What changed, and what it means

What changed

Switzerland made visa rules stricter for people from Somalia and Guinea. This started on 12 August 2026. This change matches decisions the European Union (EU) made on 25 June 2026 (for Somalia) and 10 July 2026 (for Guinea). This stops several helpful processes in the visa application. Before, it was easier to provide documents, get faster decisions, avoid fees for people with diplomatic or service passports, and get multiple-entry visas. These benefits will no longer apply. The new rules affect all people from Somalia and Guinea who want a visa for Switzerland.

What changed

The UK government has updated its 'Government travel' rules. Starting 3 August 2026, India joined the list of countries. Diplomatic passport holders from these countries can use the Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA). The DVA is a specific type of visitor visa. Also, on 12 August 2026, new information was added. This information says that diplomats or people with diplomatic, official, or service passports must usually get permission to enter the UK if their reason for travel is not listed. They are not automatically free from UK immigration control. They will generally need a Standard Visitor visa. If they are from a country whose citizens need a visa to enter the UK, they must apply for this visa.

What changed

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is changing how people apply for visitor visas. From 24 September 2026, people must use INZ's better online system, called Immigration Online, for most new visitor visa applications. This includes standard, business, academic, and many special visitor visas. The old online system will not let people start new applications for these visas after this date. By 8 October 2026, the specific application forms in the old system will close. Any draft applications that have not been sent will be deleted. If people still want to apply, they must start again in the better system.

What changed

This rule makes a temporary rule permanent. It creates a visa bond programme. Consular officers can ask B-1/B-2 visa applicants to pay a bond of up to $20,000. This is a condition to get the visa.