Latest News
The latest travel and visa updates and insights.
Spain Beats Italy and Greece on Off-Peak Tourism as Argentina, Poland and Brazil Drive Growth
Spain has a more even spread of tourism across the year than its Mediterranean rivals, according to findings presented in Zaragoza on October 20, 2026. Only 52.8% of Spanish tourism activity falls between May and September, leaving 47.2% outside the peak season. In Italy, 58.7% falls in the high season, and in Greece 72.7%. This […]
Thailand Considers Adding 1,450 Baht in New Arrival and Departure Taxes for International Travellers
Thailand is weighing two separate travel taxes that could add 1,450 baht to the cost of a round-trip air visit. Neither has been approved or taken effect, and no implementation date has been announced. The first is a 450-baht tourist arrival tax for foreign visitors. After an October 6 meeting chaired by Tourism and Sports […]
EU Weighs Major Reform of Schengen Visa Rules, New Fees Under Consideration
The European Commission is preparing a major review of the Schengen Visa Code, publishing a call for evidence on September 8, 2026. The reform translates elements of the EU's January 2026 visa strategy into law, with a legislative proposal expected between January and March 2027 though the Commission cautions both the policy options and timeline […]
The Visa Guy Saudi Launches Express Visa Consultation for National Day Travel
Residents planning a last minute holiday trip can now get expert visa guidance for 11 selected destinations with short processing times. Offer Valid Now Until 20 September 2026 With the 96th Saudi National Day on 23 September, many residents are only now finalising their holiday plans. The Visa Guy Saudi Arabia has introduced express visa […]
Belgium’s Type D Return Visa Now Costs €335 From September 2026
Belgium has increased the consular fee for long-stay return visas (Type D) to €335, effective September 1, 2026. This applies specifically to return visas — used by people who need to re-enter Belgium after their original long-stay visa has expired or been revoked, a category previously priced at €180. The change follows an earlier fee […]
Morocco Fixes E-Visa Portal Glitch, Applications Back to Normal
Morocco's official e-Visa portal, Accès Maroc, is functioning normally again after more than 10 days of technical issues, according to tests conducted on August 31, 2026, by travel formalities experts at VisasNews and Action-Visas. The problems first appeared around August 20, 2026. While the portal remained accessible and travellers could still check their eligibility, many […]
Europe Holds Onto Global Leisure Tourism Crown, Southern Europe Drives Growth
Europe reinforced its position as the world's top leisure travel destination in 2025, capturing one-third of all global leisure travel spending, according to new WTTC Economic Impact Research data sponsored by Chase Travel. Global leisure spending reached $6.15 trillion in 2025, up 3.5% year-on-year, with Europe alone accounting for $2 trillion — roughly $1 in […]
Georgia’s Gulf Tourism Grows as GCC Visitors Rise 3.4%
Georgia welcomed 145,513 visitors from GCC countries in 2025, a 3.4% increase, according to the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA). The growth reflects the country's push to strengthen ties with the Gulf market through better connectivity, visa-free access for GCC nationals, and partnerships with regional travel trade. Overall, Georgia received 7.8 million international visitors in […]
Europe’s Top Trending Destinations for 2026: Spain leads, Czechia and Iceland Close Behind
Spain remains Europe's most searched-for and booked destination heading into 2026, holding onto the top spot as travellers continue to favour its cities, coastlines and culture. The country's dominance comes even as Europe overall welcomed over 130 million international tourists in the first quarter of 2026, according to a survey by Amadeus Travel Intelligence and […]
Turkey, Vietnam and Other Destinations Gain Popularity Among Saudi Travellers in 2026
Saudi travellers are exploring more international destinations, with countries such as Turkey, Vietnam, China, Germany, Egypt and others seeing increased interest for 2026 travel. The shift reflects changing travel preferences, with more travellers looking for destinations that offer a mix of cultural experiences, natural attractions, family-friendly activities and value for money. Turkey continues to attract […]
Saudi Arabia Launches 1-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new multiple-entry Umrah visa, allowing eligible pilgrims to visit the Kingdom multiple times within one year. The new visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and allows pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times, with a total stay of up to 90 days during the visa […]
Saudia to Launch Direct Tokyo Flights from November 2026
Saudia has announced a new direct route between Riyadh and Tokyo, starting in November 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights, making travel between Saudi Arabia and Japan more convenient. The new service is expected to strengthen tourism, business, and cultural ties between the two countries. The route is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision […]
Work and Explore: Norway’s Working Holiday Visa Gains Attention.
Norway has introduced a Working Holiday visa option that allows eligible travellers to live, work, and explore the country. The visa gives young travellers the chance to experience Norwegian life while earning during their stay. From stunning fjords to a new work environment, it combines travel and career opportunities. However, there’s a catch, eligibility is […]
Saudi Arabia Launches a New Tourism Package Visa for 7 Countries
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Tourism Package Visa to make travel easier. The package is currently available for citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, and Mexico. With one booking, you'll receive your visa, round-trip flights, hotel stay, and travel insurance as part of a single package. The electronic visa is usually issued […]
Kenya Tourism Contributes $12.7 Billion as Africa’s Travel Sector Records Strong Growth
Riyadh: Kenya's tourism sector contributed $12.7 billion to the country's economy in 2025, accounting for 9.3% of GDP, according to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) data. The sector supported 1.8 million jobs and welcomed 2.5 million international visitors during the year, a 5.6% increase compared to 2024. International visitor spending reached $5 billion, slightly […]
Saudi Travellers Show Growing Interest in Emerging Destinations for 2026
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia:: Saudi travellers are expanding their travel choices in 2026, with a growing interest in emerging destinations such as Shanghai, Da Nang, Rize, Yerevan, Jaipur, Hong Kong, Zanzibar, Munich, Kathmandu, and Luxor. Recent travel trend data shows that more travellers are looking beyond traditional holiday hotspots and choosing destinations that offer unique cultural […]
Saudi Travelers Shift Toward Flexible Summer Travel Planning, Report Finds
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia's summer travel market is seeing a major shift as more travelers choose flexible and experience-focused holiday planning, according to Skyscanner's 2026 travel behavior analysis. The report found that many Saudi residents are delaying travel bookings to secure better prices, greater itinerary flexibility, and improved travel experiences. Rather than locking in […]
