Rule changes

Russia introduces visas for Montenegrin citizens from 30 December 2026

Who it affects: Citizens of Montenegro travelling to Russia

A response to Montenegro's visas for Russians from 1 November 2026. According to the Russian embassy in Podgorica, Russia is terminating the 2008 agreement on mutual travel (it ends 90 days after notification), and from 30 December 2026 holders of all types of Montenegrin passports will need a visa. We have not yet found the official text of the decision.

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Kazakhstan launches the QazETA electronic entry permit

Who it affects: Citizens of the 85 countries that enter Kazakhstan visa-free (including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan)

From 1 November 2026 the QazETA permit (qazeta.kz or the app, free, at least 72 hours before travel, valid 180 days) is phased in: now Aktau airport and four road crossings, from 1 January 2027 Astana and Almaty airports, from 1 March 2027 all others. Until 30 June 2027 it is only recommended; it becomes mandatory from 1 July 2027. Visa-free entry and stay limits do not change. Not needed for children under 16, people over 65, or holders of a Kazakh visa or residence permit.

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Montenegro introduces visas for citizens of Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey

Who it affects: Citizens of Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey

Montenegro's government adopted the decision on 23 July 2026. Visa-free entry for Russian citizens applies until 31 October 2026 inclusive (up to 30 days); from 1 November a visa is required. Applications can be lodged at consulates and at VFS centres. Holders of a Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit can still enter without a Montenegrin visa for up to 30 days.

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Sweden lifts visas for Uzbek diplomatic passport holders

Who it affects: Holders of biometric diplomatic passports of Uzbekistan

From 1 November 2026, under its migration and mobility partnership with Uzbekistan, Sweden admits holders of valid biometric Uzbek diplomatic passports without a visa for up to 30 days from entry, on a reciprocal basis. This is a national exemption: it applies to Sweden only, not the whole Schengen area. It does not cover staff accredited in Sweden.

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Russia waives visas for Vietnamese citizens for one year

Who it affects: Citizens of Vietnam with ordinary passports

Under a presidential decree of 12 October 2026, from 15 October 2026 and for one year Vietnamese citizens may enter Russia without a visa and stay up to 30 days. It covers tourism, business and private visits, events and transit; work, study and residence still require a visa.

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Thailand cuts visa-free stays to 30 days and requires visas for 21 countries

Who it affects: Citizens of the 60 visa-exempt countries and of 21 countries that now need a visa (including Uzbekistan, Morocco, Albania, Mexico)

From 15 September 2026, visa-free stays for 60 countries are 30 days instead of 60, and 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius. Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia get a 15-day visa on arrival. Bilateral agreements (Russia, Kazakhstan, China — 30 days; Brazil, Argentina, Korea — 90) remain. Everyone else needs a visa, applied for online.

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Myanmar extends visa on arrival for Indian and Chinese citizens until August 2027

Who it affects: Citizens of India and China

The tourist visa on arrival is extended until 29 August 2027: US$50, up to 30 days with no extension, international airports only, passport valid for 6 more months. A separate scheme for Japan, South Korea and Macao runs until 20 October 2027. Some official pages still show the old end date — confirm with an embassy or your airline.

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Armenia extends visa-free entry for US, EU and Schengen residence permit holders until July 2027

Who it affects: Citizens of 111 countries (including India and Morocco) with a US, EU, Schengen or Gulf residence permit

From 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2027 you can enter visa-free and stay up to 180 days per year. The permit must be valid for at least 6 more months on entry; only a plastic card or passport sticker is accepted.

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UAE expands visa on arrival for residents of the US, EU, UK and other countries

Who it affects: Citizens of India, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa with US, EU, UK, Canadian, Japanese and other residence

Previously only Indian citizens qualified. A 14-day visa (extendable once) or a 60-day non-extendable visa is now available.

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The EES entry/exit system is fully operational in all Schengen countries

Who it affects: Non-EU nationals on short stays in Schengen, with or without a visa

Since 10 April 2026, non-EU travellers have their fingerprints and facial image taken at the Schengen border, and entries and exits are recorded electronically instead of passport stamps. The entry rules themselves have not changed.

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Mexico launches a free electronic visa for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Brazil

Who it affects: Citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Brazil

The e-visa allows a single entry by air and a stay of up to 180 days. Apply at least 30 days ahead. Not needed if you hold a visa or permanent residence from the US, Canada, Japan, the UK or a Schengen country.

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Myanmar and Russia lift visas for each other's citizens

Who it affects: Citizens of Russia and Myanmar

The mutual visa exemption agreement is in force; media report visa-free stays of up to 30 days.

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