Sri Lanka: Parliament approves free visas for 40 countries, but ETA remains mandatory
Sri Lanka will grant free 30-day visas to nationals of 40 countries, but travelers will still need to apply for an ETA before departure.
Qatar recognized for Hayya platform, a digital gateway for visas and events
Qatar Tourism’s Hayya platform has received a 2026 Silver Stevie® Award for its role in the digital transformation of travel, tourism and event management in Qatar.
Philippines may introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization through its future border control system
A project document from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration outlines a future integrated border control system that could include the option to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization through a mobile app.
Bhutan considers digital arrival card and electronic travel authorization
Bhutan could soon update its entry procedures, after authorities recently proposed developing a digital arrival card and an electronic travel authorization.
India adds 14 seaports to its e-Visa scheme
India is further expanding the number of entry points available to travelers holding an electronic visa. Fourteen additional seaports can now be used to enter the country with an e-Visa.
Japan’s Parliament unveils new details on JESTA, the electronic travel authorization planned for 2028
JESTA, Japan’s future electronic travel authorization system, was the subject of detailed exchanges in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers obtained fresh details from the government on which travelers would be covered, the loopholes Tokyo wants to close, the rollout timeline, the cost, and the safeguards expected before the system goes live.
Vietnam introduces a digital arrival card
A digital arrival card is now required for travelers arriving in Vietnam, particularly at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
Turkey lifts visa requirement for Australians effective April 17, 2026
Australian citizens holding ordinary passports no longer need a visa to travel to Turkey for tourism or transit.
Thailand: government officially launches review of visa-free entry policy
During the presentation of his government’s policy statement to Parliament, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul today formally confirmed that Thailand’s visa-free policy will soon be reviewed.
India: why the off-season tourist e-Visa rate is more attractive in 2026
As it does every year between April and June, India has once again lowered the price of its 30-day tourist e-Visa to $10 during the off-season, compared with $25 the rest of the year. In 2026, however, the measure could benefit a wider range of travelers, as this electronic visa can now be applied for much earlier than before.
Sri Lanka is expected to grant free visas for a six-month period to travelers from around 40 countries
After several announcements and months of waiting, Sri Lanka’s plan to offer free visas is back in the spotlight. The Cabinet has approved the measure’s submission to Parliament, which is expected to allow travelers from around 40 countries to benefit from a six-month ETA fee waiver.
The Philippines extends visa relief for stranded foreign nationals by one month
As the original April 1 deadline approached, the Philippines decided to extend by one additional month the exceptional visa relief measure granted to foreign nationals unable to leave the country because of air travel disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Sri Lanka fast-tracks free visa plan for 40 countries amid tourism slowdown
As tourist arrivals slow significantly due to tensions in the Middle East, Sri Lanka is fast-tracking the implementation of a long-standing plan: free visas for 40 countries.
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.
