The U.S. government may soon require passport scans from every applicant entering the Diversity Visa lottery, a move that would significantly raise the documentation bar for millions of hopeful immigrants. A proposed rule from the State Department outlines strict new upload standards, changing how applicants prepare for one of the most competitive immigration programs in […]
Visitors planning trips to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands will now have to wait for a key change in the territory’s entry process. The launch of a new electronic travel permit system, expected to take effect this August, has been abruptly delayed. The government cited unresolved issues with payment security, pushing back a […]
A new U.S. visa policy is about to change the cost and conditions of entry for certain travelers, and the price tag could reach $15,000 upfront. The program targets specific countries with high overstay rates and will reshape how visitors plan their trips, from the length of their stay to the very airport they can […]
U.S. immigration officers can now reject family-based green card applications without giving applicants a chance to fix simple mistakes. This policy change by USCIS took effect on August 1, 2025, and applies to petitions filed by U.S. citizens and green card holders for spouses, children, parents, or siblings. For those already in the United States […]
Starting October 12, travelers entering the European Union will begin using a new system that gradually replaces passport stamps with biometric scans. The phased rollout marks the beginning of a digital border process that will affect millions of visitors from countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Instead of getting a stamp, […]
Mainland Tanzania is moving to add a new entry requirement for most foreign visitors: a compulsory travel insurance fee. The plan, outlined in the latest national budget, mirrors a policy already in force in Zanzibar and would apply to stays of up to three months. If approved, the measure would change how international travelers prepare […]
The Philippines is preparing to back a regional visa system that could allow foreign travelers to visit several Southeast Asian countries using a single document. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco confirmed the position during a July 31 media briefing in Makati City, noting that the idea has been on the table in ASEAN tourism talks for […]
Starting in late 2025, travel to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man will look different for many visitors. Each of the three Crown Dependencies will launch its own electronic travel authorization system, creating a new entry requirement separate from the United Kingdom’s ETA. For frequent travelers, the change will mean new application steps and […]
Canada is preparing to introduce a new requirement for travelers who need an Electronic Travel Authorization. The government of Canada has outlined a plan to collect facial biometrics from eTA applicants, a step officials say will improve the accuracy of identity checks and close security gaps in the current system. If adopted, the measure would […]
Starting next year, every visitor to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands will need to apply online for a paid entry permit before setting foot on the remote British Overseas Territory. The change marks the most significant update to the region’s visitor rules in years, replacing the current practice of charging landing fees upon […]
Starting June 18, 2025, UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa to Switzerland must complete their application form directly within the VFS Global appointment system before selecting a time slot. This procedural shift replaces the previously separate steps of form submission and appointment booking, now consolidating them into a single online process. The update affects […]
A major policy shift from the U.S. Department of State will soon change how many travelers apply for visas. Beginning September 2, 2025, some applicants may no longer need to appear for an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate. The new rules apply to specific nonimmigrant visa categories and target individuals renewing visas under tightly […]