War in the Middle East: Bahrain eases visa rules for travelers affected by flight cancellations
Amid air travel disruptions caused by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Bahrain has announced ‘exceptional measures’ concerning visit visas.
South Korea: paper arrival card still accepted despite rollout of the e-Arrival Card
As South Korea continues rolling out its electronic arrival card system (e-Arrival Card), designed to modernize entry procedures into the country, some questions remained regarding the continued use of paper forms. Contacted by VisasNews, South Korean authorities indicated that both formats are currently still being used in parallel.
The European Data Protection Board raises concerns with Brussels over proposed ESTA reforms
The European Data Protection Board has sent a letter to the European Commission expressing concerns about changes being considered by U.S. authorities to the operation of the ESTA system. The body believes that some of the new data collection requirements could raise important questions regarding the protection of European travelers’ personal data.
UK: some ETA applications approved “in just 45 seconds” authorities say
As part of a communication on its digital transformation, the UK Home Office revealed several indicators highlighting how its digital immigration systems operate, including the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the electronic visa (eVisa).
Trinidad and Tobago prepares to launch an Online Arrival and Departure Card for travelers
The government of Trinidad and Tobago is preparing to launch an online platform allowing travelers to complete their arrival and departure card before their trip. Officially presented on March 11, the initiative is expected to go live on March 17, 2026, and will gradually bring an end to the paper forms that have until now been used at the country’s ports of entry.
Japan: Tokyo approves bill to introduce JESTA electronic travel authorization
The Japanese government has approved a bill aimed at reforming several provisions of the country’s immigration legislation, including the creation of the “JESTA” electronic travel authorization system. Presented to the House of Representatives, the text also provides for a significant increase in the legal ceiling for fees related to residence permits, marking the first revision in more than forty years.
U.S.: Hawaii raises concerns over tourism impact of possible ESTA tightening
As U.S. authorities consider expanding the information required from travelers under the ESTA system, a Hawaii representative is warning about the potential consequences for destinations that depend on international tourism.
UK: Parliament approves measure paving the way for a higher ETA fee
The UK Parliament has approved a regulatory measure allowing the legal cap on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee to be increased, paving the way for a future rise in the price currently set at £16. At the same time, the government has announced the removal of Nicaragua and Saint Lucia from the ETA program and the upcoming introduction of a visa requirement for nationals of both countries.
United Arab Emirates waive overstay fines for travelers stranded by the Middle East crisis
Because of the air travel disruptions caused by the current crisis in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates has announced exceptional measures for travelers who were unable to leave the country as scheduled. Authorities have decided to waive overstay penalties for those affected by these circumstances, while also providing administrative assistance for situations impacted by flight cancellations or rescheduling.
Tanzania: Immigration System temporarily down, Visa on Arrival remains available
The Tanzania Immigration Services Department has announced a temporary disruption to its computer system due to a technical issue. However, authorities confirm that the Visa on Arrival system remains available to eligible travelers.
Trip canceled: why visa or ETA fees are generally non-refundable
As the current crisis in the Middle East disrupts many air routes and leads some travelers to cancel or postpone their plans, one question frequently arises: what happens to entry formalities that have already been requested, such as visas, electronic travel authorizations (ETAs), or online arrival cards? Unlike airline tickets or certain travel services, these administrative procedures generally cannot be canceled or refunded. Here’s why.
Kuwait: visit visas extended by one month amid Middle East crisis
Facing air travel disruptions caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Kuwait has announced several exceptional measures for travelers and residents. Authorities have decided to automatically extend visit visas by one month and grant additional time to residents currently stranded abroad.
Thailand: overstay fines waived and assistance considered for tourists stranded by the Middle East crisis
In response to air travel disruptions caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East, Thailand is introducing exceptional measures for foreign travelers unable to leave the country. Thai immigration authorities have notably announced the waiver of overstay fines in certain cases, while tourism officials are considering financial assistance for visitors stranded in the country.
Qatar extends visa validity by one month for travelers stranded by regional crisis
In response to the sudden closure of its airspace and the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Qatar has announced the automatic and free extension of all entry visas that are set to expire.
Grenada launches its electronic arrival card
No more paper forms to fill out on the plane or at the airport. As of March 2, 2026, Grenada has officially launched its electronic Embarkation/Disembarkation (E/D) Card. It’s a small administrative revolution for the Spice Isle, aimed at streamlining the arrival process for travelers while strengthening security and data protection.
