GCC Takes First Step Toward Unified Visa Across Six Gulf States
The GCC plans a Schengen-style unified tourist visa piloted in late 2025 (UAE–Bahrain) and launched regionally in 2026.…
Articles by & updated by Kenji Tanaka
Canada Surpasses the U.S. in Visa-Free Travel, Henley Index
In October 2025 the Henley Index put Canada at 9th with 183 visa‑free destinations, ahead of the U.S.…
Japan to Triple Departure Tax to Curb Overtourism and Congestion
Japan may raise its departure tax to ¥3,000+ by fiscal 2026 to fund crowd control and site improvements…
What Compensation for Shutdown Cancellations and Delays?
Federal rules mandate automatic refunds of full fares and unused add-ons for cancellations or domestic delays of three…
Are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Delayed by the Shutdown?
The October 1, 2025 shutdown has slowed TSA PreCheck and Global Entry processing. TSA stays open but interviews…
Are U.S. Consulates Abroad Operating Normally for Visas and Passports?
Consular visa and passport services continue during the 2025 shutdown due to fee funding, but expect longer waits,…
CBP Operations During Shutdown: Impacts on Border Crossings and Arrivals
CBP maintained core border security and inspections during the 2025 shutdown, keeping ports open but causing longer waits…
Hundreds Return to the Netherlands at Border Checks, 80 Seek Asylum
Dutch mobile border checks (Dec 2024–Sep 2025) denied 470 entries, recorded 80 on-site asylum claims, transferred 550 people…
U.S. Tourism Faces $5.7B Loss as Canadians Stay Away in 2025
Canadian visitation to the U.S. fell sharply in early 2025—4.5 million fewer land crossings and a 23.7% drop—driving…