Sri Lanka: Authorities remind travelers to obtain an ETA before departure
Several Sri Lankan diplomatic missions are currently reminding travelers that they must hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before beginning their journey.
Azerbaijan: More countries to gain visa-free access as e-Visa and visa-on-arrival systems evolve
Azerbaijan plans to expand visa-free access to more countries over the coming years. Its new tourism development program aims to bring 34 target markets under a visa-free regime. Baku also intends to develop a multiple-entry e-Visa, expand access to electronic visas and visas on arrival, and eventually introduce a visa for digital nomads.
China: How does the 10-day visa-free transit policy work?
China allows nationals of 57 countries to stay visa-free for up to 10 days while transiting to a third destination. Eligible nationalities, requirements, 65 authorized ports of entry, permitted travel areas and how the stay is calculated: VisasNews explains how China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy works.
Bangladesh: Arrival and Departure Cards now available online
Foreign travelers arriving in or departing from Bangladesh by air can now complete their arrival and departure cards online. Known as the E-Arrival Card and E-Departure Card, these new digital formalities allow passengers to submit in advance information that was previously provided during immigration procedures.
Singapore prepares to roll out an updated version of its digital SG Arrival Card
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: Proposed 450-Baht tourist fee takes shape
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.
India: 85 entry points currently open to e-Visa holders — Here’s the full list
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: Immigration plans to raise visa on arrival fees for VOA and e-VOA
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).
Thailand: Some checked bags may be opened without passengers present starting October 16, 2026
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.
Thailand: Where does the planned cut in visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days stand?
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 announces 11 new entry points for e-Visa holders
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.
Philippines expands e-Visa access to the US and Caribbean
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.
China may impose entry bans of up to five years for false statements in visa and border procedures
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.
Cambodia considers new visa exemptions as tourism declines
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 moves forward with paid ETA plans for visa-exempt travelers
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.
