ETIAS travel authorisation confirmed for late 2026 with a six-month transitional period
What changed
The EU is starting ETIAS. This is an online travel authorisation for people from countries that can currently visit most EU or Schengen countries without a visa. ETIAS is expected to begin in late 2026. The date currently suggested is 1 November 2026. But the EU has not yet officially confirmed this exact date. Once ETIAS starts, eligible travellers will need to get approval before they travel to Europe. ETIAS is not a visa. It is an extra travel rule for people who can already visit Europe without a visa.
The detail
Policy history
ETIAS travel authorisation confirmed for late 2026 with a six-month transitional periodRelated changes
United StatesVisa-Free TravelEffectiveEffective 23 Sept 2026 U.S. Introduces Visa Restrictions for Individuals Involved in Birth Tourism
What changed
On 23 September 2026, the U.S. State Department announced a new visa restriction policy, which took effect immediately. This policy falls under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It targets people who knowingly participate in, have participated in, or help with birth tourism to the United States. The goal is to stop people from exploiting the U.S. immigration system for money and to protect the value of U.S. citizenship.
Published 23 Sept 2026Effective 23 Sept 2026U.S. State Department — Press releases
United StatesVisa-Free TravelEffectiveEffective 15 Sept 2026 U.S. Implements New Visa Restriction Policy Targeting Foreign Nationals Involved in Race-Based Discrimination and Uncompensated Land Seizures in South Africa
What changed
On 15 September 2026, the U.S. State Department announced a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This policy targets foreign nationals found responsible for, or complicit in, the enactment or implementation of laws or policies enabling uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination, and incitement to violence against minority ethnic or racial groups in South Africa. The restrictions apply immediately to affected individuals and their eligible family members.
Published 15 Sept 2026Effective 15 Sept 2026U.S. State Department — Press releases
UzbekistanVisa-Free TravelPublishedEffective 30 Aug 2026 Uzbekistan Introduces 30-Day Visa-Free Regime for Indian Citizens as India-Uzbekistan Relations Reach Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
What changed
Uzbekistan and India have adopted many official papers. This happened after high-level talks between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. These papers aim to make cooperation deeper in trade, money matters, investment, culture, and people’s welfare. They make the partnership between the two countries official.
Published 30 Aug 2026Effective 30 Aug 2026president.uz
Hong KongVisa-Free TravelEffectiveEffective 26 Aug 2026 Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders Granted Visa-Free Access to Nicaragua and Solomon Islands, Reciprocal Arrangements for Their Nationals Visiting Hong Kong
What changed
The Hong Kong Immigration Department announced new visa-free travel rules that apply to both sides. People with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports can now visit Nicaragua without a visa for up to 30 days. They will also be able to visit the Solomon Islands without a visa from 26 August 2026. This also allows people from Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands to enter Hong Kong without a visa for up to 30 days. This rule also starts on 26 August 2026.
Published 27 Jul 2026Effective 26 Aug 2026Immigration Department, Hong Kong
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