Visa policy updates: Thailand, South Africa, New Zealand and the US
Official updates published since mid-July 2026: Thailand shortens visa-free stays, South Africa launches its ETA, New Zealand moves more visitor applications online, and the US pilots paid expedited B-visa interviews.
This roundup covers official visa and entry-policy announcements published between 12 July and 12 September 2026. Check the linked authority again before booking: several changes are phased, location-specific, or take effect after publication.
Thailand: 60-day visa exemption ends on 15 September
Thailand will replace its 60-day tourist visa exemption on 15 September 2026. The revised system gives 60 countries and territories a 30-day visa exemption, creates a 15-day exemption for two, and reduces visa-on-arrival eligibility to three. Travelers admitted before 15 September may stay until the date stamped in their passport. The change covers tourism exemptions and visa on arrival, not other visa categories.
Check a Thailand route before departure; eligibility now depends on the passport-specific list under the revised scheme.
South Africa: ETA launched with a phased rollout
South Africa officially launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on 12 August 2026. Applicants create a profile, scan their passport, upload a selfie and complete biometric checks. The government says approved applications can receive an ETA within 24 hours.
The launch follows a pilot for travelers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico. Access will expand country by country, initially for arrivals at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka and Lanseria international airports. Visa-required travelers should not assume the ETA is available to their passport until the official portal confirms eligibility.
New Zealand: most visitor applications move to the enhanced online system
From 24 September 2026, new applications for most visitor visas must use enhanced Immigration Online. Drafts in the old system can be submitted until 7 October; remaining drafts are deleted on 8 October. Separately, from 1 October 2026, listed visitor and transit visa applications will no longer be accepted on paper. Applications already submitted through the old or paper process continue normally.
United States: paid expedited B-visa interview pilot
The US Department of State is testing an optional expedited interview program through 31 December 2026. Eligible B-visa applicants at participating posts may pay USD 750, in addition to the normal USD 185 application fee, for an interview within 10 business days, subject to availability.
The pilot currently covers US Mission Canada, Bogotá, Guatemala City, San José, Tegucigalpa and US Mission Mexico. The fee is non-refundable, a booked expedited appointment cannot be changed, and faster scheduling does not guarantee visa approval.
What travelers should do
- Entering Thailand on or after 15 September: recheck your passport's new exemption or visa-on-arrival status.
- Applying for South Africa: confirm that your nationality and arrival airport are live in the ETA rollout.
- Applying for New Zealand: finish old-system drafts before the cutoff or start in enhanced Immigration Online.
- Considering the US expedited pilot: use only the official appointment system and treat USD 750 as a scheduling fee, not an approval fee.