Global EntryWire

Ghana Launches E-Visa Portal, Offers Free ETA For African Travelers

Ghana officially launched its new e-Visa portal, replacing manual procedures and offering free electronic travel authorizations for African passport holders.

Venezuela Implements Mandatory Electronic Visa for U.S. Business and Tourist Travelers

Venezuela now requires US business and tourist travelers to apply for a mandatory electronic visa through an online portal.

Bahamas Launches Digital Arrival Card Pilot to Modernize Visitor Entry

The Bahamas has launched a pilot for its Digital Arrival Card, replacing traditional paper forms to modernize the visitor entry experience.

Italy Launches Fully Digital Schengen and National Visa System from June 2026

Italy has fully digitized its Schengen and national visa application process, including digital nomad visas, effective June 1, 2026, simplifying online submissions.

Ghana Introduces E-Visa, Waives Fees for African Nationals

Ghana launched an e-Visa platform and exempted all African nationals from visa fees for business and tourism, effective May 25, 2026.

US Reverses World Cup Visa Waivers, Stranding Some Fans

Some World Cup fans face U.S. entry issues after ESTA approvals were suddenly reverted to pending, disrupting travel plans.

Taiwan bans travelers from DR Congo, Uganda over Ebola concerns

Taiwan implements immediate entry restrictions for travelers from DR Congo and Uganda due to an Ebola outbreak, affecting convention attendees.

Brazil Launches eVisa for Chinese Mainland Nationals Attending Events

Brazil now offers an eVisa for Chinese mainland nationals attending events or exhibitions, with an approximate USD 93 fee.

Thailand Modifies Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival Schemes

The Thailand Government announced approval of the revision of Thailand's visa exemption and Visa on Arrival schemes.

Israel to Require ETA for Visa-Exempt Travelers Starting January 2025

From January 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Israel for enhanced border control.

New Zealand Visa Application Centre Fees Increasing in 23 Countries

From January 1, 2026, Visa Application Centre service fees will increase for applicants from 23 listed countries due to rising costs.

Zanzibar Implements Mandatory Travel Insurance for All Tourists

Zanzibar now requires all tourists to purchase mandatory travel insurance for $44, covering medical and emergency assistance.

Japan Fully Reopens: Visa-Free Travel Restored, All COVID-19 Protocols Lifted

Japan has fully reopened for visa-free, independent travel to most nationalities, with all COVID-19 entry protocols and mask recommendations now removed.

Japan Confirms 2026 Entry Rules for Visa-Exempt Travelers

Japan's 2026 entry rules for visa-exempt tourists require a valid passport, Visit Japan Web registration, and proof of onward travel.

Japan Introduces New JESTA Travel System and Power Bank Ban for 2026

Japan will launch the mandatory JESTA travel authorization by fiscal year 2028 and implement a flight power bank ban starting April 24, 2026.

Indonesia Streamlines Bali Entry Requirements for 2026 with Digital Systems

Indonesia introduces streamlined digital entry requirements for Bali in 2026, including e-visas, a tourist levy, and an e-Arrival Card for smoother travel.

Bali Tourist Levy Becomes Permanent for All 2026 International Visitors

Bali's mandatory tourist levy of IDR 150,000 becomes a permanent requirement for all international visitors starting in 2026, payable online.

Kenya Implements Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Most Foreign Visitors

Kenya has made its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system mandatory for most foreign visitors, replacing prior entry requirements.

UK ETA Fee to Increase to £20 from April 2026

The UK government will increase its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee from £16 to £20, effective April 8, 2026.

Sri Lanka to Offer Free Tourist Visas to 40 Nations from May 2026

Sri Lanka grants free 30-day tourist visas (ETA) to 40 nations from May 25, 2026, with Maldives receiving 90 days.

Sri Lanka Expands 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to 40 Nations

Sri Lanka offers 30-day visa-free entry to 40 countries from May 25, boosting tourism amidst regional challenges.

Thailand Reverts to 30-Day Visa-Free Entry, Reduces Eligible Countries and Tightens Rules

Thailand reverts 60-day visa-free entry to 30 days, reduces eligible countries, and tightens Visa on Arrival rules for tourism security.

Thailand Revokes 60-Day Visa-Free Stay for 93 Countries

Thailand's Cabinet approved revoking the 60-day visa-free stay for 93 countries, expected to take effect 15 days after Royal Gazette publication.

Vietnam Implements Mandatory Digital Arrival Card for Ho Chi Minh City Arrivals

Starting April 15, 2026, foreign travelers arriving at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport must submit a free online Digital Arrival Card before clearing immigration.

Pakistan Opens E-Visa and Visa-on-Arrival to 192 Nations, Including Poland

Pakistan: Disembarkation Card goes digital

Thailand: government officially launches review of visa-free entry policy

No permission, no travel: UK set to enforce ETA scheme

UK Crown Dependencies: ETA Scheme Extension

UK Crown Dependencies: ETA Scheme Extension

UK Crown Dependencies: ETA Scheme Extension

South Africa: ETA application portal revealed

Senegal introduces E-Visa payment requirement for non-African travelers