From new electronic entry systems to expanded visa exemptions, 2024 redefined how we travel across borders.
Countries like the 🇬🇧 United Kingdom and 🇮🇱 Israel introduced Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) for visa-exempt travelers, aiming to enhance pre-screening processes and simplify entry procedures. These initiatives align with similar systems, such as the 🇺🇸United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), 🇨🇦 Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and the 🇪🇺 European Union's forthcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Meanwhile, countries like 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇭 Thailand, and 🇮🇷 Iran adopted a different approach by significantly expanding the number of nationalities eligible for visa exemptions and the duration travelers can stay without a visa.
Here's a look at the key developments from 2024 and a preview of what's ahead for 2025.
The Continued Rise of Electronic Entry Documents
At least 10 countries introduced electronic entry requirements in 2024, and 29 more are expected to introduce them in 2025. These systems are reshaping how we cross borders, simplifying paperwork and saving time for everyone involved.
The Growing Trend of Phased Rollouts
The 🇬🇧 United Kingdom launched its long-awaited ETA system in phases. It was initially rolled out in February for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and on November 27, 2024, applications opened for visa-exempt non-European nationals. By April 2, 2025, all visa-exempt travelers, including European nationals, will be required to obtain an ETA.
The UK also doubled down on efforts to digitize its visa policy in 2024 by introducing an eVisa to replace physical visa documents for visa-required nationalities and visa-exempt nationals planning to stay longer than six months or who need a visa for their specific purpose of travel.
Similarly, 🇮🇱 Israel activated a pilot ETA system this year, allowing visa-exempt travelers to apply without a government fee until December 31. Starting January 1, 2025, the ETA will become mandatory, with a small fee for all travelers.
In 🇨🇺 Cuba, the government introduced a new eVisa to replace the traditional ‘Tourist Card’ system by the end of 2024. Airlines can purchase eVisa codes in bulk for travelers, or travelers may apply individually. All visitors must also complete the mandatory ‘D’Viajeros’ travel declaration before arrival.
Additionally, 🇰🇪 Kenya launched an ETA system in January 2024, allowing travelers who had not yet obtained an ETA to visit Kenya by obtaining a Visa on arrival during a transition phase.
Expanded Support for Specific Nationalities
2024 saw several governments add specific nationalities to their eVisa & ETA programs, as the 🇺🇸 United States expanded its ESTA program to include Qatari nationals, while 🇪🇬 Egypt restored eVisa issuance for Canadian nationals after a temporary suspension, reenabling this convenient option for travelers. Additionally, the 🇵🇭 Philippines introduced an eVisa specifically for Indian nationals, simplifying travel for one of its largest visitor markets.
Electronic Travel Declarations & Conservation Taxes
Several countries introduced mandatory travel declarations to streamline border entry processes, including 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇸🇽 Sint Maarten, and 🇦🇼 Aruba, which now requires travelers to pay a sustainability fee as a part of their digital declaration.
🇳🇿 New Zealand is another country that utilizes electronic entry documents to service conservation needs. The government increased its ‘International Tourism and Conservation Levy (IVL)’ fee, collected as part of its ETA fees, from NZD 35 to NZD 100.
Likewise, the 🇮🇩 Indonesian government launched the ‘Love Bali’ tax, requiring all visitors to contribute to the island’s preservation and development.
These changes highlight a growing trend of nations adopting electronic systems to enhance security, improve efficiency, and address sustainability and economic goals.
Attracting Visitors Through Visa-Free Travel
Not all countries in 2024 have strived to implement electronic entry requirements. Some countries have made it a policy to remove as many pre-departure requirements as possible to attract international visitors.
One example is 🇨🇳 China which announced mutual visa exemptions with Singapore, Thailand, Georgia, and Antigua and Barbuda, enabled most cruise ship travelers to travel visa-exempt, and added unilateral visa exemptions for nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
China also increased the visa exemption duration of stay from 15 days to 30 days.
The Chinese government states that the number of international visitors has surged due to its visa exemption policy. According to the government, in the third quarter of 2024, inbound trips by foreign nationals exceeded 8.1 million, an increase of 48.8 percent year-on-year (1). More than 4.8 million visitors, 59 percent, traveled under the expanded visa exemption policy.
China is not the only country to cast a wide net with visa exemption strategies; in February of this year, 🇮🇷 Iran introduced visa exemptions for 28 countries, signaling an effort to attract more international visitors.
🇹🇭 Thailand is an example of a country using a hybrid approach to securing its borders long term while enabling visa-free travel in the short term. In 2024, Thailand increased the visa exemption period and visa-on-arrival stay period for nationals of 109 countries from 30 to 60 days and announced its intent to launch an ETA in June 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Several major entry requirements changes are on the horizon for the new year:
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom ETA: Continuing expansion in the new year, visa-exempt non-European travelers will be required to apply for an ETA from January 8, while visa-exempt European travelers can begin to apply from March 5 and will be required to apply starting April 2. This ETA will be mandatory for 1.4 billion travelers visiting the United Kingdom.
- 🇮🇱 Israel ETA: A new entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers beginning January 1, 2025. The Israeli government will begin charging a small fee from January 1st, and travelers who apply before January 1st are not required to pay the fee.
- 🇪🇺 European Union ETIAS: According to the European Union, the ETIAS is expected to be implemented six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES), awaiting an official launch date. We expect to receive more news on the EES & ETIAS in the first half of 2025.
- 🇧🇷 Brazil eVisa: A currently optional eVisa for nationals of Australia, Canada, and the United States, the Brazil eVisa will become mandatory for travelers beginning April 2025.
- 🇹🇭 Thailand ETA: In May 2024, Thailand announced plans for a phased ETA program, with the first phase expected to start in December 2024, but no further definitive details have been released. The government also announced that by June 2025, the ETA would become mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers. We anticipate hearing more about the Thailand ETA in early 2025.
- 🇰🇷 South Korea ETA: Initially set to be mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals starting January 1, 2025, the Korean ETA will now remain optional for nationals of certain countries, including the United States, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, until 2026. Travelers who obtain an ETA will be exempt from submitting an arrival card at entry.
- 🇯🇵 Japan ETA: Dubbed the 'JESTA,' Japan is expected to launch its ETA by 2030, with more announcements anticipated in 2025.
