Asia Visa and Travel News
Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority is preparing an update to the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC). A redesigned interface, available in 19 languages and intended to further streamline arrival formalities, will be available for early access on the ICA website starting August 26, 2026.
Thailand is moving ahead with its proposed tourist fee for foreign visitors, with authorities now considering a flat rate of 450 baht per person. The scheme, which could potentially use the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) as part of the collection process, must still go through public consultation and several approval stages before it can take effect.
Following the announcement of new entry points in India for e-Visa holders, the official portal now lists 85 locations where travelers can enter the country with an electronic visa. The list includes 36 airports, 38 seaports and 11 land border crossings.
Indonesia is considering raising its Visa on Arrival (VOA) fees. The electronic visa obtained before travel would cost 750,000 rupiah (about $42), while travelers applying upon arrival would pay 1 million rupiah (about $56).
Starting October 16, 2026, security personnel at Thai airports will be allowed to open and inspect certain checked bags without the passenger being present. The procedure will only be used when screening detects a suspicious item, and each inspection must be video recorded.
Announced in spring 2026 and further clarified in July, Thailand’s overhaul of its visa exemption rules has still not taken effect. Nationals of 93 countries and territories can currently continue to stay visa-free for up to 60 days, while the country is also moving ahead with the digital modernization of its entry procedures through the TDAC and the upcoming THIM app.
India has announced the addition of 11 entry points for travelers holding an electronic visa (e-Visa), including two airports and nine land border crossings.
As of August 10, 2026, eligible residents of the United States and 19 Caribbean countries and territories can apply online for a Philippine e-Visa. The latest expansion follows several rollouts of the system across the Asia-Pacific region and Europe in recent months.
Starting September 15, 2026, Chinese authorities will be able to ban foreign nationals from entering the country for one to five years if they submit false documents or make false statements when applying for a visa or seeking entry at the border.
Cambodian authorities and tourism industry representatives met on August 4, 2026, to review a proposal for visa-free entry from several priority markets. The idea is gaining traction, but no new exemption has been approved yet.
Kazakhstan is moving forward with plans to introduce a paid electronic travel authorization for nationals of visa-exempt countries. Already available on a trial basis through the QazETA mobile app, the ETA remains optional for now, and authorities have yet to announce its fee or the date it will become mandatory.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has revived plans for a single tourist visa covering Central Asia. According to the president, the initiative now has the backing of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, although no agreement or launch timeline has yet been announced.
Nepal plans to fully roll out its e-Visa system on August 17, 2026. Travelers will be able to receive their visa by email before departure, although authorities have not announced a broad phaseout of visas on arrival.
Thailand is reminding foreign visitors that they may be asked to show proof of sufficient financial means when passing through immigration.
India is exploring ways to simplify its tourist visa system, including the possibility of a visa on arrival for certain travelers. The e-Visa portal could also be streamlined to reduce friction before departure.
