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News

Latest news on visa policy and entry rules across different countries.

India launches the e-Arrival Card

03.10.2025

India launches the e-Arrival Card

India has introduced the digital e-Arrival Card. The paper form remains valid for up to 6 months. Fill it online or in the app up to 72 hours before arrival.

The UAE introduces 4 new visas for short-term trips

29.09.2025

The UAE introduces 4 new visas for short-term trips

The UAE has introduced new visas for AI specialists, tourists, event attendees, and cruise passengers. Sponsorship and humanitarian residency rules have been updated.

The US updates visa appointment rules for Russians: apply in Astana, Warsaw, or country of residence

08.09.2025

The US updates visa appointment rules for Russians: apply in Astana, Warsaw, or country of residence

The US State Department now requires visa applications and interviews only in the country of citizenship or residence. For Russian citizens — Warsaw and Astana.

China introduces visa-free entry for Russian citizens for 30 days from 15 September 2025

02.09.2025

China introduces visa-free entry for Russian citizens for 30 days from 15 September 2025

From 15 Sep 2025 to 14 Sep 2026, Russians are permitted visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, and personal purposes.

Oman launches a "golden visa" programme to attract investment

29.08.2025

Oman launches a "golden visa" programme to attract investment

From 31 August 2025, Oman launches a 'golden visa' programme with the right to work, study, and tax benefits for foreign investors.

Croatia updates the terms for its digital nomad visa

25.08.2025

Croatia updates the terms for its digital nomad visa

Croatia has extended the digital nomad visa term to three years and added the possibility of family reunification.

Russia and Jordan agree on visa-free travel for up to 30 days

25.08.2025

Russia and Jordan agree on visa-free travel for up to 30 days

Russia and Jordan have signed an agreement on mutual visa waivers for short trips of up to 30 days, capped at 90 days per year.

The US will require tourists from high migration-risk countries to pay a deposit of up to $15,000

07.08.2025

The US will require tourists from high migration-risk countries to pay a deposit of up to $15,000

From 20 August, the US launches a pilot programme with deposits of up to $15,000 for citizens of countries with a high risk of visa overstays.

Florence named the best city in Europe in the Travel + Leisure ranking

31.07.2025

Florence named the best city in Europe in the Travel + Leisure ranking

Italy has three cities in the Travel + Leisure ranking. French cities, despite record tourist numbers, did not make the top 25.

Sri Lanka waives visa fees for 40 countries

31.07.2025

Sri Lanka waives visa fees for 40 countries

From 25 July, citizens of 40 countries are exempt from the Sri Lanka visa fee. Russia has been on the list since 2023 and keeps the privilege.

The US introduces a new $250 visa fee

27.07.2025

The US introduces a new $250 visa fee

A new $250 visa fee will become mandatory for foreign tourists, students, and business visitors to the US from late 2025.

Six Gulf countries to launch a Schengen-style visa in 2025

27.07.2025

Six Gulf countries to launch a Schengen-style visa in 2025

Six Gulf countries will introduce a unified visa for short trips, allowing free movement between Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

China extends visa-free entry to 75 countries amid tourism growth

17.07.2025

China extends visa-free entry to 75 countries amid tourism growth

China has doubled the number of countries with visa-free entry for up to 30 days, supporting tourism recovery and economic growth. 75 countries are on the list, though Russian citizens still need a visa.

Wales to introduce a tourist tax from 2027

17.07.2025

Wales to introduce a tourist tax from 2027

From 2027, tourists in Wales will pay an additional overnight charge intended to fund local infrastructure and support the Welsh language.

Slovenia launches a digital nomad visa in November 2025

08.07.2025

Slovenia launches a digital nomad visa in November 2025

From 21 November 2025, Slovenia will offer a one-year digital nomad visa. It will be available to remote workers from outside the EU and EEA, provided they only work for foreign clients.

Cannes to limit cruise ship arrivals from 2026

08.07.2025

Cannes to limit cruise ship arrivals from 2026

From 1 January 2026, Cannes will cap cruise passenger disembarkation at 6,000 people per day. The restrictions apply to ships carrying more than 1,000 tourists.

Porto introduces a night-time ban on alcohol sales in popular tourist areas

08.07.2025

Porto introduces a night-time ban on alcohol sales in popular tourist areas

From 25 June, shops in central Porto are banned from selling alcohol between 9pm and 8am. The new rules tighten penalties and expand the restricted zone.

The Trump administration proposes a $1,000 expedited visa processing fee

13.06.2025

The Trump administration proposes a $1,000 expedited visa processing fee

The Trump administration proposes a new paid expedited visa service that doesn't currently exist. The cost could be $1,000 — 5 times the standard fee.

Japan tightens measures against overtourism

13.06.2025

Japan tightens measures against overtourism

Japanese authorities plan mandatory health insurance and a review of the duty-free regime for tourists amid a sharp rise in foreign visitors.

Eurostar to launch direct trains from the UK to Germany and Switzerland

13.06.2025

Eurostar to launch direct trains from the UK to Germany and Switzerland

Eurostar has announced direct rail routes from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, expanding its European network toward the early 2030s.