France Sees More Visa Rejections in 2024-25, Yet Refusal Rate Drops
France handled nearly 3.5 million visa applications in 2024, rejecting 578,441 for a 14.1% refusal rate, down from…
Articles by & updated by Kenji Tanaka
US Expands Biometric Exit Checks with Photo Verification
CBP’s interim rule requires live biometric facial photos of all departing non‑U.S. citizens, approved September 15, 2025. The…
Japan to Raise Departure Tax and Visa Fees in 2026
Japan will raise its ¥1,000 departure tax and increase long‑standing visa fees in fiscal 2026 to fund airport…
Afghan refugee women denied UAE visas as FIFA relocates tournament
FIFA moved the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series from the UAE to Morocco on October 22, 2025, after UAE…
Ethiopia’s Immigration Reforms: Fines, Visa Services, and Compliance
Ethiopia tightened immigration rules: USD 30 daily fines for overstays, USD 3,000 plus USD 30 daily for transit…
Singapore PR Rules Tighten in December 2025: 180-Day REP Renewal
From December 1, 2025, PRs abroad without a valid REP have 180 days to apply for renewal or…
Luxembourg Short-Stay Schengen Visa for India: Updated 2025 Guidance
From October 2025 Indian short-stay Schengen applicants must apply via VFS Global Luxembourg in India; processing is 15…
Xinjiang-Kazakhstan Cross-Border Tourism Soars After Visa-Free Pact
The Xinjiang–Kazakhstan visa-free deal (effective Nov 10, 2023) permits 30-day visits and 90 days within 180, prompting rapid…
What to Know About Europe’s New EES and ETIAS for Travelers
From October 12, 2025, EES will record non-EU visitors’ biometrics and replace passport stamps; full deployment by April…