Electronic visa and border system updates
- 🇺🇸 The United States announced the ESTA fee will increase from USD 21 to USD 40 on September 30.
- 🇮🇩 Indonesia launched All Indonesia (allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id), a unified portal merging customs, health, and entry forms. Currently active at Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya airports and several seaports. The form will be mandatory at all ports of entry from October 1.
- 🇱🇻 Latvia launched an Electronic Travel Declaration (eta.gov.lv/en) for nationals of 151 countries, including India, China, Russia, and Ukraine. The form will be mandatory from September 1.
- 🇮🇳🇨🇳 India opened a specialized Business eVisa category to Chinese nationals working with companies in Indian electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
- 🇮🇳🇵🇭 India waived the USD 25 fee for 30-day Tourist eVisas for Philippine nationals.
New visa exemptions and policy changes
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam granted visa exemption to 12 European countries for 45-day tourism stays from August 15: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
- 🇦🇷 Argentina eased entry rules for Indian citizens holding valid US visas, allowing visa-free entry for 90 days.
- 🇰🇷🇨🇳 South Korea announced Chinese group tourists will be visa-exempt from September 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Group size and other conditions are still awaiting confirmation from the Korean government.
- 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan streamlined visa procedures for 2025 F1 Grand Prix attendees, allowing travelers to obtain a visa on arrival at international airports through September 30 with valid race tickets or accreditation.
- 🇲🇻 Maldives extended visa-free entry for Sri Lankan citizens from 30 to 90 days and waived all fees.
