Bangladesh is moving toward a new visa policy designed to replace the framework in place since 2006. A ministerial committee has been tasked with refining the draft “Visa Policy 2026,” which includes a reorganization of visa categories and a possible shift toward an e-Visa system.
Since July 1, 2026, travelers entering or leaving South Africa must complete an online declaration before their trip. This customs formality, separate from visa requirements, is used to declare goods, currency, or items subject to control.
Armenia has renewed for one year its temporary visa exemption for nationals of selected countries who hold a valid residence permit issued by several recognized states or areas. The updated list now covers 111 countries, down from 113 during the first phase of the policy.
India has relaunched Air Suvidha 2.0, a mandatory online health declaration for international passengers arriving in the country. The system is designed to strengthen health surveillance at points of entry amid the Ebola/Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Vietnam has clarified the rollout of its border health declaration. The formality may be activated depending on the health situation, but it does not automatically apply to all travelers starting July 1, 2026.
The UAE is expanding its visa-on-arrival program to nationals of six countries. The measure applies to travelers from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa, provided they hold a valid residence permit issued by certain countries recognized by Emirati authorities.
Saudi Arabia will launch an Electronic Travel Authorization for UK citizens on July 1, 2026. Presented as a reciprocal measure following travel facilitation granted by the United Kingdom to Saudi nationals, the new ETA will allow multiple entries and stays of up to 180 days over a one-year period.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a topic of technological debate. In the fields of migration and international mobility, it is already being used to process data, verify identities, support visa applications and streamline certain border controls.
Turkey has expanded its visa exemption for Algerian nationals holding ordinary passports. Travelers under 15 and over 50 can now enter Turkey without a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Mauritius’ 2026-2027 budget confirms plans for a future electronic pre-travel system. Described as an e-Visa in the Budget Speech and as an ETA in the official annex, the system is expected to allow non-citizens to obtain digital authorization before traveling to the island.
Vietnam is continuing to expand its Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) system. After being introduced at several of the country’s major international airports, Cam Ranh Airport, which notably serves Nha Trang, now appears on the official pre-arrival declaration portal.
Japan will sharply increase its visa issuance fees starting July 1, 2026. The single-entry visa fee will rise from 3,000 to 15,000 yen, while multiple-entry visas will now cost 30,000 yen.
Azerbaijan has announced plans to introduce a visa exemption for South Korean citizens. Unveiled during a diplomatic meeting between Baku and Seoul, the measure is expected to support tourism, business exchanges and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
In its Annual Risk Analysis 2026/2027, Frontex is not looking only at the number of arrivals at the European Union’s external borders. The EU agency is focusing on a shift in the nature of the pressure, driven by the rollout of the EES, the upcoming launch of ETIAS, fake documents, misuse of airport transit, secondary movements and criminal networks that are adapting more quickly.
Taiwan has eased the process for its Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC). Travelers can now complete the digital arrival card within seven days before entering the territory.
