Visa Policy
US launches FIFA PASS for 2026 World Cup visa priority
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The United States has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, known as FIFA PASS, to help international fans secure visa interviews ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This voluntary program targets ticket holders from countries with long visa wait times, while maintaining standard security checks. The initiative aims to facilitate smooth travel for the tournament, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
Bulgaria has achieved visa-free travel to 177 countries and territories, enhancing global mobility for its citizens. This development aligns with efforts by nations including Luxembourg, Denmark, China, the Philippines, Namibia, and Brazil to promote smoother international travel. The change supports a surge in outbound tourism across multiple continents.
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South Korea has introduced a visa-free travel policy for Indonesian tourists to simplify entry and boost tourism. This initiative allows small groups of Indonesians to visit without prior visa applications, aiming to attract more global visitors. The policy supports Seoul's goal of reaching 30 million annual tourists by enhancing accessibility to the country's cultural and natural attractions.
Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia are facing 300-dollar monthly fines for visa extensions amid war and income shortages. Ethiopia has hosted over 100,000 Sudanese since the conflict erupted. Officials charge 100 dollars for extensions and impose 300-dollar penalties for overstays, worsening their humanitarian challenges.
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Ethiopia's Immigration and Citizenship Service has regularized over 36,000 foreign nationals who overstayed their visas. This effort encourages visitors from various countries to comply with the law. Director General Salawit Dawit noted that sector reforms are building national capacity.