Destinations

The US government introduced stricter visa rules in July 2026, setting fixed stay limits for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists. Chinese journalists face a 90-day limit with mandatory extensions, while most others have longer stays capped at four years.

The US government limits visas for foreign students and journalists to four years and 240 days respectively, citing monitoring challenges. Over 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024 prompted the Department of Homeland Security to enforce these new caps.

Hungary's tourism sector contributed 10.2% to GDP in 2025, driven by a 4.4% increase in foreign arrivals and higher visitor spending. Regulatory cuts in Budapest’s District VI caused local guest traffic to fall 28% in early 2026, while overall city traffic rose 12% excluding that district.

The US Department of Homeland Security has imposed fixed admission periods for F, J, and I visa holders, limiting student and journalist stay durations. Chinese journalists face a 90-day stay cap with mandatory frequent extensions.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand targets THB 2.9 trillion in tourism revenue for 2027, aiming to attract 33 million foreign visitors. The plan emphasizes high-value tourism and government-backed stimulus programmes.

Thailand maintains visa-free entry for Indian passport holders but reduces the permitted stay from 60 to 30 days effective July 2026. The Thai cabinet approved the change to better align with tourist patterns and address visa misuse concerns.

The US Treasury sanctioned Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism, GEMAR, and GECOMEX on July 13, 2026. Contract wind-down with these entities is required by August 12, 2026.

Thailand will withdraw 60-day visa exemptions for 93 countries effective July 14, 2026, adjusting visa privileges for 65 countries. New rules include visa-free stays of up to 30 days for 59 countries and enhanced security screenings.

Australia raised most visa fees on July 1, 2026, by an average of 25%, with some costs tripling, affecting residents, students, and skilled workers. Critics say hikes harm Australia's global attractiveness and burden permanent residents and international students.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand set a 2027 tourism revenue target of up to THB 2.9 trillion, with a goal of attracting 33 million foreign visitors. Plans include boosting high-value travel and launching a co-payment program to support domestic tourism.