The world is open for travel again, but getting from point A to point B involves more than just booking a flight. A significant new report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirms what many travellers have been feeling.
A Growing Barrier to Travel
The core
finding of IATA's 2026 Global Passenger Survey is stark: complex entry rules are no longer a minor inconvenience but a major deterrent to international travel. According to the study, 43% of passengers reported that immigration requirements had discouraged them from travelling to a specific destination. This marks a significant jump from 33% just a year prior in 2025, indicating that as global travel recovers, the web of rules governing it is becoming a more influential factor in holiday and business planning. The survey, which gathered responses from over 10,000 travellers across more than 200 countries, paints a clear picture of a public eager to explore but increasingly frustrated by the administrative hurdles placed in their path.
Complexity is the Main Culprit
When delving into why these requirements are so off-putting, one reason stands out above all others: sheer complexity. A majority of the passengers deterred by entry rules—53% to be exact—cited the process as being 'too complex'. Other factors, such as privacy concerns and the cost of visas or applications, were secondary, each accounting for 17% of discouraged travellers. This complexity can manifest in various ways, from confusing online application forms and unclear documentation requirements to the lack of standardisation between countries. Even with over 100 nations now offering eVisas, the inconsistency in how they are verified creates confusion for both passengers and airlines. This bureaucratic friction is proving to be a powerful disincentive, leading potential tourists to simply abandon their plans for one destination in favour of another with a more straightforward entry process.
How Travellers Are Responding
In response to this growing frustration, passenger behaviour is shifting. The survey highlights a strong and growing desire for digital solutions that can simplify the journey. An overwhelming 86% of travellers stated they would be willing to share their immigration information digitally before departure to speed up processes. Furthermore, 60% of passengers now prefer applying for visas online, compared to just 25% who favour the traditional in-person visit to an embassy or consulate. This digital preference extends to the airport experience itself. While satisfaction with border control and immigration remains relatively low at 70%, the adoption of biometric technologies like facial recognition is rising, with 58% of passengers having used it in the past year. Of those, a remarkable 87% were satisfied with the experience, showing a clear appetite for technology that reduces repetitive document checks and streamlines passage through the airport.
A Call for Simplicity and Standardisation
The findings have prompted IATA to call on governments worldwide to modernise and simplify their entry protocols. Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President, urged governments to simplify requirements, eliminate redundant checks, and accelerate the adoption of secure digital travel credentials. The goal is to create a system where passengers can complete more of the administrative tasks before they even arrive at the airport. The survey found that 45% of travellers would prefer to complete immigration procedures before their travel day, up from 41% in 2025. By embracing standardised digital solutions, from eVisas to digital passports, governments can make travel more accessible and efficient, which in turn boosts tourism and economic activity. The technology exists; what is needed now is the political will to implement it cohesively across borders.
