The 2026 Winter Olympics and Global Mobility
For the first time, the 2026 Winter Olympics will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina in Italy, running from February 6–22, followed by the Paralympic Games in March. While the Games promise competition and global celebration, they also bring complex challenges for global mobility professionals navigating travel, accommodations, and immigration logistics.
For the first time ever, the 2026 Winter Olympics (officially the XXV Olympic Winter Games) will be co-hosted by two cities in Italy: Milan (Milano) and Cortina (Cortina d'Ampezzo). The XXV Olympic Winter Games, as they are officially known, will take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026, with the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games following from March 6 to March 15, 2026. The Games challenge athletes to be their best and are exciting and fun to participate in and to watch. Global mobility’s challenges before, during and after these events are not quite as fun! Global mobility professionals need to stay informed about the potential impacts of the Games on travel, accommodations, and immigration.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
With two host cities and venues spread across northern Italy, travel will be impacted region-wide. International travel will be impacted not just in and out of Italy, but travel into/out of Switzerland, Austria and even Slovenia may also be affected. While airlines are expected to adjust their schedules to accommodate the increased demand, travelers should pack extra patience and be prepared for increased airfares, crowded airports, enhanced security protocols and potential delays during the timeframe surrounding the Games. Recent delays due to cyberattacks and staffing shortages have caused extended travel disruptions.
If possible, assignees and expats should postpone relocation and business travel to the area during this period. However, if travel is unavoidable, booking flights well in advance and staying updated with any schedule modifications will be critical.
Public transit, already considered a contact sport, is expected to be enhanced for the Games, with heavy reliance on trains and shuttles for travel between venues. For those brave enough to drive (mountain roads, winter weather, oh my!), park and ride lots will be available. Visitors should be prepared for all types of travel to be impacted during this time.
A New Olympic Competition: Housing
The competition for housing will be intense! Securing reasonable temporary lodging during this period may be especially challenging due to limited availability/infrastructure and increased prices. Corporate housing, hotels and vacation rentals should be booked as far in advance as possible (it’s not too soon!) to ensure employees can secure comfortable housing for their desired relocation travel dates.
Securing permanent housing during this time may be challenging as well. Property owners may turn long-term rentals into short-term rentals to take advantage of the influx of visitors (and higher prices). Investors have already targeted Cortina as a luxury real estate hot spot, with sales and home values increasing at bobsled speeds. While high prices are an inevitable part of the run up to the Games, rents and properties values may fall once the Games are over.
Olympic Qualifiers: Immigration
Depending on current citizenship and the anticipated length of stay, a visa may or may not be needed to enter Italy, or neighboring countries. Well in advance of travel, it’s important for employees to have a comprehensive understanding of visa requirements and entry regulations. Immigration processing times will likely increase before the Games. Consult the official website of the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country to stay updated on the latest visa regulations, application procedures, and processing times.
Starting in October 2025, the European Union (EU) will launch a digital entry system known as the Entry/Exit System (EES). Self-serve kiosks will replace the stamping of passports by border agents. EES is expected to be fully implemented by April 2026, so may not be available in all locations during the Games. The system is expected to improve security and efficiency.
Skating Effortlessly
A flexible mindset may be the key attribute that employees and assignees will need during the Olympics to allow them to skate through shifting circumstances and hopefully, mitigate stress. Even traveling to and from office locations in the vicinity of any venues may require planning and patience. If possible, consider allowing employees to work from home at least 1-2 days per week.
Go for the Gold
The global event that is the 2026 Winter Olympics brings the world together and showcases athletes participating in sixteen sports. Going for the Gold means supporting your employees’ moves or business travel to this region so they are smooth and uneventful. Using Cornerstone’s experienced Global Mobility Consultants and comprehensive supplier network will ensure that your employees receive the essential support required. Staying informed, planning ahead, and remaining flexible will also allow your employees to make the most of this remarkable experience.