Travel Briefs
Vietnam Tightens Entry Procedures
Travelers flying into Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport on a visa must now submit an online entry declaration in advance: Travelers receive a QR code to present at immigration.
UNESCO Adds 25 World Heritage Sites
Meeting in Busan, South Korea, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added 25 properties to the World Heritage List on July 27.
New Long-haul Air Routes
A wave of new international routes launched in October. In the Gulf, Etihad Airways launched Abu Dhabi to Red Sea International in Saudi Arabia on October 4 and added Abu Dhabi-Luxembourg service later in the month.
Turkmenistan Opens Online E-visa
Turkmenistan, long one of Central Asia's most closed countries, launched an online e-visa system on October 1, replacing a process that required a formal letter of invitation arranged through a licensed tour operator.
Japan's Fall Colors Forecast
Japan's cherry blossoms are world famous, but fall is also a wonderful time to enjoy nature in Japan. Here's information for travelers hoping to see fall foliage.
MSC to Christen New Ship
MSC Cruises (877/665-4655, msccruisesusa.com) completed final sea trials off France's Atlantic coast in mid-September for its newest ship, MSC World Asia, testing the vessel's engines, maneuverability, fuel efficiency and safety systems ahead of a Nov. 25 delivery.
Thailand Shortens Visa-free Stays
Effective Sept. 15, Thailand replaced its 60-day visa-exemption scheme with a tiered system that shortens most stays. Citizens of 60 countries and territories, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Western Europe, are now permitted a maximum 30-day stay without a visa, down from 60 days.
Venice Daytripper Fee
Venice's access fee for daytrippers applied on 60 dates between April 3 and late July 2026, up from 54 paid dates in 2025.
Solomon Islands E-visa
US and Canadian citizens visiting the Solomon Islands as tourists must now apply for an e-visa through a new online system that went into full operation on Aug. 22, 2026, when the government activated online payment processing.
Ancient Judge's Tomb Found at Saqqara
Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities announced on Sept. 9 the discovery of a 4,300-year-old mastaba tomb at the Mariette Cemetery in Saqqara, about 20 miles south of Cairo. It belongs to Yunmen, a senior judge, and his father, Ity, a scribe who oversaw agricultural lands.
Capri Plastic Ban
The Italian island of Capri banned single-use plastic water bottles of 1.5 liters or less, along with disposable straws, cutlery, plates, cups and non-biodegradable bags, for the 2026 tourist season, which ran June 1 through Sept. 30. Violators faced fines of up to €500 (near $585).
Tourism returns to Australia
Australia opened its borders to leisure travelers for the first time since March 2020 on Feb. 21, 2022.
Zürich app
Offering tips, maps and other assistance for visiting Zürich, Switzerland, the Zürich City Guide app can be downloaded for free on Apple or Android.
International Russia travel restrictions
After Ukraine was invaded by Russia on Feb. 22, multiple countries began enforcing travel restrictions on Russia, including closing off airspace to Russian flights and limiting Russian travel companies from doing business internationally. On March 5, Visa and MasterCard suspended transactions in Russia.
New Malaysia flower garden
The Cameron Highlands Flora Park (lot 191, 39010 Brinchang, Cameron Highlands) in Pahang state, peninsular Malaysia, opened in November 2021.
Welcome to Türkiye
The nation of Turkey requested that its name be spelled “Türkiye” in other countries in order to match the country’s name in Turkish. Potential visitors can find the tourism board’s new website at https://goturkiye.com.
COVID restrictions ease
The United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark all removed certain COVID-19 restrictions in early 2022.
Booster required in France
As of Jan. 16 in France, anyone whose completed vaccination or recovery from COVID occurred more than seven months from the present must also have gotten a COVID-19 booster shot or they will not be allowed to enter indoor establishments such as restaurants, theaters or shopping centers or indoor sporting events.
Italy to limit Venice tourists
It was reported that the city of Venice, Italy, would limit day-trippers starting in 2022, requiring anyone planning to visit for the day to reserve a day online and pay a €5 (near $5.60) fee. However, at press time, no website on which to make a reservation had been revealed.
New border vaccine rules
As of Jan. 23, all non-US citizens, including permanent residents, entering the US via land or ferry are now required to show proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination. At press time, the US did not require a booster shot in order to be considered fully vaccinated.