And Malaysia To See Big Travel Shift As EU Introduces New Entry Requirement For Visa-Free Countries

Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia are set to experience a significant change in how their citizens travel to Europe, as the European Union prepares to launch its new entry requirement system known as ETIAS. This development marks a major shift for travelers from these visa-exempt countries, who previously enjoyed unrestricted short-term access to the Schengen Area. Starting in 2025, they will be required to apply online for travel authorization before boarding flights or crossing EU borders. The move is part of the EU’s broader efforts to enhance security, streamline border management, and monitor travel patterns more effectively without imposing full visa procedures.

Asian citizens planning a trip to Europe will soon need more than just a valid passport. Starting from the final quarter of 2026, the European Union will introduce a new entry requirement called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This digital travel authorisation will apply to short-term visitors from 59 visa-exempt countries, including major Asian markets such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

The ETIAS will not operate like a conventional visa. Rather, it will serve as an advance screening tool designed to boost border protection while allowing smoother access for travellers who currently enjoy visa-free entry. Once granted, the authorisation will attach electronically to the traveller’s passport and remain valid for up to three years, or until the passport expires—whichever comes first. If the passport is replaced or renewed, the traveller must submit a new ETIAS application before planning another trip to Europe.

ETIAS Application Process

Asian travellers must complete an online application before departure. The process involves submitting personal details, travel history, and security-related information through an online portal. Applicants will also pay a fee of €20 (approximately USD 23). This fee covers processing and administrative costs and will apply to all travellers aged 18 to 70.

While the European Union initially announced the ETIAS in 2016 and planned a launch by 2022 with a lower fee of €7, delays in development and implementation pushed the rollout date to late 2026. The updated €20 fee reflects rising administrative demands and new security protocols integrated into the system.

Who Will Be Affected

The ETIAS will apply to travellers visiting any of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area, along with three additional EU states—Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania—that are in the process of fully joining the Schengen Zone. This means visitors arriving in countries like France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, or Austria will need to obtain authorisation before boarding their flights.

However, several categories of travellers will remain exempt from this requirement. These include:

• Citizens of EU member states
• Individuals holding valid long-term visas or residency permits issued by EU countries
• Nationals of Ireland, San Marino, Monaco, Andorra, and the Vatican
• Certain UK nationals protected under existing agreements

These travellers will continue to enjoy unrestricted entry and do not need to apply for ETIAS.

Why Asia Must Take Notice

Although Asian travellers made up only 4.6% of all international overnight stays in Europe in 2023—roughly 64 million guest-nights—their economic impact is substantial. Tourists from Asia typically spend more per visit, stay longer, and often book premium experiences. For many European destinations, especially those recovering from pandemic-era tourism declines, these travellers represent a high-value segment.

In 2024, Europe recorded more than 747 million international tourist arrivals, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most visited regions. With the upcoming rollout of ETIAS, travel patterns from Asia are expected to shift, particularly among countries with deep-rooted economic ties and long-standing cultural connections to Europe. Destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia—each offering direct flight access to key European hubs—frequently send travellers eager to explore the continent’s historical sites, indulge in luxury shopping, and enjoy immersive cultural experiences.

Travel Industry Must Act Early

Travel companies, airlines, tour operators, and accommodation providers across Asia must act now to prepare for the upcoming changes. Industry stakeholders should begin integrating ETIAS-related information into booking processes, customer service protocols, and marketing materials. Adding multilingual FAQs to websites, including ETIAS requirements in booking confirmations, and training staff to address passenger questions will be essential steps.

Airlines will play a critical role in enforcing compliance. Without ETIAS approval, passengers may face boarding denials at departure airports. That makes it vital for all travel intermediaries to inform customers about the requirement before the point of departure.

Proactive communication will help avoid last-minute travel disruptions, reduce stress for travellers, and protect the reputations of businesses involved in the tourism supply chain. Companies that fail to update their processes risk frustrating customers and losing business to competitors that offer clearer guidance.

Helping Travellers Adjust

Travelers from Asia are known for their willingness to adapt to new procedures, especially when they receive clear and early guidance. To ensure a smooth transition, travel agencies and tourism boards should produce user-friendly content explaining how to apply for ETIAS. Localising this content in languages such as Japanese, Korean, Malay, Mandarin, and Cantonese will boost compliance and improve customer satisfaction.

ETIAS approval should become part of the pre-travel checklist—on par with booking flights or confirming hotel reservations. By framing the process as a routine travel step, similar to how many visitors already obtain authorisation for trips to the United States or Canada, travel brands can reduce friction and help customers feel more confident.

ETIAS Will Not Deter Travel

Even with the addition of a new pre-travel requirement, ETIAS is not expected to deter Asian travellers from visiting Europe. The system is designed to be fast and efficient, with most applications processed automatically within just a few minutes. Although a small number of cases may undergo further screening, the majority of applicants will receive swift approval without delays.

The system aims to improve safety and border control, not to block visitors. As long as travellers follow the correct steps and apply in advance, they can continue enjoying Europe’s iconic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and cultural experiences without interruption.

The introduction of ETIAS marks a significant shift for Asian travellers heading to Europe, but it doesn’t need to be a barrier. With proper planning, timely communication, and strong industry cooperation, travellers will adapt quickly. For tourism providers, this change offers an opportunity to build trust, provide value-added services, and demonstrate a commitment to customer care.

Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia will face a major change in travel to Europe as the EU rolls out a new pre-arrival authorization system, aiming to boost border security while still allowing visa-free entry.

By treating ETIAS not as a challenge but as a necessary evolution of modern travel, the industry can turn this development into a moment of preparedness—ensuring that Asian visitors continue to feel welcome across Europe’s most celebrated destinations.

The post Japan, Singapore And Malaysia To See Big Travel Shift As EU Introduces New Entry Requirement For Visa-Free Countries appeared first on Travel And Tour World.