Togo has confirmed its new visa-free entry regime for nationals of African states. The decree adopted by the Council of Ministers sets out the rules for visa-free stays of up to 30 days.
Ireland is changing its visa appeals process. Starting June 1, 2026, most refusals of short-stay Type C visas will no longer be eligible for an administrative appeal.
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.
Short-stay Schengen visa applications rose slightly in 2025. Consulates across the Schengen area received nearly 12 million applications, a figure that remains well below pre-pandemic levels.
The European Entry/Exit System, known as EES, is now fully in use at the external borders of the Schengen Area, but its operation still varies widely from one border crossing to another. Despite these difficult early stages, the European travel authorization ETIAS remains expected in the final quarter of 2026.
The Council of the European Union adopted conclusions on May 28, 2026, setting out new strategic guidelines for Europe’s tourism sector. The text aims to better balance attractiveness, sustainability, competitiveness, digital transformation and the gap between heavily visited destinations and lesser-known areas.
South Korea is temporarily easing entry requirements for Indonesian travelers. Starting May 28, 2026, Indonesian tour groups of at least three people will be allowed to enter the country without a visa for short stays.
Australia is gradually expanding its digital arrival card. Since May 26, 2026, the Australia Travel Declaration has been available to certain international travelers arriving at Melbourne Airport on selected Qantas flights.
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.
Canada has announced temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the rising regional risk in Uganda and South Sudan. Starting May 27, 2026, certain previously approved immigration documents will be suspended for residents of countries considered to be at high or very high risk.
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.
Canada is easing entry requirements for some citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia. Starting May 26, 2026, eligible travelers will no longer need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa when flying to or transiting through Canada.
Ghana has officially launched its national electronic visa portal, a reform designed to replace manual procedures with a faster, more secure and more transparent online application system.
The Republic of Congo plans to lift visa requirements for African travelers starting January 1, 2027.
