India’s e-Tourist Visa becomes more flexible
India’s 30-day e-Tourist Visa now allows multiple entries, instead of the two entries previously permitted.
THIM vs. TDAC: What travelers to Thailand need to know
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.
United Arab Emirates: Entry restrictions and visa suspension for three countries over Ebola
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.
Philippines: Proposed 480-peso traveler fee still under review, immigration authorities say
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.
Vietnam: Pre-arrival declaration becomes mandatory for Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s pre-arrival declaration is now required for international passengers arriving at Phu Quoc Airport.
Thailand: THIM, the new immigration app designed to simplify the arrival card
Thailand is testing a new official immigration mobile app called THIM. The app is designed to allow international travelers to prepare their arrival formalities on their smartphones, in line with the already mandatory TDAC digital arrival card.
Japan’s Parliament passes law paving the way for JESTA
Japan’s Parliament has passed a reform creating the legal basis for the future JESTA system. The electronic authorization will eventually apply to visa-exempt travelers visiting Japan for short stays.
Thailand tightens border health controls over Ebola risk
As of May 27, 2026, Thailand is applying Ebola-related measures to travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, or those who have transited through either country.
Vietnam to introduce health declaration for travelers in July 2026
Vietnam will strengthen its health screening procedures at border checkpoints starting July 1, 2026. Travelers entering, leaving or transiting through the country may be required to complete a health declaration, either electronically or on paper.
Sri Lanka makes tourist ETA free for 40 nationalities from May 25
Sri Lanka has set May 25, 2026, as the start date for its new free tourist visa scheme for citizens of 40 countries. Eligible travelers will still be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival.
Cambodia could consider visa-free travel for Europeans
As Cambodia prepares to temporarily waive visa requirements for Chinese travelers, tourism officials are already raising the possibility of extending the measure to other markets, including Europe.
Thailand’s 60-day visa-free is ending. Here’s what could replace it
Thailand is preparing to overhaul its visa exemption and visa-on-arrival programs. Following the announced end of the 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries and territories, the future policy would introduce several permitted lengths of stay, distinguishing between general exemptions, bilateral agreements and visas on arrival.
Thailand: Cabinet approves end of 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the end of the 60-day visa exemption introduced in 2024 for travelers from 93 countries and territories. The measure still needs to be formally implemented by the relevant authorities, but it is expected to bring back the previous entry rules, generally around 30 days of visa-free stay for many nationalities.
Visa-free travel in Southeast Asia: After the reopening, a time for adjustments?
After easing entry requirements to support tourism’s recovery, several Southeast Asian destinations are now reviewing some visa-free policies. Thailand and Indonesia illustrate this new phase, shaped by efforts to preserve tourism appeal while limiting the misuse of easier entry rules.
Indonesia: Visa exemption policy may be reassessed after several cybercrime cases
Indonesia is reviewing its visa exemption policy after several cases involving hundreds of foreign nationals suspected of links to online fraud and illegal gambling networks.
