VisasNews

India officially launches e-Arrival Card

India officially launches e-Arrival Card

As part of its shift toward more modern immigration procedures, India is officially launching its digital arrival card for foreign travelers on October 1, 2025. Available online or through a mobile app, this new entry requirement will coexist with the traditional paper version during a six-month transitional period.

Sri Lanka: ETA now mandatory before travel

Sri Lanka: ETA now mandatory before travel

Starting October 15, 2025, foreign travelers will no longer be able to obtain their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) upon arrival in Sri Lanka. The document, which is already required for most tourist stays, must be requested online before departure.

Philippines expands e-Visa system to more countries

Philippines expands e-Visa system to more countries

On September 29, 2025, the Philippines expanded its electronic visa (e-Visa) system to nationals of four additional countries: France, Austria, Greece, and the Netherlands. Although citizens of these countries are already eligible for 30-day visa-free stays, they can now apply online for a Temporary Visitor Visa allowing them to stay for up to 59 days.

India set to launch digital arrival card

India set to launch digital arrival card

India may soon eliminate the paper disembarkation form currently required for foreign travelers and replace it with a digital arrival card. According to Indian media reports, the new system could go into effect as early as October 1, 2025…

Namibia: 36 additional countries now eligible for visa on arrival

Namibia: 36 additional countries now eligible for visa on arrival

36 countries have today joined the list of nationalities eligible for a visa on arrival in Namibia. The measure comes with an increase in fees for applications made directly at the border, in order to encourage the use of the electronic visa portal.

South Korea extends K-ETA exemption until 2026

South Korea extends K-ETA exemption until 2026

Travelers from several countries will continue to be able to visit South Korea without applying for a K-ETA electronic travel authorization. South Korean authorities confirmed today that this exemption has been extended through December 2026.

Azerbaijan extends land border closures until 2026

Azerbaijan extends land border closures until 2026

The Azerbaijani government, through a decree signed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, has decided to maintain the special quarantine regime related to the COVID-19 pandemic until January 1, 2026. This measure effectively extends the closure of the country’s land borders, which have been in place since 2020.

New Zealand expands use of NZeTA

New Zealand expands use of NZeTA

Starting November 3, 2025, New Zealand will expand the use of the NZeTA by launching two pilot programs that make it easier for Pacific nationals and Chinese travelers to enter from Australia.

South Africa: Who will be eligible for the ETA, and when?

South Africa: Who will be eligible for the ETA, and when?

South Africa will soon roll out its electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system. While designed primarily for travelers who are required to obtain a visa, it may eventually also be available to foreign nationals who are visa-exempt, though without being mandatory.

South Africa unveils its new ETA system

South Africa unveils its new ETA system

South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, on Thursday unveiled the country’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, along with the first illustrations of the online platform. Designed to simplify entry procedures into South Africa, the system will go live in mid-October for G20 participants.

U.S.: Hungary regains full access to ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program

U.S.: Hungary regains full access to ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program

After several years of restrictions on Hungarian travelers, the United States is restoring standard ESTA validity for Hungary. Starting September 30, 2025, Hungarian citizens will once again be eligible for two-year authorizations valid for multiple entries into the U.S.

South Africa set to unveil ETA system

South Africa set to unveil ETA system

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber will unveil the new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system at the Tourism Business Council’s annual conference. This ETA is designed to digitize entry procedures and automate checks through artificial intelligence technologies.