Destinations

The US Department of the Treasury sanctioned Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism and two state-owned companies on July 13, 2026, with business contracts due to end by August 12. The sanctions follow a US oil blockade causing widespread electricity outages in Cuba and heightened security concerns raised by US officials.

Thailand has maintained visa-free entry for Indian tourists but limited their stay to 30 days starting July 2026. Indian tourists are the third-largest foreign visitor group to Thailand in 2026.

The US government announced new visa rules effective mid-July 2026, limiting foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists to fixed admission periods. Chinese journalists face stricter stays of 90 days, drawing condemnation from China.

Hungary’s tourism sector accounted for 10.2% of GDP in 2025, driven by a 4.4% rise in foreign arrivals. Foreign visitors stayed longer and increased spending by 12% compared to 2024.

Türkiye ranked fourth among OECD countries in tourism growth from 2019 to 2025 with a 21% increase in foreign arrivals. Tourism revenues rose 6.8% to $65.23 billion in 2025.

Hungary’s tourism sector contributed 10.2% to GDP and employed 420,000 in 2025. Foreign visitor arrivals increased 4.4%, with longer stays and 12% higher spending.

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists, replacing the previous 60-day visa-free allowance. The revised visa policy maintains India's inclusion among 60 eligible countries as of July 2026.

The US Department of Homeland Security announced new fixed-term visa periods for foreign students, journalists, and exchange visitors effective July 2026. Chinese journalists face a 90-day stay limit, while other foreign journalists are capped at 240 days.

Thailand has confirmed that Indian tourists will retain visa-free entry with a 30-day stay limit starting 2026. The decision follows a reversal of earlier plans to end visa-free access for Indian visitors.

Europe will implement the EU’s digital Entry/Exit System and the ETIAS travel authorization in 2026, affecting travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries. Tourist taxes and visitor caps will rise in cities like Amsterdam, Venice, and Santorini to manage overtourism and fund conservation efforts.