Some of these visa rule changes have been driven by anti-immigration sentiment, while others are intended to reshape the tourism and labour sectors.
Governments around the world and major travel destinations have introduced a wave of visa rule changes in 2026. While some measures have been driven by tougher immigration policies and rising anti-immigration sentiment, others are aimed at reshaping tourism, addressing labour market needs, and updating rules for international students.
From higher visa fees in the US to simplified entry procedures in the UAE and new health-related requirements in parts of Asia, countries are overhauling how travellers cross borders, with an increasing focus on digital systems and streamlined processing.
US pilots fast-track visa programme
In June 2026, the US launched a pilot programme offering expedited processing for business and tourist visa applicants. Under the initiative, eligible travellers can pay an additional $750 on top of the standard $185 visa application fee to receive faster service. The programme is intended to reduce long processing delays for applicants.
US pilots fast-track visa programme
In June 2026, the US launched a pilot programme offering expedited processing for business and tourist visa applicants. Eligible travellers can pay an additional $750, on top of the standard $185 visa application fee, to receive faster service.
The pilot, running from July 1 to December 31, allows applicants to secure visa interview appointments within 10 days of payment at select US embassies and consulates. The initiative is aimed at reducing lengthy processing times.
The move comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten immigration policies. Recent measures include requiring visa bonds of up to $15,000 for applicants from some countries, primarily in Africa, and expanding vetting requirements to include years of personal history and social media activity.
UAE expands visa-on-arrival eligibility
The UAE has widened eligibility for its visa-on-arrival programme, making it easier for travellers from more countries to enter the country. The revised rules apply to both 14-day and 60-day visa categories.
Nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa are now eligible under the scheme. Previously, the facility was available only to Indian nationals meeting specific criteria.
The UAE has also expanded the list of countries whose valid residence permits qualify travellers for the visa-on-arrival programme. The newly added countries are Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, joining the US, EU member states, and the UK.
Separately, Dubai has revised property-linked residency rules by removing the minimum property value requirement for sole owners seeking a two-year residency permit and easing conditions for jointly owned properties.
Kuwait introduces 15-year residency permits
Kuwait announced a new long-term residency scheme on June 15, allowing eligible foreign investors and their families to obtain residency permits valid for up to 15 years.
The programme also covers accredited senior executives and approved business partners associated with investment entities operating in Kuwait. The initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment and strengthen its position as a regional business hub.
India eases registration rules for foreigners
India has amended its immigration framework through the Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing changes aimed at simplifying compliance and improving procedural clarity.
The new rules revise registration requirements for foreigners staying in India. Eligible visitors can now complete registration at any time before 180 days from their arrival, replacing the earlier requirement to register within 14 days after completing a 180-day stay.
The amendments also introduce updated emergency provisions and a streamlined digital appeals mechanism.
Japan raises visa fees for the first time since 1978
Japan has increased visa fees from July 1, marking the country’s first revision since 1978. Authorities cited rising administrative costs, exchange-rate fluctuations and increased tourism.
The fee for a single-entry visa has risen from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen (about $93), while a multiple-entry visa now costs 30,000 yen, up from 6,000 yen.
Japan has also updated its Business Manager Visa rules, giving existing visa holders a three-year transition period to meet new eligibility requirements, including a minimum capital investment of 30 million yen (about $185,000).
Vietnam mandates pre-arrival health declarations
From July 1, 2026, travellers entering, leaving or transiting through Vietnam must submit a health declaration within seven days before travel under new regulations aimed at monitoring infectious disease risks.
The requirement applies to all international travellers, regardless of whether they are arriving, departing or transiting through the country.
Vietnam has also introduced two new visa categories — UĐ1 and UĐ2 — for selected foreign professionals and their families. These visas are intended to support long-term residency for skilled workers rather than tourism.
China extends visa-free entry
China has extended its visa-free entry policy for citizens of more than 40 countries until December 31, 2026.
Eligible travellers from countries including several European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the UAE and Saudi Arabia can visit China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges or transit without obtaining a visa in advance.
The visa-free policy does not apply to citizens of the US, Canada or the UK, who must continue to apply for visas before travelling.
Australia raises skilled migration salary thresholds
Australia has increased the minimum salary requirements for several skilled migration visa categories from July 1, raising the income threshold for new applicants.
The Core Skills Income Threshold has increased from AU$76,515 to AU$79,499, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold has risen from AU$141,210 to AU$146,717.
The revised thresholds apply to new nominations under visa categories including the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas. Existing visa holders and nominations lodged before July 1 are unaffected.
UK tightens immigration rules
The UK has introduced a series of immigration reforms affecting visitor, student and skilled worker visas as part of wider efforts to reduce migration.
The measures include stricter compliance requirements for universities sponsoring international students, proposals to reduce the Graduate Route post-study work visa from two years to 18 months, and higher English-language standards for certain visa categories.
For skilled workers, sponsorship rules now include tighter salary compliance checks, while some lower-skilled occupations may face reduced eligibility for overseas recruitment. Visitor visa rules have also changed, with some nationalities now required to obtain a visa instead of travelling under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
Schengen expands digital border checks
The Schengen area’s Entry/Exit System (EES), introduced in October 2025, became fully operational on April 10, 2026, replacing passport stamps with digital entry records and biometric verification for non-EU travellers.
The system records travellers’ entry and exit dates using facial images and fingerprints, helping authorities detect overstays while supporting automated border gates and self-service checkpoints.
The EES forms part of a broader push across the Schengen region to modernise border management, strengthen security and reduce waiting times at border crossings.
