Global EntryWire

Mexico No Longer Grants Default 180-Day Visitor Permit Stays

Mexican immigration officials will no longer automatically grant 180-day visitor permits, instead aligning duration with travel intent.

Solomon Islands positive

Solomon Islands Launches New eVisa System for Travellers

The Solomon Islands has introduced a new eVisa system, streamlining entry for most visitors.

Bahrain positive

Bahrain Launches Fourth Phase of New Visa Policy with Extended Stays

Bahrain introduced new single-entry and eVisa options, alongside extended stays for several nationalities from 2026.

India positive

India Expands Biometric Kiosks to Streamline e-Visa Arrivals at Airports

India is rolling out biometric kiosks at airports to speed up immigration for e-Visa holders.

United Arab Emirates positive

Dubai Airport Introduces Mobile Passport Control for Faster Processing

Dubai airports launch 'Click and Travel' mobile passport control, speeding up entry and departure procedures.

India positive

India Ends Boarding Pass Stamping for Departing International Travellers

India will no longer stamp boarding passes for international travellers departing from its airports starting September 1.

EU EES Border Check Flexibilities End, Raising Delay Concerns

European Union border checks will lose temporary flexibility for biometric data collection from 6 September, potentially increasing wait times.

Malaysia critical

Malaysia restricts multiple-entry visa to 31 nationalities and four purposes

Malaysia has restricted its Multiple Entry Visa eligibility to 31 nationalities and four specific travel purposes since September 2026.

New Zealand critical

New Zealand to cease paper applications for visitor and transit visas by October 2026.

New Zealand will require online applications for most visitor and transit visas from October 2026.

India positive

India Details New Group eVisa for Cruise Ship Visitors

India's new e-Group Visit Visa allows cruise operators to apply for multiple-entry, 30-day visas for their passengers.

Brazil positive

Brazil Introduces Electronic Temporary Visas for Exempt Nationalities

Brazil will issue temporary visas electronically for nationals of countries exempt from visitor visa requirements, starting September 2026.

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Kazakhstan Sets Out Rollout Timeline for QazETA Authorisation

Kazakhstan's QazETA travel authorisation is not yet mandatory, but authorities have begun setting out a phased rollout timeline.

Morocco positive

Morocco's Accès Maroc eVisa Portal Returns to Service

Morocco's official eVisa platform is accepting applications again after a period of sustained disruption.

Angola critical

Angola Migrates eVisa Applications to New Online Platform

Angola has launched a new official online platform for electronic visa applications, changing the application process.

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Egypt Weighs a $15 Increase to Visa Fees From 2027

Egyptian authorities are considering raising visa fees by around $15 from 2027, a change that would apply to applications made through the national eVisa platform.

Albania critical

Albania eVisa Scam: Fake Portals Impersonating Official Website Exposed

Multiple fraudulent websites impersonating Albania's official eVisa portal have been discovered, exposing travellers to scams.

Bolivia critical

Bolivia's Mandatory SIGEMIG Online Entry Form Now Required for Most Travellers

Bolivia's mandatory SIGEMIG online entry form must be completed by nearly all foreign travellers before arrival.

Peru positive

Peru Launches New e-SAMI Electronic Visa System

Peru officially launched the e-SAMI system to streamline electronic visa applications for foreign nationals requiring entry authorisation.

Oman positive

Oman Introduces Free 14-Day Tourist Visa for Select Nationalities

Oman implemented a new free 14-day tourist visa category for eligible visitors, effective August 2026.

Thailand critical

Thailand Launches THIM App for Mandatory Digital Arrival Cards

Thailand introduces THIM app, a new digital platform for foreign nationals to submit mandatory arrival cards, becoming compulsory by August 2026.

China positive

China expands visa-free entry for Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam

China expands visa-free entry schemes for ordinary passport holders from Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam.

New Zealand critical

New Zealand Visitor Visa Applications Transition to Enhanced Online System

Most New Zealand visitor visa applications must now be submitted through an enhanced online system.

Brazil critical

Brazil Reintroduces eVisa for US, Canadian, Australian Tourists

Brazil has reintroduced a tourist visa, an online eVisa, for US, Canadian and Australian travellers on a reciprocity basis.

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Colombia Clarifies Visa-Free Entry and Extension Rules for Tourists

Colombia clarifies visa-free entry for many nationalities, including extensions and the mandatory Check-Mig pre-registration form.

Northern Cyprus positive

Northern Cyprus Launches eVisa System for Armenian, Nigerian, and Syrian Nationals

Northern Cyprus has introduced an electronic visa system for Armenia, Nigeria, and Syria, replacing the previous consular visa requirement.

Kenya positive

Kenya Expands Visa-Free Entry, Implements eTA for Many Nationalities from 2026

Kenya grants visa-free entry to most African and 26 non-African nations, implementing an eTA system for others.

Philippines positive

Philippines Launches e-Visa for Micronesian Residents

Philippines launches e-Visa for temporary visits by residents of Micronesia, Guam, Palau, CNMI, and Marshall Islands.

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UK Reports 23.2 Million ETAs Issued in a Single Year

The United Kingdom has issued 23.2 million Electronic Travel Authorisations in one year, with United States nationals the largest group by some distance.

India positive

India Ends Boarding Pass Stamping, Reminds Travellers of e-Arrival Card

India ends physical boarding pass stamping for departures, while e-Arrival Card and e-Visa requirements for entry remain.

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Northern Cyprus Brings eVisa Into Force for Three Nationalities

Northern Cyprus has begun requiring an electronic visa from nationals of three countries, its first move to a digital pre travel authorisation.

Kenya critical

Kenyan Court Suspends Mandatory Health Insurance for Visitors

A Kenyan court has suspended the rollout of a mandatory health insurance requirement for foreign visitors, which had been tied to the country's electronic travel authorisation.

United Kingdom critical

UK eVisa Record Confused Traveller With Her Twin, Leaving Her Stranded

A traveller was left stranded in Spain after the UK's eVisa system associated her record with that of her twin sister.

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Sri Lanka Reminds Travellers to Obtain an ETA Before Departure

Sri Lankan authorities have restated that travellers should hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure rather than relying on arrival processing.

Israel and Colombia Introduce Mutual Visa-Free Entry for Citizens

Israel and Colombia will waive visa requirements for their citizens starting 1 September following renewed diplomatic relations.

South Africa critical

South Africa Introduces R500 Fee for Electronic Travel Authorisation

South Africa has introduced a R500 processing fee for its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, affecting all visa applicants.

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EU ETIAS Travel Authorisation Launch Likely Delayed Until 2027

The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-free visitors is now likely delayed until 2027.

Thailand critical

Thailand tightens visa exemptions, reduces visa-free stays, mandates digital arrival card

Thailand has revised its visa exemption scheme, reducing maximum stays for many nationalities and mandating a digital arrival card.

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Azerbaijan Extends Visa-Free Access as eVisa and Arrival Systems Develop

Azerbaijan is extending visa free access to more countries while its ASAN Visa electronic system and visa on arrival channels continue to develop.

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Bangladesh Moves Arrival and Departure Cards Online

Bangladesh has made its arrival and departure cards available online, replacing the paper forms completed at the border.

Papua New Guinea critical

Papua New Guinea Mandates Digital Arrival Card for All International Travellers

Papua New Guinea now requires all international travellers to complete a Digital Arrival Card before entry.

Singapore positive

Singapore to Update Digital SG Arrival Card with New Interface and Languages

Singapore is updating its digital SG Arrival Card with a redesigned interface and more language options for easier submission.

South Africa critical

South Africa's ETA System Rejects Thousands of Fraudulent Applications

South Africa's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has rejected over 6,000 fraudulent applications out of 216,000 processed.

Visa on Arrival Refusal: Traveller Process and Airline Responsibility Explained

Travellers denied a visa on arrival may face detention, deportation arranged by the airline, and potential repatriation costs.

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Singapore Prepares an Updated Digital Arrival Card

Singapore is preparing a revised version of its SG Arrival Card, the digital declaration travellers submit before entry.

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Cuba Schedules eVisa Platform Downtime From 20 to 24 August

Cuban authorities announced a planned outage of the national eVisa platform, during which applications could not be submitted.

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Ghana's Embassy Websites Go Down While the eVisa Portal Holds

Several Ghanaian embassy websites became unreachable while the country's eVisa portal remained available.

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Thailand's Proposed 450-Baht Tourist Fee Takes Shape

Thailand's proposed 450 baht fee for arriving tourists is taking shape, with collection expected to run through digital entry channels.

SADC Approves UNIVISA, a Regional Tourist Visa for Southern Africa

Southern African Development Community states have approved an agreement establishing UNIVISA, a future regional tourist visa.

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Guinea Raises Visa Fee to $100 and Extends Processing to 45 Days

Guinea has raised its visa fee to one hundred dollars for European Union nationals and extended stated processing time to 45 days.

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India Lists the 85 Entry Points Open to e-Visa Holders

Indian authorities have published the full list of 85 entry points currently open to travellers holding an electronic visa.

South Africa positive

South Africa to Officially Launch Electronic Travel Authorisation on August 12, 2026

South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will officially launch on August 12, 2026, with expansion planned for September.

Kenya positive

Kenya Scraps ETA for Most African Visitors, Offers Visa-Free Entry

Kenya has dropped pre-authorisation requirements, offering visa-free entry to citizens of most African countries.

Indonesia critical

Indonesia Raises Visa-on-Arrival Fees, Encourages Advance e-Visa Applications

Indonesia is increasing its visa-on-arrival fee, with higher charges for travellers who do not complete applications before arrival.

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Thailand Revises Visa Exemption and Visa-on-Arrival Rules

Thailand's Cabinet approved new visa exemption and Visa on Arrival rules, replacing the current 60-day framework.

Nepal positive

Nepal Confirms Full e-Visa Launch Date: August 2026

Nepal will fully launch its e-Visa system on 17 August 2026, streamlining travel for many.

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Malawi Requires a Digital Health Declaration From Travellers

Malawi now requires travellers to complete a digital health declaration, administered by the Ministry of Health.

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Philippines Opens e-Visa Applications to US and Caribbean Residents

The Philippines has extended electronic visa eligibility to applicants in the United States and several Caribbean territories.

Hong Kong critical

AI-powered fake eVisa websites detected; six reported for investigation

Fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to create spoofed electronic visa websites, with six reported for investigation.

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Kenya Clarifies the Insurance Requirement Attached to Its eTA

Kenyan authorities have clarified how a mandatory travel insurance requirement is intended to work alongside the country's electronic travel authorisation.

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Nigeria Requires a Health Declaration Before Boarding

Nigeria now requires travellers to complete a health declaration before boarding, submitted through a Centre for Disease Control platform.

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Kazakhstan Moves Toward a Paid ETA for Visa-Exempt Travellers

Kazakhstan is proceeding with plans for a paid electronic travel authorisation covering travellers who currently enter without a visa.

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Kyrgyzstan Revives a Single-Visa Plan for Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan has revived plans for a shared Central Asian tourist visa, with support from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Google Tightens Advertising Rules for Visa and ETA Services

Google has tightened the rules governing advertisements for visa and travel authorisation services, a category long associated with lookalike sites.

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Russia Adds Two Entry Points for e-Visa Travellers

Russia has designated two additional entry points at which holders of its electronic visa may cross the border.

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Kenya's Mandatory Visitor Health Insurance Requirement Takes Shape

Kenya's planned mandatory health insurance requirement for foreign visitors is taking clearer shape ahead of implementation.

European Union critical

ETIAS Scams Target EU Travellers Amid Entry/Exit System Launch Confusion

Travellers are warned about ETIAS scams targeting non-EU citizens amid EU entry system confusion.

United Kingdom critical

United Kingdom Replaces Physical Visas with Digital eVisa System

The UK has transitioned to a digital eVisa system, replacing physical visa documents for new applicants.

Australia positive

Australia to Roll Out Digital Arrival Card Nationwide

Australia will gradually replace its paper arrival card with a digital declaration system across all international airports and seaports.

South Africa positive

South Africa Launches Online Electronic Travel Authorisation for Indian Visitors

South Africa launches an online Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for eligible Indian visitors.

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ETIAS Launch Potentially Delayed to 2027 for Schengen Area Travellers

ETIAS, a new electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt Schengen visitors, may now launch in 2027 instead of late 2026.

Chad positive

Chad to Abolish Visas for All African Nationals from 2027

Chad will abolish entry visa requirements for all African nationals starting January 1, 2027.

Venezuela positive

Venezuela Introduces eVisa System for Many Foreign Nationals

Venezuela introduces an eVisa system for foreign nationals, including those from the United States and Canada, simplifying entry.

The Digital Borders Report is out: 138 countries now run digital entry

EntryCheck's first quarterly report measures how fast the world's borders are going digital, and where.

Saudi Arabia positive

Saudi Arabia Launches New Package Visa for Faster Tourist Entry

Saudi Arabia introduces a Package Visa combining flights, hotels, and e-visa for visitors from seven eligible countries.

United Arab Emirates positive

UAE Extends Visa-on-Arrival to Six Nationalities Residing in Key Countries

UAE extends visa-on-arrival to citizens of six countries holding residence permits in specific nations.

Bahrain positive

Bahrain Expands Visa on Arrival for 69 Nations, Offering Stays Up To 90 Days

Bahrain has expanded its Visa on Arrival programme for nationals of 69 countries worldwide.

South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia Mandate Digital Declarations

South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia have introduced mandatory digital traveller declarations for international passengers.

South Africa positive

South Africa Expands Visa-Free Entry for 22 African Nations

South Africa updated its visa-free list, allowing citizens from 22 African nations easier entry for various stays.

Australia positive

Australia to Roll Out Digital Arrival Cards for International Travellers

Australia will expand digital arrival cards to all international airports and seaports over the next 12 to 18 months.

Cape Verde critical

Cape Verde Updates Visa-Free Entry for 19 African Nations

Cape Verde has updated its visa exemption list for 19 African countries, requiring pre-registration and an Airport Security Tax.

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New Zealand Shifts Group, Tour Escort Visitor Visas to Enhanced Online System

New Zealand will move Group Visitor and Tour Escort visa applications to an enhanced online system from August 24, 2026.

India critical

India Relaunches Mandatory Air Suvidha 2.0 Health Declaration Portal

India has relaunched Air Suvidha 2.0, a mandatory online health declaration for all international arrivals, effective July 1, 2026.

South Africa critical

South Africa Introduces Mandatory Online Traveller Declaration for All Arrivals and Departures

South Africa now requires all travellers to submit an online declaration before entering or leaving the country.

Japan positive

Japan Extends Visa-Free Entry for Thai Nationals by One Year

Japan extends visa-free entry for Thai ordinary passport holders, allowing 15-day stays until June 2027.

Saudi Arabia positive

Saudi Arabia Expands eVisa Eligibility to 66 Nations for 2026

Saudi Arabia has launched an updated eVisa system for 66 nations, permitting multiple entries and 90-day stays from 2026.

Thailand critical

Thailand Tightens Entry Rules for Indian Citizens; India Issues Travel Advisory

Thailand revised visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, prompting an Indian Embassy advisory on stricter documentation and funds.

Multiple Countries Announce 2026 Visa and Entry Rule Changes for Travellers

Several popular destinations updated visa policies and border procedures for travellers in 2026.

Multiple Asian Nations Update Visa Rules, Digital Entry, and Fees

Several Asian countries are updating visa policies, introducing digital entry systems, and adjusting fees for travellers.

Vietnam critical

Vietnam E-visa Costs $25 Officially; Avoid Scam Sites Charging $80-$200

Vietnam's official e-visa costs $25-$50; travellers must use evisa.gov.vn to avoid scam agencies.

European Union positive

EU Postpones ETIAS Rollout Again, Now Expected 2027

The European Union has again postponed the launch of its ETIAS travel authorisation system until 2027.

Saudi Arabia positive

Saudi Arabia Launches Package Visa Pilot for Easier Tourist Entry

Saudi Arabia introduces a Package Visa pilot, enabling eligible travellers to secure tourist visas via approved providers.

China positive

China and Tanzania in talks for 10-day visa-free transit

China and Tanzania are discussing a pilot arrangement for eligible Tanzanian travellers to transit China visa-free for up to 10 days.

ETIAS Launch May Slip to 2027

The European Union's ETIAS travel authorisation may be pushed back to 2027, extending a timetable that has moved repeatedly.

India positive

India Explores Simpler Tourist Visas, Visa-on-Arrival, and E-Visa Improvements

India is exploring simpler tourist visa rules, including visa-on-arrival for some nationalities and e-Visa portal improvements.

Japan critical

Japan to Increase Tourist Visa Fees from July 2026

Japan will increase tourist visa fees for single and multiple entries from July 1, 2026.

Philippines positive

Philippines extends visa-free entry for Taiwan passport holders

The Philippines extends 14-day visa-free entry for Taiwan passport holders until June 30, 2027.

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Vietnam Maintains Visa Requirement for United States Citizens

United States citizens require a visa for Vietnam, with a specific exception for Phu Quoc island.

South Africa critical

South Africa Mandates Online Travel Declarations for All Incoming and Outgoing Travellers

South Africa will require all travellers to submit mandatory online declarations starting 1 July 2026.

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Papua New Guinea Implements eVisa System and Mandatory Online Arrival Card

Papua New Guinea has introduced a new e-Visa system and a mandatory Online Arrival Card for all incoming travellers.

Tonga Affirms 30-Day Visa-Free and Visa-On-Arrival for Visitors

Tonga continues to offer 30-day visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for eligible nationalities, subject to specific conditions.

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Fiji Confirms Tourist Visa-Free and On-Arrival Entry Requirements

Fiji offers visa-free entry for many nationalities, granting up to four months on arrival for tourism purposes.

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New Zealand Reminds Travellers of NZeTA and Visitor Visa Requirements

New Zealand advises most international visitors need an NZeTA or a traditional visa for entry.

European Union critical

European Union Implements New EES and ETIAS Travel Systems

The European Union is implementing new EES and ETIAS travel authorization systems for visitors.

European Union critical

EU's EES and ETIAS Systems Launch for Schengen Area in 2026

The EU's new EES and ETIAS border systems, automating entry/exit for non-EU/Schengen visitors, are fully operational from 2026.

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European Commission Adopts First-Ever EU Visa Strategy

The European Commission adopts its first-ever EU Visa Strategy, aiming for a more strategic policy advancing the EU.

South Africa positive

South Africa Launches Electronic Travel Authorisation to Boost Tourism

South Africa has launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to streamline entry for eligible tourists, boosting its tourism economy.

Egypt positive

Egypt to launch digital visa on arrival at Cairo Airport in August 2026

Egypt will introduce a new digital visa on arrival system, using QR codes and electronic payments, at Cairo Airport starting August 2026.

Saudi Arabia positive

Saudi Arabia Launches ETA Service for UK Citizens from July 1

Saudi Arabia introduces a new Electronic Travel Authorization service for UK citizens starting July 1, allowing multiple entries for various purposes.

United Arab Emirates positive

UAE Expands Visa-on-Arrival to Six Nationalities with Valid Residence Permits

The United Arab Emirates expanded its visa-on-arrival program to include nationals of six countries and their accompanying family members.

China positive

China Extends Visa-Free Entry for 50 Nations Until End of 2026

China has extended its unilateral visa-free entry policy for 50 countries until December 31, 2026, easing travel for tourism and business.

Japan Launches eVisa for Philippine Package Tourists, Easing Entry

Japan has opened its eVisa system to eligible Philippine passport holders for organized package tours, streamlining the application process.

Thailand critical

Thailand Ends 60-Day Visa Exemption, Reverts to Shorter Stays for Many

Thailand's Cabinet has approved ending the 60-day visa-free stay for 93 countries, reverting most nationalities to a 30-day exemption with new entry caps.

United Arab Emirates positive

UAE Expands Visa-On-Arrival for Indian and Filipino Nationals

The UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival program for eligible Indian and Filipino nationals, offering stays up to 60 days to boost tourism and business.

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Mauritius Funds a Future eVisa and ETA System in Its Budget

Mauritius has set out plans for an electronic visa and travel authorisation system in its 2026 to 2027 budget.

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Vietnam Extends Its Pre-Arrival Information System to Cam Ranh

Vietnam has extended its Pre-Arrival Information system to Cam Ranh airport, continuing a rollout across the country's entry points.

Biometrics and Automation Are Already Changing Travel Formalities

Visa processing, travel authorisations and border checks are increasingly handled by biometric and automated systems rather than by manual review.

United States of America critical

US Citizens Abroad: Use US Passport for US Entry, ESTA Invalid for Dual Nationals

U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport for U.S. entry; ESTA is invalid for dual national U.S. citizens.

United States of America critical

US CBP Updates ESTA Requirements, Expands to Land Borders and Adds Mobile App

The US CBP has updated ESTA requirements for Visa Waiver Program travelers, expanding to land borders and introducing a mobile application.

Canada positive

Canada Expands eTA Eligibility for Indonesian and Malaysian Air Travelers

Canada expanded eTA eligibility for specific Indonesian and Malaysian air travelers, effective May 26, 2026, to strengthen Indo-Pacific ties.

Papua New Guinea critical

Papua New Guinea Mandates Digital Arrival Card for All International Travelers

All international travelers to Papua New Guinea must now complete a mandatory digital arrival card online within 72 hours of their flight.

Frontex Sets Out What It Expects at Europe's Borders

Frontex has published its expectations for document fraud, visa misuse and tighter checks at Europe's external borders.

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Taiwan Widens Its Arrival Card Window to Seven Days

Taiwan's TWAC digital arrival card can now be completed up to seven days before travel, rather than closer to departure.

Egypt positive

Egypt to Launch Digital Visa-On-Arrival System at Cairo Airport

Egypt is introducing a new digital visa-on-arrival system to modernize airport entry procedures and reduce waiting times for international travelers.

Sri Lanka positive

Sri Lanka Introduces Free 30-Day ETA Tourist Visas for 40 Nations

Sri Lanka offers free 30-day ETA tourist visas for 40 countries, but pre-arrival online approval is still mandatory.

Qatar positive

Qatar Offers Visa-Free Entry and E-Visa Options for Global Travelers

Qatar offers visa-free entry for 102 nationalities and e-visas via Hayya platform for others.

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UAE Tourist ETA Program Reported; Key Details Remain Unconfirmed

A free tourist ETA program is reported for the UAE, but official details like eligibility and start date are yet to be confirmed.

Venezuela critical

Peru, Chile, and Venezuela Enforce Strict Passport Validity for Entry and Exit

Peru, Chile, and Venezuela mandate passports possess at least six months validity for both inbound and outbound international travel.

Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay Enforce Valid Passport Requirements

Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Paraguay are strictly enforcing valid passport requirements, with potential entry rejection for non-compliance.

Argentina positive

Argentina Waives Visa/AVE for US, Canada, EU, UK Permanent Residents

Permanent residents of the US, Canada, EU, and UK can now enter Argentina as tourists without a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization.

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Ecuador Publishes 2026 Travel Requirements, Visa Rules, and Yellow Fever Advice

Ecuador has published its comprehensive 2026 guide detailing entry rules, visa requirements, passport validity, and yellow fever recommendations for travelers.

India positive

India 30-Day Tourist e-Visa Now Permits Multiple Entries

India's 30-day tourist e-Visa now permits multiple entries instead of two, offering greater flexibility for short-term international travelers.

Cambodia positive

Cambodia Launches Four-Month Visa-Free Pilot for Chinese Nationals

Cambodia launches a four-month visa-free pilot program for Chinese nationals, allowing 14-day multiple entries from June 15 to October 15, 2026.

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Russia Issued More Than 821,000 Electronic Visas in 2025

Russia issued over 821,000 unified electronic visas during 2025, according to published figures.

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Vietnam Extends Pre-Arrival Information to Hanoi and Da Nang

Vietnam has extended its Pre-Arrival Information service to arrivals at Hanoi and Da Nang, widening a staged national rollout.

Ghana positive

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.

World Cup Puts ESTA, eTA and FIFA PASS at the Centre of Border Planning

Travel bodies describe the 2026 World Cup as a turning point for digital border systems, with ESTA, Canada's eTA and a tournament specific pass all in play.

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Thailand Now Runs Two Digital Entry Systems: THIM and TDAC

Travellers to Thailand encounter two separate digital systems, THIM and the TDAC arrival card, which serve different purposes.

Venezuela critical

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 positive

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.

European Union positive

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.

United States of America critical

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 critical

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 positive

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 critical

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 critical

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 critical

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.

Tanzania critical

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 positive

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.

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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 critical

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 positive

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.

Indonesia critical

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 critical

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.

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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 positive

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 critical

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 critical

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 critical

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.

WTTC Warns EES Border Queues Could Affect 41 Million Arrivals

The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates up to 41 million arrivals in Europe could be affected by queues as the Entry/Exit System is introduced.

US Urges Travellers to Check ESTA Status Before Departure

United States authorities have reminded visa exempt travellers to confirm an existing ESTA authorisation remains valid before flying.

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Philippines Keeps a Proposed 480-Peso Traveller Fee Under Review

A proposed 480-peso fee for arriving travellers in the Philippines remains under review by immigration authorities.

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Vietnam Makes Pre-Arrival Declaration Mandatory for Phu Quoc

Vietnam has made its pre-arrival declaration mandatory for travellers arriving at Phu Quoc, extending a staged national rollout.

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Japan's Parliament Passes the Law Enabling JESTA

Japan's parliament has passed legislation creating the legal basis for JESTA, an electronic travel authorisation for visa exempt visitors.

ETIAS Still Expected Late 2026 Despite a Rocky EES Rollout

European authorities continue to expect ETIAS in late 2026, even as the Entry/Exit System rollout has proved uneven.

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Vietnam to Introduce a Traveller Health Declaration in July

Vietnam has announced a health declaration for travellers, due to take effect in July 2026.

Ghana positive

Ghana Launches Its New eVisa Portal

Ghana has officially launched a new electronic visa portal, replacing its previous application route.

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UK Reports 25.1 Million ETAs Issued, Led by European Travellers

The United Kingdom has issued 25.1 million Electronic Travel Authorisations over a year, with European nationals the largest group.

Namibia critical

Namibia's Online Visa Applications Disrupted After Portal Maintenance

Namibia's online visa service was disrupted following maintenance on the official portal, leaving applicants unable to submit.

US Clarifies How Social Media Checks Apply to ESTA and Visas

United States authorities have sought to clarify how social media vetting applies to ESTA and visa applicants.

US Has Received 5.9 Million ESTA Applications Ahead of the World Cup

United States authorities report 5.9 million ESTA applications received in the run up to the 2026 World Cup.

EES Gains Momentum Across Schengen Ahead of ETIAS

The Entry/Exit System is being adopted more widely across Schengen states ahead of the planned ETIAS launch.

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Vietnam Plans a Nationwide Digital Arrival Card

Vietnam has signalled that its digital arrival card will be rolled out nationwide.

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Chad Makes Its Electronic Visa Mandatory

Chad has made an electronic visa mandatory for foreign travellers, replacing previous arrangements.

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Sri Lanka Approves Free Visas for 40 Countries, ETA Still Required

Sri Lanka's parliament has approved free visas for nationals of forty countries, while the Electronic Travel Authorisation remains mandatory.

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Qatar's Hayya Platform Recognised as a Digital Gateway for Visas and Events

Qatar's Hayya platform has been recognised for combining visa issuance and event access in a single digital gateway.

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Cameroon's eVisa Passes 541,000 Visitors in Three Years

Cameroon reports more than 541,000 visitors processed through its electronic visa in the three years since launch.

Personal Data and ESTA Sit at the Centre of US and EU Talks

Visa-free travel between the United States and the European Union is being discussed alongside questions about ESTA and personal data.

European Commission Sets Out the Difference Between EES and ETIAS

The European Commission has published guidance distinguishing the Entry/Exit System from ETIAS, two systems frequently confused.

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Australia's Immi App Now Available in 47 Countries

Australia's Immi mobile application, used for entry related processes, is now available in forty seven countries.

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Philippines May Introduce an Electronic Travel Authorisation

The Philippines is considering an electronic travel authorisation as part of a future entry system.

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Egypt Raises Its Tourist eVisa Fees

Egypt has increased the fees charged for tourist electronic visas applied for through its official platform.

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Ghana's eVisa Policy Receives Government Approval

Ghana's government has approved the policy underpinning its electronic visa, clearing the way for implementation.

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Bhutan Considers a Digital Arrival Card and Travel Authorisation

Bhutan is considering introducing a digital arrival card alongside an electronic travel authorisation.

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Morocco Exempts Malian Nationals From Its AEVM Authorisation

Morocco has exempted Malian nationals from its AEVM electronic travel authorisation from 27 April.

South Africa positive

South Africa Says Its ETA Is Now Fully Rolled Out

South Africa has described its Electronic Travel Authorisation as fully rolled out following a phased introduction.

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India Adds 14 Seaports to Its e-Visa Scheme

India has designated fourteen additional seaports at which electronic visa holders may enter.

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Japan Sets Out Further Detail on JESTA

Japan's parliament has published further detail on JESTA, the electronic travel authorisation planned for visa exempt visitors.

What the US Mobile Passport Control App Does

The United States operates Mobile Passport Control, an application that lets eligible arriving travellers submit details before reaching an officer.

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Vietnam Introduces a Digital Arrival Card

Vietnam has introduced a digital arrival card, replacing the paper form for arriving travellers.

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Ghana Says Its Coming eVisa Will Simplify Travel

Ghanaian authorities have described the forthcoming electronic visa as making travel to the country substantially easier.

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

Pakistan has expanded its e-visa to nationals of 192 countries, with visa-on-arrival available to tourists from a defined subset.

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Pakistan: Disembarkation Card goes digital

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

Europe's Entry/Exit System Is Now Fully in Place

The European Union's Entry/Exit System is now fully in place, changing what happens at Schengen external borders.

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ETA Applications Open for Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man

Electronic Travel Authorisation applications have opened for the Crown Dependencies, which share the United Kingdom's system.

United Kingdom critical

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

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UK Crown Dependencies: ETA Scheme Extension

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India's Off-Season Tourist e-Visa Rate Is Cheaper in 2026

India charges a lower tourist electronic visa fee outside peak season, and the difference is more pronounced in 2026.

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Canada May Change How Travellers Apply for an eTA

Canada is considering changes to how travellers apply for its electronic travel authorisation.

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UK Raises the Price of Its Electronic Travel Authorisation

The fee for the United Kingdom's Electronic Travel Authorisation has increased.

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Ghana's Free eVisa for Africans Still Requires an Application

Ghana's free electronic visa for African travellers removes the fee but not the application or the approval step.

US ESTA Applies Stricter Checks to Applicant Photographs

The United States has tightened the checks applied to photographs submitted with ESTA applications.

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Guernsey Confirms the ETA Timeline for the Crown Dependencies

Guernsey has confirmed when Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements begin for the Crown Dependencies.

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Maldives to Simplify Online Tourist Visa Extensions

The Maldives is simplifying how tourists extend their stay online.

ICAO Upgrades the PKD, the Backbone of Digital Document Checks

ICAO has upgraded its Public Key Directory, the system that allows countries to verify each other's digital travel documents.

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India Retires Physical Arrival Cards From 31 March

India is ending the paper arrival card from 31 March, with the electronic arrival card taking over.

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China Prepares the Ground for an Electronic Visa

China is laying the groundwork for an electronic visa, which would move applications away from consular submission.

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Seychelles Prioritises Immigration Processing as ETA Applications Surge

Seychelles has prioritised immigration processing following a surge in electronic travel authorisation applications.

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South Korea Still Accepts Paper Arrival Cards Alongside e-Arrival

South Korea continues to accept the paper arrival card despite the rollout of its electronic arrival system.

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Crown Dependencies Set 9 April for ETA Applications

Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man have set 9 April as the date electronic travel authorisation applications open.

European Data Protection Board Raises Concerns Over Proposed ESTA Changes

The European Data Protection Board has raised concerns with Brussels about proposed changes to ESTA requirements.

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UK Says Some ETA Applications Are Approved in 45 Seconds

United Kingdom authorities report that some Electronic Travel Authorisation applications are approved in as little as 45 seconds.

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Trinidad and Tobago Prepares an Online Arrival and Departure Card

Trinidad and Tobago is preparing to launch an online arrival and departure card for travellers.

Hawaii Raises Concerns Over the Tourism Impact of Tighter ESTA Rules

Hawaii has raised concerns about what tighter ESTA requirements could mean for visitor numbers.

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South Africa: ETA application portal revealed

Senegal critical

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