IMMIGRATION ALERTS

Kenya's High Court in Marsabit has temporarily suspended the mandatory travel health insurance requirement for foreign visitors. Justice Francis Rayola Olel halted implementation pending a hearing on September 16, 2026. The case challenges Gazette Notice No. 11492 and the scheme's administrative framework.

Sri Lanka reaffirms that travelers from 40 countries must obtain a free 30-day double-entry tourist ETA before arrival. Despite an on-arrival option still listed on the official portal, diplomatic missions warn of possible boarding denial. Full eligibility and official links inside.

India's Bureau of Immigration will discontinue the stamping of boarding passes at immigration counters from September 1, 2026. International travelers can present e-boarding passes on smartphones, while physical passes will be accepted but no longer stamped.

China adds Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam to its 240-hour visa-free transit program, bringing the total to 57 countries. Travelers can stay up to 10 days across 65 ports of entry. Full eligibility, requirements, and permitted travel areas inside.

Vietnam has significantly expanded eligibility for VNeID electronic identification accounts to all foreign nationals legally entering or residing in the country, effective September 28, 2026. The change removes the previous TRC requirement and reduces processing times to 5 working days.

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has announced the end of automatic extensions for visit visas and absence permits, with standard legal time limits to be reinstated from September 1, 2026. The exceptional measures were introduced following the US-Iran war outbreak in February 2026.

Europe is rolling out new C3/CT security scanners that allow liquid containers of up to 2 litres at a growing number of airports. However, rules vary by airport and terminal – travellers must check every airport on their itinerary.

China has expanded its 240-hour visa-free transit program and Hainan 30-day visa-free entry policy to include citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, effective August 20, 2026. The 240-hour transit program now covers 57 countries, while Hainan's visa-free policy covers 61 countries. Travelers can engage in tourism, business, visits, and family reunions.

Colombia and Israel have agreed to mutually waive visa requirements for travelers starting September 1, 2026, marking a significant step in restoring diplomatic and economic relations after a two-year rupture.

Thailand is moving forward with a proposed 450-baht tourist entry fee for all foreign visitors, regardless of entry method. The fee would fund tourism infrastructure, safety improvements, and insurance coverage. Public consultation is underway, with early 2027 launch expected for air arrivals.

The Philippines has expanded its e-Visa system to the United States and 19 Caribbean countries effective August 10, 2026. US citizens remain visa-free for 30 days. The e-Visa offers an online option for residents needing a 9(a) tourist visa for stays up to 59 days. Eligible applicants can apply at evisa.gov.ph.

Malawi's Immigration Department has republished its visa policy lists, confirming visa on arrival access for travelers from 160 countries including the US, UK, Canada, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Australia. Transit visas cost $50, single-entry visas $50, multiple-entry visas $150-$250. The updated guidance clarifies the country's visa policy following the reinstatement of visa requirements for many nationalities in January 2026.

Complete guide to Ebola travel restrictions in 2026. Country-by-country breakdown of entry bans, screening requirements, and quarantine rules for DRC, Uganda, South Sudan.

Thailand is launching a $53 million domestic travel subsidy program in September offering 50% off eligible travel expenses, while proposing a new fee on foreign visitors to fund attraction development, visitor safety, and environmental restoration. The Cabinet is expected to consider the subsidy scheme by August 31.

Indonesia's Immigration Directorate has proposed raising Visa on Arrival fees from Rp500,000 to Rp750,000 for e-VOA and Rp1,000,000 for on-arrival VOA. The tiered pricing aims to reduce airport congestion. No effective date has been announced.

Japan immigration office closures Obon holiday 2026 – calendar showing closure dates: August 9, 11, 15, 16, and 22, 2026, with airport immigration services continuing normal operations.

Peru's immigration system is in crisis: the electronic notification system has been down for six days, initial visa applications are taking 50-70 business days, and renewals are exceeding four weeks. Staffing constraints, office closures and political transition have created a perfect storm for delays.

India has expanded its e-visa network to 88 ports, adding 11 new entry points including the Attari land border with Pakistan. The government processes 95% of e-visa applications in under 72 hours, and 78% of all Indian visas are now electronic. E-visas are available to nationals of 172 countries across 17 categories.

Colombia's 7.4 magnitude earthquake has forced Migración Colombia to suspend in-person services at seven offices in Armenia, Cali, Manizales, Medellín, Pereira, Popayán and Quibdó. Six airports remain closed for commercial flights. At least 110 people have been killed.

ETIAS launches in late 2026 for travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries visiting 30 European nations. The €20 digital authorization is valid for 3 years, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Learn who needs ETIAS, how to apply, and what to expect at the border.