Asia Visa and Travel News
China is simplifying a mandatory but little-known requirement for foreign travelers. Since September 21, 2026, visitors staying somewhere other than a hotel can register their accommodation online without having to visit a local police station.
Thailand has opened its automated immigration gates at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to arriving travelers from 33 nationalities, including those from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. However, four conditions currently need to be met to use the eGates.
Nepal is preparing a system that would allow foreign visitors to use their phones for certain identity checks during their stay. Passport and visa information displayed in the immigration app could be accepted instead of the physical passport for some procedures, including hotel check-ins and domestic flights. The project is also designed to help authorities locate and assist travelers more quickly in an emergency, an issue brought into sharp focus by the devastating floods of August 26, 2026.
Lao authorities are temporarily granting a 180-day validity period for e-Visa approval letters, up from the usual 60 days. Approval notifications sent to travelers now explicitly mention the measure, which does not change the permitted length of stay in Laos, still limited to 30 days.
Hong Kong has launched “Go Hong Kong,” a new mobile app that allows certain frequent visitors, including US, UK, Canadian and Australian travelers, to register for the automated e-Channel service before they even arrive.
Since September 15, 2026, US, UK, Canadian and Australian travelers, along with nationals of 56 other countries and territories, are now limited to 30 days of visa-free entry for tourism in Thailand. Several official Thai sources now confirm that this period can be extended by up to another 30 days through immigration, potentially allowing travelers to stay for as long as 60 days without a visa.
Starting tomorrow, September 15, 2026, Thailand will end its 60-day visa exemption scheme. For US, UK, Australian and Canadian citizens, visa-free stays will be reduced to 30 days and limited to tourism. The reform also changes the list of visa-exempt nationalities, sharply reduces eligibility for Visa on Arrival, and will require nationals of 21 countries to obtain a visa before traveling.
India is gradually automating biometric registration for travelers arriving with an electronic visa. Four new kiosks have just gone into service at Kolkata Airport, while similar equipment is already operating in Delhi, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. The kiosks allow travelers to scan their passport and register their photo and fingerprints before proceeding to an immigration counter.
Indonesia has introduced emergency measures for foreign nationals unable to leave the country because of air travel disruptions caused by the eruption of Anak Krakatau. Eligible travelers may be granted an emergency stay permit for up to 30 days, while overstay fees resulting from the force majeure situation have been set at zero.
Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has launched “Click and Travel,” a new system that allows immigration officers to process entry and departure formalities directly with passengers using connected mobile devices and biometric verification. Checks can be completed in about 12 to 15 seconds.
Nepal now allows travelers to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure, pay the required fees online, including by international bank card, and obtain their authorization electronically. After a relatively low-key rollout, VisasNews tested the entire process to see how it works in practice.
Saudi Arabia is piloting a new option allowing travelers from seven countries to obtain a tourist e-Visa as part of their trip booking. Known as the “Package Visa,” the program links the electronic visa to a travel package that includes flights and accommodation booked through participating providers.
Since September 1, 2026, Malaysia has tightened access to its Multiple Entry Visa (MEV). The visa is no longer available to all nationalities and is now limited to 31 eligible nationalities and just four specific travel purposes.
India is clarifying the rules for its new “e-Group Visit Visa,” designed for groups of foreign tourists arriving in the country aboard cruise ships. Valid for 30 days and allowing multiple entries, applications will be submitted collectively by cruise operators or their agents. The service, however, is not yet available through India’s official e-Visa portal.
Thailand’s upcoming visa exemption reform will have major consequences for travelers from 21 countries. Starting September 15, 2026, they will no longer be able to enter the kingdom visa-free. For tourism purposes, travelers will notably be able to apply online through Thai e-Visa system.
