America Visa and Travel News
Nicaragua is undertaking a sweeping overhaul of its entry requirements. The elimination of visas on arrival for dozens of countries, along with the end of several visa exemptions, marks a significant turning point, against a backdrop of U.S. diplomatic pressure tied to migration flows toward the United States.
The prospect of the 2026 World Cup is driving a sharp increase in ESTA applications for visa-free travel to the United States. U.S. authorities report that, between October and December 2025, they approved more than one million authorizations for nationals of countries qualified for the competition.
While several recent reports incorrectly announced that new ESTA application requirements had taken effect as of February 9, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in France has issued an official clarification. The proposed changes, including the possible requirement to provide social media identifiers, remain under review and could, at the earliest, be implemented starting in mid-2026, according to a projected timeline.
Since this weekend, several media outlets have claimed that new information is now required to enter the United States under the ESTA authorization, including the disclosure of social media histories or more detailed family data. A careful reading of the official document, however, shows that these changes are not yet in effect and are still subject to a preliminary public consultation.
Commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council, a large-scale international survey highlights the potentially deterrent effects of proposed changes to U.S. entry requirements under the ESTA program. The planned requirement to provide social media information could discourage some international travelers and place a significant burden on the U.S. tourism economy.
Just over four months before kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. authorities, in coordination with FIFA, are today launching an unprecedented priority appointment system for visa applications. Known as FIFA PASS, the program is designed to facilitate entry into the United States for international ticket-holding fans, while fully maintaining standard screening and security procedures.
The Dominican Republic has announced another one-year extension of its streamlined policy allowing visitors from several countries to travel without complying with the usual six-month passport validity rule.
The Haitian government officially unveiled last week its new digital embarkation and disembarkation system, called “iKat.” Presented as a pilot project, the system aims to gradually replace the traditional physical card with a digital version, with the goal of modernizing and securing the country’s migration flows.
The U.S. administration has unveiled a new immigration program that offers a fast-tracked path to permanent residency in the United States in exchange for a $1 million contribution. Presented as a preferred route for attracting investors, the “Gold Card” marks a new chapter in Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
In an official notice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing a sweeping overhaul of the ESTA application process, including mandatory new personal data, exclusive use of a mobile app, and expanded biometric checks. These measures, now open for public comment, could significantly reshape the procedure for travelers eligible for visa-free entry.
Bolivia has announced a major diplomatic opening by gradually eliminating visa requirements for eight countries. The decision, part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s appeal, aims to boost international exchanges and support economic growth.
Canada has announced the launch of a digital visa trial, marking the beginning of a technological shift aimed at simplifying and securing entry procedures into the country.
Canada announces the removal of the visa requirement for Qatari citizens, a measure that has taken effect immediately. This decision, accompanied by the mandatory eTA requirement for Qatari travelers, marks a new step in the strengthening of bilateral ties between Ottawa and Doha and aims to facilitate travel between the two countries.
After nearly doubling a few weeks ago, the ESTA fee will soon undergo another adjustment. This change, scheduled every year, remains very modest and is simply the result of applying the inflation-indexing mechanism.
Announced jointly by Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, the “FIFA PASS” promises expedited visa interview appointments at U.S. consulates for holders of 2026 World Cup tickets.
