Author
Loris Mazloum
Founder, SimpleVisa
Loris Mazloum founded SimpleVisa and writes the coverage notes on this blog for airlines, OTAs, and other travel companies. Each note is checked against the government source named at the bottom before it publishes. SimpleVisa keeps requirement data for 190+ destinations and files applications where a government channel exists.
Coverage
India cuts its visa categories to nine and shortens application forms: what travel sellers need to know
India's Ministry of Home Affairs has cut the main visa categories from 13 to 9 and the sub-categories from 49 to 23, and removed 65-70% of the fields in visa application forms. The Tourist Visa is renamed the Visitor Visa, with a 30-day multiple-entry V-1 and a 1, 5 or 10-year V-2. The ministry says visas will be granted under the new framework by the end of 2026, once its IT systems are updated.
Coverage
UAE lifts its Ebola visa suspension for Ugandans, with a 21-day rule: what airlines and OTAs need to check
On 11 November 2026, UAE authorities lifted the suspension of new visas for Ugandan nationals that was introduced in June 2026 because of Ebola. Ugandans can now get new visas and enter the UAE provided at least 21 days have passed since they left Uganda. Precautionary measures for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan stay in force.
Coverage
CDC extends the Ebola entry ban to 10 December: what airlines and OTAs need to check for US-bound passengers
CDC renewed its Ebola entry suspension on 10 November for 30 days. Non-US citizens who were in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days still can't enter the US. What sellers should check.
Coverage
Ghana makes an electronic health declaration mandatory for all air arrivals: Ebola screening rules for OTAs and airlines
All passengers arriving at Ghana's international airports must complete the Ghana Health Declaration online before arrival and show the QR code to Port Health. What sellers must tell travellers.
Coverage
Cabo Verde again lets prior-visa nationalities apply through a digital channel (DL 49/2026): what sellers should tell travellers
DL 49/2026 lets Cabo Verde's 91 prior-visa nationalities apply via a digital platform again. Visa on arrival stays banned. What OTAs and airlines should say while EASE copy lags.
Coverage
Argentina opens its electronic travel authorisation (AVE) to Kuwaiti US visa holders: what travel sellers need to know
Kuwaiti citizens with a valid US visa can now enter Argentina with an AVE instead of a consular visa (Res. 1087/2026). Rules for OTAs, TMCs and airlines.
Coverage
Saudi Arabia's tourist eVisa now lists Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia: what travel sellers should update
Saudi Arabia's official eVisa portal now lists Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, up from 68 to 72 countries. What sellers should do.
Coverage
Ireland extends its visa waiver for UK visa holders to 31 December 2026: what travel sellers need to know
Ireland has extended its Short-Stay Visa Waiver for UK visa holders to 31 December 2026 (S.I. 541/2026). What OTAs, TMCs and airlines should do.
Coverage
Australia now asks visa applicants in India for biometrics: what travel sellers should plan for
Since 26 October 2026, Australian visa applicants in India may be asked for fingerprints and a facial photo. What OTAs, TMCs and agents should plan for.
Coverage
South Korea pilots a group tourist visa for Mongolians from 30 October 2026: what tour sellers need to know
From 30 October 2026 South Korea pilots a C-3-2 group tourist visa for Mongolian groups of 5 or more, via 7 designated agencies, for stays up to 15 days.
Coverage
Flying to or through Entebbe: Uganda's Ebola rules for airlines and OTAs (October 2026)
Uganda's 25 October Ebola statement: every traveller fills a Passenger Locator Form, and no one with DRC travel history may transit. What sellers must check.
Coverage
UK carriers: a 0A board message only counts for the passport it was issued against
The UK Home Office carrier guide now says a 0A board response only proves permission to travel if the passenger travels on the same passport. What to check.
Coverage
Chinese visitors need a US visa for Saipan again from 30 October: what airlines and OTAs need to do
The US suspends EVS-TAP from 30 October 2026. Chinese nationals need a US visa to visit Saipan and the Northern Mariana Islands. What sellers must check.
Coverage
From 3 November, every passenger flying to the US must sign a DR Congo statement: what airlines and OTAs need to do
Since 3 November 2026, everyone flying to the US, crew included, must sign a CDC statement that they were not in DR Congo in the last 21 days. What to do.
Coverage
Italy and Spain end border checks on flights and ferries between them
Italy and Spain will not extend their summer border checks on each other. Spain's ended on 22 Oct. Italy's last day is 23 Oct. What to tell passengers.
Coverage
Tanzania now requires a health surveillance form from every traveller: what OTAs and airlines need to change
Since 17 Oct 2026, everyone entering mainland Tanzania must fill in the online Traveller's Health Surveillance Form and keep the QR code. Zanzibar has its own.
Coverage
EU starts the Schengen visa-waiver process for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar: visa still required
The EU Council backed a visa-waiver process for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar on 19 Oct 2026. A Schengen visa is still required. No date set.
Coverage
Ireland's visa waiver for UK visa holders: extended to 31 December 2026
Ireland's Short-Stay Visa Waiver for UK visa holders is extended to 31 December 2026 (S.I. 541/2026). Background and seller advice.
Coverage
US raises Kenya travel advisory to Level 3 over Ebola: it is not a ban, but travel sellers should update these checks
The US moved Kenya to Level 3, Reconsider Travel, on 19 Oct 2026, citing health risks. It is not a ban. Here is what OTAs, airlines and TMCs should check now.
Coverage
CBP proposes mandatory advance passenger data for cross-border trains: what rail sellers and OTAs should prepare
CBP's proposed rule would have rail carriers send passport, US address and contact data for each passenger 60 minutes before departure. Comments due 14 Dec 2026.
Industry
K-ETA exemption ends 31 December 2026 unless extended: a Korea checklist for OTAs and airlines
Korea's K-ETA exemption for US, UK, Japanese and other nationals runs to 31 Dec 2026 (KST). No 2027 extension yet. What OTAs and airlines should prepare.
Coverage
France moves Schengen tourist visa appointments in Türkiye to a waiting list: what travel sellers should change
Since 15 Oct 2026, French tourist and family-visit visa appointments in Türkiye go through a VFS waiting list. Pay for a slot within 3 days or it is cancelled. What OTAs and TMCs should tell travellers.
Coverage
Kenya tells airlines to check visitor health insurance at check-in: what OTAs must change
KCAA circular AIC 11/26 tells airlines to check Kenya's mandatory travel health insurance at check-in. Foreign policies are not accepted. What OTAs must change.
Coverage
CDC extends the Ebola entry ban to 10 November: what airlines and OTAs need to check for US-bound passengers
CDC's 11 Oct order keeps non-US citizens who were in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days out of the US until 10 Nov. What sellers should check.
Coverage
Kazakhstan's ETA will be mandatory from 1 July 2027, and free: phase-in dates airlines and OTAs need
Kazakhstan Resolution 890 phases in a free ETA from 1 Nov 2026 and makes it mandatory on 1 July 2027. Dates, exemptions and what airlines and OTAs should change.
Coverage
Vietnam Pilots Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tour Groups to Khanh Hoa via Cam Ranh
Vietnam's Resolution 325/NQ-CP lets Chinese tour groups enter Khanh Hoa visa-free via Cam Ranh until 31 Dec 2027. Conditions, limits, and what OTAs and tour sellers should know.
Coverage
Russia Opens 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Vietnamese Passport Holders From 15 October 2026
From 15 Oct 2026 to 15 Oct 2027, Vietnamese citizens can visit Russia visa-free for up to 30 days. Who qualifies, what is excluded, and what OTAs and airlines should change.
Coverage
Kenya Makes Ebola Screening and a Health Declaration Mandatory on Entry and Exit: What Airlines and OTAs Should Tell Passengers
Kenya's Ebola rules: screening and a health declaration for everyone entering or leaving, plus an electronic form for travellers from 10 countries. Updated 20 Oct.
Coverage
Airports and Airlines Push a Six-Point Fix for EES Queues: What OTAs Should Tell Passengers
ACI EUROPE and A4E say EES waits still hit up to five hours at peaks. Their six-point plan and what OTAs and airlines should say to non-EU passengers now.
Industry
Thailand's THIM App Is Officially Live: What It Changes for TDAC, OTAs and Airlines
Thailand's Immigration Bureau has officially launched THIM, a second official channel for the TDAC arrival card. What OTAs and airlines should tell passengers, and which unofficial sites to avoid.
Industry
Vietnam Pre-Arrival Information (PAI): an airline and OTA guide
Vietnam PAI is the pre-arrival declaration for foreign passengers. Submit it within 3 days before arrival, or on arrival, and show the QR code.
Coverage
Schengen visa reform: what WTTC's Europe report and the 2027 Visa Code revision mean for OTAs and airlines
WTTC's 9 Oct 2026 Europe report wants digital Schengen visas, more multiple-entry visas and an EU trusted-traveler scheme. The Commission's Visa Code proposal is due Q1 2027. What OTAs and airlines should do now.
Coverage
Armenia Scraps the Extra e-Visa Conditions for Indian, Iraqi and Egyptian Nationals
On 8 Oct 2026 Armenia's Cabinet scrapped the 2024 extra e-Visa conditions (mandatory travel insurance and other documents) for Indian, Iraqi and Egyptian nationals. What OTAs should update.
Coverage
Kenya's High Court Upholds Mandatory Visitor Travel Insurance; the ETA Portal Now Requires Cover (US$44 Premium)
Kenya's High Court upheld mandatory visitor travel insurance on 7 Oct 2026. The ETA portal now requires cover and sells a US$44 premium. What OTAs and tour operators should change.
Coverage
Tajikistan and Iran Now Allow 30 Days Visa-Free Through All International Crossings, From 5 October 2026
Since 5 October 2026, Tajik and Iranian ordinary-passport holders can enter, transit and stay up to 30 days in 90 without a visa, by air, land or via third countries. What airlines and OTAs should update.
Coverage
Suriname Reinstates a Visa Requirement for Mexican and Bolivian Nationals From 1 October 2026
Since 1 October 2026, Mexican and Bolivian ordinary-passport holders need a visa before travelling to Suriname. What airlines and OTAs should update, per the Foreign Ministry notice.
Coverage
UK Airport eGates Go Contactless From 6 October 2026: What Airlines and OTAs Should Tell Passengers
UK eGates now offer contactless face checks at East Midlands and Birmingham, for British citizens only. What airlines and OTAs should tell passengers.
Coverage
Haiti's iKat Electronic Entry and Exit Form Is Now Mandatory for Every Traveler
The iKAT Haiti form is required of every traveler entering or leaving Haiti. Fill it in within 72 hours before travel at delidoc.gouv.ht/ikat.
Coverage
Uganda Says a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate Is No Longer Required for Entry
Uganda's immigration authority says a yellow fever vaccination certificate is no longer mandatory for entry. What airlines and OTAs should update, and why onward travel still matters.
Coverage
Cambodia Stops Issuing Passport Visa Stickers at Its Embassies and Consulates: Pre-Arranged Visas Move to e-Visa
From 3 October 2026, Cambodian embassies and consulates no longer issue passport visa stickers. Pre-arranged visas go through the official e-Visa portal. What OTAs, tour operators and airlines should change.
Industry
iVisa Merged into HelloGov: What OTAs and Airlines Should Watch in the Partner-Network Push
iVisa and HelloGov closed a July 2026 merger under the HelloGov brand and are building a global partner network. What OTAs and airlines should watch on coverage, white-label, and distribution.
Coverage
South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation: What Airlines and OTAs Should Prepare as It Expands
South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation is live at four airports, decisions are automated, and it will become compulsory for visa-required short stays. What airlines and OTAs should prepare.
Coverage
Carriers Stop Checking Passport Stamps from 7 October 2026: the EES Carrier Interface Is Now the Check
From 7 October 2026, carriers no longer need to verify Schengen passport stamps alongside EES. The eu-LISA Carrier Interface is now the check for single- and double-entry visas. What changes for airlines and OTAs.
Coverage
Montenegro now requires visas for Russian, Belarusian, Turkish, Chinese and Saudi travellers: airline and OTA checklist
Since 1 November 2026, Montenegro requires visas for Belarus, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Exceptions, fee and processing for travel sellers.
Coverage
Saudi Arabia Opens Its Tourist e-Visa and Visa on Arrival to Citizens of Kosovo and Guyana
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry added Kosovo and Guyana to its tourist visa programme: eligible citizens can get the visa online or on arrival. What OTAs and airlines should update.
Coverage
The ESTA fee is now $40.62: what OTAs and airlines must change
CBP now charges $40.62 for an ESTA (was $40.27) and $31.75 for EVUS (was $30.75). Denied applications: $10.62 kept. Checklist for travel sellers on prices, quotes and messaging.
Coverage
CBP Ends Routine Passport Stamps at Primary Inspection: What Airlines and OTAs Need to Change (I-94, APIS)
CBP's 1 Oct 2026 carrier bulletin ends routine admission stamps at primary inspection. The electronic I-94 is the proof. What airlines and OTAs must change in messaging, scripts and APIS data.
Coverage
Turkmenistan Launches Its e-Visa: What OTAs, Tour Operators and Airlines Should Check Before Selling
Turkmenistan moved e-Visa issuance online on 1 Oct 2026. Three categories (e-TU, e-BS, e-HM), no mandatory invitation for tourists, 24 h–7 working days. What OTAs and airlines should verify first.
Coverage
Mainland Tanzania’s Inbound Travel Insurance Is an Entry Control from 1 October 2026 — Not an eVisa Field
From 1 October 2026, foreigners entering Mainland Tanzania need an NIC inbound travel policy or can be refused entry. It is not an eVisa field. One policy covers Mainland and Zanzibar; Kenya is a separate rule.
Coverage
EES Biometric Safety Valve Ended: What Airlines and OTAs Should Tell Passengers
The legal congestion pause on EES biometric capture ended on 7 September 2026. The Commission is still reported to tolerate lighter checks in some states, with no new legal act. What airlines and OTAs should tell passengers, without invented wait times.
Product
eVisa API and White Label for OTAs and Airlines: Which Path Converts
Searching for an eVisa API or a white label visa app? A short decision path for OTAs and airlines: when the API wins, when white label wins, and where the full comparison lives.
Coverage
Kazakhstan's QazETA: Carrier and OTA Checklist for the Official Phase-in (Mandatory 1 July 2027)
Kazakhstan's free ETA phases in from 1 November 2026 with no refusals and becomes mandatory on 1 July 2027 (Resolution No. 890). Checklist for airlines and OTAs.
Coverage
UK Carrier eVisa Checks: Share Codes, Mismatches, and Pre-Travel Prompts
UKVI guidance on confirming immigration status to a carrier, including the £2,000 per-passenger charge since 22 September 2026. What airlines and OTAs should surface before check-in.
Product
ETAs Fixed Document Validation, and Created a New Denied-Boarding Problem
IATA argues ETAs make validation easier but create traveler confusion and late-discovery failures at check-in. How airlines and OTAs move readiness from the 40-minute window to booking and MMB.
Coverage
Passport Stamps Still Matter Until 6 October 2026: A Carrier Checklist
eu-LISA still requires carriers to verify passport stamps until 6 October 2026 (included). A short ops checklist for airlines and OTAs, before the stamp check ends.
Product
Timatic and modern visa APIs: what each is for
The airline industry's compliance engine has done one job well since 1963. Knowing where that job ends tells you what to run beside it.
Revenue
Visa ancillary revenue: the complete guide
Seats and bags are saturated. The visa line is the rare ancillary with no cost of goods, no ops burden, and a traveler who is actively looking for help.
Coverage
ETIAS moved again. What it changes for anyone selling flights into Europe.
A new start window, a grace period that does most of the work, and one line in your booking flow that has to be right before the first traveler is turned away at the gate.
Product
Elements are free on every model, including the API
Why we stopped charging for the components that bring applications to us in the first place.
Revenue
What a 4% attach rate looks like on 60,000 bookings
The arithmetic behind visa ancillary revenue, using the numbers we actually see.
Engineering
Idempotency keys, and the duplicate charge that never happened
How we made retrying an application POST boring, and why your integration should retry more.
Inside SimpleVisa
How three people track sixty governments
Sources, diffing and the weekly review that turns a circular into an API response.
Product
Coverage alerts: pick destinations, get one email per change
Pick the destinations you sell and hear from us only when one of them changes.
Revenue
Merchant of record, explained for travel teams
Who the traveler is buying from decides whose logo goes on the checkout. Here is why.
Engineering
Six webhooks we send, three you should actually handle
Only three of them change what a traveler sees. Start there, add the rest later.