Maldives to simplify online tourist visa extensions
In a context of declining tourist arrivals linked to tensions in the Middle East, the Maldives is betting on a simplified online visa extension process, with processing times reduced to 48 hours.
Middle East conflict: Saudi Arabia eases rules for expired visas
In response to mobility challenges linked to the Middle East conflict, Saudi Arabia is introducing exceptional measures for travelers with expired visas, offering options for fee-free departure or regulated extensions.
India: physical arrival cards to end on March 31, 2026, as e-Arrival card takes over
After several months of coexistence between paper and digital formats, the transition is coming to an end. Delhi International Airport has confirmed that paper arrival cards will be discontinued as of March 31, 2026, thereby formalizing the full shift to the e-Arrival Card.
Thailand moves toward reducing visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days
The reduction of Thailand’s visa-free stay is not yet finalized, but it is taking shape. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a proposal to shorten the visa exemption period from 60 to 30 days will soon be submitted to the government.
China paves the way for the introduction of an electronic visa
For a long time lagging behind in the digitalization of visas, China is now entering a new phase. In a set of measures released on March 20, Beijing for the first time refers to the introduction of an electronic visa, while continuing to expand its visa-free policies and streamline entry procedures.
Pakistan: Disembarkation Card goes digital
Since late February, Pakistan has allowed travelers holding a valid visa to complete their disembarkation card online through the Pak Identity app (Pak-ID Mobile App). The move is intended to streamline arrival procedures.
Middle East conflict: Sri Lanka further extends visas for stranded travelers and lengthens validity of unused visas
Amid ongoing air travel disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East, Sri Lanka is once again extending visas for stranded travelers. Authorities have also announced an extension of unused visas to accommodate delayed travel plans.
Indonesia: immigration services suspended for Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi
On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi (the Saka New Year), Indonesia has announced the temporary closure of its immigration services from March 18 to March 24, 2026. While administrative procedures will be suspended, border control operations and Visa on Arrival (VoA) facilities will remain fully operational.
India: five new entry points opened to travelers holding an e-Visa
India continues to expand the number of entry points accessible to foreign travelers holding an electronic visa. The country has announced the addition of two land border checkpoints and three seaports to the e-Visa system.
War in the Middle East: India grants visa extensions to foreign nationals stranded in the country
In response to the air travel disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, India has announced a series of exceptional measures for foreign nationals currently present in the country.
War in the Middle East: Philippines extend visas for travelers stranded by flight cancellations
Facing disruptions to air travel caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Philippine authorities have decided to grant a temporary relaxation of stay rules for certain foreign nationals currently present in the country.
War in the Middle East: Bahrain eases visa rules for travelers affected by flight cancellations
Amid air travel disruptions caused by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Bahrain has announced ‘exceptional measures’ concerning visit visas.
South Korea: paper arrival card still accepted despite rollout of the e-Arrival Card
As South Korea continues rolling out its electronic arrival card system (e-Arrival Card), designed to modernize entry procedures into the country, some questions remained regarding the continued use of paper forms. Contacted by VisasNews, South Korean authorities indicated that both formats are currently still being used in parallel.
Japan: Tokyo approves bill to introduce JESTA electronic travel authorization
The Japanese government has approved a bill aimed at reforming several provisions of the country’s immigration legislation, including the creation of the “JESTA” electronic travel authorization system. Presented to the House of Representatives, the text also provides for a significant increase in the legal ceiling for fees related to residence permits, marking the first revision in more than forty years.
United Arab Emirates waive overstay fines for travelers stranded by the Middle East crisis
Because of the air travel disruptions caused by the current crisis in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates has announced exceptional measures for travelers who were unable to leave the country as scheduled. Authorities have decided to waive overstay penalties for those affected by these circumstances, while also providing administrative assistance for situations impacted by flight cancellations or rescheduling.
