India expands e-Visa eligibility and adjusts fee bands

What changed

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs is making big changes under 'Home Affairs @ home'. It is moving immigration and citizen services online. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now active for short-stay visitors from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. Before, the ETA was only a plan. The Department plans to add other visa types, like study visas, by the end of 2026. This system has handled over 203,000 applications. It has also found fraud. The Trusted Employer Scheme now includes major infrastructure projects, companies setting up headquarters, and financial services. Applications for this scheme are due by 4 September. Visitors already in South Africa can now apply online for a 90-day visa extension using the ETA. This replaces an old paper system. More South Africans can now get Smart ID Cards. Services are available at over 500 bank branches, with a goal of 750 by the end of the year. Passport applications and first-time Smart ID applications will also move to bank branches later.

What changed

India has made it simpler to reissue an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card after you renew your passport. This means you will need to get your card reissued physically fewer times in your life.

What changed

Japan added more countries to its JAPAN eVISA system. This system allows people from these countries to apply online for a single-entry tourist visa. They no longer need to go to a Japanese consulate or embassy for an appointment.

What changed

Carriers and Border Force now check immigration status online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Expired biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) are no longer accepted as proof of status for travel.