Starting September 15, 2026, Chinese authorities will be able to ban foreign nationals from entering the country for one to five years if they submit false documents or make false statements when applying for a visa or seeking entry at the border.
Donald Trump signed two executive orders on August 6, 2026, targeting “birth tourism” in the United States. Visa or travel authorization denials and revocations, as well as possible permanent entry bans, are among the measures now being considered.
According to the government of Antigua and Barbuda, the European Commission has asked five Caribbean nations to phase out their citizenship-by-investment programs by June 1, 2028. Failure to do so could result in the suspension of visa-free access for their citizens.
All travelers entering Nigeria must complete a free health declaration, ideally at least 24 hours before departure. A PDF confirmation containing a QR code is then sent by email and must be presented upon arrival.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially launch South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation on August 12, 2026. Already available to travelers from four countries, the ETA is expected to expand “to all countries” in September, while initially remaining optional for visa-exempt nationals.
Cambodian authorities and tourism industry representatives met on August 4, 2026, to review a proposal for visa-free entry from several priority markets. The idea is gaining traction, but no new exemption has been approved yet.
Starting October 5, 2026, Google will tighten the requirements imposed on advertisers offering electronic visas, ETAs and certain entry documents. The change could reduce the visibility of intermediaries that have not been officially authorized.
Kazakhstan is moving forward with plans to introduce a paid electronic travel authorization for nationals of visa-exempt countries. Already available on a trial basis through the QazETA mobile app, the ETA remains optional for now, and authorities have yet to announce its fee or the date it will become mandatory.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has revived plans for a single tourist visa covering Central Asia. According to the president, the initiative now has the backing of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, although no agreement or launch timeline has yet been announced.
Chad will lift visa requirements for citizens of every African country beginning January 1, 2027.
Starting November 1, 2026, Montenegro will require visas for nationals of Belarus, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Russia has added Yakutsk International Airport and the Kani-Kurgan road border crossing to the list of entry points available to travelers holding an electronic visa (e-Visa).
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs is proposing a 500-rand fee, or about $30, to process ETA applications and other visa and permit requests submitted online. The measure is scheduled to take effect on August 17, 2026, but must first complete the public consultation process.
The United States has made its visa bond program permanent for certain B-1/B-2 visas. Nationals of 50 countries may now be required to post a bond of up to $20,000 before their visa is issued.
Kenya is continuing preparations for mandatory travel health insurance for foreign visitors. A newly published government notice sets minimum coverage at $50,000, although officials have not yet announced when the requirement will be implemented in practice.
