VisasNews

Saint Kitts and Nevis launches ETA system

Saint Kitts and Nevis launches ETA system

Starting May 26, 2025, all foreign travelers will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Saint Kitts and Nevis. As of May 26, 2025, Saint Kitts and Nevis will become the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation to implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. This new

Lesotho soon to be visa-free for European travelers

Lesotho soon to be visa-free for European travelers

Lesotho has approved a visa exemption for all citizens of the European Union. This decision, announced during the annual Lesotho-EU Partnership Dialogue, is expected to come into effect in the near future. Landlocked within South Africa, Lesotho aims to become a more accessible destination—particularly for European visitors—by simplifying its entry

Ghana reduces visa application processing time

Ghana reduces visa application processing time

Ghana has introduced a new visa policy, cutting the maximum processing time for applications to five business days. This initiative aims to boost the country’s appeal to international investors and tourists. Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a major reform regarding the processing of visa applications

U.S. may increase ESTA fee to $40

U.S. may increase ESTA fee to $40

Congress is currently reviewing a proposal that would nearly double the cost of the ESTA, the essential travel authorization required for visa-exempt visitors to the United States. The measure, assessed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), still needs to go through several legislative steps before it can take effect.

Egypt to launch emergency visa-on-arrival system at Cairo airport starting mid-June

Egypt to launch emergency visa-on-arrival system at Cairo airport starting mid-June

Egypt will roll out a pilot phase of its new digital emergency visa-on-arrival system in mid-June, initially testing it at Cairo International Airport. On May 15, 2025, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities chaired a strategic meeting to finalize the implementation of the new electronic visa-on-arrival system at Egyptian airports.

Thailand: financial evidence once again required for tourist visas

Thailand: financial evidence once again required for tourist visas

After dropping this requirement in 2023, Thailand has reinstated the need to show proof of financial means for tourist visa applicants. As of May 2025, individuals applying for a tourist visa to Thailand must once again provide evidence of sufficient financial resources. This requirement was originally removed in November 2023

Egypt prepares to issue electronic visas on arrival

Egypt prepares to issue electronic visas on arrival

As part of its goal to welcome 30 million annual visitors by 2028, Egypt is streamlining airport entry procedures with the gradual rollout of a new emergency electronic visa system available upon arrival. A national strategy to boost tourism in Egypt On May 5, 2025, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly

Nigeria launches new e-Visa system and digital Landing & Exit Cards

Nigeria launches new e-Visa system and digital Landing & Exit Cards

On May 1, 2025, Nigeria officially launched its e-Visa and Landing & Exit Cards services. A new era for immigration in Nigeria With the official rollout of the e-Visa system, Nigeria is taking a significant leap in upgrading its border control procedures. This initiative, effective as of May 1, 2025,

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.

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.