Latest Visa News & Policy Updates

New rules, fee changes, country announcements and travel advisories — reviewed and summarized for travelers.

Updated

Indonesia · Golden Visa
Update

Indonesia's Golden Visa passes US$2.9 billion in investment

Indonesia has issued more than 1,270 Golden Visas drawing close to US$3 billion, overwhelmingly from corporate investors.

USA · Visa fees
Fees

New US$250 "Visa Integrity Fee" to apply to most US visas

A new US$250 charge will sit on top of existing US nonimmigrant visa fees, collected when the visa is issued.

UAE · Golden Visa
Update

UAE widens Golden Visa to creators, nurses and more

The UAE has added new Golden Visa categories and eased its property route, shifting from pure investment toward skills and contribution.

EU · Entry/Exit System
Policy

Europe's biometric border system is now fully operational

Passport stamps are out: the EU's Entry/Exit System now records a photo and fingerprints for non-EU visitors at all external borders.

UK · ETA
Fees

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation fee rises to £20

The UK ETA, required for visa-exempt visitors, increased from £16 to £20 in April 2026.

EU · Border data
Update

EU border system logs 45 million crossings, flags fraud

In its first months the EES recorded over 45 million crossings and helped detect identity fraud and security risks.

Indonesia · Arrival rules
Advisory

Indonesia requires a digital arrival card and in-person visa extensions

All arrivals must file the "All Indonesia" digital card, and visa extensions now need an in-person biometric visit.

EU · ETIAS
Policy

EU's ETIAS travel authorisation confirmed for late 2026

Visa-exempt visitors will need an online ETIAS authorisation before traveling to Europe once the system goes live in Q4 2026.

GCC · Unified visa
Policy

Gulf states confirm "GCC Grand Tours" single visa, pilot late 2026

One visa for all six Gulf countries — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait — is heading into a pilot phase.

UAE · Visa scam alert
Advisory

UAE debunks "AED 100,000 lifetime Golden Visa" claims

UAE authorities say viral reports of a cut-price, nomination-based "lifetime" Golden Visa have no legal basis.

Indonesia · IKN Golden Visa
Policy

Indonesia cuts Golden Visa thresholds for its new capital

Lower investment levels now apply to Golden Visas tied to projects in Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara (IKN).

Indonesia · Diaspora visa
Policy

Indonesia launches "Global Citizen" residency for its diaspora

A new track gives former Indonesian citizens and their descendants a lifetime residency option with lighter requirements.

UAE · Visit visa
Update

UAE lets visitors extend visit visas from inside the country

Most 30- and 60-day tourist and business visas can now be extended online without leaving the UAE.

USA · ESTA
Fees

US ESTA fee nearly doubles to US$40

The visa-waiver travel authorisation for the US rose from US$21 to US$40 in late September 2025.

USA · H-1B visa
Policy

US imposes US$100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions

A September 2025 proclamation added a one-time US$100,000 charge to most new H-1B work-visa petitions.

USA · Visa interviews
Advisory

US ends most visa-interview waivers, lengthening waits

Most US nonimmigrant visa applicants must now attend an in-person consular interview.

EU · ETIAS fee
Fees

EU sets ETIAS travel-permit fee at €20

The upcoming ETIAS authorisation for visa-exempt visitors will cost €20, up from the €7 first proposed.

Spain · Golden Visa
Policy

Spain ends its property-based Golden Visa

Buying a €500,000 home in Spain no longer grants residency after the Golden Visa closed in April 2025.

Bali · Tourist levy
Fees

Bali charges a IDR 150,000 tourist levy on arrival

Every international visitor to Bali pays a IDR 150,000 levy, separate from the visa fee.