Border radar — entry requirement updates

2026-10-06

Latvia

FAQ: Can Russian citizens enter Latvia with a Schengen visa?

Before: Generally no. Latvia refuses entry to Russian citizens holding Schengen visas issued for tourism, and land borders with Russia and Belarus are heavily restricted. Narrow exemptions exist for residents, family members of EU citizens and humanitarian cases. Check with the Latvian authorities before traveling.
After: Only in limited cases. Under Cabinet Regulation No. 123 (2025, in force until 1 January 2027), Latvia admits Russian citizens across its external border only if they hold a Latvian, EU, EEA or Swiss residence permit or a Schengen long-stay visa, or hold a Schengen short-stay visa and fall into a listed category such as family members of Latvian or EU citizens, transport crews, seafarers or humanitarian cases.

2026-10-06

Latvia

Notes for RU passport

Before: A Schengen visa is required, and Latvia refuses entry to Russian citizens holding Schengen visas issued for tourism — land crossings from Russia and Belarus are heavily restricted, with only narrow exemptions (residents, family, humanitarian cases). The EU’s visa facilitation agreement is suspended: fees are higher (€90) and processing slower.
After: A Schengen visa is required. Under Cabinet Regulation No. 123 (2025, in force until 1 January 2027), Latvian missions accept visa applications from Russian citizens, and Latvia admits them across its external border, only in listed cases: among them holders of a Latvian, EU, EEA or Swiss residence permit or a Schengen long-stay visa, family members of Latvian or EU citizens, transport crews and seafarers, and humanitarian cases.

2026-10-06

Latvia

Summary

Before: Russian citizens with Schengen tourist visas are refused entry, and land borders with Russia and Belarus are heavily restricted.
After: Latvia is part of the Schengen Area: EU and EFTA citizens enter freely, around 60 visa-exempt nationalities get 90 days in any 180-day period (ETIAS is not yet in operation), and everyone else needs a €90 Schengen short-stay visa. Under a Cabinet regulation in force until 1 January 2027, Russian citizens may cross Latvia's external border only in limited cases, such as holders of an EU residence permit or a long-stay visa, family members of EU citizens, and humanitarian cases.

2026-10-06

Laos

faq.extend.answer

Before: Yes. Tourist visas can be extended at most twice per arrival at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane or a provincial immigration office (the Department's visa page says a visa on arrival can be extended once); no maximum length per extension is published. Apply at least 3 days before your stay expires; the fee is 20,000 kip per day plus 40,000 kip per application, and it takes 1-2 business days. Visa-exempt stays cannot be extended except in emergencies, with supporting documents. Overstays are fined per day on departure.
After: Yes. Tourist visas can be extended at most twice per arrival at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane or a provincial immigration office (the Department's visa page says a visa on arrival can be extended once); no maximum length per extension is published. Apply at least 3 days before your stay expires; the fee is 20,000 kip per day plus 40,000 kip per application, and it takes 1-2 business days. Visa-exempt stays cannot be extended except in emergencies, with supporting documents.

2026-10-06

Laos

faq.which-borders.answer

Before: No. It is honored only at designated entry points, including Vientiane's Wattay and Luang Prabang international airports and the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. Arriving anywhere else, get a visa on arrival or an embassy visa instead; check the current list on laoevisa.gov.la.
After: No. It is honored only at designated entry points, including Vientiane's Wattay and Luang Prabang international airports and the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. The eVisa portal says that at any other port you must get a visa on arrival, and the eVisa fee is not refunded.

2026-10-06

Laos

tips.uxo-caution.text

Before: The UK FCDO says landmines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard throughout Laos and kill people each year; Canada names the Plain of Jars, Xiengkhouang province and the Lao-Vietnam border areas in particular. Keep to main routes in rural areas and do not pick up metal objects.
After: The UK FCDO says landmines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard throughout Laos and kill people each year; Canada names the Plain of Jars, Xiengkhouang province and the Lao-Vietnam border areas in particular. The FCDO advises keeping to main routes in rural areas and not picking up metal objects.

2026-10-06

Laos

tips.evisa-checkpoints.text

Before: The Lao eVisa is accepted only at designated entry points — Vientiane and Luang Prabang airports and a handful of land crossings such as the first Friendship Bridge. Check the official list before planning an overland entry.
After: The Lao eVisa is accepted only at nine designated ports: Wattay (Vientiane), Luang Prabang and Pakse international airports, Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges I, II and IV, Boten International Checkpoint, and Boten and Khamsavath railway stations. At any other port you need a visa on arrival, and the eVisa fee is not refunded.

2026-10-06

Laos

countryFacts.safety.text

Before: Most visits are trouble-free; petty theft, bag-snatching by people on motorbikes and road accidents are the main risks. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province, where there have been attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups, and urges extreme caution in Bokeo Province near the Golden Triangle. Landmines and unexploded weapons are a hazard throughout Laos, so keep to main routes in rural areas.
After: The UK Foreign Office says travellers regularly report random bag snatches, often by people on motorcycles, and that petty crime can occur in tourist areas and around ATMs. It advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province, where there have been attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups, and urges extreme caution in Bokeo Province near the Golden Triangle. It says landmines and unexploded weapons are a hazard throughout Laos and advises keeping to main routes in rural areas.

2026-10-06

Laos

entryRequirements.declarations.arrival-card.text

Before: Since 1 September 2025, every foreign national entering or leaving through Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport or the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge must register on the Lao Digital Immigration Form at immigration.gov.la within 3 days before arrival and again before departure. At those four checkpoints it replaces the paper arrival and departure cards; at other crossings, fill in the paper card.
After: Since 1 September 2025, every foreign national entering or leaving through Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport or the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge must register on the Lao Digital Immigration Form at immigration.gov.la within 3 days before arrival and again before departure. At those four checkpoints it replaces the paper arrival and departure cards.

2026-10-06

Laos

entryRequirements.onwardTicket.text

Before: No official source we could read states an onward-ticket requirement for Laos. Airlines may still ask for proof of onward travel.
After: No official source we could read states an onward-ticket requirement for Laos.

2026-10-06

Laos

visaTypes.evisa-tourist.fee.notes

Before: USD 50 for most nationalities including the processing fee; a few nationalities pay slightly different rates shown during the application.
After: The portal's fee calculator gives the fee per applicant, excluding bank charges; the fee is non-refundable.

2026-10-06

Laos

visaPolicy.byPassport.*.notes

Before: Visa-free for up to 14 days under ASEAN arrangements.
After: Visa-free for up to 14 days under a bilateral visa exemption agreement.

2026-10-06

Laos

visaPolicy.byPassport.*.notes

Before: Chinese travelers can use the eVisa or visa on arrival; temporary visa-waiver schemes for Chinese tour groups have applied during tourism-promotion years. Check the current status before travel. The Department of Immigration says most travellers can get the visa on arrival but publishes no nationality list for it, so the eVisa is the route the government confirms for this passport.
After: Chinese travelers can use the eVisa or visa on arrival. The Department of Immigration says most travellers can get the visa on arrival but publishes no nationality list for it, so the eVisa is the route the government confirms for this passport.

2026-10-06

Laos

visaPolicy.byPassport.*.notes (7 rows: KH,ID,MY,PH,SG,TH,VN)

Before: Visa-free for up to 30 days under ASEAN arrangements.
After: Visa-free for up to 30 days under a bilateral visa exemption agreement.

2026-10-06

Laos

summary

Before: Laos admits fellow ASEAN nationals visa-free for up to 30 days (14 for Myanmar), plus Japan, South Korea, Russia, Switzerland and others on bilateral or unilateral waivers. Nearly everyone else gets a 30-day tourist visa easily — online through the official Lao eVisa or on arrival at major airports and border crossings. About 35 nationalities that are not on the eVisa list, mostly in Africa and the Middle East plus Pakistan, Bangladesh and Iran, should apply at a Lao embassy.
After: Laos admits fellow ASEAN nationals visa-free for up to 30 days (14 for Myanmar), plus Japan, South Korea, Russia, Switzerland and others on bilateral or unilateral waivers. Nearly everyone else can get a 30-day tourist visa — online through the official Lao eVisa or on arrival at major airports and border crossings. About 35 nationalities that are not on the eVisa list, mostly in Africa and the Middle East plus Pakistan, Bangladesh and Iran, should apply at a Lao embassy.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

faq.trekking-safe.answer

Before: The UK FCDO says trekking often involves very remote areas with a high risk of avalanches, landslides and rockfalls, fast-changing weather and possible snow at altitude even in summer, and that mountain rescue is a basic volunteer service. Use a reputable trekking agency, do not trek alone, carry insurance for high-altitude activity, and check permit rules for border areas.
After: The UK FCDO says trekking often involves very remote areas with a high risk of avalanches, landslides and rockfalls, fast-changing weather and possible snow at altitude even in summer, and that mountain rescue is a basic volunteer service. It advises using a reputable trekking agency, not trekking alone and getting insurance for high-altitude activity.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

faq.registration.answer

Before: Visitors from the main visa-free list are exempt from migration registration for the length of their stay. Some other nationalities and anyone staying long-term may still need to register. Confirm the rule for your passport with your hotel or the local migration office.
After: The UK FCDO says visitors staying more than 30 calendar days must either leave before the 30 days end or register online with the State Registration Service within 5 days of entry, and that anyone staying with a property owner for longer than 30 days must register together with the owner.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

faq.evisa-how.answer

Before: Apply online at evisa.e-gov.kg with a passport scan and photo; the tourist eVisa is typically processed in under a week and allows a stay of up to 30 days; the fee is shown during the application. Use an international airport or major land crossing, and carry a printout — remote checkpoints may want to see it.
After: Applications are made online at evisa.e-gov.kg and paid by card. The portal says the tourist visa (type TS) is issued with a validity of up to 30 calendar days, and gives an application review period of 5 working days. No official source we could read states the fee.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

faq.need-visa.answer

Before: Probably not for a holiday: around 60 nationalities — including all EU states, the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan — enter visa-free for up to 30 days, Gulf citizens also enter visa-free, and CIS citizens enter freely. Most other travelers can apply online for an eVisa; only the remainder need an embassy visa.
After: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' e-Visa portal lists visa-free stays of up to 30 days for many nationalities, including EU states, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and Japan; Gulf states' citizens get up to 180 days in every 360, and several neighbouring states' citizens up to 90 days or more. Other travellers apply for a visa online at evisa.e-gov.kg.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

tips.border-permits.text

Before: The Government of Canada says that near the Tajik border some checkpoints remain closed or restricted, and travellers may face specific entry procedures and permit requirements. Check before planning treks in border areas.
After: The Government of Canada says that near the Tajik border some checkpoints remain closed or restricted, and travellers may face specific entry procedures and permit requirements.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

tips.trekking-cover.text

Before: The UK FCDO says the mountain rescue service is basic, staffed by volunteers with limited equipment, and that terrain can make it impossible for emergency services to reach you. Get insurance that covers high-altitude activity, use a reputable trekking agency, do not trek alone, and let someone know when you plan to return.
After: The UK FCDO says the mountain rescue service is basic, staffed by volunteers with limited equipment, and that terrain can make it impossible for emergency services to reach you. It advises getting insurance that covers high-altitude activity, using a reputable trekking agency, not trekking alone, and letting someone know when you plan to return.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

tips.registration-rules.text

Before: Most visa-free visitors need no migration registration for short stays, but some nationalities and long-stayers still do. Check the rules for your passport on arrival or with your guesthouse.
After: The UK FCDO says visitors staying in Kyrgyzstan for more than 30 calendar days must either leave before the 30 days end or register online with the State Registration Service within 5 days of entry.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

tips.cash-dollars.text

Before: US dollars are the most easily exchanged foreign currency, but the UK FCDO says notes from before 2007 are usually not accepted or carry an extra charge. ATMs often limit withdrawals, and you should bring cash for rural areas where there may be none.
After: The UK FCDO says US dollars are the most easily exchanged foreign currency, that notes from before 2007 are usually not accepted or carry an extra charge, and that ATMs sometimes have a maximum withdrawal limit.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

countryFacts.driving.text

Before: Kyrgyzstan is a party to both the 1949 Geneva and the 1968 Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic, so it recognizes an International Driving Permit issued under either. Whether a permit is required in addition to a national license, and for how long a foreign license may be used, are set by national road law and have not been checked for Kyrgyzstan yet.
After: Kyrgyzstan is a party to both the 1949 Geneva and the 1968 Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic, so it recognizes an International Driving Permit issued under either. No official source we could read states whether a permit is required in addition to a national licence, or for how long a foreign licence may be used.

2026-10-06

Kyrgyzstan

countryFacts.safety.text

Before: Kyrgyzstan is generally safe and hospitable; the main risks are practical — rough mountain roads, altitude and occasional petty crime in cities. Sections of the border with Tajikistan have seen periodic tension, so check conditions before traveling to remote border districts.
After: The UK FCDO says street crime, including bag-snatching and mugging, is a risk, and advises taking care if you go out alone or use public transport and considering private cars or pre-arranged taxis at night. It also warns of a high risk of avalanches, landslides and rockfalls on treks, and of frequent earthquake tremors.