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.
5 Countries That Tightened Visa Rules For Indian Travellers In 2026
Five popular destinations have revised their visa policies for Indian passport holders in 2026, affecting visa-free stays, visa-on-arrival access and pre-departure formalities. Thailand has shortened the length of visa-free visits, while Cape Verde, Bolivia, Iran and Nicaragua have all withdrawn visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry and now require advance clearance. Indian travellers heading to these countries need to factor in online applications and prior approvals before confirming their plans.
US adds cybercrime-focused visa refusals and cancellations worldwide
The United States has introduced a global visa policy allowing consular officers to deny or cancel visas for foreign nationals suspected of cybercrime. Immediate family members of targeted individuals can also face visa refusals or cancellations, even without direct involvement in criminal activity. Regular applicants without cybercrime links will see no change in the standard visa process, but there is now an additional ground for ineligibility.
U.S. Pilots $750 Fast-Track B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Fee at Select Posts
The U.S. State Department has begun piloting a $750 option that lets B-1 and B-2 visa applicants secure an interview within 10 business days at select consular posts. The fee only accelerates appointment scheduling and does not improve chances of approval. The pilot offers a faster path to interviews for business and tourist travelers willing to pay the premium charge.
Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay For 90+ Countries Amid Tourist Misbehavior
Thailand is ending its 60-day visa-free entry program for travelers from 93 countries and territories. Officials say they are fed up with bad tourist behavior and are tightening visa-free rules as a result. The change affects visitors from many major markets, including the United States, who will now have shorter visa-free stays.
ETIAS delay gives travelers more time before Europe’s new entry rule
Europe’s ETIAS travel authorization has been pushed back again, according to the July travel update. The system will not start until 2027. That gives visa-exempt travelers more time before the rule takes effect.
China Extends Expanded Visa-Free Trial For Short Stays In 2026
China has kept its expanded visa-free trial policy active and broadened it in 2026, allowing eligible passport holders to enter without a visa for short stays. Depending on nationality and specific agreements, travelers can benefit from visa-free stays of 15 or 30 days. The move supports easier tourism and business travel while fitting into a wider shift toward digitized border controls and pre-authorizations worldwide.
Thailand Ends 60-Day Visa-Free Entry For 93 Nationalities
Thailand is ending its 60-day visa-free entry program for travelers from 93 countries and territories, according to the Foreign Ministry. The change rolls back a widely used extended stay option that had allowed visitors from many major markets to remain for two months without a visa. Affected travelers will need to adjust their plans as shorter visa-free stays or visas will be required for longer visits.
Summer 2026 Visa Shifts: UK, Japan, Vietnam, China, US, UAE
Multiple countries have introduced major visa and entry changes that reshape summer 2026 travel, led by strict UK ETA enforcement. Japan has raised visa fees, Vietnam now requires a health declaration, and the U.S. offers fast-track visa interviews, while China extends and UAE expands eased entry schemes. Together, these policies mean travelers must navigate higher costs, extra paperwork and new digital pre-authorizations before flying.
UAE Expands Visa-on-Arrival for More Travelers
The UAE is expanding visa-on-arrival eligibility for nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. The snippet says the change applies from July 25, 2026, for travelers with qualifying third-country residence permits. It offers 14- or 60-day visas on arrival.
Saudi Arabia to Launch ETA for British Travelers
Saudi Arabia will introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization for British passport holders starting July 1. The authorization allows multiple entries and stays of up to 180 days within a one-year period. It is intended for tourism, business, and short-term study.
US Pilots $750 Premium B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Scheduling
The United States has launched a temporary premium visa interview system allowing B-1 and B-2 applicants to pay an additional $750 to secure an interview slot within 10 working days at select consulates. The pilot is available from July 1 at chosen posts and offers faster scheduling but does not change visa eligibility standards. This option targets business and tourism travelers seeking quicker appointments amid long wait times.