Thailand Approves Major Visa Rule Changes for Tourists and Visa on Arrival
Thailand has approved revisions to its visa exemption and Visa on Arrival schemes, including the end of its existing 60-day visa exemption programme. The changes also reduce the number of countries eligible for the 30-day exemption and sharply narrow Visa on Arrival eligibility. Officials say the policy shift reflects security, tourism, reciprocity and the growing role of Thailand’s e-Visa system.
U.S. Makes National Park Access More Digital, Affordable and America-First
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced a major modernization of how visitors access national parks, centered on new digital America the Beautiful passes rolling out in early 2026. The policy package introduces updated pass artwork, expanded motorcycle access, and an America-first fee structure that keeps prices lower for U.S. residents while increasing costs for many international visitors. Revenue from the revised fees will be directed back into national park maintenance, facilities and visitor services across the country.
CDC Tightens U.S. Entry Rules as Ebola Outbreak Escalates in DRC
The CDC is responding to a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While no related Ebola cases have been confirmed in the United States and the overall risk to the American public remains low, U.S. entry has been temporarily restricted for travelers recently in affected regions. The agency is also advising against travel to several provinces in eastern DRC and imposing enhanced screening for travelers from Uganda and South Sudan.
Flynas launches low-cost Kochi–Riyadh flights from September 2
Saudi Arabian budget carrier Flynas is beginning operations from Kochi International Airport to Riyadh from September 2. The airline will offer three weekly flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using Airbus A320 aircraft. The new service adds another direct, low-cost option for expats travelling between Kerala and Saudi Arabia alongside existing carriers.
Canada Warns Against Most Travel to Ethiopia Amid Unrest and Fuel Shortages
The Government of Canada is urging travellers to avoid non-essential trips to Ethiopia, citing civil unrest, armed conflict, crime and nationwide fuel shortages. Addis Ababa is exempt from the broad advisory but is still flagged for a high crime rate and the risk that demonstrations could turn violent. Multiple northern, central and border regions are under a stricter warning to avoid all travel due to conflict, instability, and the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Jetstar opens low-cost nonstop flights between Melbourne and Colombo
Jetstar has launched a new three-times-weekly nonstop service between Melbourne and Colombo, creating a low-cost air link between Australia and Sri Lanka. The route is operated year-round with Boeing 787 Dreamliners and marketed as Australia’s only low-fare nonstop option to Sri Lanka. Tourism bodies and the Sri Lankan diaspora in Melbourne are expected to benefit from cheaper direct seats and increased capacity on the corridor.
CDC Issues New Travel Health Notices for Zika, Ebola and Mosquito-Borne Outbreaks
The CDC has issued a series of new and updated travel health notices covering outbreaks of Zika, Ebola, chikungunya, dengue, diphtheria, malaria and hepatitis A in multiple destinations. Alerts range from advice to prevent mosquito bites to recommendations against nonessential or all travel to parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travelers heading to affected regions are being urged to match their precautions to the specific level of notice in place for each country or province.
Interior modernizes U.S. national park passes with digital access
The Department of the Interior announced a major overhaul of national park access, including fully digital America the Beautiful passes and updated annual pass artwork. The changes, set to begin Jan. 1, 2026, also expand motorcycle access and introduce a resident-focused fee structure with higher costs for nonresidents. The agency said the new revenue will go back into park maintenance, visitor facilities and services.
Canada updates traveller immunization guidance for mpox and rabies
Canada’s Immunization of travellers chapter was partially updated in June 2026, with new guidance on mpox vaccines reflecting shifting global epidemiology. The chapter also notes pending updates tied to newer national guidance on rabies and Ebola. Health professionals are still being told to use pre-travel consultations to review itineraries, risks and routine vaccination status.
Thailand to revoke 60-day visa exemption, cut visa-on-arrival access
Thailand has approved changes to its visa exemption and visa on arrival schemes, including scrapping the 60-day visa exemption for all 93 eligible countries and territories. The revised framework reduces the 30-day visa exemption list and introduces a new 15-day category for three countries or territories, while visa on arrival eligibility drops sharply. The changes will take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, on a date yet to be announced.
Tourist taxes rise in Spain, Greece and Portugal in 2026
Travel budgets are facing higher tourist taxes in 2026 as several popular European destinations raise or introduce fees. Barcelona, Venice, Norway, Iceland and Edinburgh are among the places changing what visitors may have to pay, while Greece and Portugal continue to charge by destination and season. Some of the biggest costs fall on overnight stays, cruise passengers and even hikers in specific protected areas.
easyJet adds three new UK winter routes with Kosovo return and ‘Capital of Christmas’ link
easyJet has announced three new winter routes from UK airports, including the relaunch of direct flights to Pristina in Kosovo. The airline will also introduce a Bristol–Strasbourg link and a new domestic connection between Belfast International and Aberdeen. One-way fares start under £20, with flight-only and package holiday options now on sale via easyJet and easyJet holidays.