News

The United States has announced its decision to include Israel in the nation’s Visa Waiver Program. From November 30, 2023, Israeli passport holders can travel to the U.S. without a visa, providing they have a valid ESTA visa waiver. This new move makes traveling to the U.S. more accessible for Israeli citizens, who previously needed

In a concerted effort to restore its once-thriving tourism sector, China has announced significant relaxations to its visa application requirements. The nation hopes to stimulate a resurgence of international visitors after experiencing a sharp decline due to strict COVID-19 restrictions from 2020 to 2022. China does not grant visa-free access to travelers from the majority

Citizens of Canada will no longer be able to get an Egypt e-Visa or visa on arrival, according to a recent announcement from Egyptian authorities. This change in Egypt’s visa policy comes into effect from October 1, 2023. From this date, passengers planning to travel on a Canadian passport will need to complete a visa

The Brazilian government has once again postponed the reinstatement of visa requirements for nationals of Australia, Canada, and the United States. Previously set to be implemented on October 1, 2023, the requirement will now come into effect on January 10, 2024. This means that the visa exemption for these nationalities will remain valid until January

Brazil and Japan have agreed to extend their mutual visa exemption for a further 3 years. This announcement was made following Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s visit to Japan in May. The 2 nations have maintained a policy of visa-free travel in recent years. This has meant that Brazilian passport holders do not

China’s culture and tourism ministry has announced the lifting of the ban on Chinese group travelers for over 70 countries. The pandemic-era restrictions were finally removed on August 10, 2023. Chinese citizens traveling in an organized group can now visit key markets in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America that were previously restricted.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has announced that the Philippines’ first electronic visa (e-Visa) system will launch on August 24. The Philippines already has an Electronic Travel Authorization system in place for Taiwanese nationals. However, the new system marks the first time that any visa-required nationality can apply for temporary visitors’

In a significant move, the U.S. government has announced stringent changes to their Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for Hungarian nationals, impacting their ability to travel to the United States hassle-free. Effective in August 2023, the popular Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will undergo modifications, reducing its validity period from 2 years to one year

August 1, 2023 will mark the relaunch date of Russia’s electronic visa (E-Visa). Authorities at the Kremlin have announced that the online visa will be available to eligible travelers from the start of the month. Russia’s E-Visa service has been suspended since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic led to global travel restrictions. Although many countries

The government of Equatorial Guinea has launched a new E-Visa system to facilitate the entry of all foreign nationalities to the country. The Equatorial Guinea E-Visa launched on July 1. It is now available through a simple online application system. An approved E-Visa for Equatorial Guinea permits either tourism or business visits. “With our new

The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced that the electronic visa system for the Philippines will be implemented before the end of the year. On July 5, Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo confirmed that the e-Visa system will launch in the third quarter of 2023. The application portal is expected to open by the

Starting August 15, 2023, Vietnam has decided to augment the validity term of its electronic visa, Vietnam E-visa, from the existing 60 days to 90 days. This forward-thinking decision embodies Vietnam’s intent to stimulate longer visits, ‘thus encouraging economic activity. E-visa and Visa Policy Reforms: a Strategic Shift for Vietnam In pursuit of bolstering tourism