{"id":55364,"date":"2026-07-02T07:26:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T07:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/?p=55364"},"modified":"2026-07-02T07:40:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T07:40:24","slug":"travel-update-new-visa-and-entry-rules-for-tourists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/travel-update-new-visa-and-entry-rules-for-tourists\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Travel Update: 9 Visa and Entry Rules to Check Before You Fly"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Several popular destinations have <strong>updated visa policies and border procedures in 2026<\/strong>. If you&#8217;re planning an international trip this year, checking the latest entry rules before you fly could save you time, money, and unnecessary surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a simple guide to the biggest changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa-Free Travel Updates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">China: Visa-Free Entry Extended<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>China has extended its visa-free entry policy until December 31, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizens of more than 40 countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, can <strong>stay in China for up to 30 days without applying for a visa<\/strong> before travelling. This includes tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shutterstock_1889745127.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shutterstock_1889745127.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shutterstock_1889745127-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shutterstock_1889745127-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shutterstock_1889745127-150x75.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thailand: Visa-Free Stay Reduced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Thailand has updated the length of its visa-free stay. Citizens of numerous countries, including all GCC nations, can still enter Thailand without a visa for tourism. But the maximum visa-free stay is now 30 days. Read <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/thailand-cuts-visa-free-stay-for-travellers\/\">more about this change here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sri Lanka: Free Tourist ETA for 40 Countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sri Lanka has made its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) free for citizens of 40 countries, including GCC nations and India. It allows travellers to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days. Read <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/sri-lanka-makes-tourist-eta-free-for-40-countries-including-gcc-and-india\/\">more about this change here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">UAE: Visa-on-Arrival for Six More Countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival rules for more travellers. Check <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/uae-adds-6-countries-to-visa-on-arrival-list-full-conditions-and-fees\/\">who can use the new VoA option and see the full requirements here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shutterstock_2319752061.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shutterstock_2319752061.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shutterstock_2319752061-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shutterstock_2319752061-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shutterstock_2319752061-150x75.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa Application Changes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USA: Faster Visa Interviews<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The US is testing a faster visa option for business and tourist travellers. Paying an extra <strong>USD 750 lets applicants book a visa interview within 10 days<\/strong> at selected US embassies and consulates. The fast-track option is available until December 31, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that the regular USD 185 visa fee still applies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Japan: Visa Fees Increase From July 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Travellers who need a visa to enter Japan now pay higher application fees. From July 1, 2026, the new fees are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Single-entry visa:<\/strong> JPY 15,000 (previously JPY 3,000)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multiple-entry visa:<\/strong> JPY 30,000 (previously JPY 6,000)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tokyo-1024x683.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tokyo-1024x683.avif 1024w, https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tokyo-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tokyo-768x513.avif 768w, https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tokyo.avif 1254w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Entry Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">United Kingdom: ETA Required Before Boarding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many travellers who previously entered the UK without a visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding their flight. Read <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/uk-introduces-new-travel-rules-in-2026-eta-now-mandatory-for-visa-free-travellers\/\">more about ETA, how much it costs, and how to get it<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Coming to the UK for the first time? Check out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/top-things-to-do-in-london-best-places-to-visit\/\">Top Things to Do in London: Best Places to Visit &amp; Must-See Attractions<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vietnam: Health Declaration Required Before Travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From July 1, 2026, anyone <strong>entering, leaving, or transiting through Vietnam must complete a health declaration within seven days before their travel date<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rule applies to all international travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Schengen Area: Digital Border Checks Replace Passport Stamps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Schengen area&#8217;s Entry\/Exit System (EES) is fully operational and has replaced passport stamping for non-EU travellers. The digital system records entry and exit information and uses biometric verification, including facial images and fingerprints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re travelling for a holiday, a business trip, or a quick city break, taking a few minutes to check the latest visa and border rules before you fly can make your journey much less stressful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Several popular destinations have updated visa policies and border procedures in 2026. If you&#8217;re planning an international trip this year, checking the latest entry rules before you fly could save you time, money, and unnecessary surprises. Here&#8217;s a simple guide to the biggest changes. Visa-Free Travel Updates China: Visa-Free Entry Extended China has extended its [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":37210,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-55364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"tags":[{"id":15448,"slug":"news","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/news\/","title":{"rendered":"Latest News"}}],"countries":[{"id":15497,"slug":"uae","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/uae\/","api_id":254,"title":{"rendered":"UAE"}},{"id":15507,"slug":"ksa","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/ksa\/","api_id":215,"title":{"rendered":"Saudi Arabia"}},{"id":15523,"slug":"qatar","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/qatar\/","api_id":201,"title":{"rendered":"Qatar"}},{"id":15519,"slug":"oman","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/oman\/","api_id":186,"title":{"rendered":"Oman"}},{"id":15514,"slug":"bahrain","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/bahrain\/","api_id":21,"title":{"rendered":"Bahrain"}},{"id":15525,"slug":"egypt","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/egypt\/","api_id":71,"title":{"rendered":"Egypt"}}],"cities":[{"id":15499,"slug":"abu-dhabi","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/uae\/abu-dhabi\/","api_id":2,"title":{"rendered":"Abu Dhabi"}},{"id":15498,"slug":"dubai","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/uae\/dubai\/","api_id":1,"title":{"rendered":"Dubai"}},{"id":15508,"slug":"riyadh","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/ksa\/riyadh\/","api_id":283,"title":{"rendered":"Riyadh"}},{"id":15524,"slug":"doha","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/qatar\/doha\/","api_id":280,"title":{"rendered":"Doha"}},{"id":15520,"slug":"muscat","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/oman\/muscat\/","api_id":281,"title":{"rendered":"Muscat"}},{"id":17008,"slug":"manama","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/bahrain\/manama\/","api_id":282,"title":{"rendered":"Manama"}},{"id":24012,"slug":"cairo","link":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/egypt\/cairo\/","api_id":368,"title":{"rendered":"Cairo"}}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55364"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55364\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/platinumlist.net\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}