Sri Lanka has set May 25, 2026, as the start date for its new free tourist visa scheme for citizens of 40 countries. Eligible travelers will still be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival.
The future common tourist visa for SADC is emerging as one of the region’s major initiatives to make travel across Southern Africa easier and boost tourism arrivals.
Following the World Health Organization’s declaration of a public health emergency of international concern, several countries have stepped up health screening measures for travelers arriving from Ebola-affected areas.
The United Kingdom issued 25.1 million Electronic Travel Authorizations, or ETAs, in the year ending March 2026, according to new statistics released by the UK Home Office.
An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit was diverted to Montreal after a passenger who had recently been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was allowed to board as new U.S. health restrictions linked to Ebola were being implemented.
As Cambodia prepares to temporarily waive visa requirements for Chinese travelers, tourism officials are already raising the possibility of extending the measure to other markets, including Europe.
Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security e-services portal, which is used in particular for online visa applications, remains disrupted after a maintenance operation announced by the authorities.
China is extending until December 31, 2027, its visa-free entry policy for Russian nationals holding ordinary passports.
As several U.S. proposals concerning ESTA have raised concerns among international travelers, CBP is now pointing to a more targeted approach to social media screening. At the same time, Brand USA is launching an initiative designed to correct misconceptions about U.S. entry requirements.
Thailand is preparing to overhaul its visa exemption and visa-on-arrival programs. Following the announced end of the 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries and territories, the future policy would introduce several permitted lengths of stay, distinguishing between general exemptions, bilateral agreements and visas on arrival.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the end of the 60-day visa exemption introduced in 2024 for travelers from 93 countries and territories. The measure still needs to be formally implemented by the relevant authorities, but it is expected to bring back the previous entry rules, generally around 30 days of visa-free stay for many nationalities.
Starting May 18, 2026, Togo is granting visa-free entry to nationals of all African countries who hold a valid national passport. The measure applies to stays of up to 30 days, but it does not eliminate pre-travel formalities.
Less than a month before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, U.S. authorities say they have already received more than 5.9 million ESTA applications since October 2025. CBP is also highlighting its new COMPASS virtual assistant, designed to help travelers prepare for entry into the United States.
Thai nationals residing in Thailand will now be able to obtain longer-validity multiple-entry Schengen visas more easily. The new system, however, does not amount to a visa exemption.
The 2026 State of Schengen report confirms the growing role of new digital tools at Europe’s borders. Following the full rollout of EES in April, the European Union is now preparing for the launch of ETIAS, expected in the final quarter of 2026.
