New travel rules to know
Several new 2026 travel rules are rolling out: Johor has introduced a hotel tax, Japan has banned power banks on inbound flights, and the UK is implementing a new Electronic Travel Authorization requirement. These changes are starting to show up across booking flows and entry checklists. (thesmartlocal.com)
Johor’s new levy is a flat RM3 “Caj Kembara” introduced under the Johor Hotel Enactment 2025 and scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2026, with receipts to be channelled into a dedicated trust account for tourism and public‑facility upgrades. (bernama.com) The enactment also expands enforcement powers — including inspections, investigations and closure of unlicensed hotels — as part of the state’s stated aim to tighten safety and licensing compliance. (malaymail.com) Johor handled roughly 10.4 million hotel visitors in 2024, a figure the state government cited when framing the levy as a revenue stream for infrastructure and promotion. (businesstimes.com.sg) Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has set a mid‑April 2026 start for rules that will ban the in‑flight use or charging of portable power banks on flights to, from and within Japan. (adept.travel) Under the Japan guidance, passengers may still carry power banks in the cabin but will be limited to two units of 160 watt‑hours or less each, while any battery over 160Wh remains prohibited and power banks are not allowed in checked baggage. (timeout.com) The MLIT briefed airlines and opened a public‑comment window as part of the rollout, and the new rules explicitly cover transit passengers connecting through Japanese airports. (adept.travel) The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation entered full enforcement from 25 February 2026, applies to citizens of 85 visa‑exempt countries, and links an approved ETA digitally to the passport used in the application. (homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk) The ETA is typically valid for two years (or until passport expiry), and the Home Office has warned travellers they will be denied boarding or entry without advance permission. (homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk) The official ETA charge has been published at £16 per application, with government announcements confirming a planned increase to £20 as the scheme moves from soft launch to full enforcement. (visaeta.uk)
