Global EntryWire

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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

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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South Africa: ETA application portal revealed

Senegal critical

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