Sri Lanka to exempt 5 countries from visa fees
Sri Lanka is attracting attention by soon abolishing visa fees for tourists from 5 major countries, namely China, Russia, India, Thailand and Indonesia.
News
The Visamundi teams keep abreast of frequent legislative changes in immigration policy and share trends, news, announcements, rumors and other relevant information with you.
Ghana-South Africa, DRC-Uganda: African countries show solidarity
Recently, several African countries have signed agreements to facilitate the free movement of people across their borders. These include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, as well as Ghana and South Africa. These agreements will enable ordinary citizens to travel between these countries without needing a visa, or ... Read the article
Democratic Republic of Congo: (real) e-Visa imminent
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken an important step in its digital development with the announcement of the forthcoming launch of an integrated electronic visa management platform. This initiative will enable anyone wishing to visit the DRC to submit their application quickly and easily from anywhere in the world.
Costa Rica / Honduras: visa and reciprocity on the altar of security
The Costa Rican government has decided to impose a visa requirement for Honduran travelers. The decision went into effect on Tuesday, citing security reasons. Costa Rica's Minister of Security, Mario Zamora, told journalists that the measure had been adopted "for security reasons".
Israeli-Palestinian conflict: visa validity extended
Due to ongoing hostilities between Israel and the militant organization Hamas, the current situation in Israel and neighboring Palestinian areas is causing travel disruptions, delays in visa processing and temporary consulate closures.
Iran: 68 nationalities finally exempt from visa requirements
We finally have details of the next batch of visa-exempt nationalities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Not 50, but precisely 68 nationalities will be announced shortly.
Four new French visa centers in Africa
In September 2023, VFS Global expanded its presence in Africa by introducing additional physical French visa centers. These centers have been set up in Paria (Cape Verde), Accra (Ghana), Kigali (Rwanda) and Monrovia (Liberia). This expansion is designed to facilitate access to visa services for applicants in these African countries.
Thailand rethinks extending visa-free period to 60 days
Thailand is facing a new tourism boom after pandemic-related restrictions. With efforts to encourage sustainable tourism and strengthen its position as a destination of choice, the country is ready to welcome a growing number of visitors.
Visa exemption for Angola: what you need to know
Travelers from 98 countries no longer need to apply for a tourist visa to visit Angola. This new measure is designed to boost tourism and facilitate foreign travel to this southern African country. In this article, we present the main points you need to know about this visa waiver for ... Read the article
Visa Openness Index for Africa shows progress
The 2022 Africa Visa Openness Index report shows that African countries have made progress in terms of free movement policies, most of which were severely restricted by the Covid-19 crisis. The report identifies the visa policies adopted by African governments on the basis of three criteria ... Read the article
December 2025 target for US visa exemption for Romanians
Romanian citizens wishing to travel to the USA may soon no longer require a visa. In an interview with Digi24, Dan-Andrei Muraru, Romania's ambassador to the United States, announced that this measure could be effective in 2 years. The official announcement concerning Romania's inclusion in the visa waiver program ... Read the article
USA: Could a possible shutdown affect the issuance of visas?
When the U.S. government faces a shutdown on October 1 due to pending federal budget decisions, many immigration-related services may be affected. This can affect processes such as visa issuance, services to U.S. citizens and consular functions. ... Read the article
Namibia: online tourist visa introduced
On September 22, the Namibian government launched an online visa application service for tourists. The new platform aims to facilitate and speed up the visa application process for potential visitors, which the authorities expect to have a significant positive impact on the African country's tourism industry.
Singapore: airport to offer innovative passport-free immigration system
In early 2024, Singapore's Changi airport will revolutionize international travel with an automated, secure border control system. This system will enable travelers to depart without having to show their passport, thanks to the use of biometrics to verify their identity. Minister for Communications Teo announced ... Read the article
USA: Israel finally joins the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
From November 30, 2023, Israeli citizens will be able to use ESTA to travel to the United States. This significant easing is the result of Israel's entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which paves the way for closer relations between the two countries and promotes economic and security cooperation.
Japan wants to speed up the extension of its e-Visa system
The Japanese government is planning to extend its system of electronic visa services to simplify the application process for foreign visitors. The move comes as tourism begins to recover following the lifting of coronavirus-related border control measures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced the ... Read the article
Pakistan cricket team awaits visas for World Cup in India
The Pakistan cricket team's participation in the Cricket World Cup, to be held in India from October 5 to November 19, is threatened by visa delays. This situation is forcing Pakistan to review its preparations for this major sporting event.
United Kingdom: transit visas required for Russian and Georgian travellers
The British government has introduced a new measure for Russian and Georgian nationals. Since September 8, they have been required to have a transit visa when crossing the UK without entering it, in order to travel to another country.
Indian visa services suspended in Canada until further notice
Due to diplomatic concerns about anti-Indian incivilities and hate crimes in Canada, India has announced the immediate suspension of physical visa services at its consulates in Ottawa, Vancouver and Toronto until further notice.
France stops issuing visas to students from 3 African countries
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the suspension of new visas for students from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso planning to study in France. This decision follows the closure of French consular services in these countries.
An electronic visa for Eswatini operational "by October 31, 2023".
From October 31, 2023, international travelers will be able to apply for an e-visa to visit the Kingdom of Eswatini. The government of this small southern African nation hopes to attract more visitors and stimulate investment in the country by introducing an electronic visa system.
MotoGP in India: hundreds of visas not issued
The iconic upcoming motorcycle Grand Prix in India has unveiled a major challenge it faces. Several hundred MotoGP-related people have still not received their visas for India. This unprecedented situation raises the question of organization and administrative formalities on the eve of such an eagerly-awaited sporting event ... Read the article
Egypt: Canadian e-Visas obtained before October 1 will remain valid
The Egyptian government has just taken an important step regarding visas for Canadian citizens wishing to visit Egypt. As of October 1, 2023, it will no longer be possible for Canadians to apply for and obtain an e-Visa to travel to Pharaonic lands.
Kazakhstan: visa-free regime to be extended to 100 countries
Kazakhstan plans to extend its visa-free regime to citizens of 100 countries in order to further promote the country's tourism sector. The announcement was made at the Forum on Tourism Development in Kazakhstan, held on September 15 in Aktau.
Cynthia Bolingo denied Diamond League in Eugene due to visa issue
When we follow an athlete's journey, we don't always pay attention to the behind-the-scenes and logistical details that enable their participation in sporting events. Cynthia Bolingo, a talented sprinter, faces a major obstacle: obtaining a visa to take part in the Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon (USA), which takes place this weekend. ... Read the article
United Kingdom: automatic extension of pre-settled status for Europeans
The UK has decided to grant an automatic two-year extension to EU nationals with pre-settled status. This decision follows a ruling by the High Court in London, which had described the system of transition between pre-settled and settled status as "unlawful" and contrary to the Withdrawal Agreement ... Read the article
Financial obstacles encountered by Lebanese when traveling abroad
Many Lebanese dream of traveling and settling abroad, whether for professional or academic reasons. However, the financial crisis that hit the country in 2019 has made these plans even more difficult to realize. Among the main barriers are obtaining a visa and the restrictions imposed by ... Read the article
Thailand announces visa-free travel for Chinese visitors
In a bid to boost a tourism industry vital to its economy, Thailand has decided to temporarily grant visa-free entry to tourists from China. How will this work, and what impact will it have on the tourism industry?
A new online form to facilitate entry into Jamaica
As of September 1, 2023, all travelers to Jamaica must complete a digital entry form. This new feature greatly facilitates arrival on site while complying with the various global regulations for travel.
Costa Rica: visa-free stay extended
Costa Rica has recently increased the length of visa-free stay for nationals of 58 countries, including France, Belgium, Canada and the USA. Travelers from these countries can now stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days (6 months) without needing a visa, ... Read the article
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