Asia Visa and Travel News
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.
Vietnam’s pre-arrival declaration is now required for international passengers arriving at Phu Quoc Airport.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
