Asia Visa and Travel News
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.
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 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.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has revived plans for a single tourist visa covering Central Asia. According to the president, the initiative now has the backing of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, although no agreement or launch timeline has yet been announced.
Nepal plans to fully roll out its e-Visa system on August 17, 2026. Travelers will be able to receive their visa by email before departure, although authorities have not announced a broad phaseout of visas on arrival.
Thailand is reminding foreign visitors that they may be asked to show proof of sufficient financial means when passing through immigration.
India is exploring ways to simplify its tourist visa system, including the possibility of a visa on arrival for certain travelers. The e-Visa portal could also be streamlined to reduce friction before departure.
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.
