Asia Visa and Travel News

United Arab Emirates waive overstay fines for travelers stranded by the Middle East crisis

March 5, 2026

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.

Kuwait: visit visas extended by one month amid Middle East crisis

March 4, 2026

Facing air travel disruptions caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Kuwait has announced several exceptional measures for travelers and residents. Authorities have decided to automatically extend visit visas by one month and grant additional time to residents currently stranded abroad.

Thailand: overstay fines waived and assistance considered for tourists stranded by the Middle East crisis

March 4, 2026

In response to air travel disruptions caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East, Thailand is introducing exceptional measures for foreign travelers unable to leave the country. Thai immigration authorities have notably announced the waiver of overstay fines in certain cases, while tourism officials are considering financial assistance for visitors stranded in the country.

Qatar extends visa validity by one month for travelers stranded by regional crisis

March 3, 2026

In response to the sudden closure of its airspace and the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Qatar has announced the automatic and free extension of all entry visas that are set to expire.

Sri Lanka: ETA system back up and running

March 2, 2026

After several weeks of technical disruptions on the official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) portal, approval notifications are once again being sent to applicants. A return to normal operations has been observed on the ground, even though Sri Lankan authorities have not, at this stage, issued any official statement confirming that the system has been fully restored.

Japan: with JESTA authorization, Tokyo aims to “prevent the entry of undesirable foreign nationals”

February 20, 2026

In her general policy speech delivered on February 20, 2026, at the opening of the 221st session of the National Diet, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that her government will soon introduce a bill to establish the electronic travel authorization system “JESTA”.

Sri Lanka: ETA application still required before travel despite current technical issues

February 19, 2026

While the ETA platform remains affected by a technical issue, Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration has issued further clarification. Although most tourist and business travelers may still travel to the country despite not receiving formal approval, no exemption from the required pre-departure application process has been granted.

Thailand: proposal to reduce visa exemption to 30 days under consideration, but no decision yet

February 18, 2026

While numerous reports in recent weeks have suggested an imminent reduction in the length of visa-free stays in Thailand, authorities have confirmed that the policy is indeed under review, but no final decision has yet been made.

Sri Lanka: temporary disruption in the issuance of ETA

February 18, 2026

Sri Lankan authorities are currently dealing with a technical issue affecting the transmission of Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETA). Despite these delays, travelers who have already submitted their applications are permitted to travel to the country and will be assisted upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

China: Canada and the United Kingdom added to the list of visa-free countries

February 16, 2026

Starting February 17, 2026, holders of ordinary passports from Canada and the United Kingdom will be able to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. This decision, now officially confirmed by the Chinese government, will remain in effect through December 31, 2026.

Armenia introduces a temporary visa exemption for residents of 113 countries

February 12, 2026

From January 1 to July 1, 2026, Armenia is implementing a temporary visa exemption for certain foreign nationals holding a residence permit issued by several major economic and regional jurisdictions.

Thailand: government consolidates its visa policy and considers adjustments

February 11, 2026

At its meeting on February 10, 2026, the Cabinet approved a progress report on Thailand’s visa reform initiative launched in 2024 to support tourism and stimulate the national economy. While most of the measures are already in effect, authorities confirmed their consolidation and signaled several potential adjustments, including a possible revision of the 60-day visa exemption in response to documented cases of abuse.

Singapore introduces enhanced pre-boarding immigration controls

February 4, 2026

Since January 30, 2026, Singapore has implemented a new border security measure under which certain categories of travelers may now be denied boarding before their flight departs.

China: toward visa-free entry for British citizens

January 29, 2026

During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China, Beijing indicated that it is considering granting visa-free entry for British citizens traveling for short stays.

ASEAN common visa: fresh talks revived in the Philippines

January 28, 2026

Meeting this week in Cebu, Philippines, on the occasion of the ASEAN Tourism Forum, Southeast Asian tourism ministers are set to discuss the possible introduction of a region-wide common tourist visa. The initiative, frequently raised for more than a decade, is being brought back to the forefront of regional discussions by the Philippines.

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