Asia Visa and Travel News
In response to the sudden closure of its airspace and the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Qatar has announced the automatic and free extension of all entry visas that are set to expire.
After several weeks of technical disruptions on the official Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) portal, approval notifications are once again being sent to applicants. A return to normal operations has been observed on the ground, even though Sri Lankan authorities have not, at this stage, issued any official statement confirming that the system has been fully restored.
In her general policy speech delivered on February 20, 2026, at the opening of the 221st session of the National Diet, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that her government will soon introduce a bill to establish the electronic travel authorization system “JESTA”.
While the ETA platform remains affected by a technical issue, Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration has issued further clarification. Although most tourist and business travelers may still travel to the country despite not receiving formal approval, no exemption from the required pre-departure application process has been granted.
While numerous reports in recent weeks have suggested an imminent reduction in the length of visa-free stays in Thailand, authorities have confirmed that the policy is indeed under review, but no final decision has yet been made.
Sri Lankan authorities are currently dealing with a technical issue affecting the transmission of Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETA). Despite these delays, travelers who have already submitted their applications are permitted to travel to the country and will be assisted upon arrival in Sri Lanka.
Starting February 17, 2026, holders of ordinary passports from Canada and the United Kingdom will be able to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. This decision, now officially confirmed by the Chinese government, will remain in effect through December 31, 2026.
From January 1 to July 1, 2026, Armenia is implementing a temporary visa exemption for certain foreign nationals holding a residence permit issued by several major economic and regional jurisdictions.
At its meeting on February 10, 2026, the Cabinet approved a progress report on Thailand’s visa reform initiative launched in 2024 to support tourism and stimulate the national economy. While most of the measures are already in effect, authorities confirmed their consolidation and signaled several potential adjustments, including a possible revision of the 60-day visa exemption in response to documented cases of abuse.
Since January 30, 2026, Singapore has implemented a new border security measure under which certain categories of travelers may now be denied boarding before their flight departs.
During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China, Beijing indicated that it is considering granting visa-free entry for British citizens traveling for short stays.
Meeting this week in Cebu, Philippines, on the occasion of the ASEAN Tourism Forum, Southeast Asian tourism ministers are set to discuss the possible introduction of a region-wide common tourist visa. The initiative, frequently raised for more than a decade, is being brought back to the forefront of regional discussions by the Philippines.
According to the National Immigration Administration, more than 30 million foreign nationals entered China without a visa in 2025, amid a strong recovery in cross-border travel and the modernization of entry procedures, notably marked by the gradual rollout of a digital arrival card.
Launched in July 2025, the “QazETA” mobile application is now at the heart of Kazakhstan’s strategy to digitize migration services and improve the reception of foreign visitors. The app brings together, within a single digital gateway, electronic visa (e-Visa) procedures, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers, and electronic residency (e-Residency) services.
While on an official visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canadian citizens will soon be able to enter China without a visa.
