10 Countries Changing Their Visa Rules for Travelers in 2025

In 2025, many countries around the world have decided to modernise their visa laws, allowing people to travel easily and connect globally. This post will provide an update on these alterations, focusing on the right to obtain a visa, types of benefits, application processes, necessary documents, fees, and financial resources.​

Thailand: Expanded e-Visa System Eligibility Criteria

Travellers 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: The visa application process is quick and can be completed online, eliminating the need for 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 email.​

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: Approximately USD 40.​
• Proof of Funds: This may be requested, and typically, it will be approximately USD 500 for each person.

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

As of January 1, 2025, Israel requires citizens from 99 visa-exempt countries to obtain an online Electronic Travel Authorisation (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 Travellers

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

• Eligibility Criteria: European travellers 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 Travellers

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

• Eligibility Criteria: Travellers from visa-free countries must obtain an ETA before entry.​
• Benefits: Enhances border security and streamlines government 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 needed.

6. Namibia: Online Visa Requirement for 31 Countries

As of April 1, 2025, Namibia requires travellers from 31 countries, including the United States and Canada, to obtain an online visa before arrival.

• Eligibility Criteria: Travellers from specified countries, the United States and Canada, must obtain an online visa to travel
• Benefits: Simplifies the visa process and improves border efficiency.​
• Application Process:
  • Access Namibia’s official online visa application portal.​
  • Fill out the application form.​
  • Upload the 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 more straightforward pathway for international students.
• Eligibility: Students enrolled in recognised 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 India’s 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 personalised advice based on your travel goals for Thailand’s 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, including Cambodia, can obtain a visa for travel to Cambodia.
3. How much is Cambodia’s reduced e-visa for the UK’s
The new fee is 30, down from 36.
4. What is the UK’s ETA requirement?
Visa-free travellers 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!