New Zealand: Over 1.6 million NZeTAs issued in 2025
In 2025, New Zealand granted more than 1.6 million NZeTAs to nationals of visa-waiver countries, reaffirming the central role of this electronic travel authorization in managing traveler flows.
Russia adds a new entry point accessible with an electronic visa
Russia continues to expand its single electronic visa (e-Visa) system, designed to make entry easier for foreign travelers. A new border crossing has just been added to the existing list, bringing the total number of entry points accessible with this type of visa to 107.
UK: ETA fee set to increase again
As the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) becomes fully mandatory for visa-exempt visitors starting February 25, 2026, the British government has announced its intention to increase the fee in the near future. Currently set at £16, the cost is expected to rise to £20.
Global tourism: Moderate but solid growth in 2025, driven by demand and improved accessibility
With 1.52 billion international tourist arrivals recorded in 2025, global tourism has confirmed its return to a growth trajectory close to pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest data released by UN Tourism, the 4% year-on-year increase in arrivals is being driven by strong demand, the gradual recovery of the Asia-Pacific region, and a more favorable operating environment for international travel.
2026 World Cup: The US launches the FIFA PASS priority visa appointment system for fans
Just over four months before kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. authorities, in coordination with FIFA, are today launching an unprecedented priority appointment system for visa applications. Known as FIFA PASS, the program is designed to facilitate entry into the United States for international ticket-holding fans, while fully maintaining standard screening and security procedures.
Kazakhstan launches ETA for visa-exempt travelers via the “QazETA” mobile app
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.
Canadians soon exempt from visa requirements to travel to China
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.
Dominican Republic extends entry flexibility for tourists with valid passports until the end of 2026
The Dominican Republic has announced another one-year extension of its streamlined policy allowing visitors from several countries to travel without complying with the usual six-month passport validity rule.
Which passports are the world’s “most powerful” in 2026?
Henley & Partners has released its 2026 Henley Passport Index, confirming Singapore’s dominance at the top of the ranking of the world’s “most powerful” passports and highlighting a growing divide between citizens with high mobility and those increasingly confined within their borders.
Jordan: Foreign travelers can now stay in the country for up to three months
Jordan has announced a major relaxation of its entry rules. Foreign visitors who are not traveling on a work visa will now automatically receive a three-month residence permit, up from the previous one-month limit, whether they enter the country with an electronic visa (e-Visa) or a visa obtained on arrival.
Zambia updates its visa fees
Since January 1, 2026, Zambia has implemented new visa fees, adjusting several categories intended for international travelers.
Pakistan suspends its free “VPA” visa for 126 nationalities
Launched in the summer of 2024 to facilitate travel to Pakistan, the “Visa Prior to Arrival” (VPA) program, which allowed citizens of 126 countries to quickly obtain a free visa, has been unavailable since January 1, 2026. In the absence of any official announcement regarding this suspension, affected travelers must now apply for a “standard” paid e-Visa, which involves higher fees and more extensive administrative requirements.
India expands entry points available to e-Visa holders
As part of its policy to facilitate international travel, India continues to adapt its electronic visa system. In recent days, a new airport, a land border crossing, and several seaports have been opened to travelers holding an e-Visa, further strengthening the country’s connectivity and streamlining arrivals.
Kyrgyzstan shortens visa-free stay for citizens of 55 countries
Kyrgyzstan has revised its visa-free entry and stay rules for nationals of several countries. A government decision that came into force on December 31, 2025 now limits the length of stay permitted without formalities, with the stated aim of streamlining and increasing the transparency of the country’s migration policy.
Malawi tightens its visa exemption policy
After significantly easing its entry requirements in 2024, Malawi has now changed course. Under new regulations in effect since January 3, 2026, countries that were previously exempt, such as France, Belgium, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, are once again subject to visa requirements, while only limited, reciprocity-based exemptions remain in place.
