Asia Visa and Travel News
Bangladesh is moving toward a new visa policy designed to replace the framework in place since 2006. A ministerial committee has been tasked with refining the draft “Visa Policy 2026,” which includes a reorganization of visa categories and a possible shift toward an e-Visa system.
Armenia has renewed for one year its temporary visa exemption for nationals of selected countries who hold a valid residence permit issued by several recognized states or areas. The updated list now covers 111 countries, down from 113 during the first phase of the policy.
India has relaunched Air Suvidha 2.0, a mandatory online health declaration for international passengers arriving in the country. The system is designed to strengthen health surveillance at points of entry amid the Ebola/Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Vietnam has clarified the rollout of its border health declaration. The formality may be activated depending on the health situation, but it does not automatically apply to all travelers starting July 1, 2026.
The UAE is expanding its visa-on-arrival program to nationals of six countries. The measure applies to travelers from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa, provided they hold a valid residence permit issued by certain countries recognized by Emirati authorities.
Vietnam is continuing to expand its Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) system. After being introduced at several of the country’s major international airports, Cam Ranh Airport, which notably serves Nha Trang, now appears on the official pre-arrival declaration portal.
Japan will sharply increase its visa issuance fees starting July 1, 2026. The single-entry visa fee will rise from 3,000 to 15,000 yen, while multiple-entry visas will now cost 30,000 yen.
Taiwan has eased the process for its Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC). Travelers can now complete the digital arrival card within seven days before entering the territory.
From July through December 2026, international travelers flying to or transiting through Abu Dhabi on an Etihad-operated flight will be eligible for complimentary medical insurance. A similar move could also be in the works in Dubai, where Emirates is reportedly considering its own passenger insurance initiative.
Saudi Arabia wants the 2034 World Cup to be affordable, safe and accessible for international fans. According to the kingdom’s sports minister, Riyadh will work with FIFA on those goals, while e-Visas are already emerging as a key part of its fan-access strategy.
Vietnam is continuing the rollout of its “Pre-Arrival Information” (PAI) service. After Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc, the pre-arrival declaration portal can now be used for flights arriving in Hanoi and Da Nang.
India’s 30-day e-Tourist Visa now allows multiple entries, instead of the two entries previously permitted.
Thailand is testing the THIM mobile app, presented as a future digital gateway for immigration services. But one question keeps coming up among travelers: does this app replace the TDAC? At this stage, the answer is no. THIM is an optional, complementary channel, while the Thailand Digital Arrival Card remains the mandatory arrival requirement.
The United Arab Emirates has announced new precautionary measures for travelers coming from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Starting June 6, 2026, the issuance of new visas will be suspended for nationals of the three countries, and entry into the UAE will be restricted for travelers arriving from those countries.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration says its CAISS border modernization project has not yet been signed or finalized. The agency confirms that a passenger fee was included in the proposal, but says no decision has been made at this stage.
