IMMIGRATION ALERTS

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs will officially launch the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system on August 12, 2026, at OR Tambo International Airport. President Cyril Ramaphosa will officiate the launch, which follows a successful pilot program during South Africa's G20 Presidency.

Nepal's Department of Immigration will fully launch its e-Visa system on August 17, 2026. Travelers can apply online and receive their visa by email within 24 hours. Visa-on-arrival continues. Fees remain unchanged at $30/50/125. Full details on eligibility, free visa categories, and country exceptions.

Russia has expanded its e-visa program to 64 countries and nearly doubled the permitted stay from 16 to 30 days, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced on August 4, 2026. The unified e-visa, valid for 120 days, covers tourism, business, and humanitarian visits without requiring invitations or hotel bookings.

Kenya has mandated $50,000 travel health insurance for all foreign visitors under Gazette Notice No. 11492, signed by Health CS Aden Duale on July 30, 2026. The requirement covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, mental health treatment, and repatriation. However, the implementation date has not been announced, and the tourism sector has opposed the policy while a legal challenge has been filed.

The European Commission has confirmed it will not extend the 3 August 2026 deadline for phasing out non-compliant national identity cards. Paper identity cards and old-style plastic cards without machine-readable zones are no longer valid for international travel, regardless of their expiry date. Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath delivered the firm response to a parliamentary inquiry.

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.

Kazakhstan will introduce mandatory electronic entry permits for foreign citizens through the QazETA digital platform from August 25, 2026. The system, which has been in pilot mode since January 2026, requires visa-exempt travelers to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at least 72 hours before travel.

Eight Schengen countries are maintaining internal border controls through September and December 2026, citing persistent threats from irregular migration, terrorism, and organized crime. Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden have notified the European Commission of extended measures. Travelers should carry ID and allow extra time for crossings.

China has unveiled sweeping new exit-entry regulations taking effect September 15, 2026. The 19-article rules introduce stricter controls on technology-related departures, tougher visa scrutiny for foreigners, and mandatory registration for travel agencies. Here's what travelers, businesses, and citizens need to know.

Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Thailand, Brunei, and Philippines until July 2027. Cambodia removed from visa facilitation programs from August 1, 2026.

Oman has introduced a free 14-day tourist visa under Royal Oman Police Decision No. 109/2026, effective August 2, 2026. The visa is available to nationals of designated countries and can be converted into other tourist visa categories before expiry. The list of eligible countries has not yet been published.

The Bahamas has launched the pilot phase of its Digital Arrival Card (BDAC), a landmark step toward replacing paper immigration forms with a fully digital entry system. Currently available on select flights, the BDAC allows travelers to complete immigration and customs documentation online before arrival.

Azerbaijan has officially introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Singapore, effective August 1, 2026. The one-year pilot allows eligible travelers to enter Azerbaijan up to three times without a visa, with each stay not exceeding 30 days. Learn about registration requirements and how to apply for extensions.

Mozambique's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is now fully operational and mandatory for citizens of 29 visa-exempt countries. The requirement, temporarily suspended in May 2025 due to technical issues, was reinstated following the launch of a new VFS Global-supported digital portal in February 2026.

Oman has expanded its visa-on-arrival and GCC Resident eVisa to UAE residents in over 100 professions, including doctors, engineers, accountants, designers, and social-media influencers. The 28-day visa costs OMR 5 (AED 48) and requires a valid Emirates ID and passport. Blue-collar categories remain ineligible.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended visa applications from Moroccan nationals effective July 30, 2026, citing the principle of reciprocity after Morocco abruptly halted visa services for Taiwanese travelers on July 23. VCLs issued before July 20 remain valid.

Emirates launches exclusive student fare discounts of up to 10% on Economy and 5% on Premium Economy/Business Class. Students aged 16–31 get extra baggage, free flight changes, and onboard Wi-Fi. Book by March 31, 2027 with promo code STUDENT.

Montenegro opens visa-free entry to eligible UAE residents for the 2026 summer season. Foreign nationals with 3+ years of UAE residency can stay up to 10 days until October 1, 2026, on direct flights from the UAE. Full eligibility and requirements inside.

Vietnam's Decree 286/2026/ND-CP introduces real-time data sharing, expanded inter-agency coordination, and stricter management for e-visa holders and visa-exempt foreign nationals starting September 15, 2026. Here's what travelers need to know.

South Africa eVisa 2026: complete guide to eligible countries (Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, India, China, Germany), application process, fees, and recent immigration updates.