Travel to the U.S.: new requirement for ESTA application
Travelers heading to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program must now meet a new requirement when submitting their ESTA application online.
India adds 32nd airport for e-Visa holders
A new international airport has just been added to the list of entry points to India available to travelers holding an electronic visa (e-Visa). India regularly updates its list of authorized entry points for e-Visa holders, whether international airports or seaports, to streamline access to the country and support the
New Zealand expands eGates access to 11 new countries and territories
New Zealand Customs Service has announced the expansion of access to its automated eGates border control system to 11 additional countries and territories, making entry easier for more international travelers.
Indonesia: Stay Permit extensions now require in-person visit to Immigration office
Starting May 29, 2025, foreign nationals in Indonesia will be required to appear in person at an immigration office to renew their stay permits. This new regulation also applies to travelers holding a Visa on Arrival (VoA).
China expands visa-free policy to four Gulf countries
China has announced the expansion of its visa-free policy to four member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), continuing its strategy of openness and strengthening international exchanges. Beijing is moving forward with its diplomatic opening by easing entry requirements for travelers from key regions. Following similar moves for Europe,
Namibia welcomes over 70,000 visitors since launch of new visa policy
Since the introduction of its new e-visa and visa-on-arrival system, Namibia has welcomed over 70,000 visitors and generated N$100 million in revenue.
Japan officializes “JESTA”, its electronic travel authorization system
Japan has officially adopted the name “JESTA” (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for its upcoming electronic travel authorization system, which will apply to nationals from visa-exempt countries. Modeled after the U.S. “ESTA” system, JESTA is set to be launched by 2028.
UK: 5.4 million ETAs approved – which countries are the main applicants?
The UK has approved over 5.4 million Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) since the system was launched. Find out which nationalities are among the biggest applicants. Introduced in autumn 2023 as part of the UK’s post-Brexit border modernization strategy, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new entry requirement for travelers
Botswana: Electronic visa application system restored
After being suspended at the end of April 2025, Botswana’s electronic visa application portal (e-Visa) is once again up and running. Suspended without notice at the end of April, Botswana‘s e-Visa portal had halted the registration of new online visa applications, forcing users to go through embassies or local immigration
Saint Kitts and Nevis launches ETA system
Starting May 26, 2025, all foreign travelers will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Saint Kitts and Nevis. As of May 26, 2025, Saint Kitts and Nevis will become the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation to implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. This new
Lesotho soon to be visa-free for European travelers
Lesotho has approved a visa exemption for all citizens of the European Union. This decision, announced during the annual Lesotho-EU Partnership Dialogue, is expected to come into effect in the near future. Landlocked within South Africa, Lesotho aims to become a more accessible destination—particularly for European visitors—by simplifying its entry
Ghana reduces visa application processing time
Ghana has introduced a new visa policy, cutting the maximum processing time for applications to five business days. This initiative aims to boost the country’s appeal to international investors and tourists. Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a major reform regarding the processing of visa applications
U.S. may increase ESTA fee to $40
Congress is currently reviewing a proposal that would nearly double the cost of the ESTA, the essential travel authorization required for visa-exempt visitors to the United States. The measure, assessed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), still needs to go through several legislative steps before it can take effect.
UK: ETA application website temporarily unavailable [UPDATE: the portal is back online]
The official website for applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is currently down. However, travelers can still use the mobile app “UK ETA” to submit their travel authorization requests. [UPDATE: After an interruption of several hours, the United Kingdom ETA portal is once again accessible to travelers wishing
Egypt to launch emergency visa-on-arrival system at Cairo airport starting mid-June
Egypt will roll out a pilot phase of its new digital emergency visa-on-arrival system in mid-June, initially testing it at Cairo International Airport. On May 15, 2025, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities chaired a strategic meeting to finalize the implementation of the new electronic visa-on-arrival system at Egyptian airports.
