IATA Survey: Visa Complexity Deters 43 Percent of Travellers, Digital Demand Rises

Entry Requirements Deter Nearly Half of Global Travellers

Complex immigration procedures are increasingly influencing destination choices for global travellers, according to a survey released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on 28 October 2026 in Macao.

The 2026 Global Passenger Survey, which gathered more than 10,000 responses from over 200 countries, found that 43% of passengers chose not to visit a country due to its entry requirements. This marks a notable increase from 33% in 2025, showing a 10 percentage-point rise in just one year.

The primary concern cited by 53% of those deterred was the complexity of the procedures, far outweighing worries about cost (17%) or personal data privacy (17%).

Asia-Pacific Sees High Deterrence Rates

The IATA survey also revealed significant regional variations in how entry requirements affect travel decisions. Asia-Pacific recorded one of the highest rates of deterrence, with 49% of respondents in the region stating that immigration requirements had dissuaded them from visiting a particular destination.

This figure is second only to Africa, where 52% of travellers reported being deterred. Other regions showed slightly lower rates: 43% in the Middle East, 41% in Latin America and the Caribbean, 38% in Europe, and 35% in North America, which had the lowest proportion of deterred travellers among those surveyed.

Strong Demand for Digital Visa Solutions

Despite the challenges posed by current entry systems, travellers are showing strong support for digital alternatives. Globally, 60% of passengers prefer to apply for visas online, while only 25% still favour in-person applications at embassies or consulates.

A substantial 86% of travellers expressed willingness to submit their immigration details digitally before departure to streamline airport processes, up from 83% in 2025. Furthermore, 45% would prefer to complete all immigration formalities even before arriving at the airport, an increase from 41% last year.

IATA notes that while over 100 countries now issue e-Visas, there is a lack of standardised verification methods for airlines. Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, urged governments to adopt common standards to simplify the verification of digital travel documents.

Growing Acceptance of Digital Passports and Biometrics

Beyond visas, the survey indicates increasing traveller interest in digital passports and biometric technologies to reduce repetitive document checks. Some 84% of respondents would prefer to use a digital passport for online check-in, rather than presenting a physical document.

Additionally, 82% are open to sharing a digital passport with their airline post-booking, particularly if it provides personalised information on visa requirements. Biometric usage at airports is also on the rise, with 58% of passengers reporting at least one use in the past 12 months, up from 50% in 2025. Among those who have used biometrics, 87% reported satisfaction.

Overall, 78% of travellers would share biometric information if it eliminated the need to repeatedly show passports or boarding passes at checkpoints. However, data breaches remain a significant concern for 59% of respondents regarding biometric technology, suggesting that physical travel documents are not yet ready for full replacement across international borders.

Implications for Asian Travel Operators and Policy Makers

The survey findings hold particular relevance for Asia-Pacific, where nearly half of travellers are deterred by entry rules. This suggests that destinations and travel operators in the region could see increased tourism by simplifying visa processes and embracing digital solutions.

Governments across Asia, such as Thailand and Vietnam, which have recently expanded their e-Visa programmes, may find further impetus to standardise digital travel document verification as advocated by IATA.

For airlines and airports in major Asian hubs like Singapore Changi and Hong Kong International, the strong demand for digital passports and biometrics points towards a need for accelerated investment in advanced passenger processing systems.

Failure to adapt could result in a competitive disadvantage as travellers increasingly favour destinations and carriers that offer streamlined, digitally-enabled entry and airport experiences, impacting arrival numbers and revenue across the region.