VizaBilateral agreements signed, new eVisa programs launched, and fee updates from across the globe. The most impactful visa policy changes affecting travellers this year.
Visa policies change more frequently than most travellers realise. Bilateral agreements are signed, eVisa programs expand, fees are revised, and reciprocity arrangements shift — sometimes with very little public notice. Here are the most impactful policy changes currently in effect.
Major System Launches
ETIAS — Schengen Pre-Travel Authorisation The EU's ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is now active. Nationals of 60+ visa-exempt countries — including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan — must obtain ETIAS authorisation (€7, valid 3 years) before entering any of the 27 Schengen Area member states. Applications take minutes at travel.ec.europa.eu.
Schengen EES — Digital Border Registration The Entry/Exit System is now operational across all Schengen external borders, replacing passport stamping. Non-EU travellers have their biometrics (fingerprints + facial image) recorded digitally on first entry. This makes the 90/180-day rule enforceable with precision — overstays are automatically flagged.
UK ETA Extended The UK has expanded its Electronic Travel Authorisation requirement to additional nationalities. The ETA (£10) is required for visa-exempt nationals before boarding flights to the UK.
New Visa-Free Agreements
Saudi Arabia — Expanded Visa-Free Program Saudi Arabia has continued its Vision 2030 tourism expansion, adding more countries to its visa-free roster and maintaining the tourist eVisa ($119) as the primary channel for online applications. The transformation from one of the world's most closed tourist destinations to a moderately accessible one has been remarkable.
UAE — US Visa Waiver Program Entry UAE passport holders can now enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA, $21), marking a historic milestone for Gulf passport power.
Thailand — Extended Visa-Free Stay Thailand extended its visa-free stay from 30 to 60 days for nationals of many countries, making it one of the most generous visa-free arrangements in Southeast Asia.
India eVisa — Further Expansion India's eVisa program now covers 180+ nationalities across five categories (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Conference, e-Medical Attendant). Multi-entry 1-year eVisas are now available for most nationalities.
Fee Increases
Schengen Visa Fee The standard Schengen short-stay visa fee increased to €90 (up from €80 in previous years). Children aged 6-12: €45. Under 6: free.
Australia eVisitor/ETA Australia introduced a service charge for ETA applications processed through the official app.
US ESTA The US ESTA remains at $21 per application, valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
Restrictions and Tightened Policies
ESTA — Dual National Rules The United States continues to enforce strict ESTA ineligibility for dual nationals who hold citizenship in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen. Affected travellers must apply for a full US visa regardless of their other passport.
Schengen 90/180 Day Enforcement With EES now operational, the 90/180-day Schengen rule is being enforced more rigorously than ever before. Previously reliant on manual passport stamp checks, the system now automatically tracks entry and exit dates. Travellers who have loosely interpreted the rule in the past should take note.
Upcoming Changes to Watch
Canada Super Visa — Changes Expected Canada has indicated it will update Super Visa (parent/grandparent visits) conditions. Watch for announcements on maximum stay extensions and eligibility criteria.
Gulf Transit Visa Coordination GCC states are developing a unified transit visa for passengers transiting through multiple Gulf airports on a single itinerary.
How to Stay Updated
Visa policy changes are often announced weeks before taking effect — or, in some cases, implemented with minimal notice. The safest approach:
- Always check VizaHunt's visa checker before booking travel for the most current status
- Verify directly at official embassy/consulate websites for the destination country
- Check government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, etc.) for any travel alerts or emergency policy changes
This article reflects policy changes as of publication. Always verify current requirements before travel.
VizaHunt Editorial Team
Visa & Travel Research
The VizaHunt editorial team researches visa policies, passport rankings, and travel regulations across 195 countries. Our data is sourced from official government immigration portals, bilateral treaty records, and embassy publications, cross-referenced for accuracy before publication.