In an official notice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing a sweeping overhaul of the ESTA application process, including mandatory new personal data, exclusive use of a mobile app, and expanded biometric checks. These measures, now open for public comment, could significantly reshape the procedure for travelers eligible for visa-free entry.
While some media outlets have been claiming for several days that an increase in Egypt’s visa fees is already in effect, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has issued a statement confirming that no such increase is currently in place and that visa fees remain unchanged.
As 2026 approaches, uncertainty looms for travelers planning a trip to Mongolia. The visa-exemption policy granted to 34 nationalities since 2023 is officially set to end on December 31, 2025, leaving future visitors unsure about what entry requirements they may face.
Despite the publication of a presidential law mentioning a tax of up to USD 20, no change to Egypt’s visa fee has yet been implemented. Whether upon arrival in the country, at a diplomatic mission, or online through the electronic visa (e-Visa) system, travelers are still required to pay USD 25 to obtain their visa.
India is fine-tuning its strategy to attract more foreign visitors. On the sidelines of a tourism summit, India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced that the government is working on a reciprocity-based visa-on-arrival system, while also pledging to further streamline the electronic visa (e-Visa) process, which is now widely used by international travelers.
Vietnam is expanding access to its territory by adding 41 new entry points compatible with the electronic visa (e-Visa), giving visitors more options for arriving in the country.
Mauritius is preparing to overhaul its entry procedures with the announcement of a forthcoming electronic travel authorization, aimed at modernizing and streamlining border formalities for all travelers.
Bolivia has announced a major diplomatic opening by gradually eliminating visa requirements for eight countries. The decision, part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s appeal, aims to boost international exchanges and support economic growth.
Canada has announced the launch of a digital visa trial, marking the beginning of a technological shift aimed at simplifying and securing entry procedures into the country.
As the UK prepares to fully implement its ETA program on February 25, 2026, the British authorities report having issued nearly 20 million electronic travel autorisations since 2023, more than half of them to European nationals.
A reciprocity-based immigration reform has been announced by the Malawian authorities, paving the way for a possible return of visa requirements and fees for several nationalities. The implementation steps are still pending.
Already in use across several Asia-Pacific countries, the Australian Immi App, designed to streamline biometric collection for visa applications, is now available in 19 additional countries.
Canada announces the removal of the visa requirement for Qatari citizens, a measure that has taken effect immediately. This decision, accompanied by the mandatory eTA requirement for Qatari travelers, marks a new step in the strengthening of bilateral ties between Ottawa and Doha and aims to facilitate travel between the two countries.
Gabon is continuing to modernize its e-Visa system by preparing to integrate electronic payment as early as December. This development is expected to offer travelers a fully digital experience, from the online application to entry into the country.
The UK has announced that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will become strictly mandatory starting in February 2026 for all visa-exempt travelers. The measure marks the end of the transition period and accelerates the digitization of border control procedures.
