In 2025, many countries around the world have decided to modernize their visa laws so that people can travel around the world easily and even link up globally strongly. This post will give an update on these alterations focusing on the right to get a visa, kinds of benefits, processes of an application, necessary documents, charges, and financial resources.​

Thailand: Expanded e-Visa System Eligibility Criteria

Travelers from an extended list of countries can conduct online registration for their holiday stay.​ Starting January 1, 2025, Thailand is broadening its e-visa system to include more countries, simplifying the visa application process.

Benefits: It is a quick visa application process that can be done online, reducing the necessity of face-to-face interviews.​

Application Process:

• Go to the official Thai e-Visa website.​
• Fill out the web application form.​
• Attach the required documents.​Pay the visa fee online.​
• Obtain the e-visa through e-mail.​

Required Documents:

• A valid passport (must be valid for at least six months).​
• A recent passport-sized photograph.​
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand.​
• A return or a show of a travel ticket to another destination.​
• Fees: They are around USD 40.​
• Proof of Funds: This may be asked for, and usually, it will be about USD 500 for each person.

2. Israel: Introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

From January 1, 2025, Israel requires citizens from 99 visa-exempt countries to obtain an online ETA before arrival.

Proof of Funds: Not typically required.​

Eligibility Criteria: Citizens from 99 visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETA before travel.​

Benefits: Streamlines entry procedures and enhances security.​

Application Process:

• Visit the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.​
• Fill out the ETA application form.​
• Apply online.​
• Receive the ETA approval via email.​

Required Documents:

• Valid passport.​
• Recent photograph.​
• Travel itinerary.​
• Fees: Approximately $20.

​3. Tunisia: New Passport Requirements for European Travelers

Effective January 1, 2025, Tunisia mandates that European travelers present a passport valid for at least three months, replacing the previous allowance of national ID cards.

• Eligibility Criteria: European travelers must now present a passport valid for at least three months.​
• Benefits: Enhances security and aligns with international travel standards.​
• Application Process:
  • Ensure your passport meets the new validity requirement before travel.​
• Required Documents:
  • Valid passport (minimum three months validity).​
• Fees: No additional fees beyond standard passport issuance costs.​
• Proof of Funds: Not typically required.​

4. Cambodia: Reduced e-Visa Fees

Cambodia has reduced its tourist e-visa fees from $36 to $30, effective January 1, 2025, to attract more tourists.

Proof of Funds: Not typically required.

Eligibility Criteria: Open to tourists from eligible countries applying online.​

Benefits: Lower visa costs encourage tourism.​

Application Process:

• Access the official Cambodian e-Visa website.​
• Complete the online application.​
• Upload necessary documents.​
• Pay the reduced visa fee online.​
• Receive the e-visa via email.​

Required Documents:

• Valid passport.​
• Recent passport-sized photograph.​
• Proof of accommodation.​

Fees: Reduced from $36 to USD 30.​

5. United Kingdom: Mandatory ETA for Visa-Free Travelers

Starting January 8, 2025, the UK requires travelers from visa-free countries to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entry. This requirement extends to European citizens by April 2025.

• Eligibility Criteria: Travelers from visa-free countries must obtain an ETA before entry.​
• Benefits: Enhances border security and streamlines entry processes.​
• Application Process:
  • Visit the UK government’s official ETA application portal.​
  • Complete the online application form.​
  • Apply.​
  • Receive the ETA approval via email.​
• Required Documents:
  • Valid passport.​
  • Travel details.​
• Fees: Approximately GBP 10.​
• Proof of Funds: Not typically required.

6. Namibia: Online Visa Requirement for 31 Countries

From April 1, 2025, Namibia requires travelers from 31 countries, including the USA and Canada, to obtain an online visa before arrival.

• Eligibility Criteria: Travelers from 31 specified countries, including the USA and Canada, must obtain an online visa before arrival.​
• Benefits: Simplifies the visa process and improves border control efficiency.​
• Application Process:
  • Access Namibia’s official online visa application portal.​
  • Fill out the application form.​
  • Upload required documents.​
  • Pay the visa fee online.​
  • Receive the visa approval via email.​
• Required Documents:
  • Valid passport.​
  • Recent photograph.​
  • Proof of accommodation.​
• Fees: Approximately USD 80.​
• Proof of Funds:$1,000 in a bank account.
  
  

7. New Zealand: New Visa Pathways for Seasonal Workers
Effective Date: 2025

• Key Change: Two new visa pathways for seasonal workers.
• Benefits: Opportunities for skilled and lower-skilled workers.
• Eligibility: Experienced workers (3-year visa) or lower-skilled workers (7-month visa).
• Documents Required: Passport, job offer, and proof of experience.
• Processing Time: 4-6 weeks.
• Fees: NZD 330
• D330(3-year visa), NZD150 (7-month visa).
• Proof of Funds: NZD 1,000.

8. Australia: Streamlined Student Visa Process

• Effective Date: January 2025
• Key Change: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) required for student visas.
• Benefits: A clearer pathway for international students.
• Eligibility: Students enrolled in recognized institutions.
• Documents Required: CoE, passport, and proof of funds.
• Processing Time: 4-8 weeks.
• Fees: AUD 650.
• Proof of Funds: AUD 21,041 for living expenses.

9. Belarus: Launch of e-Visa System

• Effective Date: March 20, 2025
• Key Change: e-Visa system for citizens of 67 countries.
• Benefits: Simplified entry and reduced paperwork.
• Eligibility: Citizens of 67 countries.
• Documents Required: Passport, digital photo, and travel details.
• Processing Time: 5 business days.
• Fees: $25.
• Proof of Funds: $500 in a bank account.

10. Russia: Extended e-Visa Validity

• Effective Date: 2025
• Key Change: e-Visa validity extended from 16 to 30 days.
• Benefits: More time to explore Russia.
• Eligibility: Citizens of 64 countries.
• Documents Required: Passport, digital photo, and travel details.
• Processing Time: 4 business days.
• Fees: $40.
• Proof of Funds: $1,000 in a bank account.

How Visas Abroad Services LLP Can Help

Visas Abroad Services LLP, located in Gaur City Mall, Noida, is India’s leading immigration consultancy. With a team of expert consultants, they offer end-to-end visa assistance, including:
Document Preparation: Ensuring all documents meet requirements.
Application Submission: Handling the entire process on your behalf.
Follow-ups: Tracking your application status.
Consultation: Providing personalized advice based on your travel goals.

FAQs for the article
1. What is the benefit of Thailand’s expanded e-visa system?
It simplifies the application process, reduces waiting times, and eliminates the need for in-person visits.
2. Who needs an ETA for Israel?
Citizens from 99 visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETA before traveling.
3. How much is Cambodia’s reduced e-visa fee?
The new fee is 30, down from 36.
4. What is the UK’s ETA requirement?
Visa-free travelers must apply for an ETA starting January 8, 2025.
5. How can Visas Abroad Services LLP assist me?
They provide expert guidance, document preparation, and application submission services.

By staying updated on these visa changes and leveraging the expertise of Visas Abroad Services LLP, you can ensure a seamless travel experience in 2025. Happy travels!