VisasNews

Egypt extends free transit visa program for another year

Egypt extends free transit visa program for another year

Egypt has announced the extension of its 96-hour free transit visa program through the end of April 2026, an initiative that allows layover passengers to explore the country without fees or complicated paperwork. The Egyptian government has announced the extension, until the end of April 2026, of its 96-hour free

Visas, EES, ETIAS: the new digital era of the Schengen area

Visas, EES, ETIAS: the new digital era of the Schengen area

As the Schengen Area marks its 40th anniversary, the European Commission has unveiled a bold roadmap to modernize border management. With a focus on digitizing visas, rolling out the EES and ETIAS systems, and strengthening cybersecurity, the EU is shaping a more seamless, secure, and digitally-driven Schengen zone. As the

Japan brings forward the introduction of its electronic travel authorization

Japan brings forward the introduction of its electronic travel authorization

Originally slated for 2030, Japan’s electronic travel authorization system, temporarily named “JESTA”, is now expected to launch by fiscal year 2028. The program will apply to travelers who currently enjoy visa-free entry and is aimed at improving the management of incoming travel flows.

European Parliament approves gradual roll-out of EES system

European Parliament approves gradual roll-out of EES system

Members of the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee have given the green light to the phased implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at the European Union’s external borders. On April 23, On April 23, the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee approved the step-by-step deployment of the Entry/Exit System (EES), continuing

Myanmar resumes issuance of tourist visas

Myanmar resumes issuance of tourist visas

After several days of suspension following the devastating March 28 earthquake, Myanmar has announced that it will resume issuing tourist visas starting April 22, 2025. On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, resulting in over 3,000 deaths, more than 5,000 injuries, and widespread disruption to essential services.

Cuba makes electronic visas mandatory from July 1, 2025

Cuba makes electronic visas mandatory from July 1, 2025

As of July 1, 2025, Cuba will put a definitive end to the use of tourist cards. All international travelers will be required to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to departure. A few months after launching its official eVisaCuba portal, the largest island in the Caribbean is confirming the

AirAsia introduces automatic visa check for stress-free boarding

AirAsia introduces automatic visa check for stress-free boarding

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia revolutionizes online check-in with a groundbreaking automated visa verification technology. An intelligent response to the challenges of fluidity and compliance in a context of dynamic air traffic recovery. In today’s post-pandemic travel environment, where efficiency, health safety, and seamless procedures are top priorities, AirAsia is taking

Turkmenistan considers creation of electronic visa system

Turkmenistan considers creation of electronic visa system

Turkmenistan’s Parliament is currently reviewing a draft bill aimed at introducing an electronic visa system—a move that could signal a significant shift for a country known for having one of the most restrictive visa policies in the region. During the eighth session of the Mejlis‘ (the national Parliament) seventh convocation,

ETA, e-Visa: beware of “fake websites”, many travel destinations are affected…

ETA, e-Visa: beware of “fake websites”, many travel destinations are affected…

As electronic visas (e-Visas) and online travel authorizations (ETA, ESTA, etc.) become more common, online scams are on the rise. Fraudulent websites, misleading sponsored ads, and fake government branding are increasingly fooling travelers. Here’s how to tell the difference between online scams and legitimate travel assistance agencies. Since the UK

Nigeria: e-Visa and digital arrival card to be introduced on May 1, 2025

Nigeria: e-Visa and digital arrival card to be introduced on May 1, 2025

Expected since March 1, the rollout of the electronic visa in Nigeria is finally scheduled for May 1, 2025. The Nigerian government is taking this opportunity to introduce a system of automated landing and exit cards, in a deliberate bid to modernize border control. It’s official: Nigeria will launch its

UK: ETA fee hike just after full deployment

UK: ETA fee hike just after full deployment

The cost of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is increasing from £10 to £16 as of April 9, 2025. This price hike comes just one week after the system was rolled out to European travelers. On April 2, the United Kingdom officially extended its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system

Myanmar earthquake: tourist visas suspended

Myanmar earthquake: tourist visas suspended

The Burmese government has announced the temporary suspension of tourist visa applications following the violent earthquake that struck the country on March 28. While humanitarian aid is struggling to reach the affected areas, the country is putting its fragile tourism recovery on hold. On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude

Russia surpasses the milestone of one million electronic visas issued

Russia surpasses the milestone of one million electronic visas issued

Less than two years after launching the service for visitors from 64 countries, Russia has announced that it has passed the one million mark for electronic visas issued. The authorities are now planning to extend their validity, marking a new stage in the modernization of the country’s migration system. The

UK: ETA now mandatory for European travellers

UK: ETA now mandatory for European travellers

♪ London Calling ♪, but showing up empty-handed is no longer an option. As of April 2, 2025, European citizens now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.