As of January 1, 2026, Cape Verde has ended the issuance of visas on arrival for nationals of 96 countries. Travelers affected by this measure must now obtain a visa before departure from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate, as the EASE portal no longer allows online payment of visa-on-arrival fees.
Electronic travel authorization here, extended visa-free access there, increasingly widespread digital arrival cards… In 2026, many destinations will update their travel entry requirements. Nothing insurmountable, but several new elements to factor in before packing your bags. Here’s an overview of the main changes ahead.
Good news for international travelers: Mongolia has officially announced the extension of its visa-free entry policy for citizens of 34 countries through January 1, 2027. Originally introduced as a temporary measure in 2023 and set to expire on December 31, 2025, the program has now been renewed, reaffirming the Mongolian government’s commitment to maintaining an open and tourism-friendly policy.
As of January 1, 2026, all foreign tourists entering Georgia will be required to carry valid health and accident insurance covering the entirety of their stay. This new requirement, enshrined in Georgia’s “Law on Tourism,” is intended to strengthen visitor protection and clarify the country’s entry conditions.
Visa fees for travel to China will continue to benefit from a reduced rate until December 31, 2026, in accordance with a decision recently confirmed by the Chinese authorities.
India has just revised the fees for several types of electronic visas. While most e-Visa categories remain unchanged, the update introduces targeted increases for certain validity periods and nationalities.
South Korea has officially confirmed a one-year extension of the temporary K-ETA exemption for travelers from visa-exempt countries. First announced last fall, the measure has now been formally validated by the official Electronic Travel Authorization application portal.
Chinese authorities have announced the extension, through December 31, 2026, of the fingerprint collection waiver for short-term visa applications. This measure, echoed by numerous Chinese embassies and visa centers abroad, is part of the ongoing easing of entry requirements introduced since the reopening of the country’s borders.
Against a regional backdrop marked by persistent tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in France has issued a travel advisory. The statement warns of certain difficulties encountered during air transit through Bangkok, while urging travelers to exercise caution and carefully plan their travel itineraries.
India has recently relaxed and expanded its e-Visa framework. Authorities have updated the validity window for the 30-day e-Tourist Visa and have introduced a new authorized point of entry, along with additional visa categories now available online.
Cameroonian authorities have published an information notice reporting cases of abnormal bank charges linked to the use of the Cameroon e-Visa platform. A claims mechanism has been put in place to allow for the handling of the situations concerned.
The Haitian government officially unveiled last week its new digital embarkation and disembarkation system, called “iKat.” Presented as a pilot project, the system aims to gradually replace the traditional physical card with a digital version, with the goal of modernizing and securing the country’s migration flows.
The U.S. administration has unveiled a new immigration program that offers a fast-tracked path to permanent residency in the United States in exchange for a $1 million contribution. Presented as a preferred route for attracting investors, the “Gold Card” marks a new chapter in Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
Belarus has decided to extend its visa-free regime for citizens of 38 European countries by one year, keeping it in effect through December 31, 2026.
In an official notice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing a sweeping overhaul of the ESTA application process, including mandatory new personal data, exclusive use of a mobile app, and expanded biometric checks. These measures, now open for public comment, could significantly reshape the procedure for travelers eligible for visa-free entry.
