{"count":50,"items":[{"author":"","body":"The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially suspended the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Programme. This change effectively ends the visa-free entry option previously available to certain travellers. The announcement was made on Monday, 27 October 2026.\n\nThis suspension directly impacts Chinese nationals who could previously enter the US territory without a visa under this programme. The action follows allegations of \"birth tourism\" and organised people smuggling activities within the islands. US Senator Mike Lee welcomed the decision, describing the former programme as a \"Biden-era loophole\".\n\nThe programme was originally established to support the local economy of the Northern Mariana Islands. The article does not specify the new entry requirements for Chinese visitors, or an exact effective date for the suspension.","countries":[],"country_id":"united-states","date":"2026-10-31 02:37","expiry_date":"","headline":"US Ends Visa Waiver for Chinese Travellers to Northern Mariana Islands","id":"d68cc322-c89a-486a-a68d-29e6b5d5be53","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/united-states.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"scmp.com","summary":"The US has suspended visa-free entry for Chinese visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands due to security concerns.","url":"https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3372309/us-ends-pacific-visa-waiver-over-birth-tourism-people-smuggling-allegations"},{"author":"","body":"The United States has suspended visa-free entry for Chinese citizens travelling to the Northern Mariana Islands. This measure was implemented due to stated concerns over national security threats and the practice of \"birth tourism\".\n\nPreviously, a special programme allowed Chinese nationals who underwent preliminary screening to enter the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa. This arrangement permitted stays of up to 14 days. The programme had been established during the administration of former President Joe Biden.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security made this decision. According to reports, Markwayne Mullin was at the head of this department during the decision. Republican Party representatives had earlier cautioned that simplified entry procedures could pose espionage risks. They also raised flags about its potential misuse for \"birth tourism\". This practice involves foreign women travelling to the United States to give birth, aiming for their child to gain American citizenship.\n\nThe Northern Mariana Islands hold commonwealth status within a political union with the United States. Consequently, the entry of foreign nationals into the territory falls under U.S. law. The suspension aligns with a broader tightening of migration policies by the current administration. A separate announcement several days prior detailed the revocation of more than 300,000 visas by U.S. authorities.","countries":["china"],"country_id":"united-states","date":"2026-10-31 02:37","expiry_date":"","headline":"US Suspends Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Nationals to Northern Mariana Islands","id":"1ee23af7-7def-4531-bcd4-3f7f14083d16","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/united-states.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"unn.ua","summary":"The United States suspended visa-free entry for Chinese nationals to its Northern Mariana Islands commonwealth due to security and 'birth tourism' concerns.","url":"https://unn.ua/en/news/the-us-has-canceled-visa-free-entry-for-chinese-nationals-to-popular-islands-fearing-espionage-and-birth-tourism"},{"author":"","body":"The Philippine Government has inaugurated a new electronic visa (e-visa) service, named eVisaPH, which is accessible via the evisa.gov.ph website. This digital offering provides an alternative to the traditional sticker visa for eligible travellers planning short-term visits to the Philippines.\n\nApplicants can now complete the entire visa application process from their homes or offices, eliminating the previous requirement for a physical appearance at a consulate or embassy. However, consular officers retain the discretion to request original documents or schedule personal interviews, particularly in cases involving common names or for background checks.\n\nThis e-visa facilitates applications for various purposes, including business, tourism, medical treatment, training, conferences, meetings, and workshops. A key feature of the new e-visa is that it is explicitly non-extendable and non-convertible, unlike the traditional sticker visas which can be extended through the Bureau of Immigration.\n\nThe Philippine Consulate General in Dubai launched its e-visa services following a press conference, having already issued 10 e-visas during its two-week beta-testing phase. The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi conducted a pilot study of the system last year.\n\nThe official launch of the e-visa system occurred at the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai, China, on August 24, 2023, after a month-long beta-testing period. This initiative forms part of the Department of Foreign Affairs' broader digitalisation and modernisation programme, aiming to streamline consular services.\n\nThe service specifically targets citizens from 37 countries who possess valid residence visas for the United Arab Emirates. While the complete list is available on the eVisaPH website, examples include nationals from Yemen, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The government hopes this new option will attract more adventurous and seasoned travellers to the Philippines, making it a more accessible destination for those previously without direct ties to the country.","countries":[],"country_id":"philippines","date":"2026-10-31 02:37","expiry_date":"","headline":"Philippines Launches E-Visa for 37 Nationalities Residing in UAE","id":"dc1bcdeb-ab44-49e8-86c0-b857275003c5","image":"https://www.gulf-insider.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-29.png","impact":"positive","publish_at":"","source_domain":"gulf-insider.com","summary":"The Philippines has introduced an electronic visa option for short-term visitors from 37 countries who hold valid UAE residence visas.","url":"https://www.gulf-insider.com/philippines-launches-e-visa-service-for-uae-residents-from-37-countries"},{"author":"","body":"Japan operates an electronic visa system for short-stay tourism, allowing digital verification instead of a physical sticker in the passport. Applicants receive an electronic Visa Issuance Notice, which must be displayed on a smart device with internet access for airline checks; screenshots, PDF copies, or printed versions are not accepted.\n\nThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists nine countries and regions whose residents can apply directly through the official website: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and United States. An agency-assisted route is available for residents of India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea, excluding Jeju. Indian residents became eligible for the eVisa via VFS Global application centres on 1 April 2024, submitting paperwork through these centres rather than online. Separate conditions apply for Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese applicants.\n\nThe eVisa typically supports single-entry tourism visits for up to 90 days, though the permitted duration varies and is not always the maximum. Chinese nationals residing in China may receive 15-day or 30-day eVisas, while Filipino and Vietnamese nationals applying through designated package tours get 15-day visas. The electronic tourism visa does not cover employment, business, studies, or other purposes requiring different visa types.\n\nJapan revised its general visa fee schedule on 1 July 2026, setting the single-entry fee at approximately JPY 15,000 for applications accepted under this schedule. Fees can vary by nationality, location, and exemptions, with agency-assisted applications potentially incurring additional handling charges. For Indian nationals, the single-entry visa fee is INR 500, plus VFS service fees. The standard visa examination period is five working days for complete applications, though processing times can be longer. Applicants in India can submit up to three months before their intended travel date.","countries":[],"country_id":"japan","date":"2026-10-31 02:37","expiry_date":"","headline":"Japan Expands eVisa System for Tourists From Multiple Nations","id":"04f66576-84b7-4786-90a6-8ae94b68a798","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/japan.jpg","impact":"positive","publish_at":"","source_domain":"travelandtourworld.com","summary":"Japan's eVisa system offers a streamlined application process for eligible international tourists from several countries.","url":"https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/6scw33f8if4i"},{"author":"","body":"Canada has updated its Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements for certain travellers. The change allows eligible citizens of Romania and Bulgaria to apply for an eTA instead of a traditional visitor visa. This marks a shift in how Canada manages visa-free access for qualifying nationals from these countries.\n\nTo qualify, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens must meet specific conditions. They must either possess a valid United States non-immigrant visa, or have held a Canadian visa at any point in the past. Individuals who do not meet one of these criteria will still need to complete the standard visa application process.\n\nThe eTA is an electronic authorisation linked to a traveller's passport. It facilitates entry into Canada for eligible visitors flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. The authorisation remains valid for a period of up to five years, or until the linked passport expires, whichever occurs first.\n\nApplicants can submit their eTA request online through the official Government of Canada website. The application process requires a valid passport, an active email address, and a credit or debit card for payment. A non-refundable application fee of CAD $7 is charged.\n\nMost eTA approvals are issued within minutes of application submission. However, some applications may take several days if additional supporting documents are requested by authorities. It is important to note that an approved eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, as border services officers retain the authority to deny admission upon arrival. This policy reflects Canada's continuous review of its travel access policies.","countries":[],"country_id":"canada","date":"2026-10-31 02:37","expiry_date":"","headline":"Canada Expands eTA Eligibility for Romanian and Bulgarian Nationals","id":"562de548-6852-4b5c-81f3-06f590818be8","image":"https://cdn.yen.com.gh/images/1200x675/ad29d8f02e84dbfb.jpeg?v=1","impact":"positive","publish_at":"","source_domain":"yen.com.gh","summary":"Canada now permits some Romanian and Bulgarian citizens to apply for an eTA instead of a visa, provided they meet specific criteria.","url":"https://yen.com.gh/people/314785-canada-announces-requirements-citizens-2-countries-meet-apply-eta"},{"author":"","body":"Sri Lanka has implemented a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for visitors from a selection of countries. This new policy applies to tourists from 40 different nations, specifically including Belgium. Despite the waiver of fees, travellers must still secure this official authorisation prior to their journey to Sri Lanka.\n\nThis development was initially reported in May, predating a recent joint tourism promotion event in Brussels.\n\nThe published information does not specify the precise implementation date of this fee exemption. Furthermore, a comprehensive list of all 40 eligible nationalities is not provided within the report. Details regarding the permanence or specific duration of this free ETA scheme also remain undisclosed.","countries":[],"country_id":"sri-lanka","date":"2026-10-31 02:37","expiry_date":"","headline":"Sri Lanka Introduces Free Electronic Travel Authorisation for Forty Nations","id":"eb29d020-7950-4713-88d2-0db31f0eb72a","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/sri-lanka.jpg","impact":"positive","publish_at":"","source_domain":"traveltomorrow.com","summary":"Sri Lanka has introduced a free Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme for tourists from 40 countries, including Belgium.","url":"https://traveltomorrow.com/bhutan-maldives-nepal-and-sri-lanka-showcase-sustainable-tourism-in-brussels"},{"author":"","body":"The House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has formally proposed an exemption from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for certain visitors. This recommendation applies specifically to customers of approved tour operators who are travelling into Northern Ireland.\n\nThis proposed change aims to streamline cross-border tourism, particularly for international groups entering Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. The committee believes the existing ETA requirement adds an unnecessary administrative burden and cost, which may deter tour operators from including Northern Ireland in their itineraries. The current application fee for an ETA is \u00a320 per person.\n\nThe recommendation is not a general repeal of ETA requirements for all visitors to Northern Ireland. Instead, it targets a specific group: those travelling as part of an organised tour with an officially approved operator. The committee also suggested that safeguards should be implemented to ensure the arrangement cannot be exploited to bypass wider immigration controls.\n\nAs of the recommendation date, 22 October 2026, the proposal has not received government approval. No specific implementation date, application procedure, or official register of approved tour operators has been established. Existing UK immigration requirements, therefore, remain fully in force for all travellers. The proposal forms part of a broader parliamentary examination into economic challenges facing Northern Ireland's hospitality and tourism sectors. For example, most Indian passport holders typically require a full UK visa rather than an ETA, though specific arrangements like the British-Irish Visa Scheme may apply.","countries":[],"country_id":"united-kingdom","date":"2026-10-31 02:37","expiry_date":"","headline":"UK Committee Recommends ETA Exemption for Organised Northern Ireland Tours","id":"3c9ec8fe-08e3-4aff-84bf-4cd9a98afb20","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/united-kingdom.jpg","impact":"positive","publish_at":"","source_domain":"travelandtourworld.com","summary":"A UK parliamentary committee recommends exempting approved tour groups visiting Northern Ireland from Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements.","url":"https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/0ag777gfprzk"},{"body":"Health requirements at the border are usually discussed as though they only move one way, tightening or loosening in step with whatever is happening in the world. The change log shows both directions at once, and something more interesting underneath.\n\n## Going in\n\n**Kenya** attached a mandatory travel health insurance purchase to its electronic travel authorisation. The requirement is not separate from the application, it is part of it. etakenya.go.ke\n\n**Tanzania** is requiring inbound travel insurance for visitors. eservices.immigration.go.tz\n\n**Malawi** requires a digital health declaration from travellers. evisa.gov.mw\n\n**Nigeria** requires a health declaration before boarding, not on arrival. evisa.immigration.gov.ng\n\n**India** relaunched Air Suvidha as a mandatory health declaration portal. indianvisaonline.gov.in\n\n## Coming out\n\n**Uganda** removed the yellow fever vaccination certificate as a mandatory entry requirement. visas.immigration.go.ug\n\n**Benin** stopped checking yellow fever certificates. evisa.bj\n\n## The paperwork is not disappearing\n\nRead those two lists together and the story is not that health rules are getting stricter or looser. It is that they are changing form.\n\nWhat is being removed is the paper certificate presented at a desk. What is being added is a field in an application, a declaration submitted before boarding, or a purchase made inside the authorisation flow. Uganda dropped a document check. Kenya added a transaction to a portal. Both are health requirements. Only one of them involves anything a traveller carries.\n\nKenya's is the clearest case. The insurance is not a separate thing to arrange and then prove. It is bought during the eTA application, which means the requirement and the evidence of meeting it are the same event. There is nothing to show at the border because the system already knows.\n\n## Why this matters beyond health\n\nA border that checks documents can only check what a traveller brings. A border that checks records can check anything connected to the record, before the traveller leaves home.\n\nHealth is simply the first category to move. Once a country has an entry portal that every visitor must pass through, that portal becomes the natural place to attach any condition: insurance, declarations, fees, consent. The infrastructure is already built and the traveller is already in it.\n\nWhich is why the portal, rather than the rule, is the thing worth tracking. Rules change constantly. The portal is where you find out what they currently are.\n\n*Every portal named here is in the EntryCheck registry. Country pages carry the source for each change and the date it was last confirmed.*","countries":[],"country_id":"","date":"2026-10-29 09:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"Health checks are moving in two directions at the border","id":"art-wire03","image":"/static/articles/health-rules.jpg","impact":"standard","publish_at":"2026-10-29","source_domain":"EntryCheck","summary":"Five countries have added a health requirement to their entry system while two have removed one. Both movements run through the same place, the entry portal.","url":""},{"author":"","body":"The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has mandated a new pre-boarding health attestation for all passengers on international flights entering the United States. Signed on October 22, 2026, the order introduces the \"Passenger Disclosure and Attestation to the United States of America\". Passengers must certify they have not visited or transited through the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 21 days preceding their flight. This measure aims to reinforce safeguards against the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC.\n\nThe new rule covers all individuals flying to the U.S., including its own citizens and foreign nationals. This applies irrespective of the traveller's country of origin, including those from Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia. It also covers travellers simply connecting through a U.S. airport en route to another destination. Being present in the DRC includes direct visits and airport connections, even if the traveller remained on the aircraft or within the transit area. However, flying over the DRC without landing does not constitute being present in the country.\n\nThe attestation form, \"Passenger Disclosure and Attestation to the United States of America\", can be submitted in paper or digital format. It requires a handwritten or electronic signature. Airlines are encouraged to integrate the declaration into their online check-in processes, with travellers following airline-specific instructions. Each passenger needs a separate attestation, with parents or authorised individuals signing for minors. Airlines must deny boarding to passengers who fail to provide a properly completed and signed form. Carriers must also retain copies for at least 42 days after the flight's arrival.\n\nThe requirement takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 3, 2026, for flights departing at or after this time. It is currently scheduled to remain in effect until December 18, 2026, unless amended or extended by U.S. health authorities. This attestation complements existing U.S. entry requirements like ESTA or visas. The CDC may grant specific exemptions for emergency medical evacuations or humanitarian reasons.","countries":[],"country_id":"united-states","date":"2026-10-27 07:58","expiry_date":"","headline":"United States Introduces Mandatory Health Declaration for All Air Arrivals","id":"7b675f10-985f-4972-b535-5b5e36337907","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/united-states.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"cdc.gov","summary":"All international air travellers to the United States must complete a health declaration from November 3, 2026.","url":"https://www.cdc.gov/port-health/media/pdfs/2026/10/CDC-Ebola-Attestation-Order-Signed.pdf"},{"author":"","body":"The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) issued a firm reminder on October 21, 2026, regarding mandatory health declaration forms. All passengers travelling through Freetown International Airport, also known as Lungi International Airport, must complete these forms. This rule applies to both individuals arriving in and departing from Sierra Leone. The SLCAA explicitly stated that non-compliance will lead to passengers being denied boarding.\n\nTravellers are required to submit their declarations online via the official Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal, operated by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA). The form must be completed strictly within 72 hours prior to the scheduled travel time. To complete the process, individuals must visit poep.npha.gov.sl to create or log into an account. They then select either the Arrival or Departure Form, provide required personal and travel details, and submit. It is essential to save the generated confirmation QR code or reference number for potential inspection.\n\nThis mandate applies to all nationalities, including citizens of Sierra Leone, for both incoming and outgoing journeys. The health declaration requirement has been in effect since June 2026, when the government launched its health travel portal. Use of the system became mandatory for both arriving and departing travellers later that month. Its primary objective is to enhance health surveillance at borders and facilitate early detection of potential disease outbreaks.\n\nForeign travellers who require a visa must also secure their necessary entry documents. Sierra Leone has offered an electronic visa (e-Visa) since March 2023, available through its official evisa.sl portal for eligible nationals. However, obtaining an e-Visa does not exempt individuals from completing the separate health declaration form. The SLCAA urged airlines and travel agencies to inform passengers about these requirements to ensure compliance.","countries":[],"country_id":"sierra-leone","date":"2026-10-27 07:58","expiry_date":"","headline":"Sierra Leone Reinforces Mandatory Health Declaration for All Travellers","id":"f7728764-b3ce-4f00-9070-aed861b275a8","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/sierra-leone.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"evisa.sl","summary":"Sierra Leone reiterates that all travellers must complete an online health declaration to avoid being denied boarding.","url":"https://evisa.sl/"},{"body":"The arrival card used to be a slip of paper handed out on the plane. You filled it in somewhere over the destination, handed it to an officer at the desk, and forgot about it.\n\nIn a growing number of countries it is now a form you complete before you travel, and the name has stopped describing what it does.\n\n## The six\n\n**Thailand** abolished the paper TM.6 and made its digital arrival card mandatory, completed up to 72 hours before arrival. tdac.immigration.go.th\n\n**Papua New Guinea** mandated its digital arrival card for all international travellers. evisa.ica.gov.pg\n\n**Bangladesh** moved its arrival and departure cards online. visa.gov.bd\n\n**Haiti** introduced a mandatory digital arrival and departure form covering entry and exit, by air, land and sea. delidoc.gouv.ht\n\n**Taiwan** widened its arrival card window to seven days before travel. twac.immigration.gov.tw\n\n**Australia** is rolling out a digital arrival card nationwide. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\n\n## The deadline is the change\n\nA paper card had no deadline. It existed in the gap between boarding and the immigration desk, and the only way to fail it was to fill it in wrongly.\n\nA digital card has a window. Thailand's opens 72 hours before arrival. Taiwan's opens seven days out. Haiti's requires submission within three calendar days before travel. Miss the window and the form is not late, it is not done, and the traveller arrives without something that is now required.\n\nThis is a small change with a large consequence for anyone operating in the gap. A card with a deadline is a thing that can be checked before boarding, which means it becomes a thing that is checked before boarding. The obligation moves from the arrivals hall to the departure gate.\n\n## Where it goes next\n\nThailand shows the direction. Having made the digital card compulsory, it then made a completed card one of the conditions for using the automated gates that opened at Suvarnabhumi in September. A form that replaced a slip of paper is now a prerequisite for the fastest lane at the border.\n\nThat is the pattern worth watching. Not the digitisation itself, which is well under way, but what the digital record gets attached to once it exists. A record that every traveller must create is a useful hook for anything a government wants to check, charge or expedite.\n\n*Every portal named here is in the EntryCheck registry. Country pages carry the source for each change and the date it was last confirmed.*","countries":[],"country_id":"","date":"2026-10-22 09:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"The arrival card is no longer filled in on arrival","id":"art-wire02","image":"/static/articles/arrival-cards.jpg","impact":"standard","publish_at":"2026-10-22","source_domain":"EntryCheck","summary":"Six countries have made the arrival card digital, and in doing so moved it from something you complete after landing to something you complete before you travel, usually with a deadline.","url":""},{"author":"","body":"The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is progressing towards eliminating entry visa requirements for all African passport holders. This proposed policy change would simplify travel for eligible individuals. However, even with the visa exemption, travellers would still need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their journey. This new authorisation system is designed to streamline entry processes while maintaining border security.\n\nThe cabinet of Congo-Brazzaville approved legislation for this exemption on 14 October 2026. This approval advances a presidential commitment made on 25 May, aiming for an implementation date of 1 January 2027. The measure specifically applies to nationals of African countries, as part of a broader continental initiative to facilitate intra-African movement.\n\nBefore becoming law, the proposed legislation must undergo parliamentary review and adoption. The distinction between a visa exemption and an ETA is significant; the former removes a traditional hurdle, while the latter introduces a new digital requirement. The initiative seeks to balance easier travel with measures to manage migration and combat cross-border crime, including trafficking and smuggling.\n\nThe interior ministry's website indicates that electronic visas and electronic travel authorisation services are currently under development. A testing platform for these application procedures has been identified, though its official status and specific conditions remain to be confirmed. Key details, such as the ETA's final cost, processing times, validity period, and any potential exemptions, are not yet publicly known. A firm launch date for these digital services has also not been announced.","countries":[],"country_id":"congo","date":"2026-10-20 22:57","expiry_date":"","headline":"Congo-Brazzaville to introduce visa-free entry for Africans, electronic authorisation mandatory","id":"0b3b2939-e131-4609-85da-01e5c767ad7e","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/congo.jpg","impact":"positive","publish_at":"","source_domain":"africa.businessinsider.com","summary":"Congo-Brazzaville plans visa exemption for African nationals from 2027, requiring electronic travel authorisation.","url":"https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/congo-brazzaville-advances-visa-free-entry-for-all-africans-but-travellers-would/nd701bg"},{"author":"","body":"The Tanzanian Ministry of Health announced on October 17, 2026, that an online Traveller\u2019s Health Surveillance Form is now mandatory for all arrivals to mainland Tanzania. This new requirement took immediate effect. Travellers must submit this declaration via the official AfyaMsafiri portal (afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz) before or upon arrival.\n\nThis expanded rule applies to all individuals entering mainland Tanzania, irrespective of their nationality or country of departure. Previously, the declaration was only required for those arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda. The health declaration form itself is not new, but its application has been significantly broadened.\n\nThe tightened health screening measures are a direct response to the evolving Ebola outbreak in East Africa. Officials specifically cited the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the emergence of cases in neighbouring Kenya. Kenya had recorded eight confirmed Ebola cases, including one death, by October 18, 2026, prompting Tanzania to extend its preventive measures.\n\nAll travellers are now subject to health screening at various entry points, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings. These checks typically involve temperature screening and assessments for potential infectious disease symptoms. Individuals displaying suspected symptoms may undergo additional medical examinations according to national health protocols. Furthermore, a mandatory 21-day health monitoring period is introduced for travellers deemed at high risk of infection.\n\nIt is important to note the distinction between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, as they have separate health authorities. Zanzibar\u2019s advisory, issued on October 9, 2026, targets travellers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or Kenya for health declarations. However, Zanzibar\u2019s online portal broadly states that electronic health declarations are mandatory for all arriving travellers to the island. Visitors combining travel to both areas should follow the specific requirements applicable at each point of entry.\n\nTo complete the mainland Tanzania AfyaMsafiri health declaration, travellers begin by entering their passport number and selecting their entry point and expected arrival date. The form then requests personal information such as name, sex, age, nationality, and detailed trip information including flight number, purpose of visit, accommodation, and contact details. A separate declaration must be completed for each individual, including children.","countries":[],"country_id":"tanzania","date":"2026-10-20 22:48","expiry_date":"","headline":"Tanzania now requires health declaration for all arriving travellers","id":"436ce941-b3f8-4241-8a7d-01013907677f","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/tanzania.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"moh.go.tz","summary":"Mainland Tanzania requires all travellers to complete an online health declaration form effective October 17, 2026.","url":"https://www.moh.go.tz/storage/app/uploads/public/6ad/342/9a7/6ad3429a7996c028117271.pdf"},{"author":"","body":"All foreign nationals arriving at Phu Quoc International Airport are eligible for a 30-day visa exemption. This applies regardless of the traveller's passport, provided arrival is directly from outside Vietnam. Entry can be via a flight or ship landing directly on Phu Quoc, or through an international transit area of another Vietnamese airport without clearing mainland immigration.\n\nThis exemption is strictly territorial, applying exclusively to Phu Quoc Island. Travellers cannot utilise this policy to enter mainland Vietnam; visiting other Vietnamese locations necessitates a separate visa. The 30-day period begins on entry, with an exit date stamped in the passport. Overstaying, even briefly, incurs fines ranging from VND 500,000 to VND 2,000,000 (approximately USD 20 to USD 80), with repeat offences potentially leading to travel bans. This exemption is not a visa-on-arrival; no special document or sticker is issued at the airport.\n\nQualifying flights must originate internationally and land directly in Phu Quoc, bypassing any prior domestic Vietnamese leg. Direct international routes include those from Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Taipei, alongside seasonal charter flights from Europe and Central Asia. Connections via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are only valid if managed as international transit by the airline, without clearing mainland immigration. At Phu Quoc International Airport, travellers complete an entry-exit form and present their passport. No fee is charged, and no photo is required during this process. Immigration officials may request proof of a return or onward ticket.\n\nA common issue arises when travellers attempt to proceed from Phu Quoc to mainland Vietnam. For onward travel from Phu Quoc to any other part of Vietnam, a separate valid visa is mandatory. Travellers can obtain an e-visa online before their trip, costing USD 25 for a single-entry 90-day visa or USD 50 for multiple entries. E-visa processing usually takes three working days, though this can extend during peak periods. Alternatively, an e-visa can be applied for online while already on Phu Quoc, typically requiring three to five working days for approval. Airlines strictly enforce the visa requirement for mainland travel at check-in.","countries":[],"country_id":"vietnam","date":"2026-10-19 00:15","expiry_date":"","headline":"Vietnam clarifies Phu Quoc visa-free entry for international arrivals.","id":"1f6eac3d-834b-40d2-ac98-8b51cc69cf68","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/vietnam.jpg","impact":"standard","publish_at":"","source_domain":"vietnamtourism.com","summary":"All nationalities can enter Phu Quoc visa-free for 30 days if arriving directly from abroad, but not mainland Vietnam.","url":"https://www.vietnamtourism.com/en/phu-quoc-visa-free-entry-how-the-30-day-exemption-works-and-who-qualifies"},{"author":"","body":"Frontex, the European Union's Border and Coast Guard Agency, has identified over 100 fraudulent websites posing as official ETIAS application portals. These sites are currently charging travellers between \u20ac50 and \u20ac178 for an application to a system that is not yet operational. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has not launched and cannot accept any legitimate applications. Any payments made to these unofficial sites are for a non-existent service and do not result in a valid travel authorisation.\n\nThe official ETIAS fee, when the system eventually launches, will be \u20ac7 per person. This official fee is significantly lower than the amounts demanded by scam sites, with exemptions for those under 18 and over 70, who will not be charged. The European Commission's official ETIAS page explicitly states that the system is \"currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorizations are collected at this point.\" Travellers should be aware there is no early access, priority registration, or pre-approval programme available.\n\nThe initial launch target of the last quarter of 2026 was quietly removed from the official website in July 2026. A new realistic launch date is now expected sometime in 2027, though no official confirmation has been provided. When ETIAS becomes operational, it will apply to all visa-exempt non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals travelling to the Schengen Area. This includes citizens from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.\n\nCitizens of EU member states, EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Switzerland are exempt from ETIAS requirements. Holders of an existing EU visa or residence permit also do not need an ETIAS authorisation. Entry requirements for affected nationalities currently remain unchanged, requiring only a valid passport for travel to Europe. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a separate, operational system that launched in April 2026, which should not be confused with ETIAS.\n\nThe only official application portal will be found on travel-europe.europa.eu/etias, along with an official mobile application once launched. Frontex Director Francois Laruelle publicly advised caution regarding websites claiming to accept ETIAS applications. Reports of scam sites can be made to Action Fraud in the UK or the European Consumer Centre for EU-wide issues. It is crucial for travellers to verify information through official sources before making any payments or providing personal data.","countries":["european-union"],"country_id":"","date":"2026-10-19 00:15","expiry_date":"","headline":"Frontex Warns of Over 100 Fake ETIAS Websites Charging Excessive Fees","id":"7fedffb9-ad69-45f6-8d95-5a02cfe119b6","image":"","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"traveltourister.com","summary":"Frontex warns travellers about over 100 fake ETIAS websites charging inflated fees for a non-operational system.","url":"https://www.traveltourister.com/news/etias-scam-warning-october-2026-fake-websites-charging-fees-not-launched-us-uk-australia-canada-2027"},{"author":"","body":"The fee for Russia's unified electronic visa (eVisa) increased from 202 UAE dirhams (AED) to 238 AED. This constitutes a rise of 36 AED, equating to nearly 18%. The revised cost applies to applications processed from October 14, 2026. This adjustment was noted by visa service providers operating through the official Russian e-Visa platform.\n\nThe eVisa programme remains available to nationals of 64 countries, including France, Japan, India, and Mexico. It facilitates travel for purposes such as tourism, business, private visits, and participation in specific events. American passport holders are not eligible for the eVisa. The eVisa's main conditions, including 120-day validity, a maximum 30-day single-entry stay, and up to four-day processing, are unchanged.\n\nRussia also revised consular visa fees for European nationals, with expedited processing fees for traditional visas doubling since October 14, 2026. For example, a single-entry visa processed on an expedited basis now costs \u20ac320, an increase from \u20ac160. A multiple-entry expedited visa for European applicants rose from \u20ac480 to \u20ac960. Standard processing fees for regular tourist and business visas remain unchanged.\n\nWork visas saw significant increases, with regular processing fees doubling and expedited fees quadrupling. A single-entry work visa now costs \u20ac160 for regular processing and \u20ac640 for expedited. Student visa standard processing fees remain at \u20ac80 for single-entry.\n\nThese changes follow previous fee increases in January 2024 for European nationals, implemented after the EU suspended its visa facilitation agreement. The latest revisions stem from a Russian government decree adopted on October 2, 2026. Travellers applying through Russian diplomatic missions should verify applicable fees, especially US citizens who have separate bilateral fee arrangements.","countries":[],"country_id":"russia","date":"2026-10-16 12:22","expiry_date":"","headline":"Russia Increases eVisa Fees and Doubles Expedited Consular Visa Costs","id":"557fd79e-c3a0-488d-9803-eb16dc80fae1","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/russia.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"consilium.europa.eu","summary":"Russia has increased e-Visa fees by almost 18% and doubled expedited consular visa fees for travellers since October 14, 2026.","url":"https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/mpo/2026/10/visa-wp-%28370371%29/"},{"author":"","body":"Kenya implemented a mandatory travel health insurance requirement for many foreign visitors arriving from October 5, 2026. This new policy is integrated into the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) process. Travellers needing an ETA will be prompted to purchase the insurance during their application. The government's eCitizen portal also offers a dedicated service, \"Inbound Travel Health Insurance,\" which links directly to the ETA system. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) issued a circular on October 9, 2026, detailing the new requirement, exemptions, benefits, and airline verification procedures.\n\nThis insurance generally applies to non-Kenyan nationals entering the country for stays under 12 months. All non-exempt individuals, including minors, must obtain individual coverage. Importantly, an exemption from the ETA requirement does not automatically exempt a traveller from this insurance. For example, nationals of African countries outside the East African Community may be ETA-exempt but still need the insurance unless another specific exemption applies. The legal foundation for this mandate is Section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and Regulation 70 of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.\n\nSeveral categories of travellers are exempt from the mandatory insurance. These include Kenyan citizens, valid Kenyan residence permit holders, and citizens of East African Community Partner States. Other exemptions cover asylum seekers, holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports, certain airline crew members, and transit passengers who do not intend to enter Kenya. The KCAA clarified that simply having refugee status or being stateless does not grant an automatic exemption, meaning such individuals must obtain coverage unless they fall under another exempt category.\n\nThe cost for the mandatory insurance varies by age. An adult traveller currently pays a total of US$48, which includes a US$44 insurance premium, a US$1 access fee, and additional service and gateway fees. For minors, the total cost is US$25, comprising a US$22 premium, a US$1 access fee, and similar processing charges. These amounts were observed on official platforms and are subject to change by Kenyan authorities. It is crucial to note that foreign travel health insurance policies are explicitly not accepted to fulfil this requirement. The coverage must be sourced from local insurers approved and licensed in Kenya, with no procedure available for verifying external policies.","countries":[],"country_id":"kenya","date":"2026-10-16 12:22","expiry_date":"","headline":"Kenya Introduces Mandatory Travel Health Insurance for Most Foreign Visitors","id":"2ebfb32a-a568-44fb-8428-c564b0d6dd71","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/kenya.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"etakenya.go.ke","summary":"Most foreign visitors to Kenya must now obtain a specific mandatory travel health insurance policy for entry.","url":"https://etakenya.go.ke/"},{"author":"","body":"Kazakhstan has set a definitive timeline for the implementation of its QazETA electronic travel authorisation. This new system will become mandatory for eligible foreign nationals from July 1, 2027. The requirement is established under Government Decree No. 890, issued on October 10, 2026, which amends existing regulations for foreign nationals' entry, stay, and departure. This decree is scheduled to come into effect on October 24, 2026.\n\nThe rollout will occur in four distinct stages, gradually introducing ETA checks at border crossings nationwide. From November 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, travellers will not face denial of entry if they lack an ETA; instead, border officials will inform them of the upcoming requirement. The initial phase begins November 1, 2026, at Aktau International Airport and four specific road crossings. On January 1, 2027, the system will expand to Astana and Almaty international airports. By March 1, 2027, all remaining border crossings across Kazakhstan will implement ETA checks, leading to the full mandatory enforcement from July 1, 2027.\n\nThe QazETA will be issued free of charge to eligible applicants. It will be valid for 180 calendar days from the date of issuance. Travellers must submit their application online at least 72 hours before their planned entry into Kazakhstan. The authorisation process involves online submission via a digital platform, including applicant identification or authentication. Kazakhstan\u2019s Ministry of Internal Affairs will issue these authorisations in coordination with national security authorities. Upon arrival, travellers must present the identity document used for their application, allowing border guards to verify the authorisation via the national Berkut information system.\n\nThis new electronic travel authorisation primarily targets nationals of countries currently enjoying visa-free entry to Kazakhstan. This includes passport holders from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, alongside travellers from numerous European countries, Japan, and South Korea. Certain nationalities benefiting from special visa-free arrangements, such as citizens of India, Iran, and T\u00fcrkiye, will also be subject to the QazETA requirement. The provisions also mention citizens of Eurasian Economic Union member states; however, their implementation will require reconciliation with existing international agreements governing freedom of movement. The QazETA does not alter or replace existing visa requirements or permitted lengths of stay, merely adding an additional prerequisite before departure.\n\nSeveral categories of travellers are exempt from the QazETA requirement, provided they present appropriate documentation. Exemptions apply to children under 16 and individuals aged 65 or older. Holders of a valid Kazakh visa are also exempt, as are foreign nationals with a temporary or permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan. International air transit passengers who remain within the airport's transit area without formally entering the country do not need a QazETA. Specific diplomats, government officials, official delegation members, and certain transport crew members are also excluded from the requirement.","countries":[],"country_id":"kazakhstan","date":"2026-10-16 12:22","expiry_date":"","headline":"Kazakhstan to Make QazETA Mandatory for Visa-Exempt Travellers by July 2027","id":"63f9fad1-9175-40ba-a2d1-690c65873036","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/kazakhstan.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"prg.kz","summary":"Kazakhstan is phasing in its new QazETA electronic travel authorisation, which will become mandatory for visa-exempt visitors from July 1, 2027.","url":"https://prg.kz/lawyer/document/?doc_id=34974010&pos=7%3B25"},{"body":"For most of the last century, crossing a border produced paper. A sticker in a passport, a landing card filled in on the plane, a stamp on arrival. Across a growing number of countries, all three are going.\n\n## Visa stickers\n\n**Cambodia** stopped issuing physical visas at its embassies and consulates. Visas are now issued electronically, with no sticker in the passport. evisa.gov.kh\n\n**The United Kingdom** replaced physical visa documents with a digital record held against the traveller's passport. There is nothing to lose, and nothing to show, because the record is the visa. gov.uk/eta\n\n## Arrival cards\n\n**India** retired the paper arrival card in favour of an electronic one. indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa\n\n**Vietnam** replaced its paper arrival form with a digital card. evisa.gov.vn\n\n**Bangladesh** moved its arrival and departure cards online. visa.gov.bd\n\n**Australia** is rolling out a digital arrival card nationwide, phasing out the paper form across airports and seaports. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\n\n## Applications\n\n**New Zealand** is ending paper applications for visitor and transit visas, moving them into its online system. immigration.govt.nz\n\n## And one holdout\n\n**South Korea** still accepts the paper arrival card alongside its electronic system. Both work. For now. k-eta.go.kr\n\n## What changes when the paper goes\n\nThe obvious gain is convenience, and that is the part the announcements lead with. The more consequential change is what happens to the failure mode.\n\nWhen the document was paper, losing it was the problem. A damaged passport page, a form completed wrongly on the plane, a stamp that did not transfer. These were recoverable problems that a person at a desk could usually solve.\n\nWhen the record is the permission, the failure is different. A record matched to the wrong person, a system that cannot be reached, a status that does not appear where a carrier is looking. There is no paper to fall back on, because the paper was the thing that got removed.\n\nIt also moves the work earlier. A landing card was filled in during the flight. A digital arrival card is completed before departure, often with a deadline attached. The step did not disappear. It moved to a point in the journey where getting it wrong means not boarding rather than queueing longer.\n\n## Why we track it this way\n\nEach of the portals above is recorded here with the date a person last opened it and confirmed the record still holds. That matters more as paper disappears, because once the record is the permission, the accuracy of the record is the whole thing.\n\n*Every portal named here is in the EntryCheck registry. Country pages carry the source for each change and the date it was last confirmed.*","countries":[],"country_id":"","date":"2026-10-15 09:00","expiry_date":"","headline":"The paper form is disappearing from the border","id":"art-wire01","image":"/static/articles/paper-dies.jpg","impact":"standard","publish_at":"2026-10-15","source_domain":"EntryCheck","summary":"Eight countries have retired a paper form at the border, replacing visa stickers, arrival cards and landing slips with a record held in a database. One still accepts both.","url":""},{"author":"","body":"The Philippines offers 30-day visa-free entry for citizens originating from 46 African nations. This arrangement is not a newly introduced policy but rather an established framework. It stems from Executive Order No. 408, which designates countries whose nationals can enter without a prior visa, subject to standard Philippine immigration requirements. Travellers planning a trip should consult the official Philippine eVisa portal for the most accurate and current policy details regarding eligibility.\n\nEligible countries for this visa-free access include significant tourism markets such as South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. Other nations benefiting from the arrangement are Ethiopia, Morocco, Mauritius, and Seychelles, alongside Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Senegal, and C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire. Conversely, Nigeria is explicitly not included in the standard visa-free list. Nationals from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan also require a visa before travelling to the Philippines. The Philippine government has not issued any specific statements regarding the reasons for these particular exclusions.\n\nEven with visa-free status, entry into the Philippines is not guaranteed, as immigration authorities retain the discretion to determine admission at the port of arrival. Visitors must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond their contemplated period of stay. A confirmed return or onward ticket to another destination is also a mandatory requirement. Airlines typically verify these necessary documents at the check-in stage, and missing paperwork could result in denied boarding.\n\nThe 30-day initial stay provides ample time for visitors to plan extensive multi-island holidays across the archipelago. This facilitates diverse itineraries that can combine destinations such as Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, and Palawan. Expanding tourism is a key economic priority for the Philippines, with visa reforms and enhanced connectivity efforts forming part of this strategy. However, factors like flight availability, connection times, and fares from Africa continue to pose practical challenges for potential visitors, despite the visa-free access. The Philippines is actively working to improve international air connectivity to further support its tourism sector.","countries":[],"country_id":"philippines","date":"2026-10-10 01:01","expiry_date":"","headline":"Philippines Confirms Visa-Free Entry for 46 African Nations, Nigeria Excluded","id":"80cf82ae-240c-4434-b4be-d2ca36328584","image":"https://www.travelandtourworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/VIS.jpg","impact":"standard","publish_at":"","source_domain":"travelandtourworld.com","summary":"The Philippines maintains visa-free entry for citizens of 46 African countries for up to 30 days, excluding Nigeria.","url":"https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/xe3p4i9n3sfk"},{"author":"","body":"Malaysia has extended its visa-free entry programme for Indian citizens. This allows Indian passport holders to enter for up to 30 days for tourism and social visits. The policy is valid until 31 December 2026, meaning no government fee for these short stays. All travellers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before arrival. The MDAC is free and must be submitted within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival time.\r\n\r\nThis visa exemption specifically benefits Indian nationals travelling for leisure. While 30-day tourist entries are free, other visa categories still incur charges. Stays exceeding 30 days, or entry for employment or study, require a traditional visa or pass. A multiple-entry Tourist eVisa, valid for up to one year with 30-day visits, costs around MYR 100 plus platform fees. Visa-free entry explicitly prohibits any form of employment, freelancing, or paid commercial activities.\r\n\r\nUpon arrival, visitors must present a passport with at least six months of remaining validity. Confirmed return or onward flight tickets departing Malaysia within the 30-day period are mandatory. Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter, is also essential. Travellers should carry evidence of sufficient funds for their stay, typically a minimum of USD 500 to 1,000 per week. The MDAC confirmation receipt, in either digital or printed format, must be shown to immigration officers.\r\n\r\nIt is important to distinguish this visa-free scheme from the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option. VOA is a separate category costing between MYR 200 and MYR 330. This VOA is reserved for Indian nationals transiting through a third country like Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, or Brunei. The transit country must have already provided a valid visa or entry stamp. For direct travel from India, the current visa-free policy applies, rendering the costly VOA route unnecessary. Visa-free stays cannot be extended locally; travellers must depart or apply for a different pass beforehand.","countries":[],"country_id":"malaysia","date":"2026-10-10 01:01","expiry_date":"","headline":"Malaysia Extends Visa-Free Entry for Indian Tourists Until End of 2026","id":"6eceb701-529e-4b89-8a8c-b81862bd464c","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/malaysia.jpg","impact":"positive","publish_at":"","source_domain":"itzeazy.in","summary":"Malaysia has extended visa-free entry for Indian tourists on short visits until 31 December 2026.","url":"https://itzeazy.in/blog/malaysia-visa-price"},{"author":"","body":"Malawi has introduced a directive, effective from February 2026, permitting certain Category Two nationals to board flights without first obtaining a visa. This policy allows these travellers to secure their visas upon arrival at designated entry points. The directive explicitly instructs international carriers to allow eligible passengers to board without previously issued visas. This change is particularly significant for travellers heading to Lilongwe and Blantyre.\n\nHowever, separate official immigration platforms continue to state that advance eVisa approval and documentation are mandatory before travel. This creates a discrepancy between the new visa-on-arrival boarding policy and other publicly available guidelines. The difference in instructions poses a challenge for international passengers and the travel industry in verifying the correct documentation requirements.\n\nMalawi's entry system classifies travellers into three categories based on nationality. Category One nationals require advance visa authorisation prior to departure. Category Two nationals are those eligible to obtain visas on arrival at Malawian entry points, as specified in the February 2026 notice. A third group consists of visa-exempt travellers under existing immigration agreements. This categorisation clarifies that requiring a visa does not automatically mean it must be obtained before boarding.\n\nThe official eVisa portal itself displays the February 2026 notice regarding visa-on-arrival, yet further down the same page, general eVisa information describes a printed approval letter as mandatory. Similarly, the Department of Immigration's visa application process advises applicants not to travel before securing an eVisa. These instructions may be intended for different circumstances, but the lack of clear interaction between them causes ambiguity.\n\nFor airlines and travel agents, the immediate concern involves ensuring that document verification processes accurately distinguish between travellers permitted visa-on-arrival and those requiring pre-departure approval. The evidence points to an inconsistency in public-facing government instructions, rather than a withdrawal of visa-on-arrival eligibility or the introduction of new restrictions. The core issue lies in interpreting the applicable requirements for Category Two nationals, who are advised that carriers should board them without prior visas.","countries":[],"country_id":"malawi","date":"2026-10-10 01:01","expiry_date":"","headline":"Malawi Visa-on-Arrival Guidance Conflicts with eVisa Instructions for Travellers","id":"3cc84e75-b58d-4b10-bc46-652f1508bc1c","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/malawi.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"travelandtourworld.com","summary":"Malawi's official guidance on visa-on-arrival for eligible travellers conflicts with online eVisa instructions, causing potential confusion.","url":"https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/ya1j1k3ksajs"},{"author":"","body":"The United Kingdom has implemented its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as a mandatory requirement for many international visitors. This new system applies to travellers who are currently exempt from needing a traditional visa to enter Britain. The ETA functions as an electronic permission to travel, rather than a visa, and is digitally linked to the passport used during the application process. It permits eligible visitors to enter the UK for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, or short business trips.\n\nAn approved ETA remains valid for a period of two years, or until the associated passport expires, whichever occurs first. Within this two-year timeframe, holders are permitted to undertake multiple journeys to the UK. For each visit, travellers can typically seek entry as a visitor for stays lasting up to six months. It is important to note that possessing an ETA does not inherently guarantee admission into the country; all travellers must still satisfy UK immigration requirements upon their arrival. The official application fee for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is \u00a320.\n\nThis change is particularly relevant for travellers from various European nations. Nationals of European Union countries, excluding Ireland, along with those from Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, are now included in the ETA system. This alters the pre-departure preparation for holidays and other visits, as these travellers previously only required a valid passport for short stays. Additionally, visitors from major markets such as the United States and Canada, who typically do not need a conventional visitor visa for short tourism trips, must also obtain an ETA under these visa-exempt rules.\n\nTransit passengers must also consider the new ETA requirements carefully. Those changing flights while remaining airside and not passing through UK border control generally do not need an ETA. However, passengers who transit through UK airports and must pass through border control will usually require an ETA if they hold an eligible nationality. Travellers connecting through hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick should verify their specific transit arrangements before departure. Applications for the ETA must be completed via an official UK government website, ensuring the passport used for the application is the same one presented for travel, as a new passport necessitates a new ETA.","countries":[],"country_id":"united-kingdom","date":"2026-10-10 01:01","expiry_date":"","headline":"UK ETA Now Mandatory for Visa-Exempt Visitors, Expanding to More Nationalities","id":"8694ab89-b4f8-4135-94c1-e2d9375dc61c","image":"https://www.travelandtourworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/london.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"travelandtourworld.com","summary":"The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation is now mandatory for most visa-exempt travellers before visiting.","url":"https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/00k8wpwd1eq6"},{"author":"","body":"Ghana has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for specific international visitors. This new requirement mandates that eligible travellers secure official approval prior to their departure. Applications must be submitted through the designated online portal operated by Ghanaian immigration authorities. The ETA system applies to those nationalities who generally do not require a traditional visa for entry.\n\nSouth African citizens are explicitly mentioned as being subject to this new pre-authorisation. Previously, South Africans enjoyed visa-free entry, making this a change to their travel requirements. All South African nationals planning to visit Ghana must now obtain this electronic authorisation.\n\nOnce issued, the Electronic Travel Authorisation remains valid for a duration of 90 days. It is designed for single-entry use, meaning a new application is needed for subsequent trips. Crucially, there are no fees associated with applying for the Ghanaian ETA.\n\nThe official source does not provide specific details on the typical processing times for applications. There is no indication whether other nationalities will be added to the ETA scheme in the future. Travellers should monitor official channels for any further updates or expanded scope.","countries":[],"country_id":"ghana","date":"2026-10-10 01:01","expiry_date":"","headline":"Ghana introduces mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation for certain visitors","id":"04967367-58b2-4402-9998-6fe114195d7d","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/ghana.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"travelnews.co.za","summary":"South African citizens now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter Ghana.","url":"https://www.travelnews.co.za/article/ghana-introduces-eta"},{"author":"","body":"The Bali Provincial Government has introduced a mandatory tourism levy for all international tourists visiting the island. This new fee is set at a fixed amount of IDR 150,000 per person, which aims to protect the island's unique culture and natural environment.\n\nTravellers are required to pay this levy either prior to their arrival or upon entering Bali. Payments are processed through the official 'Love Bali' application or website, which provides a designated portal for settling the charge. The funds collected from this levy are earmarked for preserving Bali's natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and overall sustainability for future generations.\n\nWhile the levy amount is fixed in Indonesian Rupiah, the equivalent in foreign currencies will fluctuate based on current exchange rates. The applicable exchange rate is displayed on the payment page at the time of transaction, and additional charges from the issuing bank may apply. After a successful payment, travellers receive a digital levy voucher via email, which serves as proof of payment for the tourism charge. The system supports both individual and group payments.\n\nThe levy applies to international tourists from all listed countries, indicating a universal application across nationalities. The payment portal includes a broad list of countries, from Afghanistan to the United States and the United Kingdom. Although an option to apply for an exemption is available on the platform, the specific criteria for such exemptions are not detailed in the provided information. This new requirement is based on Bali Provincial Regulation Number 2 of 2025, amending a previous regulation concerning the levy for the protection of Balinese culture and environment. To complete the payment, travellers must provide personal details including their full name, passport number, email address, and expected arrival date. The payment system also features a mechanism to detect and alert users about potential duplicate transactions, prompting them to verify prior payments.","countries":[],"country_id":"thailand","date":"2026-10-10 00:54","expiry_date":"","headline":"Thailand Considers New Tourist Arrival and Departure Taxes","id":"a166ba3e-12dd-4c6c-a7f5-2f7dc90b3708","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/thailand.jpg","impact":"critical","publish_at":"","source_domain":"lovebali.baliprov.go.id","summary":"Thailand is advancing proposals for a new 450-baht tourist arrival tax and a 1,000-baht departure tax.","url":"https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/"},{"body":"The policy grants visa-free access for up to 30 days, primarily targeting increased tourism and investment to boost the economy.\n\nTo qualify, travellers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay and possess a return or onward ticket. Nations such as South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania are now included, but nationals from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan still require visas. China and India are also excluded from this specific 30-day arrangement, though they may have other visa-free options for shorter periods. Visitors can apply for an initial 29-day extension through the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, extending their total authorised stay to 59 days.","countries":[],"country_id":"philippines","date":"2026-10-08 01:28","expiry_date":"","headline":"Philippines Extends 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to 46 African Nations","id":"198fb011-0cec-4733-946d-6a63e3d40a7b","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/philippines.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"africa.businessinsider.com","summary":"The Philippines has expanded its 30-day visa-free entry policy to include citizens from 46 African countries.","url":"https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/philippines-grants-30-day-visa-free-entry-to-south-africa-kenya-the-us-and-44-other/cn9y532"},{"body":"The Ghanaian government announced its free visa policy for African nationals in April.\n\nEffective 25 May, eligible travellers can apply for a free electronic visa through an online portal. This means African passport holders no longer incur a visa fee when travelling to Ghana, but an application process remains. It is a \"free visa\" (fee waived) rather than \"visa-free\" (no visa required), meaning applicants must still complete the online process. Travellers are advised to comply with all requirements before booking flights or accommodation.","countries":[],"country_id":"ghana","date":"2026-10-08 01:28","expiry_date":"","headline":"Ghana Launches Free eVisa for African Nationals Starting May 25","id":"55f9eb66-7659-4387-ba84-3471db2d6fa2","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/ghana.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"travelandtourworld.com","summary":"Ghana has introduced a free electronic visa for all African passport holders, effective from May 25.","url":"https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/mqi39obmnskm"},{"body":"Indian passport holders benefit from a visa waiver allowing stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, social visits, and transit.\n\nThis scheme, which commenced on 1 December 2023, is set to expire on 31 December 2026, with no extension confirmed at present. All eligible travellers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days of their intended arrival. The MDAC is a mandatory, free-of-charge digital form separate from the visa waiver itself, and it does not require an approval process.\n\nAuthorities have cautioned against unofficial websites that attempt to charge for the MDAC, urging travellers to use only the official government portal. Individuals planning stays beyond 30 days, or travelling for work or study, are not covered by the waiver and must obtain an appropriate visa.","countries":[],"country_id":"malaysia","date":"2026-10-08 01:28","expiry_date":"","headline":"Malaysia Confirms Visa-Free Entry for Indians Through 2026 Requires Digital Card","id":"793285a8-3442-4051-8412-1154a69a2671","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/malaysia.jpg","impact":"standard","source_domain":"visaroots.in","summary":"Indian passport holders can enter Malaysia visa-free until December 2026 but must complete a free Digital Arrival Card.","url":"https://www.visaroots.in/post/malaysia-visa-for-indians-2026"},{"body":"The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) is pressing the government to reassess the current $260 eVisa cost. They contend that this high fee, combined with its single-entry limitation, places Ghana at a disadvantage compared to other regional destinations.\n\nAccording to GHATOF President Seth Ocran, a family of four would face over $1,000 in visa fees alone, whereas neighbouring countries typically charge between $50 and $60. The federation believes a revised fee structure, potentially including accessible multiple-entry visas, could increase tourist arrivals from 1.2\u20131.3 million to 2 million.","countries":[],"country_id":"ghana","date":"2026-10-08 01:28","expiry_date":"","headline":"Ghana Tourism Federation Urges Review of High eVisa Fee","id":"f852087d-f9a2-424b-ba95-3101196b0dda","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/ghana.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"thechronicle.com.gh","summary":"Ghana's tourism federation advocates lowering the $260 eVisa fee to attract more international visitors.","url":"https://thechronicle.com.gh/ghana-tourism-federation-urges-review-of-260-e-visa-fee-to-boost-arrivals"},{"body":"The reciprocal visa waiver between Saudi Arabia and Russia came into effect on 11 May 2026. This agreement allows Russian ordinary passport holders to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days per calendar year. The exemption applies to both single and multiple short journeys, covering ordinary, diplomatic, and special passports. In reciprocity, Saudi citizens receive similar visa-free privileges for travel to Russia.\n\nSaudi Arabia also expanded its eVisa programme for citizens of 68 other nations, including Hungary. However, employment, study, long-term residence, and Hajj pilgrimages are not covered by the new visa-free arrangements for Russian citizens. Previous Saudi visa waiver agreements primarily focused on diplomatic and special passport holders, making the Russian deal significant for ordinary travellers.","countries":[],"country_id":"saudi-arabia","date":"2026-10-08 01:27","expiry_date":"","headline":"Saudi Arabia Grants Visa-Free Entry for Russians, Expands eVisa for 68 Nations","id":"fa3d1da1-2800-4b15-9b1f-8dca2614177a","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/saudi-arabia.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"travelandtourworld.com","summary":"Saudi Arabia introduces visa-free entry for Russian citizens and expands eVisa access for 68 other countries.","url":"https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/2oph20bqyrjt"},{"body":"Since October 6, 2026, Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) portal prevents completion of applications without recognised travel insurance.\n\nApplicants are prompted to purchase health insurance directly through the platform, costing $44 plus additional fees. The total charge for this embedded insurance can reach $52 per traveller. The system automatically transfers applicant data to an insurance module, displaying 'Insurance REF: None' if no coverage is detected.\n\nPreviously purchased foreign travel insurance policies may not be recognised, as the system appears to favour Kenyan-regulated schemes. Kenyan authorities have not yet clarified how to upload or verify existing foreign insurance policies, despite an earlier Ministry of Health clarification suggesting foreign policies would be accepted. A court order in August had suspended the mandatory insurance requirement, but the portal's implementation proceeds regardless. It is currently unclear if travellers with pre-approved ETAs need to comply with the new insurance requirement before entry.","countries":[],"country_id":"kenya","date":"2026-10-06 23:03","expiry_date":"","headline":"Kenya's ETA portal now mandates $44 travel health insurance purchase","id":"de180732-a7ea-429b-86d0-d7a89c2660e0","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/kenya.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"etakenya.go.ke","summary":"Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation application now requires applicants to purchase mandatory travel health insurance for $44.","url":"https://etakenya.go.ke/"},{"body":"Cambodian diplomatic missions globally ceased issuing physical visa stickers in passports from October 3, 2026. All visas issued by embassies and consulates are now delivered electronically as part of a broader digitisation effort. While some missions still accept in-person applications, others direct travellers to the official e-Visa portal.\n\nThis change follows the August 1, 2026, expansion of the e-Visa system to include diplomatic, official, and courtesy visa categories. Tourist and ordinary e-visas remain available for $30 and $35 respectively, valid for a single entry and a one-month stay. Visa on arrival continues for eligible travellers at international airports and specific land and river border crossings. Furthermore, all travellers must complete a separate digital e-Arrival card online or via an app within seven days before entry.","countries":[],"country_id":"cambodia","date":"2026-10-06 23:03","expiry_date":"","headline":"Cambodia Consulates Cease Issuing Physical Visas, Transition to Electronic Format","id":"12b4e5b9-8d0e-4c23-976b-6209b4deb46b","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/cambodia.jpg","impact":"standard","source_domain":"evisa.gov.kh","summary":"Cambodian embassies and consulates now issue all visas electronically, replacing physical passport stickers from October 3, 2026.","url":"https://www.evisa.gov.kh/home"},{"body":"From 1 October 2026, all individuals entering or leaving Haiti must complete the iKat electronic form. This digital system centralises required immigration, health, and customs information, aiming to streamline border control processes. The form became officially mandatory after a period of gradual expansion. \n\nThe iKat form applies to both Haitian and foreign nationals, including children, and is compulsory for those travelling by air, land, or sea. Travellers must submit the form via the official online portal within three calendar days before their scheduled travel date. \n\nUpon completion, a QR code is issued which must be retained and presented during health and customs checks for both arrival and departure procedures. This system replaces previous paper forms and consolidates data for government agencies.","countries":[],"country_id":"haiti","date":"2026-10-03 22:17","expiry_date":"","headline":"Haiti Introduces Mandatory Digital Arrival and Departure Form for All Travellers","id":"536ce464-31ef-447c-9454-de7a93ad2002","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/haiti.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"visasnews.com","summary":"Haiti now requires all travellers to complete an iKat digital arrival and departure form for both entry and exit.","url":"https://visasnews.com/en/haiti-ikat-digital-arrival-and-departure-form-mandatory-since-october-1-2026/"},{"body":"The South African government confirmed the inclusion of Uganda in its Electronic Travel Authorisation system. This new online platform permits eligible Ugandan passport holders to apply for entry clearance prior to their journey for ordinary visits. The eTA specifically facilitates tourism, holidays, and short-term business activities.\n\nThe decision, communicated on 29 September 2026, marks a significant shift from the previous traditional visa application process for Ugandans. It forms part of South Africa\u2019s wider strategy to digitalise immigration services and simplify entry procedures. Ugandan private sector groups had long advocated for eased entry, highlighting visa requirements as a barrier to trade and investment.","countries":[],"country_id":"south-africa","date":"2026-10-03 22:06","expiry_date":"","headline":"South Africa Introduces Electronic Travel Authorisation for Ugandans","id":"a168c1a6-265b-4bd0-ac5b-c3198a8524a9","image":"https://softpower.ug/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/image-30-1024x682-1.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"softpower.ug","summary":"South Africa has launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system for eligible Ugandan passport holders.","url":"https://softpower.ug/south-africa-opens-e-travel-authorisation-to-ugandans-as-psfu-presses-for-action-on-africas-business-travel-barriers"},{"body":"The Tanzanian Immigration Services Department removed Nigeria from its referral visa category, effective September 25, 2026. This change streamlines the entry process for Nigerian citizens, who can now follow standard visa procedures without requiring prior special clearance. Previously, a special referral approval was mandatory before travel.\n\nFrom October 1, foreign visitors to Tanzania will also be required to purchase mandatory travel insurance, costing $44 per person. Referral visa requirements remain in effect for travellers from a significant list of countries, including Mali, Niger, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, who must apply online and await approval before travelling.\n\nOther nationalities, such as those from the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, and China, already use the standard visa process. Citizens from countries including Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa are permitted visa-free entry into Tanzania.","countries":[],"country_id":"tanzania","date":"2026-10-03 22:06","expiry_date":"","headline":"Tanzania Eases Visa Process for Nigerian Travellers, Maintains Referral Requirements","id":"90b9617b-b01d-4923-bbb3-73de8f9c3543","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/tanzania.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"africa.businessinsider.com","summary":"Tanzania removed Nigeria from its referral visa category, streamlining the application process for its citizens.","url":"https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/tanzania-eases-visa-access-for-travellers-from-us-russia-and-nigeria-keeps/n9dgfd6"},{"body":"Morocco has reopened the application process for Visa Confirmation Letters (VCLs) for Taiwanese citizens. This allows Taiwanese nationals to obtain authorisation for a visa upon arrival when travelling for tourism.\n\nThe change, effective from September 21, reverses a suspension imposed by Moroccan authorities in July. During the two-month halt, new visa confirmations were not processed for Taiwanese travellers.\n\nApplications for non-tourism purposes remain suspended for Taiwanese citizens. In response, Taiwan continues to impose a reciprocal visa ban on Moroccan nationals until all restrictions are fully lifted.","countries":[],"country_id":"morocco","date":"2026-10-03 22:06","expiry_date":"","headline":"Morocco reopens tourist visa applications for Taiwanese citizens after two-month suspension","id":"8f81f806-7362-4ac9-bff2-d24b2f58c89f","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/morocco.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"africa.businessinsider.com","summary":"Morocco has resumed accepting tourist visa applications for Taiwanese nationals, reversing a two-month suspension.","url":"https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/africas-most-visited-country-may-have-again-granted-visa-access-to-one-of-the-biggest/ellp979"},{"body":"Turkmenistan's electronic visa system launched on October 1, 2026, with its official portal going live the following day. The new online platform enables travellers to submit applications, upload documents, pay fees, and monitor their application status. It provides three eVisa categories: e-TU for tourism, e-BS for business trips up to 30 days, and e-HM for humanitarian purposes.\r\n\r\nA significant change for tourists is the removal of the mandatory invitation letter requirement for the e-TU tourist eVisa. For this category, a travel itinerary, confirmed hotel reservations, and medical insurance are now listed as optional documents. However, business e-Visas still necessitate an invitation from a Turkmen company, and humanitarian e-Visas require an official letter from a relevant organisation.\r\n\r\nProcessing options range from Regular (7 business days) to Super Urgent (24 hours). Application fees are calculated online during the process and are payable in US dollars. While the portal provides comprehensive information, new user registration functionality was not yet visible as of October 2.","countries":[],"country_id":"turkmenistan","date":"2026-10-03 22:06","expiry_date":"","headline":"Turkmenistan Introduces eVisa Portal, Streamlining Entry for Tourists","id":"ea4e0682-b018-492c-b6b8-8835e35ad09b","image":"https://visasnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/evisa-turkmenistan-electronic-visa-tourism-travel.jpg.webp","impact":"positive","source_domain":"visasnews.com","summary":"Turkmenistan officially launched its eVisa portal, detailing application requirements for tourist, business, and humanitarian visas.","url":"https://visasnews.com/en/turkmenistan-unveils-its-e-visa-portal"},{"body":"The ETIAS visa-waiver system, intended for non-EU/Schengen nationals, is now anticipated to launch in 2027, likely in April.\n\nThe European Union's official ETIAS page no longer lists a target launch date, indicating further delays.\nConsequently, travellers do not need to apply for an ETIAS for any trips planned for this winter or spring.\n\nThe Entry/Exit System (EES), which began on April 10, 2026, continues to cause substantial delays at major European airports.\n\nAffected airports include Barcelona, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Prague, Lisbon, Milan, and Tenerife South, with wait times sometimes exceeding two hours.\n\nSeveral EU countries, notably Spain, Germany, and France, have been granted until the end of 2026 to fully implement their EES systems.","countries":[],"country_id":"european-union","date":"2026-10-03 22:06","expiry_date":"","headline":"ETIAS Launch Delayed Until 2027 Amidst Ongoing European Border System Delays","id":"459e0d10-ef85-4a87-ba1a-83125eacd32e","image":"https://www.travelawaits.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pexels-dusan-cvetanovic-254415846-12541592.jpg?fit=6960%2C4640","impact":"standard","source_domain":"travelawaits.com","summary":"The ETIAS launch is now expected in 2027, while the EES continues to cause significant airport delays.","url":"https://www.travelawaits.com/3028502/inside-etias-updates-for-european-travel-that-americans-should-know"},{"body":"Travellers entering or leaving Haiti must complete an electronic iKat form within three days before travel, effective October 1, 2026. This digital requirement applies to both Haitian nationals and foreign visitors by all modes of transport. The ESTA fee for visa-exempt travellers to the United States will increase slightly from $40.27 to $40.62 on October 16, 2026.\n\nBrazil has introduced electronic temporary visas for visa-exempt nationals, streamlining remote consular processes. Peru similarly launched its electronic visa and e-SAMI immigration platform to gradually digitise visa applications.\n\nThe United States is preparing to revoke up to 200,000 B1/B2 visas held by foreign nationals who sought asylum after entering as temporary visitors. Cuba's eVisaCuba platform will undergo maintenance, rendering it unavailable from August 20 to August 24, 2026.","countries":[],"country_id":"","date":"2026-10-03 22:06","expiry_date":"","headline":"Americas Update: Haiti, US, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba Announce Travel Changes","id":"08742c65-119d-498a-af29-06492bc7e0e9","image":"","impact":"critical","source_domain":"visasnews.com","summary":"Haiti, US, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba implement new traveller entry requirements, fee adjustments, and system changes.","url":"https://visasnews.com/en/america-news"},{"body":"Suriname is reintroducing visa requirements for nationals of Mexico and Bolivia who hold ordinary passports. This change becomes effective on 1 October 2026, requiring affected travellers to obtain a visa prior to their departure for Suriname. Visa application information is available through Suriname's diplomatic and consular missions or its VFS Global e-visa portal.\n\nThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation stated the measure is linked to recent migration developments. Holders of valid diplomatic or service passports are exempt from this new requirement. While the measure is temporary, no specific end date has been provided, with the ministry planning to monitor and periodically evaluate the situation. Airlines and travel agencies are advised to consider the amended requirements when planning trips to Suriname.","countries":[],"country_id":"suriname","date":"2026-10-03 22:06","expiry_date":"","headline":"Suriname Reintroduces Visa Requirement for Mexican and Bolivian Travellers","id":"f0e4e34a-1824-423d-b2b6-58f3532cccca","image":"","impact":"critical","source_domain":"keynews.sr","summary":"Suriname will require visas for Mexican and Bolivian passport holders from 1 October 2026 due to migration concerns.","url":"https://keynews.sr/en/suriname-reinstates-visa-requirement-for-mexicans-and-bolivians"},{"body":"The Jordan Ministry of Interior announced eVisas are no longer limited to use within the first two months after issuance.\n\nInstead, travellers may now use their eVisa at any point between its issue date and its printed expiry date.\nThis policy update clarifies the window for *using* the eVisa for entry, distinct from the stay duration granted upon arrival.\n\nVisitors must continue to track the specific stay period granted at the border, which for tourist visas is typically one or three months.\n\nMultiple-entry visas, available for longer validities, generally permit several visits, with each entry usually granted a three-month stay.\n\nIt is crucial for travellers to refer to their specific visa documents and border decisions, as general guidelines may not apply to all cases.","countries":[],"country_id":"jordan","date":"2026-10-03 22:06","expiry_date":"","headline":"Jordan Extends eVisa Use Window from Issuance to Expiry","id":"33167339-be78-44f7-8e9d-82c424c3be69","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/jordan.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"jetseen.com","summary":"Jordan's eVisa validity period has been extended, allowing use from issuance until its printed expiry date.","url":"https://jetseen.com/guides/jordan-evisa-tourist-visa-day-tracking"},{"body":"Uganda's National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC) officially announced the removal on 2 October 2026. \n\nThe change affects all travellers and is reflected on the electronic visa portal and in immigration entry requirements. It also applies to the single-entry tourist visa, where the certificate has been absent from requirements since last year.\n\nTravellers still needing a tourist visa must apply online; it costs US$50 and is valid for 90 days.\nDespite the administrative change, the World Health Organization continues to recommend yellow fever vaccination for those aged nine months and older visiting Uganda. This is due to the ongoing risk of transmission identified within the country.","countries":[],"country_id":"uganda","date":"2026-10-02 17:54","expiry_date":"","headline":"Uganda Removes Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate as Mandatory Entry Requirement","id":"9ab2fc88-ca1f-4c95-b7d7-f4cc5c53b8df","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/uganda.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"visas.immigration.go.ug","summary":"Uganda has officially removed the mandatory yellow fever vaccination certificate requirement for all arriving travellers.","url":"https://visas.immigration.go.ug/"},{"body":"Chad launched its electronic visa on 11 December 2024 to simplify application processes. The National Police reported a significant increase in usage, with daily applications rising from under 10 at launch to over 100. Since 11 May 2026, the e-Visa has been mandatory for foreign travellers requiring a visa. Express processing generally takes 24 to 72 hours, while standard applications can take 10 to 15 days.\n\nThe platform covers all standard visa categories, though requirements vary by applicant profile and activity. Several specialised services, including Interpol, are involved in rigorous screening of applications. The e-Visa department manages the electronic procedure from registration to approval, including biometric enrolment and platform security.\n\nThis expansion precedes a major change effective 1 January 2027, when Chad will waive entry visa requirements for all African nationals. Until then, these nationals must use the e-Visa platform if a visa is required. Details regarding the maximum length of visa-free stays and any additional entry formalities for African nationals are yet to be clarified.","countries":[],"country_id":"chad","date":"2026-10-02 17:54","expiry_date":"","headline":"Chad's eVisa Platform Use Surges Ahead of African Visa Exemption","id":"4b08826f-1a04-4c90-88e1-9556e11731cb","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/chad.jpg","impact":"standard","source_domain":"evisa.td","summary":"Chad's e-Visa system now processes over 100 applications daily, three months before African nationals become visa-exempt.","url":"https://evisa.td/"},{"body":"The approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will cost $40.62, up from $40.27, representing a 35-cent increase. This modest adjustment stems from an annual inflation mechanism established by US legislation, HR-1, impacting only the system operation component. For denied applications, the charge will rise from $10.27 to $10.62.\n\nThis new fee applies to all ESTA applications submitted on or after October 16, 2026. Travellers holding valid ESTA authorisations are unaffected and do not need to take any action or pay additional fees. ESTA permits visa-free travel for eligible nationals from 42 Visa Waiver Program countries for business or tourism stays of up to 90 days.","countries":[],"country_id":"united-states","date":"2026-10-02 17:54","expiry_date":"","headline":"US ESTA Fee Will Rise by 35 Cents in October 2026","id":"cc6ee10b-0998-4db5-8e82-e855a80f491b","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/united-states.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"esta.cbp.dhs.gov","summary":"The United States ESTA application fee will increase from $40.27 to $40.62 on October 16, 2026.","url":"https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/"},{"body":"Issue 02 covers Q3 2026, with data as of 30 September, and is built entirely on EntryCheck's live registry and change log. 121 entry-policy events were logged across 52 countries, and almost none were a country adopting digital entry for the first time. They were countries that already had it, changing how it works. The registry grew from 138 countries to 142, while the number running an eTA or a digital arrival card did not change at all.\r\n\r\nThe clearest pattern was compulsion, with 17 of those events describing something becoming required, each of them completed before departure rather than at the border. India and Thailand moved most on eight recorded events each, ahead of the European Union and South Africa on seven. Not every mandate held, as a Kenyan court suspended the insurance requirement attached to that country's eTA.\r\n\r\nSeveral announcements carry future dates. New Zealand ends paper applications for 24 visitor visa categories on 1 October, Egypt raises its single-entry visa fee to $33 from 1 January 2027, ETIAS slipped again and is now expected in 2027, and Japan published JESTA for its 2028 fiscal year, requiring a separate application for every entry.","countries":[],"country_id":"","date":"2026-09-30 10:02","expiry_date":"","headline":"The Digital Borders Report, Issue 02: 121 entry-rule changes in Q3","id":"51194bb5-1965-4f8a-9515-6a39ca4c4e0c","image":"https://entrycheck.org/static/reports/og-card-q3-2026.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"entrycheck.org","summary":"EntryCheck's latest quarterly report measures what moved inside the world's digital entry systems, and who moved most.","url":"https://entrycheck.org/reports/digital-borders-report-q3-2026"},{"body":"The Ministry of Finance officially confirmed the Inbound Travel Insurance programme will commence on 1 October 2026. This mandatory policy costs $44, covers up to 92 days for multiple entries, and includes emergency medical care, evacuation, repatriation, and baggage loss. It must be purchased from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) or an approved partner.\n\nTravellers can buy the insurance online through the NIC portal or upon arrival, though advance purchase is recommended. Residents of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are exempt from this requirement. Travellers entering through Zanzibar will obtain coverage from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) instead. Failure to hold valid insurance may lead to denial of entry.","countries":[],"country_id":"tanzania","date":"2026-09-30 00:05","expiry_date":"","headline":"Tanzania to Require Mandatory Travel Insurance for Visitors from October 2026","id":"cadb59a2-0905-4d21-b3b3-bedd52ecc456","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/tanzania.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"visa.immigration.go.tz","summary":"Tanzania will mandate $44 travel insurance for most foreign visitors entering its mainland from October 1, 2026.","url":"https://visa.immigration.go.tz/"},{"body":"Ghana has significantly expanded its electronic visa programme, now accepting e-Visas and Electronic Travel Authorisations at 48 ports of entry. This updates the previous system, which only allowed use at seven international airports. The change, observed on 25 September 2026, applies to both tourist and business e-Visa applications and the ETA for African passport holders.\n\nThe expanded system now includes 37 land border crossings and four maritime or waterway entry points, in addition to the original seven airports. These new options facilitate arrival for travellers entering Ghana via routes such as Aflao, Paga, Elubo, Tema Port, and Takoradi Port. Although some Ghanaian diplomatic mission websites are undergoing maintenance, the national e-Visa portal remains fully accessible for applications.","countries":[],"country_id":"ghana","date":"2026-09-27 14:39","expiry_date":"","headline":"Ghana Expands e-Visa Acceptance to 48 Ports of Entry","id":"531aaef2-b08d-415d-8d61-911ba21fa33a","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/ghana.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"evisa.immigration.gov.gh","summary":"Ghana has expanded its e-Visa system to include 48 ports of entry, covering land, sea, and air travel.","url":"https://evisa.immigration.gov.gh/"},{"body":"The Thai Immigration Application (THIM) aims to serve as a \"Digital Gateway\" for foreign nationals before, during, and throughout their stay in the country. It provides an additional channel for travellers to complete and submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).\n\nTHIM does not replace the existing TDAC requirement; the digital arrival card remains accessible via the Immigration Bureau's official portal. Future updates are planned to integrate various immigration services, including visa extensions, 90-day reporting, and Visa on Arrival applications.\n\nThe app, available since 1 August 2026, has seen over 600,000 downloads and uses NFC technology for e-passport reading, alongside Liveness Detection and Face Comparison for secure identity verification.","countries":[],"country_id":"thailand","date":"2026-09-27 14:39","expiry_date":"","headline":"Thailand Officially Launches THIM App for Travellers","id":"05d4f6bf-9744-4089-8c3f-bd588953d653","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/thailand.jpg","impact":"positive","source_domain":"tdac.immigration.go.th","summary":"Thailand officially launched its THIM application on 25 September 2026, offering digital arrival card submission and future immigration services.","url":"https://tdac.immigration.go.th/"},{"body":"The Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA) will become mandatory for certain visa-exempt foreign nationals.\n\nUnlike some existing systems, JESTA will require a new application for each separate entry into Japan. The government has scheduled the system to launch during the Japanese fiscal year 2028, which ends on 31 March 2029.\n\nImmigration officers will have the option to omit physical landing permission stamps from passports for eligible JESTA holders. Instead, travellers will receive entry details via email and can access their immigration status through the JESTA portal. This change necessitates revisions to Japan's tax-free shopping procedures, which currently rely on these physical passport stamps. The legal framework for JESTA was promulgated on 5 June 2026, with provisions taking effect by March 2029.","countries":[],"country_id":"japan","date":"2026-09-25 06:54","expiry_date":"","headline":"Japan Advances JESTA Electronic Travel Authorisation System for 2028 Launch","id":"cfc6c365-d593-4962-b295-4dfc779a2f27","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/japan.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"services.digital.go.jp","summary":"Japan is preparing to launch JESTA, a new electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, in fiscal year 2028.","url":"https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/"},{"body":"Syria previously launched an electronic visa service on 1 May 2024, allowing Arab and foreign nationals to apply directly through the evisa.sy portal. This system initially processed thousands of applications within weeks of its rollout. However, following a change in government in December 2024, the portal no longer accepts applications. \n\nThe website now displays only an \"EVisa Coming Soon\" message, despite some Syrian embassies and foreign governments continuing to direct travellers to the online service. Other official information suggests visas are still obtained through consular missions or at border entry points. The Syrian Ministry of Tourism stated in January 2026 that a new electronic visa system is currently under development to facilitate tourist entry.","countries":[],"country_id":"syria","date":"2026-09-25 06:54","expiry_date":"","headline":"Syria's eVisa Portal Shows 'Coming Soon' After Previous Launch","id":"13a03c4a-d168-4ada-9786-7cc8fa3c9e00","image":"https://entrycheck.org/og/news/syria.jpg","impact":"critical","source_domain":"evisa.sy","summary":"Syria's eVisa portal is currently unavailable, displaying a 'Coming Soon' message, creating confusion for travellers.","url":"https://evisa.sy/"}],"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}