Staying ahead of changing visa rules, especially if they have a knock-on effect on your dream holiday, is a given if you want to achieve a seamless travel experience. Here, Wise Traveller brings its members up to speed with the latest news on the topic.
Japan
Japan presently has an entry policy for travellers from 71 visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia and Singapore. However, its Immigration Services Agency, reported over 79,000 illegal overstayers in January, about 20,000 more than a decade ago.
With over 60% of them on short-term visas, the Japanese government plans to roll out the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), which officials believe will improve border security and reduce unauthorized stays.
Under the plan, a new online travel authorization system will be implemented by 2030. Based on the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization, visitors entering Japan from visa-exempt countries will submit personal and travel information online before their trip. This includes the nature of their visit and the place of stay in the country.
The goal is to screen travellers before they enter Japan, reduce illegal immigration, and ensure compliance with entry regulations. If an application is flagged as an illegal-stay risk, travel authorization will be cancelled, and the applicant will have to re-apply via their local embassy.
At present, passport holders in 71 visa-exempt nations do not need to acquire a visa to enter Japan as long as the visit is within the legal time constraints.
Thailand
Thailand plans to launch a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, rolling out from December 2024 to June 2025. It will be mandatory for all visa-exempt foreigners entering the country.
ETA, similar to the ETIAS programme for Schengen countries, is designed to enhance security, curb illegal migration, and monitor health risks.
Foreign visitors will receive email confirmation of their ETA approval, usually within 24 hours.
Thailand presently offers a 60-day visa-exempt entry for citizens of 93 countries. This can be extended to 90 days at a local immigration office, and foreigners can use a border run to reset the clock – a loophole many use indefinitely.
However, whether this can be applied under the new ETA system remains unclear. ETA will be issued via the government's e-portal
Sri Lanka
In recent weeks, Sri Lanka has approved issuing free tourist visas to visitors from 35 countries, including China and India, in a bid to boost tourism and help revive its crisis-hit economy.
Tourists will be given 30-day visas under a six-month pilot program starting October 1.
"The government aims to transform Sri Lanka into a free visa country, much like Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam," said a Government spokesman.
The list includes India, China, the U.K., Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and France.
Jordan
Home to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, Jordan has extended visa-free access for 11 countries. Jordan's tourism revenue has surged to a remarkable $7.4 billion in 2023, marking a substantial 27.4% increase, together with rising numbers of tourists.
Depending on their country of origin, tourists can now stay for a period ranging from one to three months, making it easier for them to plan longer stays and fully experience what Jordan has to offer.
Countries with extended visa-free status include Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Tunisia, and Bahrain.
Laos
Laos is extending its visa exemption policy until the end of the year, while increasing visa validity for tourists from certain countries. Aiming to attract more than 2.7 million international tourists in 2024 and 2.9 million in 2025, Laos has launched the "Visit Laos Year 2024" initiative.
While Laos currently exempts only 15 countries from visa requirements, mainly in Asia, officials have proposed extending the list of visa-free countries to attract more visitors.
In new guidelines unveiled by Lao Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Suanesavanh Vignaket, the country has introduced various temporary visa measures that will take effect until December 31, 2024.
Among these new guidelines is a 15-day visa exemption for Chinese tourists, including those with Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passports, travelling in an organized group through an agency registered and approved by the Lao Ministry of Tourism.
For travellers from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Greece, Norway, and Sweden, the visa requirement will be waived for an initial visit of up to 15 days if they travel for tourism purposes.
Until December 31, 2024, tourists from 22 countries can obtain multiple-entry visas valid for stays in Laos of up to 60 days.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist based in Turkey. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
