Travel Around the World

  🗺️ U.S. Travel Restrictions On June 9, 2025 at 12:01 am EDT , Presidential Proclamation 10949 went into effect, suspending all immigrant and non‑immigrant entry for nationals of several countries, including Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Eritrea, Haiti, Cuba, Laos, Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and others. Nationals already inside the U.S. or holding valid visas issued before that date are generally exempt NAFSA +15 Council on Foreign Relations +15 International Services Office +15 NAFSA +3 Wikipedia +3 International Services Office +3 . 🇬🇧 United Kingdom ETA Starting January 8, 2025 , inbound travelers to the UK must register for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) —similar to the U.S. ESTA system—prior to arrival ABC News . 🇪🇺 European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) The EU will introduce a biometric entry/exit system for non-EU nationals, including fingerprint and facial recognition. It replaces passport stamps and is launchi...

  ⚠️ Safety & Advisory Overview Severe conflict is ongoing along the Thailand–Cambodia border , with armed clashes occurring in seven provinces (Buriram, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat). Martial law is in effect in specified districts, and travel within 50 km of the border is strongly prohibited . Wikipedia +9 Smartraveller +9 U.S. Department of State - Travel +9 U.S. Department of State - Travel +4 TAT Newsroom +4 Smartraveller +4 Several checkpoints and tourist sites—such as Phanom Rung Historical Park and Prasat Mueang Tam—are closed indefinitely , and train services around Sa Kaeo have been suspended. TAT Newsroom A ceasefire was agreed on July 28, 2025, but advisory levels remain high: the UK and Canada continue to recommend “essential travel only” within the 50 km zone. The Times In southern provinces —Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla—the risk of insurgent attacks and terrorism remains elevated. Travelers ar...

  ✈️ U.S. Travel & Air Security Updates American Airlines has launched a pilot of its One Stop Security (OSS) program at Dallas/Fort Worth, allowing passengers arriving from London Heathrow to bypass reclaiming baggage or passing through a second security screening—cutting connection times nearly in half. Travel And Tour World +15 U.S. Travel Association +15 The Australian +15 Delta Airlines will begin similar testing from London to Atlanta starting July 30, 2025 . OSS may expand to other U.S. hubs later. New York Post A bipartisan U.S. Senate bill would redirect security fee revenue ($500M/year toward explosives screening, $250M into checkpoint tech) and may end the requirement to remove shoes at TSA points and relax liquid limits.

  🛂 Visa & Mobility: Indian Passport in 2025 According to the Henley Passport Index (July 2025) , the Indian passport has jumped from 85th to 77th globally. Indian citizens can now access 59 countries either visa‑free or with visa‑on‑arrival (VoA) or ETA The Washington Post +7 www.ndtv.com +7 The Times of India +7 The Economic Times +3 The Economic Times +3 The Times of India +3 . Some recent changes in visa policy per Wikipedia: Palau introduced 30‑day visa‑free access. Russia added 30‑day visa‑free travel for Indian nationals. Philippines offers 14‑day visa‑free stays to all Indians, and 30‑day to those with valid Japan/US/Schengen visas or residency. Malaysia has extended visa exemption until end‑2026. Thailand launched a new digital arrival card system. UAE and Ukraine have new schemes such as extended visa‑on‑arrival or reintroduced e‑visa systems. Israel began issuing e‑visas in early 2025 Wikipedia +2 Wikipedia +2 www.ndtv.com +2...

Asia Thailand – Tourist VoA valid ~15–Fridays; fee ₹2,500); sometimes visa‑free pilot programs also in place  . Maldives – Free VoA for 30 days; proof of hotel booking and return ticket required  . Indonesia – VoA for 30 days (extendable once); fee ~USD 30–35 (~IDR 500,000)  . Cambodia – VoA up to 30 days; fee ~USD 20–30; passport photo, return ticket, proof of stay needed  . Laos – 30‑day VoA (sometimes extendable), fee ~USD 40  . Myanmar – VoA available at Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw airports; $50, max 30 days (valid until Aug 2025)  . Sri Lanka – Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required pre‑arrival; issued on arrival for 30 days; small fee applies (~USD 20–25)  . Jordan – VoA for 30 days; fee ~USD 40‑56 depending on sources; eligible with proof of accommodation  . Timor‑Leste – VoA for 30 days (fee ~USD 30, extendable)  . Vietnam – VoA with prior online pre‑approval letter required; fee ~USD 25  . Armenia – VoA if holding vali...

✈️ Record-Breaking Holiday Travel A record 72.2 million Americans traveled over the July 4 holiday—61.6 M by car, 5.84 M by air, and 4.78 M via other modes—making this the busiest summer travel stretch in U.S. history . Expect peak congestion on roads and in airports, especially around early July 2 and July 6. --- Europe Sizzles & Struggles Heatwaves in Southern Europe are pushing temperatures into the mid‑40 °C range, triggering closures at landmarks like the Acropolis and Eiffel Tower . Widespread wildfires in France and Turkey have forced airport shutdowns and evacuations, disrupting travel and fueling smoke concerns . --- Airline & Airport Tech Shifts U.S. Senators introduced a bill to invest $500 M annually in upgraded baggage scanners and checkpoint systems—including ending the requirement to remove shoes and ease liquid restrictions . The UK is rolling out advanced CT scanners allowing containers up to 2 liters at select airports, while EU-wide cabin-bag rules and bi...