Last updated: 23 October 2026  ·  Next scheduled review: 23 November 2026
We re-check official government sources monthly. Links go to the official immigration or ministry source for each country.

Twelve of the world’s most-visited countries changed their tourist visa rules in 2026 — more than any year since 2020. Thailand cut its visa-free period from 60 days to 30 days. The UK made its ETA mandatory for Americans with airline-level boarding checks. The Schengen Area rolled out biometric border registration (EES) and will add ETIAS pre-travel authorization in Q4. Vietnam formalized a strict 6-month passport rule. Cambodia abolished visa stickers entirely. Indonesia requires a pre-arrival e-VOA plus Bali tourist levy.

This guide lists every major 2026 change by country, with a one-line summary, affected nationalities, cost, what to do about it, and a direct link to the official government source. We re-check official portals monthly and update the “Last updated” date at the top whenever anything material changes.

Every 2026 visa change at a glance

Country / Region Change Effective
🇹🇭 Thailand Visa exemption slashed from 60 days to 30 days 15 September 2026
🇻🇳 Vietnam Six-month passport rule formalized + pre-arrival declaration required Rolled out through 2026
🇰🇭 Cambodia Visa stickers abolished — fully digital issuance 3 October 2026
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (ETA) ETA mandatory for Americans — airlines now check at boarding 25 February 2026
🇪🇺 Schengen Area (EES) Biometric Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps 12 October 2025 — fully implemented 10 April 2026
🇪🇺 Schengen Area (ETIAS) New €20 travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors Expected Q4 2026 (not yet live)
🇨🇳 China 240-hour visa-free transit expanded to 57 countries 20 August 2026
🇮🇳 India e-Tourist visa expanded to 166 countries + multi-entry Rolled out February–August 2026
🇮🇩 Indonesia / Bali Pre-arrival e-VOA + tourist levy mandatory In force since 1 October 2025

Country-by-country updates

🇹🇭 Thailand MAJOR CHANGE

Region: Southeast Asia · Effective: 15 September 2026

What changed

Visa exemption slashed from 60 days to 30 days.

Thailand replaced the previous 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries with a 30-day exemption for 60 countries. The permitted purpose of entry is now tourism only (previously allowed tourism, short business and work activities). A new 15-day exemption applies to nationals of Seychelles and Mauritius. Land-border exemptions are limited to twice per calendar year. Visa-on-arrival opened for Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia. Travelers already in Thailand under the old rules may stay until their current permission expires.

  • Who it affects: US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and 55 other nationalities previously getting 60 days
  • Cost: Free (visa exemption)
  • What to do: Plan trips to 30 days or less, or apply for a 60-day Tourist Visa (TR) at a Thai embassy before travel if you need longer.

Official reference

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Region: Southeast Asia · Effective: Rolled out through 2026

What changed

Six-month passport rule formalized + pre-arrival declaration required.

Vietnam formalized a strict 6-month passport validity rule across all 33 e-visa checkpoints on 1 March 2026 — passports must be valid for at least six months from arrival or boarding is refused. A new pre-arrival online declaration at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn started on 15 April 2026 at Tan Son Nhat, now extended to Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Cam Ranh, the Dong Dang land gate and major seaports. The 90-day e-visa continues ($25 single / $50 multi-entry). The 45-day visa-free entry for UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Netherlands nationals is unchanged. E-visas cannot be extended in-country.

  • Who it affects: All travelers, especially those with passports expiring in under 6 months
  • Cost: $25 single-entry / $50 multi-entry e-visa; pre-arrival declaration is free
  • What to do: Check your passport expiry date. File the pre-arrival declaration before boarding. Apply for the e-visa at least 5-7 days before travel.

Official reference

🇰🇭 Cambodia

Region: Southeast Asia · Effective: 3 October 2026

What changed

Visa stickers abolished — fully digital issuance.

Since 3 October 2026 Cambodian embassies and consulates abroad have stopped issuing visas as physical stickers affixed to passports. E-visas and visas-on-arrival continue as digital documents linked to the passport number. E-visa fees remain at the January 2025 reduced levels — $30 for Tourist (T) and $35 for Ordinary (E), down from $36 and $42 previously. The e-Arrival form must still be submitted at evisa.gov.kh within 7 days before arrival — this applies even if you already hold a valid visa. The Chinese 14-day visa-exemption pilot ran 15 June – 15 October 2026 and has now expired; a broader visa-free review has been signaled but no official rules yet.

  • Who it affects: All travelers requiring a Cambodian visa
  • Cost: $30 Tourist e-visa / $35 Business e-visa + $6 processing
  • What to do: Apply via the official e-Visa portal. Submit the e-Arrival form within 7 days before arrival regardless of visa type.

Official reference

🇬🇧 United Kingdom (ETA) MAJOR CHANGE

Region: Europe · Effective: 25 February 2026

What changed

ETA mandatory for Americans — airlines now check at boarding.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) became mandatory for US citizens on 25 February 2026, with airline-level enforcement starting the same day. US carriers now verify ETA status before boarding and deny flights to passengers without one. The ETA costs £16, is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever is sooner), and permits unlimited visits of up to 6 months each. It covers all parts of the UK including Northern Ireland. Exemptions apply to British and Irish citizens (including dual citizens). Most approvals arrive automatically within minutes; the Home Office recommends allowing 3 working days for edge cases.

  • Who it affects: All US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and 40+ other previously visa-exempt nationalities
  • Cost: £16 (approximately $20)
  • What to do: Apply via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK at least 72 hours before travel. Each traveler including infants needs their own ETA.

Official reference

🇪🇺 Schengen Area (EES) MAJOR CHANGE

Region: Europe · Effective: 12 October 2025 — fully implemented 10 April 2026

What changed

Biometric Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on 12 October 2025 and reached full implementation across Schengen states by 10 April 2026. Third-country nationals (US, UK, Canada, Australia and all other non-EU travelers) must now register with 4 fingerprints and a facial image at self-service kiosks on first entry. Subsequent entries check biometrics against the stored record. The system replaces manual passport stamps and automatically tracks the 90-day-in-180-day limit. Rollout was gradual airport by airport — Germany began with Düsseldorf, then Frankfurt and Munich. First-time registration adds 2-5 minutes per traveler at the border; subsequent crossings are faster than old manual stamping.

  • Who it affects: All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals entering any of the 29 Schengen countries
  • Cost: Free (biometric collection at border, no application)
  • What to do: Arrive 30-45 minutes earlier at your first Schengen entry point to complete biometric registration. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.

Official reference

🇪🇺 Schengen Area (ETIAS)

Region: Europe · Effective: Expected Q4 2026 (not yet live)

What changed

New €20 travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in Q4 2026 — as of 23 October 2026 it is not yet live. Once operational, visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, 55 others) will need to apply online before Schengen trips. Cost: €20. Validity: 3 years or until passport expiry. Permits multiple short-stay visits totaling 90 days per 180-day period. A 6-month transitional grace period is planned after launch, during which non-ETIAS entries will be permitted while travelers get used to the new rule. ETIAS is not a visa — it is a pre-travel authorization similar to the US ESTA.

  • Who it affects: All visa-exempt third-country nationals (US, UK, Canada, Australia, 55 others)
  • Cost: €20 (approximately $22)
  • What to do: Check the official ETIAS page before any 2026 Schengen trip. Watch for the exact launch date announcement. Beware third-party ETIAS fee-collection scam sites.

Official reference

🇨🇳 China

Region: East Asia · Effective: 20 August 2026

What changed

240-hour visa-free transit expanded to 57 countries.

China added Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam to its 240-hour visa-free transit program on 20 August 2026, raising eligible nationalities to 57. Kyrgyz and Vietnamese passport holders also became eligible for Hainan’s 30-day visa-free entry (which now covers 61 countries). The entry/exit port list expanded in November 2025 to 65 ports, with new access through Guangzhou, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, West Kowloon rail station, Zhuhai Hengqin and Zhongshan. The 240-hour (10-day) transit requires an ordinary passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. Work, study and journalism still require proper visas.

  • Who it affects: Transit travelers from 57 eligible countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan
  • Cost: Free (visa-free transit)
  • What to do: If your nationality is on the 57-country list, you can stop in China for up to 10 days en route to a third country without any visa.

Official reference

🇮🇳 India

Region: South Asia · Effective: Rolled out February–August 2026

What changed

e-Tourist visa expanded to 166 countries + multi-entry.

India expanded its e-Tourist visa program to 166 countries in early February 2026, up from 157 — new additions include Kenya, Algeria, Fiji, Uruguay and Armenia. For e-Tourist visa approvals issued from 12 June 2026 onwards, the 30-day e-Visa now allows multiple entries (previously limited to 2). On 10 August 2026 the Ministry of Home Affairs added 11 new entry points for e-Visa holders — 2 additional airports and 9 land crossings — bringing the total to 88 authorized entry points. A broader simplification including Tourist Visa-on-Arrival at major airports and seaports is in planning but not yet law.

  • Who it affects: All 166 e-Visa eligible nationalities
  • Cost: Varies — $10-80 depending on e-Visa duration (1-month, 1-year, 5-year)
  • What to do: Apply through the official Indian Visa Online portal. Confirm your intended entry point is on the updated 88-port list.

Official reference

🇮🇩 Indonesia / Bali

Region: Southeast Asia · Effective: In force since 1 October 2025

What changed

Pre-arrival e-VOA + tourist levy mandatory.

All Indonesia arrival now requires completion of an All Indonesia Arrival Card and an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) applied for at least 72 hours before arrival. The e-VOA costs IDR 500,000 (~$45) with a small online processing fee. A walk-up VOA is still available at airports but with queue delays. Bali specifically requires a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (~$13.55) per visitor, paid via the Love Bali platform. Both the visa and levy generate separate QR codes required at arrival. A proposal to check incoming tourists’ bank balances was announced in January 2026 by Bali’s governor but has not been enacted into law.

  • Who it affects: All foreign visitors to Indonesia (visa-free list reduced in 2023)
  • Cost: IDR 500,000 (~$45) e-VOA + IDR 150,000 (~$13.55) Bali levy
  • What to do: Apply for e-VOA 72 hours before arrival. Pay the Bali levy separately via Love Bali. Keep both QR codes accessible on arrival.

Official reference

Digital nomad visa changes

Roughly 60 countries now run a digital nomad or remote-work visa in 2026, up from about 48 at the start of the year. The pace of launches slowed in mid-2026, and some early programs have closed.

Recently launched

  • Slovenia — launched 21 November 2025. Launched under ZTuj-2 Article 51.a. Official government source.
  • Bulgaria — launched Late 2025. Digital nomad route added for remote workers.
  • Moldova — launched Late 2025. Digital nomad program went live.

Preparing to launch (status varies)

  • Philippines
  • Bolivia
  • Georgia (standalone DN visa — current visa-free entry stays available)
  • Senegal

Recently closed

  • Antigua & Barbuda — closed 15 November 2025. Nomad Digital Residence program closed.
  • Bahamas — closed Mid-2025. BEATS program appears discontinued (unofficial).

For the full list see the EY Global Immigration Index — Remote Work and Digital Nomads (March 2026, PDF).

What to check before every trip

  1. Passport validity 6+ months. Vietnam formalized this in March 2026; many countries enforce it informally. Renew if your passport expires inside 6 months of your return date.
  2. ETA / ETIAS before boarding. UK ETA, Canadian eTA, Australian ETA/eVisitor, US ESTA and (from Q4 2026) EU ETIAS are all boarding-level requirements — airlines check at check-in and deny flights.
  3. Pre-arrival forms. Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia all require a digital arrival form in addition to any visa. These are usually free and separate from visa fees.
  4. Entry stamp / biometric kiosks. Schengen EES means first-entry biometric capture — allow 30-45 extra minutes at your first Schengen border post of a trip.
  5. Onward ticket. China 240-hour transit, Thailand visa-exemption and Indonesia e-VOA all require evidence of an onward flight within the permitted stay period.
  6. Use only official sources. Scam sites charging inflated fees for ETAs, eTAs and visas are a persistent problem. Only apply through the official government domains linked in this guide (gov.uk, evisa.gov.vn, evisa.gov.kh, etc.).

Frequently asked questions

What are the biggest visa changes in 2026?

The four biggest 2026 changes are: Thailand cutting its visa-free period from 60 days to 30 days (effective 15 September 2026); the UK ETA becoming mandatory for Americans and other visa-exempt nationalities (airline-level enforcement from 25 February 2026); the Schengen EES biometric entry/exit system reaching full rollout (10 April 2026); and the European ETIAS €20 pre-travel authorization launching in Q4 2026.

Do I need a UK ETA if I’m American?

Yes. The UK ETA has been mandatory for US citizens since 25 February 2026. The £16 authorization is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes sooner, and covers unlimited visits of up to 6 months each. Apply at least 72 hours before travel through the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK. US airlines now verify ETA status at boarding; travelers without one are denied boarding.

When does ETIAS launch for Europe?

ETIAS is expected to launch in Q4 2026 — as of October 2026 the exact launch date has not been officially announced and the system is not yet live. Once active, it will apply to visa-exempt nationals including Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians and 55 other nationalities. Cost: €20. Validity: 3 years or passport expiry. A 6-month grace period after launch will allow non-ETIAS entries while travelers adjust.

What is Schengen EES and when does it start?

The Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) is a biometric border system that replaces passport stamps for non-EU travelers. It launched on 12 October 2025 and reached full implementation across Schengen states by 10 April 2026. On first entry you register 4 fingerprints and a facial image at a self-service kiosk; subsequent entries verify against the stored biometric. The system automatically tracks the 90-day-in-180-day limit.

Can I still get a 60-day visa-free entry to Thailand?

No — the visa-free period was cut to 30 days on 15 September 2026. For stays longer than 30 days you need to apply for a 60-day Tourist Visa (TR) at a Thai embassy or consulate before travel. The TR visa costs approximately $40 and can be extended once in Thailand for an additional 30 days. Travelers already in Thailand under the old 60-day rules may stay until their current permission expires.

Do Vietnamese e-visas still allow 90-day stays?

Yes. The 90-day e-visa continues at $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry, available for all nationalities via evisa.gov.vn. Note two new 2026 requirements: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival (strictly enforced since 1 March 2026), and you must file an online pre-arrival declaration at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn before boarding. E-visas cannot be extended inside Vietnam.

Does Cambodia still issue visa stickers?

No — Cambodian embassies and consulates stopped issuing physical visa stickers on 3 October 2026. All visas are now digital, linked to your passport number electronically. E-visa fees are $30 for Tourist (T) and $35 for Business (E). The e-Arrival form must be submitted at evisa.gov.kh within 7 days before arrival, regardless of whether you have a visa.

What tourist levy do I pay to visit Bali?

All foreign visitors to Bali pay a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately $13.55) via the Love Bali platform. This is separate from the e-VOA visa fee of IDR 500,000 (~$45). Both generate QR codes that must be accessible at arrival. The levy was introduced in 2024 and remains in force in 2026. Transit passengers staying airside do not pay.

How many countries have digital nomad visas now?

Approximately 60 countries run a digital nomad or remote work visa program in 2026, up from about 48 at the start of the year. Slovenia, Bulgaria and Moldova all launched programs in late 2025. The Philippines, Bolivia, Georgia and Senegal are preparing to launch. Antigua & Barbuda closed its Nomad Digital Residence program in November 2025.

How often should I check for visa updates before a trip?

Check official government sources at least 30 days before departure, and again 72 hours before boarding. Visa rules changed more in 2026 than in any year since 2020 — the UK, Schengen, Thailand, Indonesia and others all made significant changes. This guide is updated monthly. For time-sensitive trips, bookmark the destination’s official immigration portal rather than relying on travel-blog summaries.

What is the difference between a visa, an ETA and ETIAS?

A visa is a formal entry permit requiring an application, documents, often an in-person appointment, and fees typically $20-200. An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization — UK, Canada, Australia use these) is a lighter online pre-approval for visa-exempt travelers, typically £10-20 and valid 2-5 years. ETIAS is the European equivalent — €20 for 3-year validity. None of these is a guaranteed entry; the border officer makes the final decision.



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