News

Visamundi joins the GBTA network

Our team is delighted to announce its integration into the GBTA (Global Business Travel Association) network, a key player in the world of business travel. Who is GBTA? Founded over 50 years ago, GBTA is the leading global association dedicated to the business travel and MICE industry. With an international network of member companies, ... Read the article

Qatar eligible for ESTA as early as December

In a landmark announcement for U.S.-Qatari relations, the U.S. State Department has confirmed that Qatar will become, as of December 1, 2024, the 42nd country to join the prestigious U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This decision makes Qatar the first Gulf Arab state to benefit from ... Read the article

Thailand postpones the deployment of the 1st phase of its ETA

Thailand had originally planned to introduce its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in December 2024. However, the Thai government recently announced a postponement of this implementation via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. No new launch date According to an official statement from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the date ... Read the article

Ivorians traveling to Morocco must apply for a visa

On August 14, 2024, the Moroccan government announced the reinstatement of a visa requirement for Ivorian nationals wishing to travel to Morocco as of September 1, 2024. This decision, taken in consultation with the Ivorian authorities, is part of a strategy aimed at tightening control over migratory flows and ... Read the article

USA launches online passport renewal system

On September 18, 2024, the U.S. State Department officially launched its online passport renewal system. The announcement, made by Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma at the Skift Global Forum, is the culmination of months of rigorous development and testing. The new system is based on a secure platform accessible via the ... Read the article

Myanmar introduces mandatory Mpox health form

On August 22, 2024, the Myanmar government introduced a new health measure requiring all travelers entering the country to complete a Mpox-specific health form. Following in the footsteps of the Philippines, Nigeria, Indonesia and Brunei, this decision comes against the backdrop of an international public health emergency ... Read the article

Your passport will soon be available in Google Wallet

Google Wallet, the digital wallet developed by the Mountain View giant, is about to take the next step in the dematerialization of identity documents. Following the integration of bank cards, travel tickets and loyalty cards, it's now the turn of passports to make their entry into this mobile application. Soon to be deployed in the United States, ... Read the article

Finally, visa-free entry to Sri Lanka postponed indefinitely

The Sri Lankan government recently announced its intention to introduce a visa waiver program for tourists from 38 countries. However, the implementation of this measure is proving more complex than expected, requiring parliamentary approval before it can come into effect. The background to the announcement and the obstacles to its implementation ... Read the article

Philippines modifies eTravel to contain Mpox

The Philippine government has recently introduced new sanitary border control measures, aimed specifically at preventing the introduction and spread of the Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox) on its territory. These measures are part of an overall strategy of reinforced epidemiological surveillance, in response to the ... Read the article

Greece imposes a docking tax on Santorini and Mykonos

The Greek government recently announced the introduction of a new tax aimed specifically at cruise passengers calling at the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos. The measure, part of a wider strategy to manage mass tourism, will see a €20 per person charge imposed on passengers on cruise ships ... Read the article

Nigeria also imposes its Mpox form

Faced with this upsurge in the Mpox monkeypox epidemic, the Director-General of the World Health Organization has declared the situation to be a public health emergency of international concern. New health control measures in Nigeria Against this backdrop, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health, through the ... Read the article

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

Thailand: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) coming soon

Thailand, known for its breathtaking scenery, rich culture and legendary hospitality, recently embarked on an ambitious project to modernize and tighten control of travelers entering its territory without a visa. Since July 2024, new rules have been in force, redefining entry conditions and profoundly altering the landscape of ... Read the article

Chapka, Visamundi's insurance partner since 2019

"I think tourism will continue to evolve, and it has become a vector for change, economic development and bringing people closer together." Yann Richard, Chapka Sales Director When planning a trip, insurance may seem like just another detail. Yet it's essential if you're to leave with peace of mind. Chapka stands out from the rest... Read the article