Sébastien Couix

As CEO of Visamundi, I am dedicated to facilitating international travel by helping our customers obtain visas worldwide. By staying at the forefront of ever-changing regulations, I ensure that our agency is a trusted pillar in the field of visa services.

Cook Islands to offer e-Visa in September 2024

The Cook Islands, a self-governing archipelago in free association with New Zealand, is about to take a major step towards modernizing its immigration procedures. The Cook Islands government has announced the imminent launch of its new e-visa system, scheduled for mid-September 2024. The initiative - which began in 2022 - aims to ... Read the article

New Zealand triples its IVL tax on October 1, 2024

From October 1, 2024, the New Zealand government has declared a significant increase in the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Originally set at NZD 35, the levy will be tripled to NZD 100 (). Most international visitors entering New Zealand for a period of less than 12 months ... Read the article

Israel postpones its ETA-IL obligation to January 2025

Israel recently announced the postponement of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) requirement for visa-exempt travelers. Originally scheduled for summer 2024, this measure will now come into force on January 1, 2025. This decision was taken to enable airlines and travelers to better prepare for this new requirement ... Read the article

Japan: Taiwan to be the first to test the future ETA

From January 2025, Japan will introduce an electronic pre-authorization system for visa-exempt visitors, starting with tourists from Taiwan. This system, often compared to the American ESTA, will enable travelers to submit their information online before departing for Japan. The data required will include the purpose ... Read the article

India: Port Blair seaport now eligible for e-Visa

The Indian government recently announced a significant expansion of its electronic visa program (e-Visa), now including the seaport of Port Blair among the eligible entry points. This decision is part of a strategy to boost tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands region.

Cameroon doubles long-stay visa fee

Cameroon recently announced a significant revision of long-stay visa fees, from €153 to €305. This decision is part of a series of changes to visa policies aimed at improving consular services and meeting the growing needs of international travelers. This article explores in detail the new ... Read the article

China extends list of visa-free ports

China recently expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing more international travelers to transit the country without the need for a visa. This expansion now includes 3 new ports of entry: Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport and ... Read the article

Ecuador also switches to e-visa and online apostille

Ecuador has taken a significant step towards modernizing its immigration procedures by launching an electronic visa and apostille system. This initiative, implemented by Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, aims to simplify and speed up the visa process for international travelers.

Cuba finally unveils the site for applying for the new e-Visa

Cuba has officially launched its website for the transition from the traditional tourist card to an electronic visa (e-Visa). This change marks an important step in the modernization of entry procedures for international travelers. The new system, accessible via evisacuba.cu, aims to simplify and speed up the process of obtaining visas for ... Read the article

Azerbaijan to offer a dedicated visa for COP29

Azerbaijan, host of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, has announced the introduction of a special electronic visa for participants in this major event. This initiative aims to facilitate the entry of delegates, observers and other participants to the conference, which will be held in ... Read the article

Laos: visa exemptions for Chinese and certain Europeans

As part of its ambitious "Visit Laos 2024" program, Laos recently announced a significant easing of its visa policy, aimed at attracting more international tourists. This initiative is part of a wider strategy to revitalize the country's tourism industry, which is vital to its economy.

South Korea: K-ETA application process to be simplified

The Korean government has announced a series of measures aimed at facilitating the entry of foreign tourists into the country and boosting the tourism sector. One of the main initiatives concerns the extension of the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) system to a wider range of travelers and languages.

Thailand: Air tax finally abandoned

Repeatedly postponed: the Thai government recently decided to abandon the proposed 300 baht (approx. 8 euros) tourist tax for international air travellers. The decision is aimed at encouraging tourism and increasing visitor spending in the country. The original proposal, which had caused concern among travelers, ... Read the article

Saudi Arabia: More than 150,000 violations of Hajj visa rules

According to a report by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj, 153,000 visitor visa holders have been apprehended for violating regulations related to the Hajj pilgrimage in 2023. This alarming figure underscores the importance of strictly adhering to the conditions of entry and stay in Saudi Arabia during this holy period.