
Femke Strietman
iVisa Senior Travel Reporter
Femke Strietman, our travel reporter from the Netherlands who now lives in vibrant London with her family, combines her global adventures and expertise in visa requirements to make travel accessible for everyone. Her extensive journeys through Asia, Southern Africa, Europe, and South America have equipped her with unparalleled insights into the nuances of global travel regulations.
Find out more about Femke Strietman137 articles by Femke Strietman
Visa policy & rule changesKenya now requires travel health insurance for most visitorsKenya's High Court upheld the visitor health insurance rule on October 5, 2026. Most visitors now need cover before travel, checked via the ETA.Oct 14, 20264 min read
Visa fees & costs updatesThailand plans a 450-baht arrival fee and 1,000-baht departure taxThailand is consulting on a 1,000-baht departure tax for all air travelers and a 450-baht entry fee for foreign visitors. Neither is in force yet.Oct 14, 20264 min read
Border & entry systemsUK airport eGates go contactless, starting at East MidlandsUK airport eGates are switching to contactless face checks from October 6, 2026, so travelers no longer scan a passport. British citizens go first.Oct 14, 20263 min read
Visa fees & costs updatesUS ESTA fee rises to $40.62 from October 16, 2026The US ESTA fee goes from $40.27 to $40.62 on October 16, 2026. See what changes, what a denied application costs and who pays the new fee.Oct 14, 20263 min read
Requirements & eligibilityUS Visa photo requirements: Full guide for 2026Learn the latest US visa photo requirements for 2026. Get tips on size, format, and checklist to ensure your photo meets official standards.Aug 14, 20269 min read
Travel advisoriesTravelers to Thailand reminded to bring physical proof of funds upon arrivalTravelers entering Thailand must be ready to show proof of funds - cash or bank statements - if immigration officers request it at border checks.Jul 24, 20264 min read
Requirements & eligibilitySwitzerland ETIAS for Malaysians: Requirements & GuidePlanning a trip to Switzerland? Here is what Malaysian travelers need to know about ETIAS requirements, validity, processing times, and how to apply online.Jul 8, 20264 min read
Border & entry systemsVietnam expands digital arrival card to Hanoi and Da NangVietnam's pre-arrival digital declaration is now available for flights landing in Hanoi and Da Nang, bringing the total to four airports nationwide.Jun 16, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesCuraçao suspends Caribbean visas over Ebola concernsCuraçao suspended its Visa Karibense for six high-risk nations over the Ebola outbreak, though the island reports zero confirmed cases so far.Jun 12, 20262 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsLibya halts airport visas on arrival for air travelersLibya has immediately halted visa on arrival at all airports and air entry points to curb document fraud. The separate eVisa system stays fully operational.Jun 12, 20262 min read
Visa fees & costs updatesUS Tests $750 Paid B1/B2 Visa Appointment Expedite FeeThe US Department of State will test a $750 fee to get B1/B2 visa interviews within 10 days. Read about the new nonimmigrant visa pilot program.Jun 9, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesRussia plans visa-free travel for three countries in 2026Russia aims to lift visa requirements for citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kuwait by the end of 2026, boosting travel and diplomatic ties.Jun 8, 20262 min read
Travel advisoriesAntigua & Barbuda Pauses Visa Waivers for Africa ArrivalsAntigua and Barbuda suspends visa waivers for all travelers coming from African nations due to heightened health vigilance over global viral outbreaks.Jun 5, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesUruguay Announces Visa-Free Process for Chinese CitizensUruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin confirms the country has started regulatory steps to eliminate entry visas for Chinese leisure travelers.Jun 5, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesGermany waives transit visas for Indian travelersIndian passport holders no longer need a Type A airport transit visa when connecting through German air hubs like Frankfurt and Munich.Jun 3, 20262 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsUK ETA Application System Down: Travelers Face App OutageThe UK ETA app is experiencing technical issues with a "system is busy" error, causing application delays for upcoming flights.Jun 3, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesItaly denies fake news of a June 2026 e-Visa launchThe Italian Embassy in Manila calls a rumored June 2026 e-Visa launch false. Italy stays in Schengen, so travelers still apply for a Schengen visa.Jun 3, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsVietnam Pre-Arrival Declaration Mandatory for Phu QuocVietnam extends its mandatory digital pre-arrival declaration to international arrivals at Phu Quoc Airport starting June 1, 2026.Jun 1, 20263 min read
Travel advisoriesVietnam Sets Up Border Health-Declaration Framework From July 2026From July 1, 2026, Decree 165/2026/ND-CP lets Vietnam require a health declaration at its borders — but only when the Ministry of Health activates it for a specific disease, not as a routine step for every traveler.Jun 1, 20263 min read
Visa policy & rule changesCanada tightens rules for digital nomads in 2026Canada's IRCC now requires digital nomads to prove 100% foreign income. Learn about the new documentation rules for remote workers.May 28, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesCanada freezes visas for three nations over EbolaCanada suspended visas for the DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for 90 days from May 27, 2026 over Ebola risk, invalidating existing approvals.May 28, 20263 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsGhana launches new e-visa system for 2026Ghana introduces a digital e-visa portal, offering fee-free e-visas for African passport holders while updating costs for international travelers.May 28, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsswitzerland to reintroduce border checks for g7 summitSwitzerland reinstates checks at the French border June 10-19 for the G7 summit near Lake Geneva. The Netherlands and Italy extend theirs into late 2026.May 27, 20262 min read
Travel advisoriesThailand implements Ebola border screening and quarantine 2026Thailand now requires arrivals from the Congo and Uganda to register via the TDAC, face screening at Suvarnabhumi, and submit to 21 days of health monitoring.May 27, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesUS green card applicants must now apply from outside USMost green card applicants must now leave the US and apply via an embassy or consulate abroad.May 26, 20262 min read
Visa fees & costs updatesCongo Brazzaville announces visa-free travel for AfricansPresident Sassou Nguesso says the Republic of the Congo will let all African citizens enter visa-free, dropping application and entry fees. Timed to Africa Day.May 26, 20262 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsUK ETA rollout 2026: New rules for dual nationalsThe UK's ETA scheme is fully enforced from Feb 25, 2026. Dual British nationals can't get an ETA and must show a British passport or Certificate of Entitlement.May 26, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesSADC moves closer to common tourist visa for regionThe SADC UniVisa has taken significant steps toward adoption after review by tourism ministers. No launch date or eligibility rules have been announced.May 26, 20263 min read
Visa policy & rule changesCanada drops visa requirement for Indonesia, MalaysiaCanada will allow eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia to apply for an eTA instead of a visa from May 26, 2026. Conditions apply.May 25, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesJapan to monitor social media for visa overstayersJapan's Immigration Services Agency will set up a cyber patrol unit as early as next year to track visa overstayers and illegal work. Around 68,000 remain.May 25, 20261 min read
Visa policy & rule changesEU Restores Standard Visa Rules for Ethiopian Citizens 2026The EU has lifted its 2024 visa curbs on Ethiopia. Schengen processing returns to 15 days, fees to 90 euros, and multiple-entry visas are available again.May 22, 20262 min read
Travel advisoriesEbola travel restrictions and health screenings 2026After the WHO's May 17 emergency declaration, the US routes arrivals from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan through Dulles, as Asia and the EU add screening.May 22, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesIran national football team begins US and Canada visa process in TurkeyIran's national team applied for US and Canada visas in Ankara ahead of the 2026 World Cup, processing in Turkey due to no direct US-Iran diplomatic ties.May 22, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesBrazil clarifies digital nomad visa rules for 2026 remote workersBrazil now lets remote workers convert from tourist status to the VITEM XIV digital nomad permit in-country, if they apply within 30 days of arrival.May 21, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsETIAS for winter 2026 Europe trips: what to know | iVisaETIAS becomes mandatory for visa-exempt travelers to Europe by late 2026. No valid authorization means denied boarding; the fee is EUR 7 and it lasts 3 years.May 21, 20262 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsGhana launches official e-visa portal for 2026 rolloutGhana's new e-visa portal lets travelers apply and pay online for tourism, business, and study. African nationals get a free ETA starting May 25, 2026.May 20, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesUS expands Mobile Passport Control app to 63 locationsCBP's free Mobile Passport Control app now works at 63 US ports, speeding customs for US citizens, permanent residents, and returning VWP travelers with ESTA.May 20, 20263 min read
Travel advisoriesUS pauses visa operations in South Sudan, DRC, and UgandaUS Embassies in Juba, Kinshasa, and Kampala have suspended all routine visa services.May 20, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsEU reaffirms priority for Cyprus Schengen accessionThe EU Commission names Cyprus' Schengen entry a 2026 priority after it met technical checks and joined the EES. Final entry still needs a unanimous vote.May 19, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsEU confirms ETIAS launch in late 2026 after EES | iVisaThe European Commission confirms ETIAS goes live in late 2026 for visa-exempt travelers. EES has logged over 60 million crossings since its April rollout.May 19, 20263 min read
Visa policy & rule changesThailand approves ending 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countriesThailand's Cabinet has approved halving the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days for 93 countries, effective 15 days after publication. Extensions may still apply.May 19, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsIndonesia Reviews Visa-Free Policy Over CybercrimeIndonesia is reviewing visa-free entry after detaining 500+ foreigners in scam raids. Visa-free travel continues for now, but expect stricter border checks.May 14, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesNew Zealand opens 1,000 working holiday visas for Indian youthNew Zealand's India FTA opens 1,000 working holiday visas a year for Indians aged 18–30: a 12-month, multiple-entry stay. Not yet open; ratification is pending.May 14, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsPortugal and Italy will not suspend EES biometric checks for British travelersPortugal and Italy confirm British travelers still face EES fingerprint and photo checks. Only Greece paused them; the EU bars nationality-based exemptions.May 13, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsGreece keeps biometric fast-track for UK travelers | iVisaGreece is waiving EU biometric border checks for British travelers, keeping entry to about a minute until the EES improves, its tourism minister confirmed.May 13, 20262 min read
Visa fees & costs updatesUS waives visa bonds for World Cup ticket holdersThe Trump administration is waiving visa bonds of up to $15,000 for foreign visitors with confirmed World Cup tickets who opted into the FIFA Pass system.May 13, 20263 min read
Border & entry systemsVietnam to roll out digital arrival card system nationwideVietnam is expanding its digital arrival card system (PAI) to all international entry points nationwide.May 13, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesBrazil grants visa-free entry to Chinese citizensBrazil will allow Chinese passport holders to enter visa-free for up to 30 days from May 11, 2026. The policy is valid until December 31, 2026.May 12, 20262 min read
Visa fees & costs updates2026 World Cup: High travel costs and visa demand expectedWith no US price caps, 2026 World Cup fans face record hotel and flight costs plus visa backlogs across US, Canada and Mexico. Why applying early is critical.May 12, 20261 min read
Bilateral agreementsTurkey and Saudi Arabia sign visa exemption dealTurkey and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual visa exemption for diplomatic and special passport holders at the third Coordination Council meeting in Ankara.May 8, 20261 min read
Border & entry systemsRyanair urges France to suspend EES until SeptemberRyanair is calling on the French government to suspend the EU Entry/Exit System until September after passengers face queues of up to two hours.May 6, 20262 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsThailand considers mandatory health insurance for all foreign visitorsThailand is reviewing mandatory health insurance for all foreign visitors, likely tied to its planned ETA. Coverage levels and providers aren't yet set.May 6, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsVietnam scales digital ID to speed up arrivalsVietnam is rolling out its VNeID digital ID and a mandatory digital arrival card to speed up border processing as it targets 21 million visitors in 2026.May 6, 20262 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsIndia EY-FICCI report urges visa reform to boost tourismA new EY-FICCI report urges expanding India's eVisa to 240 countries and halving hotel GST, as travelers slam the current portal for crashes and card failures.May 5, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsPoland airport queues reach 3 hours due to new EU EES | iVisaKraków and Warsaw report three-hour border queues as the EU Entry/Exit System takes biometrics from non-EU travelers. Arrive 3-4 hours early for your flight.May 1, 20262 min read
Border & entry systemsUS sets 2026 deadline for EU data sharing or visa-free travel endsEU citizens could lose ESTA visa-free travel to the US after December 31, 2026, if member states don't share biometric and police data, needing a B1/B2 visa.May 1, 20261 min read
Visa fees & costs updatesTSA PreCheck offers $20 discount for under 30sTSA is offering travelers aged 30 and under a $20 discount on new TSA PreCheck memberships from May 1 to May 31, 2026, cutting the five-year cost.May 1, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesUK border rules leave dual nationals at riskNew UK rules require British dual nationals to enter with a British passport or a £589 Certificate of Entitlement, not a foreign passport alone.Apr 30, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesUS embassy in Bangkok requires public social mediaThe US embassy in Thailand now requires visa applicants to set their social media accounts to public for screening. The rule is effective immediately.Apr 20, 20261 min read
Border & entry systemsVietnam launches digital arrival card for travelersVietnam now requires foreign nationals to file a digital arrival card within 72 hours of arrival. Submit the online form to get a QR code for border control.Apr 17, 20261 min read
Border & entry systemsChina announces plans for new electronic visa systemChina is preparing to launch a national eVisa system and has expanded its visa-free entry list to 48 countries to boost international tourism.Apr 10, 20262 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyKenya eTA payment failed: What to do if your card is declined (2026 guide)Kenya eTA payment keeps failing? A hidden 3-digit verification code in the checkout blocks most cards. Here's why it happens in 2026 and how to complete it.Apr 10, 20263 min read
Visa policy & rule changesEgypt makes transit visa mandatory for Bangladeshi travelersBangladeshi citizens must now obtain a transit visa before traveling through EgyptMar 31, 20261 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsMozambique launches new eVisa and ETA platformMozambique launched a new eVisa and ETA platform with VFS Global on February 11, 2026. Citizens of 29 countries need an ETA before departure.Mar 27, 20262 min read
Fees & costsiVisa vs. government sites: A look behind the feeSame official visa, two prices. See how iVisa splits the government fee from its service fee, what the service fee funds, and which path fits your trip best.Mar 23, 20268 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsPakistan launches digital disembarkation card through Pak-ID appPakistan now lets visa holders fill the mandatory arrival card in the Pak-ID app before landing. Here is how to complete, download, and show it on arrival.Mar 23, 20261 min read
Border & entry systemsPortugal becomes second country to launch Travel to Europe app for EES border checksPortugal is the second country after Sweden with the EU Travel to Europe app. Non-EU travelers can fill the EES entry questionnaire 72 hours before arrival.Mar 19, 20261 min read
Visa policy & rule changesRamadan and Eid-ul-Fitr bring reduced government hours across multiple countriesRamadan and Eid-ul-Fitr cut government office hours across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia through late March. Check closures before filing visa work.Mar 19, 20264 min read
Travel advisoriesSchengen internal border checks extended in 10 countries through mid-2026Ten Schengen countries have internal border checks running into 2026, Germany's until September. Carry ID and watch your 90-day allowance per 180 days.Mar 19, 20262 min read
Entry rules & policyETIAS: what you need to know before traveling to EuropeETIAS is coming for visa-exempt travelers to Europe, though the EU has not set a start date. One authorization covers 30 countries, EUR 20, valid 3 years.Mar 11, 20265 min read
Visa policy & rule changesUS brings back passport requirement for Green Card LotteryFrom DV-2027, Green Card Lottery entrants must upload a passport scan when applying. The entry period may open late; DV processing stays paused since Dec 2025.Mar 11, 20262 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsTanzania eVisa system offline, VOA unaffectedTanzania's eVisa portal is offline after a technical fault. Eligible travelers can still get a visa on arrival at airports and major entry points.Mar 5, 20261 min read
Travel advisoriesQatar automatically extends all entry visasQatar has automatically extended all entry visas for one month amid the airspace closure. The extension is free and requires no application or visit.Mar 4, 20261 min read
Visa policy & rule changesJapan Plans JESTA Travel Authorization | iVisaJapan plans JESTA, an electronic travel authorization for visa-free visitors from 71 countries. PM Takaichi announced it in February 2026; no bill filed yet.Feb 23, 20261 min read
Border & entry systemsCanada waives biometrics for FIFA World Cup 2026 guestsCanada is waiving biometrics for FIFA-invited visitors applying for a 2026 World Cup visa. Requires a FIFA invitation letter, valid through July 20, 2026.Feb 19, 20261 min read
Visa fees & costs updatesMadagascar Triples 15-Day eVisa Fee to $35 | iVisaMadagascar raised its 15-day eVisa fee from US$10 to US$35 on February 16, 2026. Fees for the 30, 60, and 90-day eVisas stay at their previous levels.Feb 19, 20261 min read
Visa policy & rule changesMalaysia tightens visa-free stay rules for ChineseChinese nationals get 30 days per visit visa-free in Malaysia, but stays are now capped at 90 days total within any 180-day window, not one continuous trip.Feb 13, 20261 min read
Visa policy & rule changesNicaragua ends visa-free entry for CubansAs of February 8, 2026, Cuban citizens now need a visa to enter Nicaragua, closing a key transit route toward the US. Guyana remains a rare visa-free option.Feb 11, 20261 min read
Entry rules & policyA guide for Brazilian fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: schedule, visas, and FAQsBrazil plays Group C in New York, Philadelphia and Miami. Brazilian fans need a US B1/B2 visa; FIFA PASS adds priority interviews. Plus Mexico and Canada rules.Feb 9, 20263 min read
Entry rules & policyA guide for Moroccan fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: schedule, visas, and FAQsMoroccan fans at World Cup 2026 need a US B1/B2 visa; the FIFA PASS can fast-track your interview. A valid US visa also eases Mexico and Canada entry.Feb 9, 20265 min read
Entry rules & policyA guide for Saudi Arabian fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: schedule, visas, and FAQsSaudi fans need a US B1/B2 visa, with FIFA PASS for priority interviews. See the Green Falcons' schedule plus the Mexico FMM and Canada eTA rules.Feb 9, 20267 min read
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsMexico eVisa for Brazilian tourists now availableBrazilian tourists can now apply online for Mexico's eVisa, live since February 5, 2026. It's single-entry, valid up to 180 days, and for air travel only.Feb 6, 20261 min read
Border & entry systemsSingapore can now deny boarding before departureFrom January 30, 2026, Singapore can order airlines to refuse boarding for a missing visa, invalid passport, or incomplete SG Arrival Card pre-departure.Feb 6, 20261 min read
Border & entry systemsCanada stops accepting visa applications in RussiaCanadian visa centers in Russia stopped accepting passports and documents on January 28, 2026. Applicants must now use centers outside the country.Feb 4, 20261 min read
Visa policy & rule changesAzerbaijan grants visa-free access to Hong Kong passportsHong Kong passport holders can visit Azerbaijan visa-free up to 30 days per entry, three times a year. The deal runs Feb 2, 2026 to Feb 2, 2027.Feb 3, 20261 min read
Entry rules & policyA guide for Ecuadorian fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: schedule, visas, and FAQsEcuador play all three Group E games in the US, so a B1/B2 visa is the key document; FIFA PASS can speed interviews. Plus Mexico visa and Canada TRV rules.Feb 2, 20264 min read
Entry rules & policyA guide for Mexican fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup: schedule, visas, and FAQsMexico opens Group A at the Estadio Azteca on June 11. Most Mexican fans need a US B1/B2 visa for knockout games; FIFA PASS adds priority interview slots.Feb 2, 20269 min read
Visa policy & rule changesChina to offer visa-free entry for British citizensChina will grant British citizens visa-free entry for stays under 30 days. The UK joins 50 other countries with visa-free access including France.Jan 29, 20261 min read
Visa policy & rule changesKuwait introduces multiple-trip exit permits for expatsKuwait now offers expat workers exit permits valid for multiple trips, replacing the single-trip system. Employers can also grant automatic pre-approval.Jan 27, 20262 min read
Visa fees & costs updatesUK ETA fee set to rise from £16 to £20The UK ETA fee is set to increase from £16 to £20 according to a regulatory document. No date has been confirmed for the price change.Jan 27, 20261 min read
Visa policy & rule changesArgentina accepts US green cards for visa-free entryArgentina now allows US green card holders to enter for tourism or business without a visa. The policy recognizes US security vetting as sufficient.Jan 23, 20261 min read
Travel advisoriesUS launches FIFA Pass for World Cup 2026 visasThe US has launched FIFA Pass, a priority visa appointment system for World Cup 2026 ticket holders. A priority appointment does not guarantee a visa.Jan 21, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesUS suspends immigrant visas for 75 countriesThe US has paused immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. Tourist visas are not affected.Jan 15, 20262 min read
Visa policy & rule changesJordan now grants 3-month temporary residency to visitors at the borderJordan now stamps 3 months of temporary residency in your passport at the border, up from one month. It applies to all visitors except those on work visas.Jan 12, 20261 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyUK ETA scams: How to identify fake websites and apply safelyLearn how to avoid UK ETA scams, spot fake application websites, verify your authorization on GOV.UK, and apply safely through trusted channels.Dec 11, 20256 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyHow to fix a passport number in the UK ETA formThe UK ETA app rejects your passport number? Here are the common reasons for the error, how to fix it, and whether you should reapply for your UK ETA.Dec 10, 20256 min read
Requirements & eligibilityHow to fix photo upload errors in the UK ETA application (Full Guide)UK ETA photo rejected? It must be JPEG, 600x750px, 50KB-10MB on a plain light background. Fix HEIC files, glare, and framing so it uploads the first time.Dec 10, 20257 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyHow to fix phone number issues in the UK ETA applicationUK ETA rejecting your phone number? It needs E.164 format: plus sign, country code, no leading zero. Fix the format and pass SMS verification the first time.Dec 9, 20254 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyUK ETA App not working? What to do and how to apply in time for your tripUK ETA app freezing or failing to scan your passport? The online route skips NFC chip scanning. See the fixes and how to still apply before your trip.Dec 9, 20256 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyUK ETA rejected? Get expert help to reapply quickly and correctlyA UK ETA refusal is final with no appeal, but you can reapply right away. See the top rejection reasons, how to reapply, and when a visa is the better route.Nov 26, 20255 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyUK ETA website not working? How to fix & reapplyPassport chip won't scan, face check looping, payment declined? Troubleshoot the UK ETA app and website errors, or apply with simple document uploads instead.Nov 26, 20258 min read
Entry rules & policyThe FIFA 2026 World Cup visa and travel guideHeading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Here's how visas, ESTAs, eTAs, and arrival cards work across the three host nations: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.Sep 15, 20257 min read
Document types & how they workNigeria Landing Card vs. eVisa: Key Differences ExplainedNigeria needs two documents: the eVisa for entry (24-48h, valid 30 days) and the Landing Card, a digital form due within 96 hours of arrival. See what differs.May 14, 20255 min read
How to applyHow to prepare for B1/B2 visa interview: Complete guideA practical guide to preparing for your US B1/B2 visa interview: the documents to bring, how to organize them, common questions, and tips for clear answers.Aug 11, 20235 min read
How to applyAustria Golden Visa: Requirements and the Real RoutesAustria has no fixed golden visa. Citizenship for extraordinary contribution is discretionary, takes one to three years, and is granted only a few dozen times a year.Sep 13, 20223 min read
How to applyGreece Golden Visa: Requirements & How to Get OneGetting a Golden Visa is different for each country. Learn how to get a Golden Visa for Greece, requirements, benefits, costs, and more.Sep 6, 20226 min read
How to applyGolden Visa Spain: Requirements & How to Get OneHow the Spain Golden Visa works: investment thresholds, required documents, costs, the residency and citizenship timeline, and renewal rules for investors.Aug 31, 20223 min read
Document types & how they workShould I get an OCI or an Indian Visa?The OCI Card is lifelong residency for people of Indian origin; an Indian Visa suits short tourism or business trips. Compare eligibility, validity, and rights.May 26, 20224 min read
Document types & how they workEgypt eVisa error: A complete guide to avoid application mistakesEgypt eVisa lasts 90 days with a 30-day stay, ~7-day processing. Fix the usual culprits: mismatched passport details, address symbols, and payment declines.Mar 7, 20224 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyAvoid Common Errors When Applying for Your India Tourist eVisaIndia tourist eVisa errors usually trace to passport typos, photo specs, or payment. Since submitted forms can't be edited, here's how to get it right first.Mar 7, 20226 min read
Requirements & eligibilityK-1 Visa | Fiancé Visa | 90 Day Visa: Get To Know ItThe K-1 fiance visa lets the partner of a US citizen enter to marry within 90 days. See eligibility, the $1,000-$3,000 in fees, and the 8-10 month timeline.Sep 29, 20213 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyMandatory 2026 ETIAS for Colombians traveling to Germany: Don't risk being denied entryColombians won't need a visa for Germany, but from late 2026 an ETIAS is required to enter the Schengen Area. See who needs it and how to apply.Jan 20, 20214 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyLiechtenstein ETIAS for Panama citizens: Avoid entry issues in 2026Panamanians stay visa-free for Liechtenstein but will need ETIAS from late 2026. It links to your passport, lasts 3 years, and covers 90-day trips.Jan 13, 20213 min read
Entry rules & policySaint Lucians traveling to Portugal? ETIAS will be required from 2026Saint Lucians stay visa-free for Portugal but need ETIAS from late 2026. The 7 euro authorization links to your passport, lasts 3 years, covers 90-day stays.Jan 7, 20213 min read
Processing & statusAll you need to know about the Sweden Schengen Visa processing timeThe Sweden Schengen visa usually takes 15 to 60 days to decide. See what extends the timeline, from peak season to nationality, and how to avoid delays.Dec 14, 20202 min read
Processing & statusNetherlands Schengen visa processing timeA Netherlands Schengen visa takes about 15 calendar days, stretching to 45 when extra checks apply. See what affects the timeline and when to apply.Dec 3, 20203 min read
How to applyBahamians traveling to Italy? ETIAS is coming in 2026Bahamian travelers will need ETIAS to visit Italy from late 2026. Check how to apply, what documents are needed, and the latest news.Nov 20, 20203 min read
Requirements & eligibilityItaly ETIAS for Albanians: Your 2026 Italy travel checklistFrom 2026, Albanian citizens must apply for ETIAS to enter Italy. Find out how it works, when to apply, and what documents you need.Nov 16, 20203 min read
Requirements & eligibilityItaly ETIAS for Mexican citizens – Don't miss this new travel rule from 2026From late 2026 Mexican citizens need an approved ETIAS to visit Italy. Visa-free 90-day stays continue; the ETIAS is an added online step valid for three years.Oct 1, 20204 min read
Requirements & eligibilityUkrainians visiting Iceland? ETIAS will be required from 2026From late 2026 Ukrainians need ETIAS for Iceland, though refugees and EU residence-permit holders are exempt. It stays valid 3 years for 90-day stays.Oct 1, 20203 min read
Entry rules & policyMalaysians visiting Finland? Don't forget the new ETIAS for trips in 2026Malaysia has visa-free Schengen access, but from late 2026 you'll need ETIAS for Finland. See requirements, how to apply online, and the 90-day stay rule.Sep 30, 20204 min read
Entry rules & policySpain ETIAS for New Zealand citizens: What Kiwis need to knowFrom late 2026, New Zealanders need ETIAS, not a visa, to visit Spain. See how to apply online, the 90-day stay rule, and the new Entry/Exit biometric checks.Sep 25, 20204 min read
How to applySingaporeans visiting Italy? ETIAS will be required from 2026Singaporeans stay visa-free in Italy, but from late 2026 you must get ETIAS first. It links to your passport, lasts 3 years, and allows 90-day Schengen stays.Sep 23, 20203 min read
Requirements & eligibilityFrance ETIAS: New critical entry rules for New Zealand citizens for 2026From late 2026, New Zealanders need ETIAS, not a visa, for France. See how to apply, the 90-day Schengen rule, and France's bilateral extension for extra days.Jul 20, 20203 min read
Processing & statusSchengen Visa Process: Embassy Interview and Application TipsThe Poland Schengen visa takes about 15 days to process, allows 90 days within 180, and needs insurance covering 30,000 euros. See documents and interview tips.Mar 16, 20205 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyIndia Embassy RegistrationHow Indian citizens register with the Embassy of India abroad: who should register, what details you need, and direct registration links by country and region.Dec 10, 20194 min read
Requirements & eligibilityMoldova Invitation Letter: What You Need to KnowCitizens of 60+ countries need a Moldova Invitation Letter before applying for a visa. A local sponsor files it with the GIM; approval takes about 10 days.Nov 29, 20193 min read
Processing & statusDS-160 Form Fee: Application, Processing, and Status CheckEverything to know about the DS-160 form for the United States: what the fee covers, how to apply, additional costs, and how to check your status.Aug 26, 20193 min read
How to applyU.S. 10-Year Visa for Chinese citizens: B1/B2 application guide & EVUS tipsChinese citizens applying for the US B1/B2 10-year visa must file the DS-160, interview, and enroll in EVUS before travel. See the checklist and interview tips.Aug 26, 20194 min read
Entry rules & policyCan I Visit Niagara Falls Without a Canada Visa?US citizens and many visa-exempt travelers can see the Canadian side of Niagara Falls with just an eTA (CAD $7, valid 5 years). Others should check the rules.May 14, 20194 min read
Processing & statusWhat is the Australia eVisitor visa processing time? Timeline and guideHow long the Australia eVisitor visa (subclass 651) takes, what stretches the timeline, and three ways to check your application status.May 6, 20192 min read
Troubleshooting & safetyWhy do US B1 business visas get rejected and how can you avoid it?Most US B1 business visa refusals come down to weak home-country ties or Section 214(b). See why applications get rejected and how to prepare a stronger case.Feb 28, 20196 min read
Requirements & eligibilityUS Business Visa Invitation Letter GuideFind out whether you need a US business visa invitation letter, what it should include, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow down a B1/B2 application.Feb 28, 20194 min read
Entry rules & policyKenya Transit Visa at Nairobi Airport: Is it possible?Kenya's ETA replaced the transit visa in 2024. Skip it if you stay airside at Nairobi; leave the transit zone and you need one, arranged before you arrive.Feb 13, 20194 min read
Document types & how they workAustralia ETA or visa: Which one do you need?ETA (601) for eligible countries, eVisitor (651) for Europeans with no government fee, Visitor Visa (600) for everyone and longer stays. See which fits you.Feb 8, 20194 min read
Processing & statusSingapore Visa Policy: Do You Need an eVisa for Your Visit?Do you need a visa for Singapore? See who qualifies for visa-free entry or a digital visa, plus processing times, the SG Arrival Card, and requirements.Dec 12, 20183 min read
Processing & statusWhat is the Kuwait eVisa processing time?The Kuwait eVisa is handled entirely online, with no embassy visit. See what drives the timeline and what to prepare so your paperwork is not what holds it up.Nov 2, 20184 min read
Download the iVisa app
Track your application status in real time and keep every travel document in one place — wherever you are.