Japan critical

• The Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA) will become mandatory for certain visa-exempt foreign nationals.
• Unlike 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.

 Syria critical

• 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.

 Egypt critical

• A circular from the Egyptian Travel Agents Association confirms an upcoming increase to Egypt's single-entry visa fee, following a Cabinet decision.
• Effective January 1, 2027, the standard fee will rise by $3, from $30 to $33.
• For travellers using the digital visa-on-arrival system at Cairo International Airport, the total cost will increase to $39.

 China positive

• The National Immigration Administration confirmed the nationwide expansion of online accommodation registration on September 21, 2026.
• This allows foreign nationals residing outside hotels to complete the mandatory registration via an official online platform, app, or mini-program.
• Previously, this process often required an in-person visit to a local public security authority within 24 hours of arrival at the accommodation.

 Thailand positive

• Automated Border Control (ABC) eGates are now operational for arriving foreign travellers at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
• Citizens from 33 specified countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, are eligible.
• These gates are currently configured exclusively for individuals entering Thailand under the 30-day visa exemption programme.

 Azerbaijan positive

• Azerbaijan is introducing temporary visa on arrival procedures for certain foreign nationals attending two major sporting events.
• This applies to the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in 2026.
• The visa on arrival for the Formula 1 Grand Prix is available from August 25 to September 30, requiring a race ticket or official accreditation.

 India positive

• India's official electronic visa portal now offers an online service to transfer e-Visas to new travel documents.
• Applicants must provide details of their new passport, upload a current photo, and a copy of their new passport's biographical page.
• This service is exclusively for one-year and five-year e-Visas, including e-Tourist and e-Business types, and excludes shorter validity periods.

Confirmed at source: Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Kenya, Laos, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia and 13 more.

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