Visa news
Entry rules change constantly. We track visa, arrival card, and travel document updates worldwide so you're never caught out at the border.
Visa policy & rule changesThailand proposes restoring visa-free entry for Colombia, Mexico, and UzbekistanThailand's Tourism Ministry proposed a 15-day visa exemption for Colombia, Mexico, and Uzbekistan, six weeks after all three lost visa-free access.
Visa policy & rule changesUS suspends visa-free travel to Northern Mariana Islands for Chinese nationalsDHS suspended the EVS-TAP program for Chinese nationals visiting the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa, effective October 30, 2026.
Visa policy & rule changesSouth Korea eases the path to its E-7-4 skilled worker visaSouth Korea is cutting E-7-4 extension paperwork, rewarding long service with one employer and piloting an online visa guide for foreign workers.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsAustralia launches web-based travel declaration at Western Sydney AirportAustralia's web-based travel declaration launches at Western Sydney International Airport on October 26, 2026, open to passengers on any airline.
Travel advisoriesUS to require Ebola health declaration from all international air passengersAll passengers flying to the US must sign a health declaration confirming no DRC travel in the past 21 days, effective November 3, 2026.
Visa policy & rule changesEast Africa fast-tracks single tourist visa as AFCON 2027 approachesEAC tourism ministers adopted a 10-year strategy and directed member states to advance work on a regional single tourist visa before AFCON 2027.
Visa policy & rule changesGreece warns Golden Visa holders of permit cancellationsGreece says Golden Visa permits will be revoked over hidden price rebates or banned short-term rentals. Here's who is affected and what the rules say.
Travel advisoriesTanzania makes health declaration mandatory for all travelers entering the countryAll travelers entering mainland Tanzania must complete an online health declaration as of October 17, 2026, amid rising Ebola cases in East Africa.
Visa policy & rule changesFederal judge orders US to reopen the 2027 green card lotteryA federal judge ordered the US State Department to open DV-2027 green card lottery registration by November 1, 2026, for a 30-day window.
Visa policy & rule changesDV-2027 green card lottery: what applicants need to knowThe DV-2027 Diversity Visa lottery is set to open by November 1, 2026, after a federal court order. Registration is free and lasts 30 days.
Visa policy & rule changesiVisa launches Global Policy Tracker to map a year of shifting travel rulesiVisa’s new Global Policy Tracker maps 97 visa, ETA and arrival card changes across 61 countries since October 2025. Updated weekly, with sources.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSouth Africa expands ETA to 53 countries after launchSouth Africa's ETA now covers 53 countries, with biometric checks, a R500 (~US$30) processing fee and entry through four international airports.
Visa policy & rule changesSweden and Benelux reject non-biometric Russian passportsFrom October 1, 2026, Sweden no longer recognizes ordinary non-biometric Russian passports, and Benelux stops all types. Check the transition rules.
Visa policy & rule changesUS halts PERM green card filings for Microsoft, Adobe, six IT firmsThe US Labor Department suspended Microsoft, Adobe and six IT outsourcing firms from PERM, the step most employer-sponsored green cards require.
Visa policy & rule changesUS proposes US$70,000 OPT fee for international studentsDHS proposed charging schools US$70,000 per F-1 student for initial OPT and US$30,000 for later OPT, and lets schools pass the cost on.
Visa policy & rule changesCambodia stops issuing visa stickers at all embassies and consulatesCambodian embassies and consulates stopped issuing physical visa stickers on October 3, 2026. All visas are now delivered electronically.
Visa policy & rule changesUS green card lottery has no winners for first time in its historyThe US State Department never opened registration for the DV-2027 green card lottery. The visa year began October 1, 2026 without a single selectee.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsHaiti makes iKat digital travel form mandatory for all travelersAll travelers entering or leaving Haiti must complete the iKat digital form within 72 hours of travel. The rule took effect October 1, 2026.
Visa fees & costs updatesIndia extends free e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals through December 2027India has extended its fee waiver on the 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa for Thai nationals through December 31, 2027. Travelers must still apply.
Visa policy & rule changesSuriname reimposes temporary visa requirement on Mexico and BoliviaSuriname has reinstated a temporary visa requirement for Mexican and Bolivian national passport holders, effective October 1, 2026.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsTurkmenistan launches eVisa system, dropping invitation requirement for touristsTurkmenistan's State Migration Service launched an eVisa system on October 1, 2026, with three categories: tourist, business, and humanitarian.
Visa policy & rule changesTanzania makes travel insurance mandatory for foreign visitorsForeign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must hold USD 44 NIC travel insurance from October 1, 2026. One policy covers both the mainland and Zanzibar.
Visa policy & rule changesUganda drops yellow fever certificate as a mandatory entry requirementUganda's immigration authority confirms travelers no longer need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter the country as of October 2, 2026.
Visa policy & rule changesUS expands social media vetting to journalist and USMCA visa applicantsThe US State Department will require I, TN, and TD visa applicants to make their social media public for consular review from October 1, 2026.
Border & entry systemsThailand opens arrival eGates to 33 nationalitiesThailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport now allows travelers from 33 nationalities to use automated immigration gates on arrival, subject to four conditions.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsKazakhstan to require electronic travel authorization for visa-free visitorsKazakhstan will phase in its QazETA electronic travel authorization for visa-free visitors starting November 1, 2026, beginning with air passengers.
Visa policy & rule changesFive APEC economies to extend business travel card stays to 90 daysChina, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore will extend the maximum ABTC stay from 60 to 90 days. No shared start date has been set.
Visa policy & rule changesMalaysia ends open access to its multiple-entry visaMalaysia now limits its multiple-entry visa to 31 approved nationalities and four travel categories. The change took effect September 1, 2026.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsBangladesh moves arrival and departure cards online for foreign travelersForeign passport holders can now complete Bangladesh's E-Arrival Card and E-Departure Card online through the Special Branch portal before traveling.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsNorthern Cyprus announces eVisa for Armenian, Nigerian, and Syrian nationalsNorthern Cyprus will introduce a $40 eVisa for citizens of Armenia, Nigeria, and Syria, replacing the in-person consular visa process.
Visa policy & rule changesUS plans largest visa revocation in history over asylum claimsThe US State Department will revoke B1 and B2 visas for up to 200,000 holders who filed asylum claims, covering visas issued between 2016 and 2026.
Visa policy & rule changesUS pauses immigrant visa interviews worldwide for consular officer trainingThe US State Department has paused immigrant visa interviews at all embassies for consular training. No resumption date has been set.
Visa fees & costs updatesAbu Dhabi waives UAE visa fee for Indian tourists booking three-night holiday packagesAbu Dhabi will cover the UAE visa cost for up to 20,000 Indian tourists booking three-night packages through October 31, 2026.
Visa policy & rule changesUAE narrows visa-on-arrival eligibility for Filipino passport holdersFilipinos with visas from Japan, Australia, Canada, and three other countries no longer qualify for UAE visa-on-arrival. Only residence permits do.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsHelloGov and iVisa Complete Merger, Forming the World's Largest AI-Powered Consumer Passport and Visa PlatformHelloGov and iVisa have completed their merger, forming the world's largest AI-powered passport and visa platform.
Visa policy & rule changesKenya's $50,000 travel health insurance rule is suspended by the courtsKenya gazetted a $50,000 travel health insurance rule for visitors, but the High Court suspended it in August 2026. It is not required for the Kenya ETA right now.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsPhilippines rolls out eVisa for US and Caribbean residentsResidents of the US and 19 Caribbean jurisdictions can now apply for a Philippine eVisa online, effective August 10, 2026.
Visa policy & rule changesTaiwan halts Moroccan visa applications in reciprocal moveTaiwan halted visa applications from Moroccan nationals on July 30 after Morocco stopped issuing confirmation letters for Taiwanese travelers.
Border & entry systemsIndia adds two airports, nine land crossings to eVisa systemIndia has added Bhopal and Tirupati airports plus nine land crossings to its eVisa entry network, bringing the total to 88 authorized points.
Border & entry systemsPNG digital arrival card now checked before boardingAirlines flying to Papua New Guinea must now verify that passengers have completed the PNGDAC form before issuing a boarding pass.
Visa policy & rule changesAzerbaijan drops tourist visa for Bosnian and Singaporean nationals through August 2027Bosnian and Singaporean passport holders can visit Azerbaijan visa-free for tourism, with up to three entries and 30-day stays, until August 2027.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsNepal shifts to full eVisa system on August 17, 2026Nepal's Department of Immigration will fully deploy its eVisa system on August 17, 2026, replacing physical visa stickers with online approvals.
Visa fees & costs updatesOman adds zero-fee 14-day tourist visa for select countriesOman has created a free 14-day tourist visa for nationals of countries yet to be named, with the option to convert to a paid visa before expiry.
Visa fees & costs updatesUS finalizes visa bond of up to $20,000 for 50 countriesThe US State Department has made its B1/B2 visa bond program permanent, with bonds of up to $20,000 for applicants from 50 countries.
Visa fees & costs updatesSouth Africa proposes US$30 fee for ETA and online visa applicationsSouth Africa's Home Affairs department has proposed a R500 (~US$30) processing fee for ETA and other online visa applications, possibly starting August 17, 2026.
Visa policy & rule changesPeru waives visa for Moroccans holding Schengen or US visaMoroccan nationals with a valid Schengen or US visa can visit Peru without a separate tourist visa under a decree taking effect around September 23, 2026.
Visa fees & costs updatesUS$100,000 H-1B visa fee stays blocked on appealA US appeals court kept President Trump's US$100,000 H-1B visa fee blocked on July 24, ruling the government hadn't shown a likelihood of success.
Border & entry systemsEgypt to launch digital visa-on-arrival at CairoEgypt will replace the paper visa-on-arrival sticker with a QR code at Cairo Airport starting August 1, the Ministry of Tourism says.
Bilateral agreementsKyrgyzstan-Egypt visa exemption doesn't cover touristsA Kyrgyzstan-Egypt visa exemption is now in force, but it covers only diplomatic, service, and special passport holders, not ordinary tourists.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsPhilippine eVisa launches for Belgium & LuxembourgThe Philippine Embassy in Brussels now processes temporary visitor visas online for eligible travelers in Belgium and Luxembourg, ending embassy visits.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesUS expands visa restrictions for international travelersFrom July 23, 2026 the US can deny or revoke visas over cyber-enabled crime, and may extend restrictions to some family members of those designated.
Visa policy & rule changesIndonesia expands Golden Visa incentives with new lawIndonesia's new International Financial Centres law adds tax incentives for eligible Golden Visa holders, though implementing regulations are still pending.
Visa policy & rule changesLebanon considers $1M investment residency proposalLebanon is reviewing a residency-by-investment plan requiring at least US$1 million and 90 days a year in the country. It is not yet law.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsThailand issues temp work permit amid e-Work Permit rolloutThailand now issues a temporary work permit, valid up to 15 days, letting non-BOI e-Work Permit applicants start work while their file is processed.
Visa policy & rule changesUK tightens ETA screening to cover suspended sentencesFrom August 3, 2026 a suspended prison sentence of 12 months or more becomes a mandatory ground to refuse or revoke a UK ETA under new rules.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSaudi Arabia rolls out year-long multiple-entry Umrah visaSaudi Arabia has launched a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days, with a shared 90-day stay across all visits, arranged through Nusuk.
Border & entry systemsEU removes ETIAS 2026 launch date from websiteThe EU quietly removed the 'last quarter of 2026' ETIAS launch target from its website, with a revised timeline now expected to point to 2027.
Visa policy & rule changesTaiwan drops Cambodia from visa facilitation programsTaiwan will drop Cambodia from its TAC visa-free and Guanhong group visa schemes from August 1, 2026, citing sovereignty and fraud concerns.
Bilateral agreementsTaiwan renews visa-free for Thailand, Brunei, PhilippinesTaiwan has extended 14-day visa-free entry program for Thai, Bruneian, & Filipino nationals for another year, running from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027.
Visa policy & rule changesEU threatens Caribbean visa-free access over CBIFive Eastern Caribbean nations risk losing Schengen visa-free access unless they phase out citizenship-by-investment programs by June 1, 2028, the EU warns.
Visa fees & costs updatesAustralia raises visa costs by 25% from July 2026Australia increased most visa application charges by 25% from July 1, 2026, taking the Subclass 600 visitor visa from AUD 200 to AUD 250 under new regulations.
Visa policy & rule changesMontenegro ends Russia visa-free travel from Oct 1Montenegro will require visas from Russian and Belarusian citizens starting October 1, 2026, ending nearly 18 years of visa-free travel as part of EU alignment.
Visa policy & rule changesUAE details five-year tourist visa requirementsThe UAE's five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is self-sponsored and open to all nationalities, with a 90-day stay per visit and financial proof required.
Visa policy & rule changesChad to offer visa-free entry for African travelersChad will drop entry visas for all African passport holders from January 1, 2027, President Déby announced, mirroring a similar move by the Congo.
Visa policy & rule changesUS sets expiry dates on student and journalist visasA DHS final rule ends open-ended 'duration of status' for F, J, and I visas, setting fixed terms of four years for students and 240 days for journalists.
Visa policy & rule changesIndia gains visa-free access as Thailand ends 60-day staysIndia moves from visa-on-arrival to 30-day visa-free as Thailand scraps 60-day stays for 93 countries and shifts to a tiered system.
Visa policy & rule changesIndonesia adds three countries to visa-free listIndonesia now grants visa-free entry to Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Macau from July 9, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days under a new ministerial rule.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsAustralia's digital arrival card goes nationwideAustralia is rolling out the digital Australia Travel Declaration at all airports & seaports over the next 18 months, backed by A$56.1 million in funding.
Visa policy & rule changesJapan renews Thai visa-free entry through June 2027Japan renewed visa-free entry for Thai ordinary ePassport holders from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, allowing tourist stays of up to 15 days.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsPhilippine eVisa now available to Danish travelersThe Philippines launched an eVisa for citizens of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland who plan to stay beyond the 30-day visa-free window.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSaudi Arabia names 7 countries for Package VisaSaudi Arabia's new Package Visa bundles an e-visa with flights and hotels for travelers from seven countries, with more nationalities to follow.
Bilateral agreementsAzerbaijan and Jordan agree mutual visa-free accessAzerbaijan and Jordan signed a mutual visa-free agreement for ordinary passport holders. The start date and permitted length of stay are not yet set.
Visa policy & rule changesEU restricts Schengen visas for Somali nationalsFrom June 25, 2026, the EU tightened Schengen visa rules for Somali nationals, ending multiple-entry visas and extending processing to 45 days.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSouth Korea launches digital nomad visaSouth Korea's F-1-D digital nomad visa launched June 30, 2026, with lower income rules for under-35s outside Seoul and stays of up to three years.
Visa policy & rule changesSlovakia suspends Russian tourist visas for summerSlovakia has paused Schengen tourist visa processing for Russian nationals through August 2026, canceling July and August appointments with refunds.
Visa policy & rule changesVietnam cuts visa-free stay for Indonesians to 14 daysFrom July 15, 2026, Indonesian passport holders get 14 days visa-free in Vietnam instead of 30, and only for tourism or family visits.
Border & entry systemsEU may delay ETIAS to 2027 after border-system chaosEU-Lisa has signaled a 2026 ETIAS launch is unrealistic, with the authorization possibly slipping to 2027 after a troubled Entry/Exit System rollout.
Visa policy & rule changesIndia weighs visa-on-arrival and a simpler eVisaA NITI Aayog report urges India to expand visa-on-arrival and consolidate its nine eVisa categories to five, calling strict visa rules a brake on tourism.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSaudi Arabia pilots a bundled Package Visa for touristsSaudi Arabia is piloting a Package Visa that bundles flights, licensed hotels and an electronic tourist visa into a single booking through approved providers.
Visa policy & rule changesArmenia keeps visa-free access for 111 nationalitiesArmenia has extended its temporary visa exemption for nationals of 111 countries who hold qualifying residence permits. The renewal runs until July 1, 2027.
Visa policy & rule changesPanama drops visa requirement for Dominican citizensPanama has lifted the stamped visa requirement for Dominican Republic nationals, effective immediately. Travellers can now enter for up to 90 days visa-free.
Border & entry systemsSouth Africa makes online customs declaration mandatoryFrom July 1, 2026, every traveler entering or leaving South Africa must file an online customs declaration through the SARS traveler management system.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsIndia makes health declaration mandatory for arrivalsIndia's Air Suvidha 2.0 makes every international traveler file an online health declaration within the 72 hours before landing, apart from the eArrival Card.
Visa policy & rule changesPhilippines renews Taiwan visa-free access through 2027The Philippines has renewed its visa-free arrangement for Taiwanese passport holders for another year, allowing stays of up to 14 days until June 30, 2027.
Border & entry systemsVietnam: border health declaration not required from July 1Vietnam confirms the border health declaration is not required from July 1, 2026. It only activates on disease risk. Don't use tokhaiyte.vn; no form exists yet.
Visa fees & costs updatesIndia Waives Tourist, Medical Visa Fees for FijiansFrom June 29, 2026, India's High Commission in Suva issues tourist, medical, and medical attendant visas to Fijians free. Fees once ran up to FJ$452 (US$199).
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSaudi Arabia introduces ETA for British travelersFrom July 1, 2026, UK passport holders can enter Saudi Arabia on a new ETA for tourism, business, and study, with multiple entries and up to 180 days a year.
Visa policy & rule changesUS B1/B2 visa waits reach 21 months in TorontoUS B1/B2 visa interview wait times have surged at posts in Canada and India, with Toronto at 21 months and Mumbai and Hyderabad both at 9.5 months.
Visa policy & rule changesUAE expands visa-on-arrival to six more countriesThe UAE grants visa on arrival to Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa nationals with a valid US, EU, UK, or listed permit.
Visa policy & rule changesIndia resumes tourist visas for BangladeshisIndia restarts tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens on June 28, 2026, ending a nearly two-year freeze imposed after Bangladesh's July 2024 political upheaval.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsUAE grants visa-on-arrival to eligible FilipinosFilipino passport holders with a valid US, EU, Australian, or other qualifying visa or residence permit can now get a UAE visa on arrival from June 25, 2026.
Visa policy & rule changesTurkey lowers visa-free age for Algerians from 65 to 50Turkey now lets Algerian ordinary-passport holders under 15 or over 50 enter visa-free for 90 days. Ages 15-50 still need a visa; some qualify for an eVisa.
Border & entry systemsIceland Cuts Student Visa Grad Stay to 18 MonthsIceland halved its post-graduation job-search stay to 18 months and added academic-progress checks, higher funds (ISK 259,951/mo), and tighter family rules.
Visa policy & rule changesTurkey, Saudi Arabia agree on diplomatic visa waiverTurkey and Saudi Arabia will waive visas for diplomatic and green passport holders for stays up to 90 days per 180. Service and regular passports excluded.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsMauritius Plans eVisa/ETA in 2026-27 Budget | iVisaMauritius' 2026-2027 budget confirms a pre-travel eVisa/ETA requiring all non-citizens to get electronic clearance before arrival. Fees apply but aren't set.
Border & entry systemsVietnam adds Cam Ranh to pre-arrival info systemVietnam's digital Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) system now covers Cam Ranh airport near Nha Trang, joining Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc.
Travel advisoriesUAE sets July 9 deadline to regularize visa statusThe UAE has given individuals stranded by regional flight suspensions until July 9, 2026, to either regularize their visa status or leave the country.
Visa fees & costs updatesJapan Visa Fees Rise Fivefold July 1, 2026 | iVisaFrom July 1, 2026, Japan's single-entry visa costs 15,000 yen (~$93) and multiple-entry 30,000 yen ($186). It's the first fee increase since 1978.
Visa policy & rule changesAzerbaijan announces visa-free entry for South KoreansAzerbaijan will introduce visa-free travel for South Korean citizens holding any passport type, following a diplomatic meeting between Baku and Seoul.
Border & entry systemsTaiwan extends TWAC submission window to 7 daysTaiwan now lets you submit the mandatory TWAC arrival card up to 7 days before arrival, up from 3. Required for most air and sea visitors; ARC holders exempt.
Travel advisoriesNorth Korea blocks US dual nationals from entryNorth Korea's visa approval process now checks applicants for US citizenship ties. Dual nationals holding American passports are banned from entering the DPRK.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsIndia's 30-day tourist eVisa now allows multiple entriesIndia's 30-day tourist eVisa now allows multiple entries, up from two, on visas issued since June 12, 2026. Stay is still capped at 30 days from first entry.
Visa policy & rule changesIreland Ends Visa-Free Entry for 3 CountriesFrom June 15, 2026, nationals of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Nicaragua need an Ireland visa, even to transit. A grace period runs to July 14.
Border & entry systemsCambodia waives visas for Chinese visitors from June 15Cambodia has launched a four-month visa-free pilot for holders of PRC passports, including from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, running until October 15.
Visa fees & costs updatesSwitzerland lifts visa restrictions on EthiopiaSwitzerland restored visa facilitations for Ethiopian nationals on June 12, 2026: multi-entry visas, fee waivers for diplomats, and 15-day processing return.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesCyprus halts visa processing at centers in RussiaCyprus has stopped accepting visa applications at third-party centers in Russia after its contract with BLS International expired. Consulates take over.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesAzerbaijan drops visa requirement for Japanese citizensAzerbaijan has announced a one-year unilateral visa exemption for Japanese citizens to boost tourism and strengthen ties between Baku and Tokyo.
Visa policy & rule changesQatar ends automatic extension of expired entry visasQatar's Ministry of Interior has stopped automatically extending expired entry visas as of June 7, 2026. Standard visa rules and fees are now back in effect.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsKazakhstan opens eVisas to citizens of 105 countriesCitizens of 105 countries can now get a Kazakhstan eVisa without an embassy visit. New Digital Nomad and Neo Nomad visa categories were also introduced.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesVisa delays disrupt 2026 FIFA World Cup preparationsTeams from Iran, Iraq, Senegal, and Uzbekistan have faced visa denials and heightened security checks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US.
Travel advisoriesUAE has suspended visas for 3 Ebola-hit countriesThe UAE has suspended new visa issuance for nationals of the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan as of June 6, 2026, as a precaution against the Ebola outbreak.
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.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsScotland fans lose ESTA approval ahead of World CupDozens of Scotland fans say their approved US ESTAs flipped to "travel not authorized" days before the 2026 World Cup, forcing a scramble for visas.
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.
Bilateral agreementsHong Kong, Uzbekistan agree on 30-day visa-free travelHong Kong and Uzbekistan have agreed to mutual 30-day visa-free travel, tripling the current 10-day limit and opening Hong Kong to all Uzbek passport holders.
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.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesIndia Tightens Foreigner Visa Registration RulesForeigners on Indian visas up to 180 days must register before their stay expires, not after. India scrapped the old 14-day grace period in 2025.
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.
Visa fees & costs updatesIreland visa costs rise for Kenyans via VFS GlobalKenyans now pay an extra KSh 9,700 (US$74) VFS Global fee for an Ireland visa after the Nairobi embassy ended direct appointments on May 21, 2026.
Bilateral agreementsKazakhstan and Cambodia sign visa waiver agreementKazakhstan and Cambodia signed a mutual visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders, easing official travel between the two governments.
Visa policy & rule changesSaudi Arabia opens Umrah visa applications for new seasonSaudi Arabia is issuing Umrah visas for the 1448 AH season from May 31, 2026. Apply via Nusuk until March 9, 2027; enter by March 23 and exit by April 7.
Travel advisoriesUS to cut African visa processing embassies to 20The US will reduce the number of embassies and consulates processing visas in Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, expected to take effect in June.
Travel advisoriesSouth Africa latest to face World Cup visa issuesSouth Africa faced visa delays reaching its Mexico training camp, joining DR Congo and Iran among teams hitting travel snags before the 2026 World Cup.
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.
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.
Bilateral agreementsUAE and Eswatini sign mutual visa waiver agreementThe UAE and Eswatini signed a mutual visa waiver to ease travel and support business, investment, and official exchanges between the two countries.
Visa policy & rule changesIreland Ends Appeals for Short-Stay Visa RefusalsFrom June 1, 2026, Ireland drops the right of appeal for most short-stay (type C) visa refusals. Refused applicants reapply; long-stay appeals stay in place.
Border & entry systemsJapan passes law creating basis for JESTA systemJapan's Parliament passed the law creating JESTA on May 29, 2026, a pre-arrival authorization for visa-exempt travelers. It won't be required until March 2029.
Travel advisoriesEmirates issues Ebola advisory as countries tighten rulesEmirates urges passengers to check entry rules as the US, Canada, and others add Ebola screening and bans for arrivals from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Border & entry systemsAustralia expands digital arrival card to MelbourneAustralia has expanded its digital arrival card pilot to Melbourne Airport on selected Qantas flights. Over 380,000 travelers have used the system.
Travel advisoriesCanada introduces Ebola border measures for travelersCanada implements health screenings and travel restrictions at borders in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak to protect public health.
Visa policy & rule changesSouth Korea grants visa-free entry for Indonesian groupsFrom May 28, 2026, Indonesian tourist groups of three or more can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 15 days through December, with agency pre-registration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesNew Zealand tightens English rules for work visasNew Zealand will extend English language requirements to mid-skilled work visa applicants from June 1, covering hospitality and trades roles.
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.
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.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSri Lanka makes tourist ETA free for 40 nationalitiesSri Lanka waived tourist ETA fees for 40 nationalities from May 25, 2026. You still need an ETA before arrival; the 30-day, double-entry visa is now free.
Visa policy & rule changesChina extends visa-free entry for Russians until 2027China has extended its visa-free policy for Russian passport holders until December 31, 2027, allowing stays of up to 30 days for tourism and business.
Border & entry systemsPrague Airport opens eGates to UK and Asian travelersTravelers from the UK, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea can now use automated eGate border control at Prague Airport for departures outside Schengen.
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.
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.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesNew Zealand to move group visas online from July 20New Zealand will shift Group Visitor Visa and Tour Escort Visitor Visa applications to its enhanced online system from July 20, 2026.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsThailand unveils new visa rules for 2026Thailand scrapped its 60-day visa-free scheme: 30-day exemption drops to 54 countries, visa on arrival to 4. New rules start 15 days after Gazette notice.
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.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesBrand USA launches fact-checking tool to fix travel mythsThe "Get Facts, Get Going" platform provides verified data on US entry and visa rules.
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.
Visa fees & costs updatesTogo implements visa-free entry for all African citizensTogo has scrapped visas for nationals of all African Union member states since May 18, 2026. They can now enter with a valid passport for up to 30 days.
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.
Travel advisoriesUS pauses visa operations in South Sudan, DRC, and UgandaUS Embassies in Juba, Kinshasa, and Kampala have suspended all routine visa services.
Travel advisoriesBeijing security travel alerts for Putin visit May 2026Beijing has road closures and drone bans on May 19-20 for Putin's state visit. Allow extra time near the Great Hall of the People and both airports.
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.
Visa fees & costs updatesEgypt revises visa fees for Bangladeshi citizensThe Embassy of Egypt in Dhaka has announced revised visa fees for Bangladeshi citizens, with single-entry visas now costing Tk 9,200.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesNigeria implements 30-day visa-free entry for RwandansNigeria now lets Rwandan nationals enter visa-free for 30 days for tourism, business or official trips. Longer stays still need a visa or the Nigeria e-Visa.
Visa policy & rule changesBohol seeks visa-free entry program for Chinese touristsBohol is pushing to be included in the Philippines' 14-day visa-free entry program for Chinese tourists, currently available only in Cebu and Manila.
Visa policy & rule changesEU eases Schengen visa rules for Thai travelers | iVisaThai nationals can now earn multiple-entry Schengen visas valid up to 5 years under a new visa cascade. It's not a waiver: you must still apply and qualify.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesSaudi Arabia announces 1448 AH Umrah season calendarSaudi Arabia resumes Umrah visas for the 1448 AH season on May 31, 2026, with Nusuk app permits from June 1. See the full calendar, deadlines, and entry dates.
Visa policy & rule changesUS visa social media public profile requirement 2026The US now asks 14 more visa categories, including K-1 fiances and R-1 religious workers, to set social media profiles to public and list 5 years of handles.
Border & entry systemsEasyJet warns it may not wait for EES-delayed passengersEasyJet has warned passengers it may not wait for those delayed by EES border checks, as European airports face waiting times of four hours or more.
Border & entry systemsGreece clarifies EES policy for British travelersGreece rejected reports of a formal EES exemption for British travelers, though airports may pause biometric checks during peak periods.
Travel advisoriesAirlines cancel flights amid ongoing Middle East conflictAirlines worldwide are cancelling and rerouting flights across the Middle East, with suspensions to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Doha and more into late 2026.
Border & entry systemsUK lowers e-gate age to eight for returning childrenChildren aged eight and nine can use e-gates at UK airports from July 8, 2026. They must be at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult.
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.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsEgypt set to introduce digital visa on arrival at Cairo Airport this AugustFrom August 2026, Cairo Airport swaps paper visa stickers for a digital QR-code visa on arrival. Apply by kiosk, app, or online up to 48 hours before you land.
Travel advisoriesEvacuation flights leave Tenerife after virus outbreakEvacuation flights left Tenerife carrying cruise passengers hit by a hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine rules differing sharply by country.
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.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsBali visa crackdown for creators and volunteers 2026Bali immigration monitors social media to catch influencers and volunteers working on tourist visas. Violators face deportation and multi-year re-entry bans.
Visa policy & rule changesSaudi Arabia warns against fake Hajj offers 2026Saudi authorities warn Hajj pilgrims to book only via the Nusuk app or Ministry site. No permit means a 10,000 SAR fine, deportation and a 10-year entry ban.
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.
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.
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.
Border & entry systemsChina sees surge in visa-free arrivals during May holidayChina recorded 11.3 million border crossings during the May Day holiday, with visa-free arrivals up 14.7%. Citizens from 50 countries can enter visa-free.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsJapan launches Tourist Pasmo travel card for visitorsJapan's new Tourist Pasmo IC card, launched May 2026, works on transit and shops nationwide and stays valid for 28 days from issue.
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.
Travel advisoriesBrussels Charleroi airport cancels all flights due to strikeA national strike on May 12, 2026 grounded every flight at Brussels South Charleroi and cut Brussels Airport to about half capacity.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsChad makes online visa applications mandatoryChad now requires all visa applications to be submitted online via evisa.td from May 11, 2026. Visas issued outside the platform will be invalid after May 21.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsQatar's Hayya eVisa platform wins Stevie AwardQatar's Hayya platform, the country's official eVisa gateway, has won a Silver Stevie Award for innovation in public administration across MENA.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesUS presses EU for police data on visa-free travel | iVisaThe US wants access to EU police databases as a condition for keeping Visa Waiver travel, with a December 2026 deadline. One MEP called the demand blackmail.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSri Lanka approves free visas for 40 countriesSri Lanka's Parliament approved free 30-day visas for citizens of 40 countries to boost tourism. No start date is set, and the ETA stays mandatory for all.
Visa policy & rule changesAustralia introduces strict visa hopping ban from July 2026From July 1, 2026, Australia bars visitor and several temporary visa holders from switching to student visas while still inside the country.
Visa policy & rule changesChina extends 30-day visa-free entry for 47 countriesChina extends its unilateral visa-free policy through December 2026, allowing 30-day stays for citizens of 47 nations including the UK and Canada.
Bilateral agreementsSaudi Arabia and Russia launch 90-day visa-free travelFrom May 11, 2026, Saudi and Russian citizens can travel between the two countries visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business, and family visits.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsiVisa wins Travel Commerce Solution Provider 2026iVisa won Travel Commerce Solution Provider of the Year at the 2026 TravelTech Breakthrough Awards, recognizing its online travel document platform.
Border & entry systemsBahamas begins soft launch of digital arrival cardThe Bahamas has initiated a pilot of its Digital Arrival Card, allowing select visitors to complete immigration and customs forms online.
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.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesUS Bill to End Green Card Lottery & H-1B Rules | iVisaThe American Jobs First Act would scrap the Diversity Visa lottery and set a $110,000 minimum wage for H-1B visas. Here is what the proposed bill changes.
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.
Border & entry systemsEU pauses biometric border checks to ease EES congestionSchengen states including Belgium can now skip EES fingerprint and face scans during peak hours to ease airport queues, reverting to manual passport stamping.
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.
Visa fees & costs updatesSouth Korea extends visa fee waiver for Indians until 2027South Korea waives visa fees for Indian tour groups of five or more until December 31, 2027. Individual travelers still pay standard processing fees.
Visa policy & rule changesAustralia launched new visa system for faster approvalsAustralia rolled out a new visa processing system in March 2026, cutting wait times for students, skilled workers, and tourists with digital tools.
Travel advisoriesPortugal relaxes EU border checks amid queue chaosPortugal has begun waving passengers through when EES queues become excessive. Greece has suspended the system and other countries may follow.
Travel advisoriesForeign doctors exempted from US travel ban freezeThe Trump administration has quietly exempted physicians from a visa processing freeze affecting 39 countries, allowing them to continue practicing in the US.
Travel advisoriesUAE travel ban for Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq visitsThe UAE has banned its nationals from traveling to Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesThailand to slash visa-free list: 36 nations may lose accessThailand may cut its visa-free list from 93 to 57 countries, dropping 36 nations added in 2024. Affected travelers could need a visa or 15-day arrival visa.
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.
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.
Border & entry systemsChina outbound travel surge and visa warningsChinese bookings to Central Asia jump 120% while VFS Global warns of six-week Schengen and UK visa waits. Apply 90-180 days ahead and dodge slot scams.
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.
Bilateral agreementsMaldives and Azerbaijan introduce mutual visa-free travelMaldivian and Azerbaijani passport holders can visit each other's countries visa-free for up to 90 days from April 29, 2026. Work, study, and business still need visas.
Border & entry systemsWith EES live, the ETIAS clock starts for travelersThe EU's Entry/Exit System went live April 10, 2026, ending passport stamps for biometrics. ETIAS follows in late 2026; for now, only fingerprints are needed.
Travel advisoriesHow global visas act as security bouncers for other countriesA valid US, UK, Canada or Schengen visa can grant visa-free entry to Mexico, Peru, Georgia and more. See which countries accept anchor visas and the fine print.
Border & entry systemsGlobal visa fees rise as digital arrival requirements expandUS ESTA hits $40.27, UK ETA £20, Turkey's eVisa $60 and ETIAS €20 arrives late 2026. See how 2026's fee hikes and digital arrival rules reshape trip budgets.
Travel advisoriesTwo new US visa questions could lead to rejectionUS consular officers now ask two interview questions about fear of harm at home. Applicants must answer no to both, or their non-immigrant visa won't proceed.
Visa fees & costs updatesEgypt increases tourist eVisa fees for 2026Egypt's single-entry tourist eVisa now costs $30 and the multiple-entry $65, effective April 27, 2026, matching the March visa-on-arrival hike. Full breakdown.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSouth Africa completes ETA rollout for visa-required nationsSouth Africa's ETA moves from pilot to full rollout, but the portal still lists only China, India, Indonesia and Mexico as eligible right now. What to watch.
Border & entry systemsBhutan Proposes Digital Arrival Card and ETA | iVisaBhutan's Home Ministry has proposed a digital arrival card and ETA system. Most travelers still need an e-Visa; SDF stays at $100 a day with a 50% discount.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsGhana approves e-visa policy, free for AfricansGhana's cabinet approved an e-visa launching May 25, 2026, letting African passport holders apply online at no cost. The $200 arrival fee no longer applies.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsMorocco suspends AEVM requirement for MaliansMalian travelers no longer need Morocco's AEVM travel authorization from April 27, 2026. Only Congo, Ecuador, Ghana and Guinea remain subject to the rule.
Border & entry systemsUK updates Portugal travel advice with EES guidanceThe UK Foreign Office has updated its Portugal advice for the EU Entry/Exit System, urging use of the Travel to Europe app to speed up biometric border checks.
Visa policy & rule changesFrance removes transit visa requirement for IndiansIndian passport holders no longer need an airport transit visa to pass through mainland France by air, following a Modi-Macron deal effective April 10, 2026.
Border & entry systemsDigital arrival cards: why they're now mandatoryDigital arrival cards are now required to enter countries like Vietnam, Thailand, New Zealand and Canada. Most only open a 3-day window before you fly.
Visa policy & rule changesIsle of Man passports now eligible for China visa-freeIsle of Man passport holders listed as British citizens can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, confirmed by the UK FCDO and the Chinese Embassy.
Visa policy & rule changesMontenegro introduces visa-free travel for KazakhstanisKazakhstani citizens can enter Montenegro visa-free for up to 30 days from May 1 to October 1, 2026. Longer stays still require a visa; carry valid travel ID.
Visa policy & rule changesSaudi Arabia bars visit visa holders from HajjSaudi Arabia now bars visit visa holders from performing Hajj. Only official Hajj permits allow Mecca entry; violators face SR20,000 fines and a 10-year ban.
Border & entry systemsGreece exempts UK travelers from EU biometric checksGreece is dropping EES fingerprint and facial scans for British passport holders to cut airport waits, as other EU countries face queues of up to four hours.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesTurkey lifts visa requirement for Australian citizensAustralian passport holders can now enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The waiver is not reciprocal for Turkish travelers.
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.
Border & entry systemsEU Entry/Exit System causes three-hour airport delaysThe EU's biometric Entry/Exit System is now mandatory, and border queues of two to three hours are stranding passengers and causing missed flights in Europe.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsHong Kong passport holders get Sri Lanka visa on arrivalHong Kong SAR passport holders can now get a 30-day Sri Lanka visa on arrival. Apply online for an ETA first, then collect your visa at Bandaranaike Airport.
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.
Border & entry systemsEES launch April 10, 2026: UK-France glitches | iVisaThe EU's EES went live April 10, 2026, but glitches paused biometric checks at Dover, Folkestone, and St Pancras. UK travelers still get manual stamps.
Visa policy & rule changesSpain ranked #1 digital nomad destination in 2026Spain leads the 2026 Digital Nomad Visa Index on its Beckham Law tax breaks and residency path. Malta, Portugal, and the Bahamas round out the top picks.
Visa fees & costs updatesUK visa and immigration fees rise from April 2026The UK will increase visa, settlement, and sponsorship fees from April 8, 2026. Here's what travelers, workers, and employers need to know.
Border & entry systemsEU Entry/Exit System live April 10, 2026 | iVisaThe EU Entry/Exit System goes fully operational April 10, 2026, replacing passport stamps with digital face, fingerprint and entry records across 29 countries.
Visa policy & rule changesArmenia introduced temporary visa exemption for residents of US, EU, and Gulf countriesArmenia waived visas Jan 1–Jul 1, 2026 for nationals of 113 countries with a US, EU, Schengen or Gulf residence permit. Eligible travelers stay up to 180 days.
Visa policy & rule changesEgypt makes transit visa mandatory for Bangladeshi travelersBangladeshi citizens must now obtain a transit visa before traveling through Egypt
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.
Visa fees & costs updatesUS visa bond hits World Cup fans from five nationsFans and players from Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia face a refundable US visa bond of $5,000 to $15,000 for the 2026 World Cup.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsAfghanistan introduces e-Visa system for touristsAfghanistan has launched an online tourist e-Visa through the E-Afghans Portal, with 90-day validity, a 30-day maximum stay, and fully online applications.
Border & entry systemsIndia ends paper arrival cards on March 31, 2026India will retire paper arrival cards on March 31, 2026. From April 1, Delhi airport will accept only the digital e-Arrival Card from foreign travelers.
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.
Visa fees & costs updatesUK visit visa and ETA fees to increase from April 8, 2026UK visit visa and ETA fees will increase from April 8, 2026
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsBrazil eVisa now available for Chinese nationals for business events and seafarer activitiesChinese nationals can apply for a Brazil eVisa, but only for business events and seafarer activities, up to 90 days. Tourism and transit aren't eligible.
Bilateral agreementsGhana-St. Kitts sign visa-free travel deal | iVisaGhana and St. Kitts and Nevis have signed a visa exemption for ordinary passport holders, letting citizens travel between the two countries without a visa.
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.
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.
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.
Border & entry systemsSouth Korea still accepts paper arrival cards despite e-Arrival Card rolloutSouth Korea still accepts paper arrival cards alongside the e-Arrival Card, with no end date set. Only K-ETA holders and registered residents are exempt from filing an arrival card.
Visa policy & rule changesTrinidad and Tobago launches online arrival and departure cardTrinidad and Tobago replaced paper forms with an online arrival and departure card on March 17, 2026. File up to 72 hours ahead and show the QR-code receipt.
Visa fees & costs updatesUS Adds 12 Countries to Visa Bond List (Now 50)From April 2, 2026, 12 more nationalities face US visa bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 for a B1/B2 visa, raising the total to 50 countries. See the full rules.
Border & entry systemsPortugal ends postal visa applications for BraziliansFrom April 17, 2026, Brazilians must apply for Portuguese Schengen and long-stay visas in person at a VFS center or consulate. The pandemic postal route ends.
Visa policy & rule changesUganda announces visa-free entry for 40 countriesUganda has announced visa-free entry for 40 countries, excluding the US, UK, and EU. Eligible travelers can stay up to three months without a visa.
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.
Travel advisoriesMiddle East Crisis: Travel & Visa Updates | iVisaLive tracking of Middle East airspace closures, cancelled flights, and visa extensions, plus repatriation flights and fine waivers for stranded travelers.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesUK ends visa-free travel for Saint Lucia, NicaraguaThe UK will require visas for Saint Lucia and Nicaragua nationals from April 16, 2026, ending decades of visa-free entry. ETA eligibility also ends.
Travel advisoriesCountries ease visa rules amid Middle East crisisSri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and the Maldives are easing visa rules for travelers stranded by Middle East airspace closures. Sri Lanka's extension is free.
Border & entry systemsGrenada launches online arrival card | iVisaGrenada's online Embarkation/Disembarkation card replaced paper forms on March 1, 2026. Travelers can submit entry details up to 72 hours before arrival.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsCrown Dependencies ETA for direct travel from April 2026Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man plan to require an ETA for direct travel from April 2026. Transit via the UK already needs one; direct arrivals don't yet.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsBritish dual citizens may need to renew UK passportsBritish dual citizens need valid UK passport to travel without an ETA. Renew expired passports before February 25, 2026, to avoid boarding issues.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsUK to issue eVisas only from February 25, 2026The UK will stop issuing visa stickers for visitor visas from February 25, 2026. Applicants will receive an eVisa accessed through their UKVI account.
Visa policy & rule changesSouth Korea eases visa requirements for FilipinosFrom February 20, 2026, South Korea drops the three-month bank statement rule for Filipino visa applicants and eases student and employment document rules.
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.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSri Lanka ETA approval notices temporarily disruptedA technical issue has disrupted Sri Lanka's ETA approval notices. Travelers who already applied can still board and fly; ETAs are verified on arrival.
Visa policy & rule changesAzerbaijan grants visa-free entry to OmanisOmani citizens can now visit Azerbaijan visa-free for up to 30 days. The policy allows three visits within a year and runs until February 15, 2027.
Bilateral agreementsSomalia and Tanzania sign visa agreementSomalia and Tanzania signed a visa facilitation deal on February 16, 2026. Diplomats travel visa-free; regular passport holders can get entry within 24 hours.
Visa policy & rule changesChina visa-free entry for UK and Canada from Feb 17China will grant visa-free entry to British and Canadian citizens from February 17, 2026. The policy allows stays of up to 30 days until end of 2026.
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.
Bilateral agreementsGhana and Zambia agree visa-free travel | iVisaGhana and Zambia signed a visa-free travel deal covering ordinary, diplomatic, official and service passports. The start date and stay limits aren't set yet.
Visa policy & rule changesThailand to cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 daysThailand plans to shorten visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for visitors from 93 countries. Longer trips will need an extension; officials cite crime.
Visa policy & rule changesGCC unified tourist visa expected in 2026 | iVisaOne GCC tourist visa may soon cover Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Delayed from 2025, the Schengen-style permit is now expected in 2026.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesNZeTA boosts New Zealand tourism from China, Pacific85% of Chinese and Pacific travelers say the NZeTA was key to choosing New Zealand. Over 47,000 applications received since the policy launched.
Visa fees & costs updatesUS social media ESTA rule could cost $15.7 billionA proposed US rule requiring social media disclosure for ESTA applicants could deter millions of visitors and cost $15.7 billion in lost spending.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesSaudi Arabia to begin issuing Hajj 2026 visas earlySaudi Arabia will start issuing Hajj 2026 visas on February 8, four months before the pilgrimage. Over 750,000 pilgrims have already registered.
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.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesIndia: Free 30-Day Visas for Kazakh Citizens | iVisaIndia will grant free 30-day visas to Kazakhstan citizens for tourism and medical travel. Apply online or in person at the Embassy of India.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsUK to enforce ETA requirement end of February 2026From February 25, 2026, travelers from the US, EU, Canada, Australia, and more cannot enter the UK without an ETA. Carriers will check before boarding.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesBrazil to grant visa exemptions for Chinese citizensBrazil will exempt Chinese citizens from certain short-term visa categories. The move reciprocates China's visa-free policy for Brazilians since 2025.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsRussia adds 107th e-Visa entry point at KyzylRussia has added Kyzyl Airport as its 107th entry point for e-Visa holders. The Siberian airport serves the Republic of Tuva near the Mongolian border.- 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.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesHow to Use FIFA PASS for World Cup 2026 US VisasRegister with FIFA PASS for priority US visa interview slots for World Cup 2026. Match your DS-160 details exactly and wait one hour before applying.
Visa fees & costs updatesUS Adds 25 Countries to Visa Bond List | iVisaAs of January 21, 2026, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Nepal and 22 more nationalities must post a refundable $5,000-$15,000 bond for a US B1/B2 visitor visa.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesPhilippines grants visa-free entry to ChineseSince January 16, 2026, Chinese nationals can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days for tourism or business, but only via Manila or Cebu airports.
Visa policy & rule changesCanada to get visa-free access to ChinaPrime Minister Carney confirmed that Canadians will soon be able to travel to China without a visa. No start date has been announced yet.
Border & entry systemsUS, UK travelers won't need ETIAS until 2027US and UK travelers can visit Europe without ETIAS until April 2027. The EU travel authorization launches in late 2026 but remains optional at first.
Bilateral agreementsPakistan, UAE sign pre-immigration clearance pactPakistan and the UAE will let travelers clear immigration in Pakistan and exit UAE airports as domestic arrivals. Piloting in Karachi; visa rules stay the same.
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.
Visa policy & rule changesGermany drops transit visa for Indian travelers | iVisaGermany is dropping the airport transit visa for Indian passport holders on layovers under 24 hours to non-Schengen destinations. Schengen trips need a visa.
Visa policy & rule changesMost powerful passports in 2026, rankedSingapore leads the 2026 Henley Passport Index with visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow at 188, while the UK and US drop sharply.
Border & entry systemsUK now issues eVisas with visa stickersThe UK now issues eVisas alongside physical visa stickers. Later in 2026, visa stickers will be phased out entirely. Here's what travelers need to know.
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.
New visas, travel authorizations, and arrival cardsSouth Korea extends K-ETA Exemption through 2026 for 22 countriesSouth Korea extends its K-ETA exemption for 22 countries through December 31, 2026. Exempt travelers still must complete the e-Arrival Card before landing.
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