Following the announcement that visa bond requirements will be waived for certain 2026 World Cup ticket holders, the U.S. Travel Association has welcomed a targeted measure designed to make it easier for international fans to travel to the United States.
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.
U.S. will exempt some foreign fans from a visa bond of up to $15,000 imposed on travelers from several countries subject to enhanced screening.
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.
Egypt is preparing to roll out its new digital visa on arrival system at Cairo International Airport. The system, based on a QR code and electronic payment, is expected to be deployed first across all terminals at Cairo Airport in August 2026 before being gradually extended to other Egyptian airports.
After returning to 2019 levels, global tourism is expected to continue growing faster than the world economy, according to the latest forecasts from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has confirmed that the digital arrival card system known as “Pre-arrival Information,” which has been tested since April 15, 2026, at Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport, will gradually be rolled out to other entry points across the country.
Chad is expanding its e-Visa system for foreign travelers. Starting May 11, 2026, all new visa applications must be submitted exclusively online through the official platform, evisa.td.
Brazil will grant a visitor visa exemption to Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports for stays of up to 30 days.
Sri Lanka will grant free 30-day visas to nationals of 40 countries, but travelers will still need to apply for an ETA before departure.
The Henley Passport Index, which ranks the world’s most “powerful” passports, has been updated, offering a fresh snapshot of visa-free global mobility.
The Bahamas has launched a pilot phase for the Bahamas Digital Arrival Card, a new digital form designed to modernize arrival procedures for international travelers.
Seychelles and Kyrgyzstan have signed a reciprocal visa-exemption agreement for short stays by their nationals.
Qatar Tourism’s Hayya platform has received a 2026 Silver Stevie® Award for its role in the digital transformation of travel, tourism and event management in Qatar.
Three years after launching its electronic visa, Cameroon is highlighting more than 541,000 visitors welcomed through the e-Visa system.
