EU eases Schengen visa rules for Thai travelers
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.
Maldives and Seychelles introduce 30-day visa waiver
Citizens of the Maldives and Seychelles can now travel visa-free between the two archipelagos for short-term stays of up to 30 days. The agreement entered into force on May 15, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two Indian Ocean island nations.
Brazil to waive visa requirements for Chinese travelers starting May 11, 2026
Brazil will grant a visitor visa exemption to Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports for stays of up to 30 days.
Seychelles and Kyrgyzstan sign visa-free travel agreement
Seychelles and Kyrgyzstan have signed a reciprocal visa-exemption agreement for short stays by their nationals.
Azerbaijan and Maldives introduce reciprocal visa exemption
Citizens of Azerbaijan and the Maldives who hold valid ordinary passports can now travel visa-free between the two countries for stays of up to 90 days.
Malians exempt from Morocco’s AEVM travel authorization starting April 27, 2026
As of April 27, 2026, Malian nationals will no longer be subject to Morocco’s Electronic Travel Authorization, known as AEVM.
France removes airport transit visa requirement for Indian nationals
Indian travelers connecting through a French airport no longer need an airport transit visa, provided they remain in the international transit area and continue onward to a third country. The measure took effect on April 10, 2026, following the publication of an official order in the Journal officiel.
Turkey lifts visa requirement for Australians effective April 17, 2026
Australian citizens holding ordinary passports no longer need a visa to travel to Turkey for tourism or transit.
China: Canada and the United Kingdom added to the list of visa-free countries
Starting February 17, 2026, holders of ordinary passports from Canada and the United Kingdom will be able to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. This decision, now officially confirmed by the Chinese government, will remain in effect through December 31, 2026.
China: toward visa-free entry for British citizens
During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China, Beijing indicated that it is considering granting visa-free entry for British citizens traveling for short stays.
Canadians soon exempt from visa requirements to travel to China
While on an official visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canadian citizens will soon be able to enter China without a visa.
Canada waives visa requirement for Qatari citizens
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.
U.S.: Hungary regains full access to ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program
After several years of restrictions on Hungarian travelers, the United States is restoring standard ESTA validity for Hungary. Starting September 30, 2025, Hungarian citizens will once again be eligible for two-year authorizations valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
China grants visa exemption to Russian citizens
Starting September 15, 2025, Beijing will grant Russian citizens a visa exemption allowing them to stay in China for up to 30 days.
US: Visa Waiver Program for Qatari citizens begins today
Qatar officially joins the US Visa Waiver Program this November 22, 2024. Qataris can now apply for ESTA authorization to travel to the USA.
