{
 "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1",
 "title": "VisaChecker — visa rule changes",
 "home_page_url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes",
 "feed_url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes.json",
 "description": "Visa-rule changes worldwide, each re-checked against the official government source and dated. Free machine-readable feed by VisaChecker.",
 "icon": "https://visachecker.org/assets/logo-300.png",
 "favicon": "https://visachecker.org/assets/favicon-64.png",
 "language": "en",
 "authors": [
  {
   "name": "VisaChecker",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org"
  }
 ],
 "_visachecker": {
  "source": "VisaChecker",
  "url": "https://visachecker.org",
  "updated": "2026-07-16",
  "license": "Free to use with attribution. Please credit \"VisaChecker\" and link https://visachecker.org.",
  "attribution_html": "Data: <a href=\"https://visachecker.org\">VisaChecker</a>",
  "contact": "https://visachecker.org/for-business"
 },
 "items": [
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/european-union-etias-starts-in-q4-2026-2026-10-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/european-union-etias-starts-in-q4-2026-2026-10-01",
   "title": "European Union — ETIAS starts in Q4 2026",
   "content_text": "Visa-exempt travellers to the 29 Schengen states will need an approved ETIAS before departure. Target launch is Q4 2026, followed by roughly six months of transition. It will cost €20 and stay valid 3 years, or until the passport expires. NOT in force yet: no applications are being accepted, and any site taking money for an ETIAS today is fraudulent.",
   "date_published": "2026-10-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "pending"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": null,
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "pending",
   "_official_source": "https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ru-me-30-r-2026-09-30",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ru-me-30-r-2026-09-30",
   "title": "RU → ME: 30 → R",
   "content_text": "Montenegro's foreign ministry says the visa-free regime for Russian citizens will end before the end of September 2026, as the country aligns its visa policy with the EU ahead of accession. NOT in force yet and no exact date has been published — Russians still enter visa-free for 30 days, and that is what we serve until it actually changes.",
   "date_published": "2026-09-30T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "pending",
    "RU",
    "ME"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.gov.me/en/mvp",
   "_from": "RU",
   "_to": "ME",
   "_was": 30,
   "_now": "R",
   "_status": "pending",
   "_official_source": "https://www.gov.me/en/mvp"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/al-ae-180-r-2026-07-16",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/al-ae-180-r-2026-07-16",
   "title": "AL → AE: 180 → R",
   "content_text": "Albania is not on the UAE visa-on-arrival list (GDRFA Dubai), so an ordinary Albanian passport needs a UAE visa arranged in advance. Our snapshot wrongly showed 180 days visa-free - a value no UAE source supports. Two independent audits confirmed the omission.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-16T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "AL",
    "AE"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/node/2086",
   "_from": "AL",
   "_to": "AE",
   "_was": 180,
   "_now": "R",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/node/2086"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-russians-was-renamed-visa-free-entry-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-russians-was-renamed-visa-free-entry-2026-07-15",
   "title": "Qatar — 'visa on arrival' for Russians was renamed 'visa-free entry'",
   "content_text": "Qatar's own visa checker now answers 'Enter visa-free' for Russian passports, and states plainly that visa-free entry is simply the new name for the old visa on arrival — nothing else changed. You still need a passport valid at least three months and a confirmed hotel booking on arrival. We were showing the old name, which made people expect a counter and a fee that no longer exist.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "RU",
    "QA"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/plan-your-trip/visas",
   "_from": "RU",
   "_to": "QA",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/plan-your-trip/visas"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/correction-mauritius-is-60-days-visa-free-for-russians-not-90-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/correction-mauritius-is-60-days-visa-free-for-russians-not-90-2026-07-15",
   "title": "Correction — Mauritius is 60 days visa-free for Russians, not 90",
   "content_text": "Our data said 90 days. The Russia-Mauritius agreement says 60 days in any 180. We had an aggregator's number; the treaty is the treaty. Fixed.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "RU",
    "MU"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://mauritius.mid.ru/en/consular-services/visa/",
   "_from": "RU",
   "_to": "MU",
   "_was": 90,
   "_now": 60,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://mauritius.mid.ru/en/consular-services/visa/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/correction-costa-rica-is-90-days-visa-free-for-russians-not-30-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/correction-costa-rica-is-90-days-visa-free-for-russians-not-30-2026-07-15",
   "title": "Correction — Costa Rica is 90 days visa-free for Russians, not 30",
   "content_text": "The Russia-Costa Rica mutual visa waiver (in force since 25 May 2019) grants 90 days. Our snapshot carried Costa Rica's internal 30-day group default, which the treaty overrides.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "RU",
    "CR"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://mauritius.mid.ru/",
   "_from": "RU",
   "_to": "CR",
   "_was": 30,
   "_now": 90,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://mauritius.mid.ru/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ethiopia-e-visa-online-visa-on-arrival-may-also-be-available-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ethiopia-e-visa-online-visa-on-arrival-may-also-be-available-2026-07-15",
   "title": "Ethiopia - e-visa online (visa on arrival may also be available)",
   "content_text": "Russia can apply for an Ethiopian e-visa online at evisa.gov.et before travel. A visa on arrival also appears to remain available (Russia is on Ethiopia’s VOA list), so this pair is less than fully certain - we serve e-visa as the reliable pre-arranged route. Confirm on the official portal before you fly.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "RU",
    "ET"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.evisa.gov.et/",
   "_from": "RU",
   "_to": "ET",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.evisa.gov.et/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-om-14-30-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-om-14-30-2026-07-15",
   "title": "BY → OM: 14 → 30",
   "content_text": "A new Belarus-Oman visa-waiver (Royal Decree 98/2025, in force 17 March 2026) gives Belarusian passport holders 30 days visa-free, up to 90 per year. Our data said 14.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "BY",
    "OM"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.fm.gov.om/en/39389/",
   "_from": "BY",
   "_to": "OM",
   "_was": 14,
   "_now": 30,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.fm.gov.om/en/39389/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-dj-a-e-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-dj-a-e-2026-07-15",
   "title": "BY → DJ: A → E",
   "content_text": "Djibouti issues e-visas online only; there is no visa-on-arrival counter. Belarusian passport holders must apply at evisa.gouv.dj before flying.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "BY",
    "DJ"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.evisa.gouv.dj/",
   "_from": "BY",
   "_to": "DJ",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": "E",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.evisa.gouv.dj/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-gd-f-a-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-gd-f-a-2026-07-15",
   "title": "BY → GD: F → A",
   "content_text": "Grenada does not waive visas for Belarus; Belarusians are a 'Port of Entry' nationality - the permit is issued at the border, not granted in advance. We showed unlimited visa-free.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "BY",
    "GD"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://gndembassyprc.mofa.gov.gd/who-needs-a-visa/",
   "_from": "BY",
   "_to": "GD",
   "_was": "F",
   "_now": "A",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://gndembassyprc.mofa.gov.gd/who-needs-a-visa/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-jm-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-jm-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "title": "BY → JM: A → R",
   "content_text": "Jamaica has no visa on arrival for Belarus. Visa-free entry is granted only to holders of a valid US/Canada/UK/Schengen visa; otherwise a visa must be obtained in advance.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "BY",
    "JM"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/entry-visa-requirements",
   "_from": "BY",
   "_to": "JM",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": "R",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/entry-visa-requirements"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-cv-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/by-cv-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "title": "BY → CV: A → R",
   "content_text": "Cape Verde abolished visa on arrival for most nationalities on 1 January 2026; a visa must be arranged before travel, plus the mandatory EASE pre-registration and TSA fee.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "BY",
    "CV"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://ease.gov.cv/",
   "_from": "BY",
   "_to": "CV",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": "R",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://ease.gov.cv/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kz-cv-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kz-cv-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "title": "KZ → CV: A → R",
   "content_text": "Cape Verde abolished visa on arrival on 1 January 2026. Kazakhstani passport holders now need a visa arranged before travel, plus EASE pre-registration and the TSA fee.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "KZ",
    "CV"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://ease.gov.cv/",
   "_from": "KZ",
   "_to": "CV",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": "R",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://ease.gov.cv/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kz-dj-a-e-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kz-dj-a-e-2026-07-15",
   "title": "KZ → DJ: A → E",
   "content_text": "Djibouti issues e-visas online only. Kazakhstani passport holders must apply at evisa.gouv.dj before departure - there is no visa on arrival.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "KZ",
    "DJ"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.evisa.gouv.dj/",
   "_from": "KZ",
   "_to": "DJ",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": "E",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.evisa.gouv.dj/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kz-jm-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kz-jm-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "title": "KZ → JM: A → R",
   "content_text": "Jamaica has no visa on arrival for Kazakhstan. Visa-free entry only with a valid US/Canada/UK/Schengen visa; otherwise a visa must be obtained in advance.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "KZ",
    "JM"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/entry-visa-requirements",
   "_from": "KZ",
   "_to": "JM",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": "R",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/entry-visa-requirements"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/tr-dj-a-e-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/tr-dj-a-e-2026-07-15",
   "title": "TR → DJ: A → E",
   "content_text": "Djibouti issues e-visas online only; no visa on arrival. Turkish passport holders apply at evisa.gouv.dj before travel.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "TR",
    "DJ"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.evisa.gouv.dj/",
   "_from": "TR",
   "_to": "DJ",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": "E",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.evisa.gouv.dj/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/tr-cv-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/tr-cv-a-r-2026-07-15",
   "title": "TR → CV: A → R",
   "content_text": "Cape Verde abolished visa on arrival on 1 January 2026. Turkish passport holders now arrange a visa before travel, plus EASE pre-registration and the TSA fee.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "TR",
    "CV"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://ease.gov.cv/",
   "_from": "TR",
   "_to": "CV",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": "R",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://ease.gov.cv/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/cn-ae-90-30-2026-07-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/cn-ae-90-30-2026-07-15",
   "title": "CN → AE: 90 → 30",
   "content_text": "The China-UAE mutual visa exemption grants Chinese ordinary passports 30 days visa-free, not 90. In force since 1 November 2016; confirmed by China's MFA and the UAE consulate. This was the only real value error found in the UAE passport-wide audit - Turkey and Thailand ordinary passports genuinely need a pre-arranged visa, and Mexico's unusual 180-day visa-free arrangement is real.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "CN",
    "AE"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/shanghai/services/visas",
   "_from": "CN",
   "_to": "AE",
   "_was": 90,
   "_now": 30,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/shanghai/services/visas"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/correction-sri-lanka-has-no-visa-on-arrival-and-we-said-it-did-2026-07-14",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/correction-sri-lanka-has-no-visa-on-arrival-and-we-said-it-did-2026-07-14",
   "title": "Correction — Sri Lanka has no visa on arrival, and we said it did",
   "content_text": "We were wrong, and the way we were wrong is the way that gets someone stopped at check-in. Our data said 'visa on arrival' for almost every nationality. Sri Lanka does not have one. The Department of Immigration and Emigration requires every foreign national to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization BEFORE arriving. The ETA is free for 40 nationalities and paid for the rest — but free or paid, you get it before you fly. Fixed on 14 July 2026 across all 196 pages, and pinned in our verification suite so it can never come back.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-14T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "LK"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=14",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "LK",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=14"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/taiwan-opened-an-e-visa-to-russian-passports-2026-07-07",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/taiwan-opened-an-e-visa-to-russian-passports-2026-07-07",
   "title": "Taiwan opened an e-visa to Russian passports",
   "content_text": "From 7 July 2026 Russian ordinary passport holders can apply for a Taiwan e-visa online — single entry, 30 days — instead of going to a consulate. A one-year pilot, running to 6 July 2027. Apply at the Bureau of Consular Affairs before you fly.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-07T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "RU",
    "TW"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-181-8051-69fbd-2.html",
   "_from": "RU",
   "_to": "TW",
   "_was": "R",
   "_now": "E",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-181-8051-69fbd-2.html"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/jp-az-a-30-2026-07-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/jp-az-a-30-2026-07-01",
   "title": "JP → AZ: A → 30",
   "content_text": "Azerbaijan waived visas for ordinary Japanese passports travelling for tourism, from 2026-07-01 to 2027-07-01: up to three entries, 30 days each. Any other purpose or a longer stay still needs a visa. A temporary, one-year measure.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "JP",
    "AZ"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://migration.gov.az/en",
   "_from": "JP",
   "_to": "AZ",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": 30,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://migration.gov.az/en"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kr-az-a-30-2026-07-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kr-az-a-30-2026-07-01",
   "title": "KR → AZ: A → 30",
   "content_text": "Azerbaijan waived visas for ordinary South Korean passports travelling for tourism, from 2026-07-01 to 2027-07-01: up to three entries, 30 days each. Any other purpose or a longer stay still needs a visa. A temporary, one-year measure.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "KR",
    "AZ"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://migration.gov.az/en",
   "_from": "KR",
   "_to": "AZ",
   "_was": "A",
   "_now": 30,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://migration.gov.az/en"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/saudi-arabia-an-eta-for-uk-citizens-but-nothing-got-harder-2026-07-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/saudi-arabia-an-eta-for-uk-citizens-but-nothing-got-harder-2026-07-01",
   "title": "Saudi Arabia — an ETA for UK citizens, but nothing got harder",
   "content_text": "Saudi Arabia launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation for British passport holders. It is an ADDITIONAL online route, not a new barrier: the FCDO still says a British passport holder can obtain an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver on arrival at any Saudi international airport. We deliberately did NOT change our verdict to 'authorisation required' — that would tell a Briton at the airport they should have applied in advance, which is false.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "SA"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia/entry-requirements",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "SA",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia/entry-requirements"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/armenia-visa-free-for-residents-of-the-us-eu-and-the-gulf-for-one-year-2026-07-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/armenia-visa-free-for-residents-of-the-us-eu-and-the-gulf-for-one-year-2026-07-01",
   "title": "Armenia — visa-free for residents of the US, EU and the Gulf, for one year",
   "content_text": "From 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2027, citizens of 111 countries who hold a residence permit from the US, the EU/Schengen area, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman (valid at least 6 more months) may enter Armenia without a visa for up to 180 days a year. This can override the normal rule for your passport — an Indian or Nigerian citizen living in Dubai no longer needs an Armenian visa. Our matrix answers by passport alone and cannot see your residence permit, so check the list if you hold one.",
   "date_published": "2026-07-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "AM"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "AM",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/uae-visa-on-arrival-for-six-more-nationalities-if-you-hold-the-right-residence-permit-2026",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/uae-visa-on-arrival-for-six-more-nationalities-if-you-hold-the-right-residence-permit-2026",
   "title": "UAE — visa on arrival for six more nationalities, if you hold the right residence permit",
   "content_text": "From 25 June 2026 the UAE grants a visa on arrival (14 days, AED 100, or 60 days, AED 250) to citizens of the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya and South Africa — but ONLY if they hold a valid residence permit from the US, an EU country, the UK, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Without one, the old rule stands: apply for a visa before you fly.",
   "date_published": "2026-06-25T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "AE"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2026/6/25/uae-grants-visa-on-arrival",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "AE",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2026/6/25/uae-grants-visa-on-arrival"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/sri-lanka-the-tourist-eta-is-now-free-for-40-nationalities-2026-05-25",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/sri-lanka-the-tourist-eta-is-now-free-for-40-nationalities-2026-05-25",
   "title": "Sri Lanka — the tourist ETA is now free for 40 nationalities",
   "content_text": "Sri Lanka made its 30-day tourist ETA free for citizens of 40 countries, among them Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Nepal and New Zealand. The authorisation is still required — only the fee is gone.",
   "date_published": "2026-05-25T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "LK"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.eta.gov.lk/",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "LK",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.eta.gov.lk/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ru-sa-e-90-2026-05-11",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ru-sa-e-90-2026-05-11",
   "title": "RU → SA: E → 90",
   "content_text": "The Russia–Saudi Arabia mutual visa-waiver agreement (signed in Riyadh on 2025-12-01) entered into force. Up to 90 days per calendar year — continuous or cumulative — for tourism, business and private visits. NOT valid for work, study, residence, or Hajj/Umrah during the pilgrimage season.",
   "date_published": "2026-05-11T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "RU",
    "SA"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.mid.ru/",
   "_from": "RU",
   "_to": "SA",
   "_was": "E",
   "_now": 90,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.mid.ru/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/sa-ru-e-90-2026-05-11",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/sa-ru-e-90-2026-05-11",
   "title": "SA → RU: E → 90",
   "content_text": "The same agreement, in the other direction: Saudi citizens may enter Russia visa-free for up to 90 days per calendar year, on the same conditions.",
   "date_published": "2026-05-11T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "SA",
    "RU"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.mid.ru/",
   "_from": "SA",
   "_to": "RU",
   "_was": "E",
   "_now": 90,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.mid.ru/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/th-60-30-2026-05-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/th-60-30-2026-05-01",
   "title": "TH: 60 → 30",
   "content_text": "Thailand's Cabinet approved cutting the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days. A revised version was approved on 14 July 2026: 59 countries keep 30 days, visa-on-arrival survives for only three (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia). NONE of it is in force. It takes effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, and there has been no publication. Until there is, 60 days is what you actually get at the border — and that is what we serve. Weeks, not months.",
   "date_published": "2026-05-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "pending",
    "TH"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://consular.mfa.go.th/",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "TH",
   "_was": 60,
   "_now": 30,
   "_status": "pending",
   "_official_source": "https://consular.mfa.go.th/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/schengen-the-ees-is-live-fingerprints-and-a-photo-at-the-border-no-more-stamps-2026-04-10",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/schengen-the-ees-is-live-fingerprints-and-a-photo-at-the-border-no-more-stamps-2026-04-10",
   "title": "Schengen — the EES is live: fingerprints and a photo at the border, no more stamps",
   "content_text": "The EU Entry/Exit System has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. It does not change who needs a visa — but every non-EU traveller now has fingerprints and a facial image registered at the border on first entry, and passports are no longer stamped. Expect longer queues on your first crossing. Ireland does not take part: entering Ireland directly, the EES does not apply. Not to be confused with ETIAS, which is a separate thing and is not live yet.",
   "date_published": "2026-04-10T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/entryexit-system-ees-fully-operational-2026-04-10_en",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": null,
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/entryexit-system-ees-fully-operational-2026-04-10_en"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/thailand-the-paper-arrival-card-is-gone-tdac-2026-04-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/thailand-the-paper-arrival-card-is-gone-tdac-2026-04-01",
   "title": "Thailand — the paper arrival card is gone (TDAC)",
   "content_text": "Every foreign visitor must now file the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours of arrival — by air, land or sea. Airlines check it at boarding and immigration asks for the QR code. It is free on the official site; third-party sites charge for the very same form.",
   "date_published": "2026-04-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "TH"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://tdac.immigration.go.th/",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "TH",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://tdac.immigration.go.th/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/india-paper-arrival-forms-are-gone-e-arrival-card-2026-04-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/india-paper-arrival-forms-are-gone-e-arrival-card-2026-04-01",
   "title": "India — paper arrival forms are gone (e-Arrival Card)",
   "content_text": "Every foreign passport holder must file the e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours of arrival. Paper disembarkation forms were phased out entirely in April 2026. Free on the official portal.",
   "date_published": "2026-04-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "IN"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "IN",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/united-kingdom-the-eta-is-now-strictly-enforced-2026-02-25",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/united-kingdom-the-eta-is-now-strictly-enforced-2026-02-25",
   "title": "United Kingdom — the ETA is now strictly enforced",
   "content_text": "The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is now enforced at boarding for visa-exempt nationalities, including the EU, US, Canada and Australia. Apply before you fly — the airline will not let you board without it. The fee rose from £16 to £20 on 2026-04-08. Valid 2 years.",
   "date_published": "2026-02-25T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "GB"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.gov.uk/eta",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "GB",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.gov.uk/eta"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/gb-cn-r-30-2026-02-17",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/gb-cn-r-30-2026-02-17",
   "title": "GB → CN: R → 30",
   "content_text": "China opened 30-day visa-free entry to British passport holders. In force through 2026-12-31.",
   "date_published": "2026-02-17T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "GB",
    "CN"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/202602/t20260215_11860467.html",
   "_from": "GB",
   "_to": "CN",
   "_was": "R",
   "_now": 30,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/202602/t20260215_11860467.html"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ca-cn-r-30-2026-02-17",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ca-cn-r-30-2026-02-17",
   "title": "CA → CN: R → 30",
   "content_text": "China opened 30-day visa-free entry to Canadian passport holders. In force through 2026-12-31.",
   "date_published": "2026-02-17T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "CA",
    "CN"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/202602/t20260215_11860467.html",
   "_from": "CA",
   "_to": "CN",
   "_was": "R",
   "_now": 30,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/202602/t20260215_11860467.html"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/mozambique-visa-free-but-only-with-an-online-travel-authorisation-2026-02-11",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/mozambique-visa-free-but-only-with-an-online-travel-authorisation-2026-02-11",
   "title": "Mozambique — visa-free, but only with an online travel authorisation",
   "content_text": "Mozambique still admits many nationalities visa-free for 30 days, but since a new platform launched on 11 February 2026 everyone must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation online before flying. Airlines will not board you without it. 'Visa-free' no longer means 'just show up'.",
   "date_published": "2026-02-11T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "MZ"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://evisa.gov.mz/",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "MZ",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://evisa.gov.mz/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ru-mw-90-e-2026-01-03",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/ru-mw-90-e-2026-01-03",
   "title": "RU → MW: 90 → E",
   "content_text": "Malawi ended its unilateral visa-free access on 3 January 2026, moving to a reciprocity-based policy; Russia was among the countries whose waiver was withdrawn. Russians now need a visa - an e-visa online at evisa.gov.mw, or a visa on arrival. Our data said 90 days visa-free, which would strand a traveller expecting free entry. We serve e-visa as the safe pre-arranged route.",
   "date_published": "2026-01-03T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "RU",
    "MW"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://evisa.gov.mw/",
   "_from": "RU",
   "_to": "MW",
   "_was": 90,
   "_now": "E",
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://evisa.gov.mw/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/turkiye-dropped-visas-for-chinese-citizens-90-days-2026-01-02",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/turkiye-dropped-visas-for-chinese-citizens-90-days-2026-01-02",
   "title": "Turkiye dropped visas for Chinese citizens — 90 days",
   "content_text": "Ordinary Chinese passports enter Turkiye visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. In force since 2 January 2026. Worth knowing where this one came from: it happened six weeks BEFORE the snapshot our matrix was built from, and our matrix still said e-visa. A dataset being 'only five months old' does not make it right.",
   "date_published": "2026-01-02T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "CN",
    "TR"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa",
   "_from": "CN",
   "_to": "TR",
   "_was": "E",
   "_now": 90,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/philippines-etravel-registration-is-mandatory-2026-01-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/philippines-etravel-registration-is-mandatory-2026-01-01",
   "title": "Philippines — eTravel registration is mandatory",
   "content_text": "All arriving passengers must complete the free eTravel registration online within 72 hours before departure and present the QR code on arrival. Only etravel.gov.ph is official — lookalike sites charge for it.",
   "date_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "PH"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://etravel.gov.ph/",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "PH",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://etravel.gov.ph/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/vietnam-45-day-visa-free-entry-now-covers-24-countries-2025-08-15",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/vietnam-45-day-visa-free-entry-now-covers-24-countries-2025-08-15",
   "title": "Vietnam — 45-day visa-free entry now covers 24 countries",
   "content_text": "Vietnam grants 45 days visa-free to two groups. Group 1 (any purpose, Resolution 44/NQ-CP, to 14 Aug 2028): Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland. Group 2 (tourism only, Resolution 229/NQ-CP, from 15 Aug 2025 to 14 Aug 2028): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland. Belarus has a separate 30-day bilateral waiver. Everyone else needs an e-visa (up to 90 days) from the official portal evisa.gov.vn before travel - Vietnam grants it to all nationalities. We verified the whole Vietnam matrix against the MOFA list on 15 July 2026; nothing needed changing.",
   "date_published": "2025-08-15T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "VN"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://baochinhphu.vn/tu-15-8-2025-mien-thi-thuc-cho-cong-dan-12-nuoc-vao-viet-nam-du-lich-102250811085114891.htm",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "VN",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://baochinhphu.vn/tu-15-8-2025-mien-thi-thuc-cho-cong-dan-12-nuoc-vao-viet-nam-du-lich-102250811085114891.htm"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/israel-eta-il-required-from-visa-exempt-travellers-2025-01-01",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/israel-eta-il-required-from-visa-exempt-travellers-2025-01-01",
   "title": "Israel — ETA-IL required from visa-exempt travellers",
   "content_text": "Travellers from roughly 96 visa-exempt countries must hold an approved ETA-IL before boarding. Apply on the Population and Immigration Authority portal.",
   "date_published": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "IL"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "IL",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/"
  },
  {
   "id": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kenya-the-visa-free-regime-became-an-eta-2024-01-02",
   "url": "https://visachecker.org/visa-changes/kenya-the-visa-free-regime-became-an-eta-2024-01-02",
   "title": "Kenya — the visa-free regime became an eTA",
   "content_text": "Kenya abolished visas but now requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation from nearly every visitor, applied for in advance on the official government portal.",
   "date_published": "2024-01-02T00:00:00Z",
   "tags": [
    "applied",
    "KE"
   ],
   "authors": [
    {
     "name": "VisaChecker",
     "url": "https://visachecker.org"
    }
   ],
   "external_url": "https://www.etakenya.go.ke/",
   "_from": null,
   "_to": "KE",
   "_was": null,
   "_now": null,
   "_status": "applied",
   "_official_source": "https://www.etakenya.go.ke/"
  }
 ]
}