GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter – January 2026

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!