Big changes are landing across the travel world in 2026. Some governments are making it faster and easier to visit or invest, while others are cracking down with higher fees, longer waits, or new health checks. I’ve broken down every major update so you know exactly what to expect, wherever you’re headed to this summer. Keep reading for all the important details UAE travellers need to know.
And If You Like Planning Ahead, Then You’re In Luck – UAE Reveals 2027 Public Holiday Calendar – With 6 Long Weekends!
1. UAE
UAE has widened who qualifies for visa-on-arrival, covering both the 14-day and 60-day visa categories. Six new nationalities have been added to the list, including:
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- The Philippines
- Kenya
- South Africa.
Dubai’s two-year property-linked residency visa just got friendlier too. Sole property owners no longer need to hit a minimum property value, and the rules around jointly owned properties have been relaxed as well.
2. Europe
The Schengen region’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) first launched in October 2025 and became fully operational on April 10, 2026. It replaces the old passport-stamping process for non-EU travellers with a digital system that records entry and exit data using biometric verification, like facial scans and fingerprints.
3. The USA
As of June, the US rolled out a trial programme letting business and tourist visa applicants skip the queue. For an extra $750 (AED 2,754*) on top of the usual $185 fee (AED 679*), you can bag an interview appointment within just 10 days of paying. The scheme runs from July 1 to December 31 at certain embassies and consulates, aimed squarely at cutting down those painfully long processing waits.
That said, this comes alongside a much tougher overall stance from the Trump administration. Migration has been reined in across the board, with some countries, mostly in Africa, now needing to pay bonds of up to $15,000 (AED 55,087*) just to get their visa processed. Applicants are also facing deeper background checks, including having their social media history reviewed.
*These values are according to the conversion rates at the time of writing this article, values are subject to change.
4. The UK
The UK has introduced a batch of immigration reforms touching visitor, student, and skilled worker visas, all part of a broader effort to tighten migration control. Universities sponsoring international students now face stricter compliance requirements. There’s also a proposal to shorten the Graduate Route post-study work visa from two years down to 18 months, plus higher English-language requirements for certain visa categories.
For skilled workers, sponsorship rules now come with stricter salary checks, and some lower-skilled roles may find it harder to recruit from overseas. Visitor visa rules have shifted too. Some nationalities will now need to apply for a visa in advance, rather than using the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
5. Japan
From July 1, anyone needing a visa to enter Japan will pay significantly more, with fees rising for the first time since 1978. Tokyo says the increase reflects rising costs and currency fluctuations during a tourism boom. A single-entry visa now costs 15,000 yen (around $93/AED 341*), up from 3,000 yen. Multiple-entry visas have jumped to 30,000 yen, up from 6,000 yen.
There’s also a change for business manager visa holders, who now need to meet a new capital requirement of 30 million yen (about $185,000/AED 679,412*). Thankfully, they’ve been given a three-year grace period to get there.
*These values are according to the conversion rates at the time of writing this article, values are subject to change.
6. Australia
Australia has increased the minimum salary requirements for skilled worker visas, which means it’ll be tougher for some applicants to qualify going forward.
The Core Skills Income Threshold rises from AU$76,515 (AED 193,708*) to AU$79,499 (AED 201,262*), while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold climbs from AU$141,210 (AED 357,492*) to AU$146,717 (AED 371,434*). This affects the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) Visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Visa. The good news is this only applies to nominations lodged on or after July 1. If you’re already a visa holder, or your nomination went in before that date, you won’t be affected.
*These values are according to the conversion rates at the time of writing this article, values are subject to change.
7. Kuwait
As of June 15, Kuwait announced a major new long-term residency scheme, offering permits valid for up to 15 years. This is aimed at qualified foreign investors, their immediate family, senior executives, and approved partners linked to investment businesses in Kuwait.
8. India
India has updated its immigration rules to make things a bit less stressful for foreigners staying longer term. The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced changes to registration timelines, emergency provisions, and added a digital appeals process. Foreigners can now complete their registration any time up to 180 days after arrival, rather than being required to register within 14 days after that 180-day mark, as was the case before.
Additionally, travellers going from UAE to India will have to fill the mandatory health self-declaration form on Air Suvidha 2.0. This come as a precaution against the ongoing Ebola virus outbreak.
9. Vietnam
Starting July 1, 2026, anyone entering, leaving, or even transiting through Vietnam will need to submit a health declaration beforehand. As part of new rules to monitor infectious disease risks. This applies to all travellers, and the declaration needs to be completed within seven days of your travel date.
Vietnam is also launching two new visa categories from July 1 – the UĐ1 and UĐ2. These aren’t for tourists, but rather a long-term residency option designed for skilled foreign professionals and their families.
10. China
China has extended visa-free entry for citizens of more than 40 countries until December 31, 2026. This includes major European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Gulf countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Eligible travellers can stay for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, or transit. No advance visa needed.
One thing to note: citizens of the US, Canada, and the UK are not part of this scheme and still need to apply for a visa as usual.
All in all, 2026 is proving that travel rules can shift just as fast as the world does. It’s worth double-checking the latest requirements before you pack your bags.
