Ticket registration for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna is now open ahead of January's sale, while the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) introduces major voting reforms following last year's controversy and prepares to discuss Israel's participation.
From 10am on Monday, fans have been able to register on the official Eurovision website to secure a chance at buying tickets. Importantly, only those who complete the online registration by 18 December will be eligible. A total of 90,000 tickets for nine shows at Vienna's Stadthalle will be released in January. These include tickets for the semi-finals on 12 and 14 May, as well as the Grand Final on 16 May, along with access to the pre-shows and dress rehearsals.
Registration takes place via the ESC website, which has been given a new design for the 70th edition. After verifying an email address, users are redirected to oeticket.com, where they must confirm their email once more and will then be added to a waiting list.
Prices range from €10 to €360. The most expensive option grants access to the Golden Circle directly in front of the stage during the final.
The first wave of ticket sales will open on 13 January, according to Austrian broadcaster ORF. Registered users will be able to buy up to four tickets on a first come, first served basis.
New rules
The most significant changes relate to the voting system.
Following the contest in Basel earlier this year, where Israeli singer Yuval Raphael finished second with New Day Will Rise and topped the public vote, several broadcasters, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Iceland, and Finland, raised concerns and called for the voting process to be reviewed.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) responded by saying it had listened and taken action. The biggest change affects viewers: fans will now be limited to a maximum of 10 votes each, instead of the previous 20. The aim is to prevent organised groups from casting 20 votes for the same country and skewing the results.
For the first time since 2022, jury voting will return in the semi-finals. In the Grand Final, results will once again be split 50-50 between the jury and the public. Juries will also be expanded from five to seven members, who must sign a formal declaration confirming their independence and impartiality.
The new rules also address promotional activity for individual entries. While traditional promotion of artists, songs, or delegations remains welcome, targeted campaigns, especially those launched by governments or state agencies, will no longer be allowed. This measure specifically refers to Israel, which had published online adverts urging people to vote for its contestant.
Could Israel be excluded from ESC 2026?
The debate remains ongoing. Several countries have previously threatened to boycott the contest if Israel is allowed to participate. The issue is expected to be discussed in early December. Whether the newly adopted measures will influence the final decision is not yet clear.
