Welcome to 2026! I hope you had an enjoyable holiday and have enjoyed a smooth transition back to work. I personally enjoyed my time off exploring new destinations and basking in the warm sunshine on ship decks and beaches. Recharged, we are jumping into the new year and if January is a precursor, it is on! GBTA is advancing major policy and advocacy priorities on both sides of the Atlantic as governments reevaluate key travel regulations. In Europe, GBTA will host a high level event at the European Parliament in April 2026 to spotlight how business travel supports sustainable growth and competitiveness – building on strong engagement from influential MEPs. At the same time, the EU faces a pivotal moment on Air Passenger Rights reform, with Parliament and Member States far apart on compensation rules and traveler protections. Momentum is also growing behind digital travel credentials, which promise to streamline border crossings and modernize EU travel systems. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are proposing substantial enhancements to the data requirements for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), prompting concerns regarding privacy, regulatory compliance, and the impact on corporate travel management. The Administration’s suspension of immigrant visas for 75 countries, coupled with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) introduction of a $45 ConfirmID identity-verification option, has further heightened uncertainty, increased expenses, and may result in additional challenges for business travelers. Details and why this is important to you are all below!   Inside this edition The Essentials Global Stage Staying informed and participating is vital European Horizon EU Parliament event, April 8 Air passenger rights at a crossroads Digital credentials on the horizon Washington Watch Proposed ESTA/VWP requirements 75 Country Visa Freeze $45 per trip alternative to REAL ID Picture of the month Snow can’t stop advocacy — GBTA keeps pushing policy forward        The Essentials If we're not at the table, we're on the menu: Why 2026 is important to participate Save the Date: GBTA EU Parliament event April 8: GBTA making the case to policy makers and stakeholders EU Air Passenger Rights discussions to face make-it-or-break it moment in 2026: The Cyprus EU Presidency, European Parliament and Member States have months to attempt to bridge their differences, or the reform will be rejected Changes for and to US Domestic and International trips: US Visas paused, proposed changes to ESTA Applications Global Stage "If we're not at the table, we're on the menu," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney World Economic Forum in Davos, January 21, 2026 I found the statement by PM Carney interesting. For a long time, we have stressed the need to be at the table. His comment caused a visceral reaction in me. Governments in both Europe and the United States are advancing important policy changes that will have a direct impact on the business travel industry. GBTA is actively working to ensure that the interests and concerns of business travelers are represented, especially as new regulations regarding passenger rights, digital border credentials, data requirements, visa policies, and ID verification are set to shape how companies and travelers move globally in 2026 and beyond. Your involvement is vital, as your experiences and insights help GBTA communicate the real-world effects of these changes to policymakers. To make a difference, GBTA encourages members to stay informed and participate in advocacy efforts, such as surveys, briefings, and consultations. Engaging with ongoing policy reforms—including EU Air Passenger Rights, digital travel credentials, U.S. ESTA and I-94 data expansions, and TSA’s ConfirmID rollout—is essential for addressing issues like cost control, compliance, and traveler experience. Members should also prepare their organizations for upcoming regulatory changes using GBTA resources and plan to join important conversations, like the high-level event at the European Parliament in Brussels on April 8, 2026. By working together, GBTA members can help ensure that global travel policies remain fair, predictable, and supportive of a sustainable business travel ecosystem. Members should also prepare their organizations for upcoming regulatory changes using GBTA resources and plan to join important conversations, like the high-level event at the European Parliament in Brussels on April 8, 2026 and the U.S. Legislative Summit in Washington D.C. on June 9-11, 2026. Why it matters: The 2026 policy changes will impact business travel costs, border processing times, compliance risk, traveler experience, and duty of care. Without strong industry engagement, regulations on passenger rights, digital IDs, visas, and data collection risk being shaped primarily by government or supplier priorities rather than real corporate travel needs. With your help, we can ensure policymakers hear directly from business travel buyers about operational realities, budget impacts, and workforce mobility needs — turning member insights into real policy outcomes. By engaging, members help protect program stability, traveler confidence, and the long-term sustainability of global business travel.   What you can do: Subscribe and share this newsletter with your colleagues. Take part in GBTA surveys. Attend upcoming Advocacy webinars. Contact us at Advocacy@gbta.org or post a question on the GBTA Hub if you think we should be aware of an issue. If you are in the US, participate in the U.S. Chapter Challenge and contact me, sdowney@gbta.org if you need more information on GBTA’s Business Travel PAC, the only federal PAC focused solely on advancing the needs of the global business travel industry. We work in a bipartisan manner, building strong relationships with policymakers who: Improve Passenger Facilitation Promote Resilient Business Travel Modernize Travel Distribution These aren’t abstract issues — they directly affect your ability to move people and business forward.

European Horizon GBTA to organize event at the European Parliament in Brussels on 8 April – (Save the Date - More information to come) GBTA April 2026 event: On 8 April 2026, GBTA will organize an event at the European Parliament on “How business travel can help Europe deliver on its sustainable growth and competitiveness agenda” What is new: The event will be kindly hosted by Member of the European Parliament Sérgio Gonçalves (Socialists & Democrats, Portugal). MEP Gonçalves has been a key partner of the travel sector, with him and his team participating in last November’s Europe Conference in Hamburg. He is a member of the transport committee in Parliament. Before entering politics, he was involved in the transport and tourism sector in his native region of Madeira in Portugal. This new event follows the successful roundtable on “A Sustainable Future for Travel and Tourism in Europe” organized by GBTA in March 2025 and hosted by MEP Nikolina Brnjac (European People’s Party, Croatia).   Why it matters: It will be an opportunity to highlight the key role of corporate travel as the ‘tip of the spear’ in reducing carbon emissions while keeping the sector competitive to strengthen dialogue between industry stakeholders and EU policymakers on how to better cooperate to enable sustainable and efficient travel across Europe. More information about timing, speakers and a registration link will be provided in coming weeks.   EU Air Passenger Rights discussions to face make-it-or-break it moment in 2026 Cyprus EU Presidency to attempt to reach compromise: The European Parliament and Member States have months to attempt to bridge their differences, or the reform will be rejected. What is new: On January 21, the European Parliament overwhelmingly backed its stance on Air Passenger Rights reform, pushing to keep compensation for delays over three hours, free cabin luggage, and better protection for vulnerable travelers. This contrasts sharply with the EU Council’s airline-friendly position, which sets higher thresholds for compensation. With Cyprus leading the Council in early 2026, both sides face a tight deadline to agree or risk the proposal being rejected and sent to a conciliation procedure involving all 27 national transport ministers. Parliament hopes public pressure will push countries toward a more passenger-friendly deal.   Why it matters: For travel managers, this matters because it directly affects cost control, duty of care, traveler satisfaction, and disruption management. For business travelers, a final agreement on air passenger rights would provide certainty and predictability after more than a decade of negotiations. The current rules contain several inconsistencies that have made enforcement challenging.   Digital travel credentials: European Parliament backs digital pre-clearance system to speed up EU border crossings Digital travel credentials: Parliament approves position; ready for negotiations with Council What is new: On December 3, 2025, the European Parliament’s LIBE Committee approved digital travel credentials to speed up crossings at EU external borders. Parliament backed the proposal, allowing travelers to submit identity data in advance for faster checks. Both EU and non-EU citizens can use the system, which is voluntary, free, and ensures strong data protection. Credentials will be interoperable with EU border systems Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), and the rollout will be accelerated to 18 months after the regulation takes effect. With the Council’s position already set, negotiations are expected to conclude by June 2026 under the Cyprus presidency.   Why it matters: The system of digital travel credentials proposed by the Commission in 2023, could significantly reduce waiting times at borders, improving travel efficiency for airlines, airports, and business travelers. It also sets the stage for further digitalization of border management, impacting visa processes, travel authorizations, and cross-border mobility. Enhanced interoperability with EES and ETIAS may streamline compliance and administrative processes for both governments and private-sector actors. Full enforcement, however, is unlikely before at least 2030 as the EU agency eu-LISA will have to develop technical tools for it once the regulation is approved.

Washington Watch ESTA Requirements Increase (DHS / CBP) DHS & CBP Announce Expansion to ESTA Application Requirements What is new: In December 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a Federal Register notice proposing significant expansions to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and I-94 data collection process, including requirements for historical social media identifiers, expanded personal and family information, biometric data, and a shift to a mobile only platform. The public comment period remains open until February 10, 2026.   Why it matters: GBTA is officially submitting comments on these changes, supported by recent polling of its members. The proposed updates would affect millions of business travelers using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—and may lead to increased administrative work, longer processing times, and greater compliance risks for corporate travel programs. Additionally, the expanded collection of data brings up important concerns regarding privacy, GDPR compliance for EU travelers, and possible delays or discouragement of legitimate business travel.   Visa Freeze: Suspension of Immigrant Visas from 75 Countries The U.S. State Department Freezes Visa Applications from 75 Countries What is new: On January 2026, the Trump Administration announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, citing public charge concerns. While the freeze does not apply to non immigrant business (B 1) or tourist (B 2) visas, it represents one of the most expansive restrictions on legal migration in decades and has drawn significant international attention. Applications can still be submitted and visa interviews held from the listed countries, but no immigrant visas will be issued to applicants from the 75 countries during the pause.   Why it matters: Although business visas are technically excluded, announcements of this scale contribute to a perception of the U.S. as “closed for business,” creating uncertainty for international companies, executives, and investors interested in hosting conferences, meetings, and attending global events like the World Cup. This perception of limited availability to visit the U.S. could suppress inbound business travel, discourage event attendance, and complicate global workforce planning.   TSA ConfirmID Links Now Active (REAL ID / $45 Fee) U.S. Passengers without an acceptable ID at airport checkpoints can now access payment portal for TSA ConfirmID to pay in advance for entry What is new: TSA has activated public web links for TSA ConfirmID, its new fee based alternative identity verification program. Beginning February 1, 2026, travelers who arrive at airport checkpoints without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification may pay a $45 fee in advance or at the airport to attempt identity verification for a 10 day travel period. Key resources now live: TSA Homepage TSA ConfirmID About TSA ConfirmID TSA ConfirmID FAQs REAL ID information Why it matters: TSA reports that approximately 94% of travelers already have compliant identification. The new fee and verification process introduces added cost, potential delays of up to 30 minutes, operational risk and high stress experience for business travelers who are not properly prepared. It will be helpful for Corporate travel programs to ensure travelers understand identification requirements to avoid missed flights and unnecessary expenses. GBTA has posted the TSA links on the GBTA HUB.   Stay informed with GBTA as we continue advocating for a stronger, more resilient business travel environment. Tags: GBTA