2026-12-31
✦ Visa rule
Schengen Area
EU ETIAS expected to launch (mid-to-late 2026)
Before Visa-free entry for most non-EU short-stay tourists (90 in 180).
After ETIAS authorisation required (~€7, valid 3 years) for all visa-exempt nationals before travel.
2025-05-01
🧳 Carry-on rule
AMS
Schiphol Amsterdam reinstates 100ml rule following EU directive
Before Liquids up to 2L allowed in carry-on at CT-scanner lanes since 2022.
After Reinstatement of 100ml rule from May 2025 — verify before packing larger bottles.
2025-04-10
✦ Visa rule
Brazil
Brazil reinstates visa requirement for US, Canadian and Australian passport holders
Before Visa-free 90 days for US/CA/AU passport holders.
After e-Visa required (~$80), valid for multiple entries, 90 days per visit.
2025-03-01
✈️ Airline policy
Emirates
Emirates allows powerbanks up to 100Wh on all flights without prior approval
Before Required prior airline approval for any powerbank.
After Powerbanks ≤ 100Wh accepted in carry-on without approval, aligning with IATA baseline.
2025-02-17
🌍 Country rule
Indonesia
Indonesia restricts solo female travel exemptions and tightens visa-on-arrival enforcement
Before VOA $35 widely available; few practical enforcement gaps.
After Strict onward-ticket verification at major airports (CGK, DPS); $35 VOA, extendable once for $35.
2025-01-02
✦ Visa rule
United Kingdom
UK launches Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for all visa-exempt visitors
Before Most tourists from visa-exempt countries could enter without prior authorisation.
After ETA required before boarding for short tourist visits. £10, valid 2 years multiple-entry.
2024-12-27
🧳 Carry-on rule
All ICAO member airlines
ICAO clarifies powerbank rules — must be carry-on only, with terminals protected
Before Powerbanks already required in carry-on, but enforcement was uneven.
After Stricter enforcement; spare lithium cells must be individually packaged or have terminals protected against short-circuit.
2024-12-12
🌍 Country rule
Japan
Japan launches JESTA pilot — pre-arrival electronic travel authorisation
Before Visa-free 90 days for most Western passports, no prior authorisation needed.
After JESTA pilot expected to launch 2026-2028 for visa-exempt visitors. Details TBC.
2024-11-20
✦ Visa rule
China (mainland) / Australia
Australia–China reciprocal visa-free trial begins
Before Mutual tourist visas required.
After 30-day visa-free entry both directions for ordinary passport holders, initial trial period.
2024-10-01
✦ Visa rule
China (mainland)
China launches 15-day visa-free trial for many EU and ASEAN countries
Before Visa required from a Chinese consulate for nearly all foreign visitors.
After 15-day visa-free entry for nationals of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Malaysia and others (rolling expansion through 2025-26).
2024-09-04
✈️ Airline policy
Wizz Air
Wizz Air increases checked-bag fees on basic fares across all routes
Before Variable per-route checked-bag fee around €20-40.
After Higher floor (€35) for basic fares; per-flight pricing more aggressive.
2024-09-01
🧳 Carry-on rule
All EU airports
EU reinstates 100ml rule at all airports after temporary CT-scanner exemption rolled back
Before Some EU airports (Amsterdam, Frankfurt) had lifted 100ml limit thanks to CT scanners.
After EU-wide reinstatement of 100ml until further notice; CT-scanner exemption suspended.
2024-07-29
🧳 Carry-on rule
All UK airports
UK government delays nationwide CT-scanner rollout deadline to June 2025
Before Original deadline: June 2024 for nationwide CT-scanner deployment.
After Deadline pushed to June 2025; many airports continue enforcing 100ml/1L rule.
2024-07-15
✦ Visa rule
Thailand
Thailand extends visa-free stay for US passport holders to 60 days
Before Visa-free 30 days for US passport holders.
After Visa-free 60 days, extendable on arrival.
2024-06-01
✦ Visa rule
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia opens tourist e-Visa to citizens of seven additional countries
Before Tourist e-Visa available to ~50 nationalities.
After Expanded to include nationals of Russia, Vietnam, Albania, Uzbekistan and others.
2024-06-01
🧳 Carry-on rule
LHR T5
London Heathrow rolls out CT scanners at Terminal 5 — 100ml liquids limit lifted in those lanes
Before 100ml per container, all liquids in a single 1-litre clear bag.
After Liquids up to 2 litres permitted in carry-on when transiting through CT-scanner lanes (varies by terminal/time of day).
2024-04-15
✈️ Airline policy
Ryanair
Ryanair tightens enforcement of priority carry-on dimensions at boarding gate
Before Priority bag size 40×20×25 cm published but inconsistently enforced.
After Strict gate measurement; non-priority free bag now firmly 40×20×25 cm. Oversize fee €45-75.
2024-01-05
✦ Visa rule
Kenya
Kenya replaces eVisa with electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Before eVisa required, ~$50.
After eTA required for all foreigners, ~$30, applied online before travel.
2023-09-23
✦ Visa rule
Bhutan
Bhutan reduces Sustainable Development Fee from $200/day to $100/day
Before SDF of $200/day on top of pre-arranged tour, deterring all but high-end travellers.
After SDF reduced to $100/day for at least 4 years; aim to revive tourist numbers post-pandemic.
2023-08-15
✦ Visa rule
Vietnam
Vietnam expands e-Visa to 90 days, multiple entry
Before e-Visa was single-entry, max 30 days.
After e-Visa $25, valid up to 90 days with single or multiple entries.