{"count":50,"items":[{"body":"The change means immigration officials are now strictly exercising their discretion regarding visitor permit durations, moving away from the previous de facto 180-day allowance. This affects passport holders from visa-exempt countries using the Forma Migratoria Multiple for leisure or business trips up to 180 days. Travellers will now receive a stay duration commensurate with their stated intentions and may need to provide supporting evidence like accommodation details and return flights. Those intending to stay longer than a few weeks must clearly communicate their plans to officials upon arrival and request the required number of days, up to the 180-day maximum. The new approach particularly impacts \"perpetual visitors\" who frequently used the visitor permit for extended stays in the country. Once issued, visitor permits cannot be extended or renewed, meaning the duration granted at the port of entry is final. While certain family connections or special procedures may allow an in-country exchange to a residency permit, generally, applications for legal residency require exiting Mexico.","countries":[],"country_id":"","date":"2026-09-09 21:22","expiry_date":"","headline":"Mexico No Longer Grants Default 180-Day Visitor Permit Stays","id":"adde862a-eb74-468a-be17-789b734878ce","image":"https://www.mexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/Mexico-Visa-Visitor-Permit-Change.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"mexperience.com","summary":"Mexican immigration officials will no longer automatically grant 180-day visitor permits, instead aligning duration with travel intent.","url":"https://www.mexperience.com/changes-to-time-allowed-in-mexico-using-a-visitor-permit"},{"body":"The new border management system and Electronic Visa System were officially implemented on 6 September 2026. This system streamlines visa applications, processing, and approvals online, replacing previous manual methods and reducing wait times. New Immigration (Amendment) Visa Regulations 2025 introduce 34 visa categories across 11 subclasses. Most tourists now apply online, receiving pre-entry authorisation for an initial 30 days visa-free, with options to extend up to 180 days. Countries with visa exemption arrangements, including the European Union and China, now require a Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa support note and a government ministry sponsor letter. An operational online payment gateway is also available for visa fees. The Immigration Division expects these reforms to balance border protection with eased legitimate travel.","countries":[],"country_id":"solomon-islands","date":"2026-09-09 21:22","expiry_date":"","headline":"Solomon Islands Launches New eVisa System for Travellers","id":"e3bc0c5e-2ef4-4b88-8573-f905672df7ff","image":"https://solomons.gov.sb/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/SIG-Coat-Of-Arms.png","impact":"positive","source_domain":"solomons.gov.sb","summary":"The Solomon Islands has introduced a new eVisa system, streamlining entry for most visitors.","url":"https://solomons.gov.sb/solomon-islands-launches-new-electronic-visa-system-and-border-management-reforms"},{"body":"The Ministry of Interior's Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs launched new single-entry visas allowing a two-week stay. A one-year multiple-entry eVisa now permits stays of up to 90 days per visit. The three-month multiple-entry visa has extended its allowed duration from two weeks to one month. For citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland, the five-year multiple-entry visa now permits 90-day stays, up from 30 days. These new options are accessible to nationals from 114 countries, with 67 nationalities also qualifying for visas on arrival. The reforms aim to attract more tourists and business visitors to Bahrain as part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility.","countries":[],"country_id":"bahrain","date":"2026-09-09 21:22","expiry_date":"","headline":"Bahrain Launches Fourth Phase of New Visa Policy with Extended Stays","id":"1e596515-307c-451e-85fc-af3bb4079459","image":"https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db814b_08b592279f92492fa623fb3d68c17de0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1365,h_768,al_c/db814b_08b592279f92492fa623fb3d68c17de0~mv2.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"visasupdate.com","summary":"Bahrain introduced new single-entry and eVisa options, alongside extended stays for several nationalities from 2026.","url":"https://www.visasupdate.com/post/bahrain-fourth-phase-visa-policy-2026"},{"body":"Biometric kiosks are being introduced to allow e-Visa holders to complete part of their immigration process independently. Travellers must scan their passport, have a live photograph taken, and register their fingerprints at the kiosk. After receiving a confirmation slip, they then present it along with their passport to an immigration officer for final checks. This system is specifically designed for foreign nationals making their initial e-Visa entry who require biometric data recording. Four new units recently became operational at Kolkata Airport, complementing existing kiosks at Delhi, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram airports. The primary aim is to significantly reduce the time spent at immigration counters and alleviate congestion, particularly during peak arrival times. Further expansion of these facilities is anticipated, as 22 kiosks were planned for installation across five airports by September 2025.","countries":[],"country_id":"india","date":"2026-09-09 06:52","expiry_date":"","headline":"India Expands Biometric Kiosks to Streamline e-Visa Arrivals at Airports","id":"e47089e3-3dc6-4156-ae0d-8ca181a69b27","image":"","impact":"positive","source_domain":"indianvisaonline.gov.in","summary":"India is rolling out biometric kiosks at airports to speed up immigration for e-Visa holders.","url":"https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/"},{"body":"Dubai's General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs launched 'Click and Travel' on 7 September 2026. This new mobile system allows immigration officers to process entry and departure formalities using portable devices equipped with biometric verification. The process, taking approximately 12 to 15 seconds, enables checks to occur anywhere within airport terminals, improving staff allocation and reducing bottlenecks. During a pilot phase from May to August 2026, over 31,000 procedures were successfully completed using the new technology. Currently, the service applies to all travellers departing Dubai, but only UAE citizens and residents upon arrival. The Directorate plans gradual expansion to include international visitors arriving in Dubai.","countries":[],"country_id":"united-arab-emirates","date":"2026-09-09 06:52","expiry_date":"","headline":"Dubai Airport Introduces Mobile Passport Control for Faster Processing","id":"cc0584ae-1d4e-43f5-94b1-1c75f5280e9f","image":"","impact":"positive","source_domain":"wam.ae","summary":"Dubai airports launch 'Click and Travel' mobile passport control, speeding up entry and departure procedures.","url":"https://www.wam.ae/en/article/c24l2hj-gdrfa-dubai-launches-click-and-travel-mobile"},{"body":"The Bureau of Immigration announced that international travellers will experience quicker clearance. This new policy, effective from 1 September, means physical and electronic boarding passes will no longer receive an immigration stamp upon departure. Previously, immigration officers manually stamped physical boarding passes for all departing international passengers. The change aims to reduce paper usage and streamline the departure process at India's 36 international airports. Travellers enrolled in the Fast Track Immigration \u2013 Trusted Traveller Programme can also utilise e-passes at automated e-gates. The decision follows feedback highlighting the inconvenience caused by the mandatory physical stamping requirement.","countries":[],"country_id":"india","date":"2026-09-07 08:13","expiry_date":"","headline":"India Ends Boarding Pass Stamping for Departing International Travellers","id":"0f1ad8f4-ec58-4f99-94a3-f1c8abf7047c","image":"https://cf-images.assettype.com/newindianexpress%2F2026-08-31%2F9z6yzv6k%2F20251208099L2HP7kCK.jpg?rect=0%2C26%2C5469%2C2871&w=1200&ar=40%3A21&auto=format%2Ccompress&ogImage=true&mode=crop&enlarge=true&overlay=false&overlay_position=bottom&overlay_width=100","impact":"positive","source_domain":"newindianexpress.com","summary":"India will no longer stamp boarding passes for international travellers departing from its airports starting September 1.","url":"https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Aug/31/airports-to-end-boarding-pass-stamping-from-sept-1-for-international-travellers"},{"body":"The Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational across European borders on 10 April 2026 for non-EU travellers. Until 6 September, member states could temporarily suspend biometric data collection, such as fingerprints and facial scans, to alleviate congestion. This flexibility will expire, meaning border authorities will no longer have this option to ease processing when passport control areas become overwhelmed. Industry experts are concerned this change will lead to renewed border delays, urging travellers to allocate significantly more time for journeys involving European border controls. Data indicates EES checks already take approximately 90 seconds, up from 20-25 seconds under previous passport control methods. Reports highlight doubled wait times at major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Amsterdam airports during peak periods. Organisations such as IATA and ABTA are actively advocating for an extension of these \"safety valve\" measures beyond the current deadline.","countries":["european-union"],"country_id":"","date":"2026-09-07 08:13","expiry_date":"","headline":"EU EES Border Check Flexibilities End, Raising Delay Concerns","id":"d3f821cc-596c-4629-bdc5-c31c621291d8","image":"https://images.euronews.com/articles/stories/09/90/16/86/1200x675_cmsv2_d8e82347-4925-538c-8452-78503d41baa0-9901686.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"euronews.com:443","summary":"European Union border checks will lose temporary flexibility for biometric data collection from 6 September, potentially increasing wait times.","url":"https://www.euronews.com:443/travel/2026/09/04/travelling-to-europe-ees-border-checks-are-changing-from-6-september"},{"body":"The updated policy, effective from 1 September 2026, significantly tightens access to the Malaysia Multiple Entry Visa (MEV). Previously available more broadly, the MEV is now exclusively offered to applicants from 31 specific nationalities. Furthermore, the visa's purpose is limited to business, fly and cruise, medical treatment, or wedding tourism only. Regular tourist visits, holidays, or general family visits are no longer permissible reasons for an MEV application. Affected travellers requiring a visa for such purposes will typically need to apply for a Single Entry Visa instead. \n\nWhile a formal list of the 31 nationalities is pending, portal checks indicate these align with existing e-Visa eligible countries. The validity period of the MEV, offering multiple entries within six months with 30 days per visit, remains unchanged.","countries":[],"country_id":"malaysia","date":"2026-09-05 19:12","expiry_date":"","headline":"Malaysia restricts multiple-entry visa to 31 nationalities and four purposes","id":"c06d93d0-6cb0-470a-8534-c430e09c8b2c","image":"","impact":"critical","source_domain":"malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my","summary":"Malaysia has restricted its Multiple Entry Visa eligibility to 31 nationalities and four specific travel purposes since September 2026.","url":"https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/"},{"body":"From October 1, 2026, Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept paper forms for 24 Visitor Visa categories and the Transit Visa. Applicants must instead submit their requests through the Enhanced Immigration Online system. Affected categories include general tourism, business, and specific group visas, as well as those needing a transit permit. Applications already submitted on paper before the October 2026 deadline will still be processed as usual. \n\nThe new system aims to simplify document uploads, enable real-time tracking, and reduce errors through tailored questions and automated data capture. This change does not affect travellers from visa-waiver countries who already use the NZeTA.","countries":[],"country_id":"new-zealand","date":"2026-09-05 19:11","expiry_date":"","headline":"New Zealand to cease paper applications for visitor and transit visas by October 2026.","id":"5ca625f2-77ad-45fd-a953-d8e87e691ce6","image":"","impact":"critical","source_domain":"immigration.govt.nz","summary":"New Zealand will require online applications for most visitor and transit visas from October 2026.","url":"https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-use-of-paper-applications-for-some-visitor-and-transit-visas/"},{"body":"The Indian government confirmed the \"e-Group Visit Visa (Cruise)\" on 21 July 2026, with further details emerging on 4 September 2026. This electronic visa offers multiple entries within a 30-day validity period, specifically for foreign tourist groups on fixed cruise itineraries. Unlike individual e-Visas, cruise operators or ship agents will submit collective applications for passengers three days before the vessel's first port call. Applications will include passenger names, nationalities, and passport details, with no limit on group size. \n\nUpon approval, a QR code will facilitate immigration checks at any of India's 38 authorised seaports. Although announced, this new group visa is not yet available on the official Indian Visa Online portal, and no launch date has been specified. It aims to significantly boost cruise tourism, with eligibility expected for nationals from 172 or 174 countries.","countries":[],"country_id":"india","date":"2026-09-04 08:51","expiry_date":"","headline":"India Details New Group eVisa for Cruise Ship Visitors","id":"e87d3fed-261a-4183-830e-233a262477f1","image":"https://visasnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/evisa-india-electronic-visa-cruise-eta-tourism-electronic-travel-authorization.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"indianvisaonline.gov.in","summary":"India's new e-Group Visit Visa allows cruise operators to apply for multiple-entry, 30-day visas for their passengers.","url":"https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html"},{"body":"The Brazilian government announced the digital issuance of temporary visas (VITEM) for certain foreign nationals. This new system, which officially began on 1 September 2026, applies to those from countries already exempt from visitor visa requirements (VIVIS). It affects travellers requiring VITEM for purposes such as study, work, family reunification, or digital nomad status, rather than short tourist or business trips. \n\nThe change means applicants will no longer need to physically submit their passports to consulates for a visa sticker. Instead, approved visas will be issued as a PDF document with a QR code and sent electronically to the applicant. While the stated start date has passed, the full operational rollout across all consulates is still in progress, and existing eligibility requirements and post-arrival registration rules persist. Consular fees and document requirements, including those for prior residence authorisation, remain unchanged.","countries":[],"country_id":"brazil","date":"2026-09-02 22:27","expiry_date":"","headline":"Brazil Introduces Electronic Temporary Visas for Exempt Nationalities","id":"c400a0c9-fccc-4f63-9de7-ef562f27f99d","image":"https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUYzU-7ZkBcnTkKbtRa4TfUvh6UTQKLHI6h9vol0Y4sA&s","impact":"positive","source_domain":"brazil.vfsevisa.com","summary":"Brazil will issue temporary visas electronically for nationals of countries exempt from visitor visa requirements, starting September 2026.","url":"https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/"},{"body":"Kazakhstan has been preparing QazETA, an electronic travel authorisation intended for visa exempt visitors. The system is running in a pilot phase and is not currently a condition of entry.\r\n\r\nAuthorities have begun describing a phased timeline for making it mandatory, and companion mobile applications have appeared on the major app stores. Foreign missions have started referencing the scheme in their guidance for travellers to Kazakhstan.","countries":[],"country_id":"kazakhstan","date":"2026-09-01 10:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Kazakhstan Sets Out Rollout Timeline for QazETA Authorisation","id":"8d1e08c5-9335-4fa8-a460-b3e2a82a4bf6","image":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/637e00eece1c9bd657a981ea/16:9/w_1280,c_limit/NAU(1280x720).jpg","impact":"standard","source_domain":"gov.kz","summary":"Kazakhstan's QazETA travel authorisation is not yet mandatory, but authorities have begun setting out a phased rollout timeline.","url":"https://www.gov.kz/"},{"body":"Morocco's electronic visa is issued through Acc\u00e8s Maroc, operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.\n\nThe platform is accepting applications again following a period during which applicants reported repeated failures when submitting or tracking requests. The ministry did not publish a service notice covering the interruption.\n\nEntryCheck lists acces-maroc.ma as the verified official portal for Morocco and checks it daily. Applications and status checks should be made at that address rather than through intermediaries.","countries":[],"country_id":"morocco","date":"2026-09-01 09:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Morocco's Acc\u00e8s Maroc eVisa Portal Returns to Service","id":"4ddb81f6-1a8b-47ca-9d9b-3a4914576afd","image":"","impact":"positive","source_domain":"acces-maroc.ma","summary":"Morocco's official eVisa platform is accepting applications again after a period of sustained disruption.","url":"https://www.acces-maroc.ma/"},{"body":"Angola's immigration agency, SME, launched the new platform in August 2026, redirecting users from the previous site. Applicants for tourist and business e-visas must now create a personal user account to submit applications and track processing status. Key changes include mandatory online payment of fees during the application, unlike the previous system where fees were paid on arrival. Processing is expected within 72 hours, requiring a valid passport, yellow fever certificate, and proof of travel, accommodation, and financial resources.\r\n\r\nThe former smevisa.gov.ao portal, which had until now been used for electronic visa procedures, now automatically redirects users to the new official website, evisa.ao.","countries":[],"country_id":"angola","date":"2026-08-31 23:13","expiry_date":"","headline":"Angola Migrates eVisa Applications to New Online Platform","id":"bd61d125-bedd-4963-a9fc-c87a78dcb8fb","image":"https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1997/ed19c683-022e-4be7-8c58-e117540220d8.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"buch-dein-visum.de","summary":"Angola has launched a new official online platform for electronic visa applications, changing the application process.","url":"https://www.buch-dein-visum.de/en/news/allgemein/angola-fuehrt-neue-offizielle-plattform-fuer-e-visum-antraege-ein-f879b5?hl=en-US"},{"body":"Egypt issues electronic visas through visa2egypt.gov.eg, the government platform that handles applications and payment.\n\nReporting indicates authorities are weighing an increase of roughly fifteen dollars from 2027. No amended fee schedule has been published on the official platform, which continues to display current pricing.\n\nEntryCheck records the current fee and processing time for Egypt alongside its verified portal. Where a fee is under discussion rather than published, the official platform remains the only place the change will be confirmed.","countries":[],"country_id":"egypt","date":"2026-08-31 11:30","expiry_date":"","headline":"Egypt Weighs a $15 Increase to Visa Fees From 2027","id":"945e31fd-8c9e-4e36-82fc-a8f45dcafc5a","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"visa2egypt.gov.eg","summary":"Egyptian authorities are considering raising visa fees by around $15 from 2027, a change that would apply to applications made through the national eVisa platform.","url":"https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/"},{"body":"An investigation documented multiple fraudulent websites impersonating Albania's official eVisa service, with domains registered between October 2025 and June 2026. These lookalike sites replicated government branding and application workflows, collecting passport and personal details. The Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs issued a public warning about a fraudulent site in April 2026. Furthermore, over 1,950 systems compromised by infostealer malware contained saved credentials or session data for the legitimate eVisa portal, extending the risk to those using infected devices.","countries":[],"country_id":"albania","date":"2026-08-31 02:33","expiry_date":"","headline":"Albania eVisa Scam: Fake Portals Impersonating Official Website Exposed","id":"a7606cc8-4494-4ced-85fb-4e2b73469baa","image":"https://sphereti.com/albania-evisa-scam-campaign/opengraph-image","impact":"critical","source_domain":"sphereti.com","summary":"Multiple fraudulent websites impersonating Albania's official eVisa portal have been discovered, exposing travellers to scams.","url":"https://sphereti.com/albania-evisa-scam-campaign?hl=en-US"},{"body":"The SIGEMIG (Sistema de Gesti\u00f3n Migratoria) digital entry form became mandatory from mid-2025, replacing previous paper arrival cards. It is a free online pre-registration that applies to almost all foreign visitors, including tourists, business travellers, and families, regardless of whether they require a visa. This includes citizens from visa-free nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and Australia. Each traveller, including children, must complete a form via the official migracion.gob.bo portal before departure to avoid potential fines.","countries":[],"country_id":"bolivia","date":"2026-08-31 02:27","expiry_date":"","headline":"Bolivia's Mandatory SIGEMIG Online Entry Form Now Required for Most Travellers","id":"4c5ff19b-1533-4b0f-88d8-e1f62bab4101","image":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1531065208531-4036c0dba3ca?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1600&q=80","impact":"critical","source_domain":"lovebolivia.com","summary":"Bolivia's mandatory SIGEMIG online entry form must be completed by nearly all foreign travellers before arrival.","url":"https://lovebolivia.com/sigemig-bolivia-online-entry-form-guide-2026/?hl=en-US"},{"body":"The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled the digital platform on August 24, 2026, aiming to modernise consular services and enhance administrative security. This system primarily benefits individuals who already require a visa to enter Peru, not changing existing visa-free travel rules. While it digitises initial application steps, some consulates may still require in-person interviews or additional documentation. Applicants should consult their specific Peruvian mission abroad for precise requirements and procedures.","countries":[],"country_id":"peru","date":"2026-08-31 02:25","expiry_date":"","headline":"Peru Launches New e-SAMI Electronic Visa System","id":"7b5db2ef-56df-4a16-9174-4e3cbf47d97d","image":"https://www.perumagazin.de/cdn/shop/articles/001308918W_1200x800.webp?v=1787670476","impact":"positive","source_domain":"perumagazin.de","summary":"Peru officially launched the e-SAMI system to streamline electronic visa applications for foreign nationals requiring entry authorisation.","url":"https://www.perumagazin.de/en/blogs/perumagazin-informiert/peru-elektronische-visa-e-sami?hl=en-US"},{"body":"Oman's amended Foreign Residence Law Executive Regulations, published August 2, 2026, created a new 14-day tourist visa category. This permit is issued free of charge to nationals of designated countries, a list that includes the EU, UK, India, and Egypt, among many others. Travellers can convert the 14-day visa to a longer tourist visa before its expiry, subject to meeting requirements and paying applicable fees. The new rules became legally operative on August 3, 2026, aiming to enhance the country's appeal for short-stay visitors.","countries":[],"country_id":"oman","date":"2026-08-31 02:15","expiry_date":"","headline":"Oman Introduces Free 14-Day Tourist Visa for Select Nationalities","id":"640f7f2f-d463-498a-b30a-c49938c7a86a","image":"https://cdn.tuko.co.ke/images/1200x675/88be97b1a07121e8.jpeg?v=1","impact":"positive","source_domain":"tuko.co.ke","summary":"Oman implemented a new free 14-day tourist visa category for eligible visitors, effective August 2026.","url":"https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/635099-oman-visa-rules-introduces-14-day-tourist-permit-eligible-traveler/?hl=en-US"},{"body":"The THIM (Thailand Immigration Management) app has been launched by the Thailand Immigration Bureau for foreign nationals. It is currently in a voluntary pilot phase, operating alongside the existing mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This new mobile platform will become compulsory for all arrival card submissions starting in August 2026, though it does not replace the TDAC itself.","countries":[],"country_id":"thailand","date":"2026-08-31 02:12","expiry_date":"","headline":"Thailand Launches THIM App for Mandatory Digital Arrival Cards","id":"e7d099b0-ef92-45a5-b84c-324b82259862","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Suvarnabhumi_Airport_Departures_Hall_Bangkok_Thailand.jpg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original","impact":"critical","source_domain":"siam-legal.com","summary":"Thailand introduces THIM app, a new digital platform for foreign nationals to submit mandatory arrival cards, becoming compulsory by August 2026.","url":"https://siam-legal.com/travel-to-thailand/thailands-thim-app-what-every-foreign-traveler-needs-to-know/?hl=en-US"},{"body":"From 20 August 2026, ordinary passport holders from Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam benefit from two expanded visa-free entry schemes. The 240-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy permits stays up to 240 hours via 65 designated ports for travellers with confirmed onward tickets to a third country. Additionally, the Hainan 30-Day Visa-free Entry Policy allows visits of up to 30 days within Hainan Province for arrivals via international ports. These schemes cover short-term activities such as tourism, business visits, and family reunions. Employment, formal study, or journalistic work remain excluded and require a valid advance visa.","countries":[],"country_id":"china","date":"2026-08-31 02:07","expiry_date":"","headline":"China expands visa-free entry for Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam","id":"993dc360-1492-4784-b192-87257a7a26d0","image":"https://newlandchase.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NC-Immigration-Insights-hero-images-45-1-1024x605.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"newlandchase.com","summary":"China expands visa-free entry schemes for ordinary passport holders from Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam.","url":"https://newlandchase.com/china-expands-visa-free-facilities-for-kyrgyzstan-and-vietnam/?hl=en-US"},{"body":"From 24 September 2026, new applications for most New Zealand visitor visas, including general, business, academic, and various specialist visitor types, must be submitted exclusively through the enhanced Immigration Online system. Applications previously drafted in the old system can still be completed and submitted there. However, from 8 October 2026, the old system will close for these visa types, and any remaining draft applications will be deleted. This transition streamlines the application process for international travellers.","countries":[],"country_id":"new-zealand","date":"2026-08-28 01:07","expiry_date":"","headline":"New Zealand Visitor Visa Applications Transition to Enhanced Online System","id":"c41b4c9b-c48a-412d-be23-fdf6b5d88064","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original","impact":"critical","source_domain":"immigration.govt.nz","summary":"Most New Zealand visitor visa applications must now be submitted through an enhanced online system.","url":"https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/important-visitor-visa-application-form-changes/"},{"body":"Brazil has reinstated an electronic visa (eVisa) requirement for tourists from the United States, Canada, and Australia. This measure ended the visa-free entry these nationalities enjoyed since 2019, taking effect on 10 April 2025. The eVisa is applied for entirely online before travel through Brazil's official government-authorised portal. It is a reciprocity measure, reflecting the visa requirements Brazil's citizens face for these countries. Applicants must pay a fee online, the amount of which should be verified on the official portal.","countries":[],"country_id":"brazil","date":"2026-08-28 01:02","expiry_date":"","headline":"Brazil Reintroduces eVisa for US, Canadian, Australian Tourists","id":"34e4de8f-df44-439e-a3e4-1004abe960ae","image":"https://pub-2153aa6d32ca4a5da7850eaa8e290576.r2.dev/news/brazil-evisa-2026.webp","impact":"critical","source_domain":"travelhimalayanepal.com","summary":"Brazil has reintroduced a tourist visa, an online eVisa, for US, Canadian and Australian travellers on a reciprocity basis.","url":"https://travelhimalayanepal.com/news/brazil-evisa-2026"},{"body":"Citizens from the United Kingdom, European Union (Schengen Area), United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are generally granted visa-free entry to Colombia for stays up to 90 days. This initial period is extendable for another 90 days at a Migraci\u00f3n Colombia office, permitting a maximum total of 180 days within a calendar year. All international travellers must complete the mandatory Check-Mig pre-registration form between 72 hours and one hour before their flight's departure or arrival. Nationalities not included in the visa-exempt list are required to apply for a Tourist Visa (Visa V) in advance. Visa V fees typically range from USD $50 to USD $100 and involve an online application and potentially an in-person interview.","countries":[],"country_id":"colombia","date":"2026-08-28 01:02","expiry_date":"","headline":"Colombia Clarifies Visa-Free Entry and Extension Rules for Tourists","id":"7a040fa2-a62c-4671-be67-76cc681f6e44","image":"https://www.backpackingtours.com/storage/uploads/blog/all/bali_visa/visa_xwlpa.png","impact":"standard","source_domain":"backpackingtours.com","summary":"Colombia clarifies visa-free entry for many nationalities, including extensions and the mandatory Check-Mig pre-registration form.","url":"https://www.backpackingtours.com/blog/do-i-need-a-visa-to-enter-colombia"},{"body":"This new online process, which replaces the need for a physical consular visa, commenced on August 24, 2026. The system allows applicants to submit details, make payments upon approval, and download their eVisa before travel. Tourist, student, and other categories like business or medical visas are available. Fees range from $40 for a single-entry eVisa to $120 for an urgent multiple-entry eVisa, payable online.","countries":[],"country_id":"northern-cyprus","date":"2026-08-28 00:58","expiry_date":"","headline":"Northern Cyprus Launches eVisa System for Armenian, Nigerian, and Syrian Nationals","id":"dcfea688-f3ee-4591-b174-c7c9cefbb548","image":"https://visasnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/evisa-northern-cyprus-electronic-visa-tourism-travel.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"visasnews.com","summary":"Northern Cyprus has introduced an electronic visa system for Armenia, Nigeria, and Syria, replacing the previous consular visa requirement.","url":"https://visasnews.com/en/northern-cyprus-e-visa-takes-effect-for-three-nationalities/"},{"body":"Kenya has replaced its traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) framework and introduced broad exemptions, effective 2026. Most African nationals, excluding Libya and Somalia, can now enter Kenya visa-free for up to 180 days, depending on their origin. Additionally, 26 non-African countries, predominantly from the Caribbean and Pacific regions, are granted visa-free access for stays of up to 90 days. Other foreign nationals, including those from the United States and United Kingdom, must apply for a single-entry eTA online before travel. Transit passengers, crew members, and certain residents are also exempt from the eTA requirement.","countries":[],"country_id":"kenya","date":"2026-08-28 00:51","expiry_date":"","headline":"Kenya Expands Visa-Free Entry, Implements eTA for Many Nationalities from 2026","id":"833fe88d-e218-4af7-9bef-0bec3b010a06","image":"https://cdn.tuko.co.ke/images/360x203/5dff697bf197c5ea.jpeg?v=1","impact":"positive","source_domain":"tuko.co.ke","summary":"Kenya grants visa-free entry to most African and 26 non-African nations, implementing an eTA system for others.","url":"https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/634797-kenya-expands-visa-free-access-updated-list-countries-exempt-eta-2026/"},{"body":"The new Philippine electronic visa system took effect on 10 August 2026 across five Pacific jurisdictions. Residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia can now apply online for temporary visit visas. Approved e-Visas are accessible digitally or in printed form and are no longer physically affixed to passports. Travellers must complete the e-Travel registration after their e-Visa is issued and within 72 hours of departure to avoid entry difficulties. This e-Visa is not convertible to other visa types nor can its period of stay be extended.","countries":[],"country_id":"philippines","date":"2026-08-28 00:48","expiry_date":"","headline":"Philippines Launches e-Visa for Micronesian Residents","id":"7c7fb046-7a9a-4a4d-98b5-effcda3a0cac","image":"https://cloud-deploy-laravel.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/article_thumbnails/6a8937244cfb9.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"marianaspress.com","summary":"Philippines launches e-Visa for temporary visits by residents of Micronesia, Guam, Palau, CNMI, and Marshall Islands.","url":"https://marianaspress.com/news/article/ph-consulate-in-guam-rolls-out-e-visa-across-micronesia"},{"body":"The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation applies to visitors who do not need a visa, and is applied for through GOV.UK or the official mobile application.\n\nPublished figures put issuance at 23.2 million over a single year. United States nationals account for the largest share of approvals, ahead of other nationalities by a considerable margin.\n\nNumbers at this scale make the ETA one of the largest digital entry systems now operating. EntryCheck lists gov.uk/eta as the verified official route, alongside the government's own status checking page.","countries":[],"country_id":"united-kingdom","date":"2026-08-27 11:45","expiry_date":"","headline":"UK Reports 23.2 Million ETAs Issued in a Single Year","id":"e8926cb4-3221-49ad-9654-2596dca378f2","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"gov.uk","summary":"The United Kingdom has issued 23.2 million Electronic Travel Authorisations in one year, with United States nationals the largest group by some distance.","url":"https://www.gov.uk/eta"},{"body":"From September 1, 2026, India will cease stamping physical boarding passes for international departures, allowing passengers to use electronic versions. This digital streamlining by the Bureau of Immigration aims to simplify exit procedures for all travellers. Regarding entry, foreign nationals must continue to hold a valid visa or e-Visa, unless exempt. Additionally, the mandatory e-Arrival Card, introduced on October 1, 2025, must be completed online up to 72 hours before arrival. The Air Suvidha 2.0 digital health declaration, reactivated on June 25, 2026, also remains a requirement for all international arrivals.","countries":[],"country_id":"india","date":"2026-08-25 17:13","expiry_date":"","headline":"India Ends Boarding Pass Stamping, Reminds Travellers of e-Arrival Card","id":"4316935d-bacd-4064-8580-b3e19d53ac9f","image":"https://visasnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/boarding-pass-evisa-india-electronic-visa-eta-travel-authorization-tourism-airport.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"visasnews.com","summary":"India ends physical boarding pass stamping for departures, while e-Arrival Card and e-Visa requirements for entry remain.","url":"https://visasnews.com/en/india-to-end-boarding-pass-stamping-at-immigration-starting-september-1"},{"body":"Northern Cyprus has introduced an electronic visa requirement covering nationals of three countries, applied for before travel rather than on arrival.\n\nThe change marks a shift from arrival processing to a pre travel digital authorisation for the nationalities concerned. Other nationalities are unaffected for now.\n\nEntryCheck tracks the official application address for Northern Cyprus and checks it daily. Travellers affected should apply through the official system rather than any intermediary offering to file on their behalf.","countries":[],"country_id":"northern-cyprus","date":"2026-08-25 10:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Northern Cyprus Brings eVisa Into Force for Three Nationalities","id":"e5caf740-06b4-42b0-ae59-51962d9e57cf","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"gov.ct.tr","summary":"Northern Cyprus has begun requiring an electronic visa from nationals of three countries, its first move to a digital pre travel authorisation.","url":"https://www.gov.ct.tr/"},{"body":"Kenya requires most foreign visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival, applied for through etakenya.go.ke.\n\nA planned mandatory health insurance requirement, to be collected alongside that authorisation, has been suspended by court order pending further proceedings. The requirement had been due to take effect for arriving visitors.\n\nEntryCheck monitors Kenya's official eTA portal daily. Where a requirement is subject to legal challenge, the official portal is the place any change to the application process will appear.","countries":[],"country_id":"kenya","date":"2026-08-25 09:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Kenyan Court Suspends Mandatory Health Insurance for Visitors","id":"df9b999f-6f44-4378-b3f7-1c327a82c58f","image":"","impact":"critical","source_domain":"etakenya.go.ke","summary":"A Kenyan court has suspended the rollout of a mandatory health insurance requirement for foreign visitors, which had been tied to the country's electronic travel authorisation.","url":"https://www.etakenya.go.ke/"},{"body":"The United Kingdom has been moving from physical immigration documents to eVisas, digital records of a person's status held against their passport and checked at the border and by carriers.\n\nA traveller was prevented from returning after the system associated her record with her twin sister's, leaving her stranded in Spain while the discrepancy was resolved.\n\nCases of this kind show what is at stake as entry records move from paper to identity matching in a database. EntryCheck lists the official UK route for viewing and proving immigration status.","countries":[],"country_id":"united-kingdom","date":"2026-08-24 14:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"UK eVisa Record Confused Traveller With Her Twin, Leaving Her Stranded","id":"c16ebe6f-dd54-4eda-8898-b0bf2de67ab2","image":"","impact":"critical","source_domain":"gov.uk","summary":"A traveller was left stranded in Spain after the UK's eVisa system associated her record with that of her twin sister.","url":"https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status"},{"body":"Sri Lanka operates an Electronic Travel Authorisation applied for online in advance of travel.\n\nAuthorities have restated that the authorisation should be obtained before departure. Foreign ministries have echoed the reminder in their own travel guidance for Sri Lanka.\n\nEntryCheck lists Sri Lanka's official ETA address and checks it daily. A number of lookalike sites offer to file the same application at a markup, which is precisely why the verified address matters.","countries":[],"country_id":"sri-lanka","date":"2026-08-24 09:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Sri Lanka Reminds Travellers to Obtain an ETA Before Departure","id":"884242cd-0bfc-44b3-84f5-67081dc8334f","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"eta.gov.lk","summary":"Sri Lankan authorities have restated that travellers should hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure rather than relying on arrival processing.","url":"https://www.eta.gov.lk/"},{"body":"The mutual visa exemption for Israeli and Colombian citizens will take effect on 1 September. This decision follows discussions between the foreign ministers of both nations. Previously, diplomatic relations were severed but have been restored under the new Colombian government. This agreement signifies a rapid warming of ties between Israel and Colombia.","countries":["israel","colombia"],"country_id":"","date":"2026-08-22 23:43","expiry_date":"","headline":"Israel and Colombia Introduce Mutual Visa-Free Entry for Citizens","id":"a9ff2594-2d0a-4bcd-8e2e-7ef5e60bc316","image":"https://2.a7.org/files/pictures/000/1221875.jpg","impact":"standard","source_domain":"israelnationalnews.com","summary":"Israel and Colombia will waive visa requirements for their citizens starting 1 September following renewed diplomatic relations.","url":"https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/431979"},{"body":"The Department of Home Affairs launched a R500 electronic processing fee for its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system on 12 August. This fee is outlined in the First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees under the Immigration Act. Travellers from visa-required countries exempt from visa fees will now pay only R500 for the ETA. Other visa-required travellers will pay a total of R925, which includes the R500 ETA fee and the existing R425 visa fee. This new structure aims to reduce overall costs compared to previous third-party outsourced services.","countries":[],"country_id":"south-africa","date":"2026-08-22 23:43","expiry_date":"","headline":"South Africa Introduces R500 Fee for Electronic Travel Authorisation","id":"108dbc47-95c8-4e2e-b04d-8eb66aa7e21d","image":"https://visasnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/official-launch-eta-south-africa-visa-electronic-travel-authorization-tourism.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"citizen.co.za","summary":"South Africa has introduced a R500 processing fee for its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, affecting all visa applicants.","url":"https://www.citizen.co.za/southlands-sun/news-headlines/2026/08/20/new-r500-visa-fee-introduced-for-south-africa"},{"body":"The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was initially scheduled for launch in autumn 2026. Official EU website information has been updated, removing the previous launch quarter and stating a new date will be announced. This delay, possibly until 2027, follows implementation difficulties with the Entry/Exit System (EES), to which ETIAS is closely linked. The authorisation will cost \u20ac20 for most travellers, though those under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from fees. It will affect visa-free nationals such as Britons, Americans, Canadians, Australians, and Japanese visiting the Schengen area.","countries":[],"country_id":"european-union","date":"2026-08-22 23:32","expiry_date":"","headline":"EU ETIAS Travel Authorisation Launch Likely Delayed Until 2027","id":"2299a7bc-c488-44f6-9931-9f1806ab3e87","image":"https://image.connexionfrance.com/784602.jpg?imageId=784602&x=0&y=0&cropw=100&croph=100&panox=0&panoy=0&panow=100&panoh=100&width=1200&height=600","impact":"standard","source_domain":"connexionfrance.com","summary":"The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-free visitors is now likely delayed until 2027.","url":"https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/delays-forecast-for-eu-travel-authorisation-scheme-after-website-changes/808384"},{"body":"The Cabinet approved significant revisions to the visa exemption scheme on July 14, 2026. The 60-day visa exemption, previously covering up to 93 countries, has been cancelled, with most now limited to 30 days. Six additional countries, including India and four EU states, now receive a 30-day exemption, while Mauritius and Seychelles are limited to 15 days. The Visa on Arrival list has also been reduced, and the paper TM.6 arrival card is abolished, replaced by the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, requiring registration 72 hours prior to arrival. These changes come into force 15 days after formal publication in the Royal Gazette.","countries":[],"country_id":"thailand","date":"2026-08-22 21:48","expiry_date":"","headline":"Thailand tightens visa exemptions, reduces visa-free stays, mandates digital arrival card","id":"a5548e82-7aa8-4f8e-a2d0-205deaee0609","image":"https://www.pattayamail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BL1-Thailand-tightens-visa-exemptions-and-expands-digital-arrival-controls.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"pattayamail.com","summary":"Thailand has revised its visa exemption scheme, reducing maximum stays for many nationalities and mandating a digital arrival card.","url":"https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/thailand-tightens-visa-exemptions-and-expands-digital-arrival-controls-561411"},{"body":"Azerbaijan issues electronic visas through the ASAN Visa system, alongside visa on arrival at certain entry points.\n\nThe country is extending visa free access to additional nationalities as those systems develop, with changes announced through the president's office and the foreign ministry.\n\nEntryCheck lists the official ASAN Visa address for Azerbaijan and verifies it on a daily cycle. Announcements of this kind change who needs to use the system, not where the system lives.","countries":[],"country_id":"azerbaijan","date":"2026-08-20 12:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Azerbaijan Extends Visa-Free Access as eVisa and Arrival Systems Develop","id":"89a30730-91ba-4555-a785-d279c9bb8e08","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"president.az","summary":"Azerbaijan is extending visa free access to more countries while its ASAN Visa electronic system and visa on arrival channels continue to develop.","url":"https://president.az/en"},{"body":"Bangladesh has published its arrival and departure cards in digital form, allowing travellers to complete them online rather than on paper at the point of entry.\n\nThe change is administered by the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police, which handles immigration processing at ports of entry.\n\nThis is the same pattern visible across the region: a paper formality at the border becoming a digital step before it. EntryCheck lists Bangladesh's official addresses and checks them daily.","countries":[],"country_id":"bangladesh","date":"2026-08-20 10:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Bangladesh Moves Arrival and Departure Cards Online","id":"9778be45-b1e8-46c1-b263-a20b64a76729","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"voa.specialbranch.gov.bd","summary":"Bangladesh has made its arrival and departure cards available online, replacing the paper forms completed at the border.","url":"https://voa.specialbranch.gov.bd/"},{"body":"The Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA) has announced this new compulsory pre-arrival step. All persons travelling to Papua New Guinea must complete the Digital Arrival Card before their journey. International airlines, ground handling agents, and check-in personnel have been advised of this mandatory requirement. This measure ensures all arriving individuals comply with the country's updated entry procedures.","countries":[],"country_id":"papua-new-guinea","date":"2026-08-19 23:49","expiry_date":"","headline":"Papua New Guinea Mandates Digital Arrival Card for All International Travellers","id":"f50dc148-f71e-48ee-b52a-045985728096","image":"https://visasnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pngdac-papua-new-guinea-digital-arrival-card-evisa-electronic-visa-travel-tourism.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"ica.gov.pg","summary":"Papua New Guinea now requires all international travellers to complete a Digital Arrival Card before entry.","url":"https://ica.gov.pg/search/public%20notice"},{"body":"The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will launch an updated digital SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with a refreshed interface. This update expands available languages from 12 to 19 and introduces smoother navigation and an integrated passport autofill feature. All nationalities entering Singapore must complete the SGAC, which is separate from any visa requirements. Early access to the new system will be available on the ICA website from 26 August 2026; submission remains free of charge.","countries":[],"country_id":"singapore","date":"2026-08-19 23:44","expiry_date":"","headline":"Singapore to Update Digital SG Arrival Card with New Interface and Languages","id":"667a7f22-a0e7-4392-a803-4a5588a30706","image":"https://visasnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/sg-arrival-card-singapore-visa-sgac-tourism-travel.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"visasnews.com","summary":"Singapore is updating its digital SG Arrival Card with a redesigned interface and more language options for easier submission.","url":"https://visasnews.com/en/singapore-prepares-to-roll-out-an-updated-version-of-its-digital-sg-arrival-card"},{"body":"The newly launched Electronic Travel Authorisation system employs biometric technology, automated risk analysis, and passport scanning to identify fraudulent documents and applicants. Initially piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, the ETA is now operational at key international airports. It will progressively become compulsory for short-stay travellers from nations needing port-of-entry visas, with visa-exempt visitors able to use it voluntarily for faster processing. The system also links to upgraded border control to verify arrivals with facial recognition and detect potential overstayers in real-time.","countries":[],"country_id":"south-africa","date":"2026-08-19 14:32","expiry_date":"","headline":"South Africa's ETA System Rejects Thousands of Fraudulent Applications","id":"77dff35f-8752-411b-a1fc-386577401e9a","image":"https://iol-prod.appspot.com/image/461d1fa07aaca267c5e68a4f9d9e4608ed1e0b78/1000/jpeg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"iol.co.za","summary":"South Africa's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has rejected over 6,000 fraudulent applications out of 216,000 processed.","url":"https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-08-13-south-africas-eta-system-rejects-more-than-6000-fraudulent-applications"},{"body":"When a visa on arrival is refused, travellers remain under the control of airport authorities, typically held in transit or dedicated detention facilities. Airlines are initially responsible for arranging repatriation to the point of origin or an admissible location, covering custody and care costs for improperly documented passengers. However, under ICAO frameworks, airlines may recover these transportation expenses from the passenger. The exact process, including who covers the return flight, depends on the refusal reason and the country's specific regulations, as highlighted by Sri Lankan airport procedures where passengers bear return flight costs.","countries":[],"country_id":"","date":"2026-08-19 14:32","expiry_date":"","headline":"Visa on Arrival Refusal: Traveller Process and Airline Responsibility Explained","id":"c07acd4c-6a98-4515-b147-c49cf027e219","image":"https://assets.cntraveller.in/photos/6a7f2eace45f5c5489afb2cc/16:9/w_1280,c_limit/GettyImages-1334853310.jpg","impact":"standard","source_domain":"cntraveller.in","summary":"Travellers denied a visa on arrival may face detention, deportation arranged by the airline, and potential repatriation costs.","url":"https://www.cntraveller.in/story/what-happens-if-im-denied-a-visa-on-arrival"},{"body":"Singapore replaced its paper disembarkation card with the SG Arrival Card, an online declaration submitted before arrival through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.\n\nAn updated version is being prepared, continuing a pattern of incremental change to a system that is already mandatory for most arrivals.\n\nEntryCheck lists the ICA e-services address as the verified route for Singapore and checks it daily. Submissions are free at the official address, which is worth knowing given the number of paid intermediaries.","countries":[],"country_id":"singapore","date":"2026-08-19 11:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Singapore Prepares an Updated Digital Arrival Card","id":"c2723b65-d291-4d05-b1d5-853fa1ea7ca7","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"eservices.ica.gov.sg","summary":"Singapore is preparing a revised version of its SG Arrival Card, the digital declaration travellers submit before entry.","url":"https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/"},{"body":"Cuba issues electronic visas through its national eVisa platform, with traveller information handled separately through the D'Viajeros system operated by the Ministry of Transport.\n\nAuthorities announced the platform would be unavailable between 20 and 24 August. The notice was distributed through consular channels rather than posted on the platform itself, which is a recurring difficulty when a portal goes offline.\n\nEntryCheck lists evisacuba.cu as the verified official portal for Cuba, alongside the D'Viajeros address, and checks both daily.","countries":[],"country_id":"cuba","date":"2026-08-19 09:32","expiry_date":"","headline":"Cuba Schedules eVisa Platform Downtime From 20 to 24 August","id":"84b9663d-279c-4ec5-ac7e-33f6b7dfe6b4","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"evisacuba.cu","summary":"Cuban authorities announced a planned outage of the national eVisa platform, during which applications could not be submitted.","url":"https://evisacuba.cu/en/inicio"},{"body":"Ghana operates an electronic visa portal alongside a network of embassy websites that publish consular guidance for their host countries.\n\nSeveral of those embassy sites became unreachable, while the eVisa portal itself continued to accept applications. Travellers relying on an embassy page for instructions were left without a source, even though the application route was working.\n\nThis is the failure mode a registry is built for. EntryCheck verifies Ghana's official application address daily and records when it is reachable.","countries":[],"country_id":"ghana","date":"2026-08-18 15:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Ghana's Embassy Websites Go Down While the eVisa Portal Holds","id":"3a8af794-82dc-4f3f-ae77-a155dd40c7da","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"paris.mfa.gov.gh","summary":"Several Ghanaian embassy websites became unreachable while the country's eVisa portal remained available.","url":"https://paris.mfa.gov.gh/"},{"body":"Thailand has been preparing a tourist fee of 450 baht for arriving visitors, discussed for several years and repeatedly deferred.\n\nThe proposal is taking clearer shape, with collection expected to run through the country's digital entry channels rather than at a counter on arrival. Thailand already operates the TDAC digital arrival card.\n\nEntryCheck records Thailand's current fees and processing times alongside its verified portal, and checks that portal daily. A fee becomes real when it appears in the official system, not when it is announced.","countries":[],"country_id":"thailand","date":"2026-08-18 12:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Thailand's Proposed 450-Baht Tourist Fee Takes Shape","id":"a1e5af67-2bc5-405e-9347-e7e02da9e676","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"mots.go.th","summary":"Thailand's proposed 450 baht fee for arriving tourists is taking shape, with collection expected to run through digital entry channels.","url":"https://www.mots.go.th/"},{"body":"SADC member states have approved an agreement establishing UNIVISA, intended to let visitors travel across participating Southern African countries on a single authorisation.\n\nThe agreement establishes the framework. Implementation, including which countries join first and how applications will be made, follows separately.\n\nRegional schemes of this kind change where a traveller applies rather than only whether they need to. EntryCheck tracks each participating country's own portal and will follow the scheme as implementation detail is published.","countries":[],"country_id":"","date":"2026-08-18 10:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"SADC Approves UNIVISA, a Regional Tourist Visa for Southern Africa","id":"7f8f6fd6-069a-4c89-82d5-1fbf91c95ee4","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"zambiaimmigration.gov.zm","summary":"Southern African Development Community states have approved an agreement establishing UNIVISA, a future regional tourist visa.","url":"https://zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/"},{"body":"Guinea issues electronic visas through its official portal, with fees and processing times published against each application type.\n\nThe fee for European Union nationals has risen to one hundred dollars, and stated processing time has been extended to 45 days. The change follows measures at EU level affecting cooperation on returns.\n\nEntryCheck records the fee and processing time held for Guinea and verifies the official portal daily. Where both change at once, the official portal is the only place to confirm what now applies.","countries":[],"country_id":"guinea","date":"2026-08-14 09:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Guinea Raises Visa Fee to $100 and Extends Processing to 45 Days","id":"d3a37603-2ae5-4dbe-8e63-51555d435ce1","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"consilium.europa.eu","summary":"Guinea has raised its visa fee to one hundred dollars for European Union nationals and extended stated processing time to 45 days.","url":"https://www.consilium.europa.eu/"},{"body":"India's electronic visa is valid only at designated airports and seaports, and the list of those entry points is published by the government.\n\nAuthorities have set out the 85 entry points currently open to e-Visa holders. The list determines where a valid electronic visa can actually be used.\n\nAn electronic visa that is valid at the wrong port is of no use at the border, which makes the entry point list part of the requirement rather than a detail. EntryCheck lists India's official portal and checks it daily.","countries":[],"country_id":"india","date":"2026-08-13 11:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"India Lists the 85 Entry Points Open to e-Visa Holders","id":"81d08b89-1d7a-48ee-a535-48dd6056739a","image":"","impact":"standard","source_domain":"pib.gov.in","summary":"Indian authorities have published the full list of 85 entry points currently open to travellers holding an electronic visa.","url":"https://www.pib.gov.in/"}],"meta":{"docs":"https://entrycheck.org/api","filters":["country=<country-id>","impact=critical|positive|standard","limit=N (max 200)"],"rss":"https://entrycheck.org/news/rss"},"ok":true}