The U.S. government will raise the ESTA application fee from $21 to $40 starting 30 September 2025 – nearly doubling the cost for travelers using the Visa Waiver Program.
Discover the safest cities in Europe to visit in 2025, as ranked by Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index and recent safety assessments.
From September 2025, U.S. visa applicants face in-person interviews, new integrity fees, and in some cases a refundable bond – reshaping the travel process for millions.
Iceland remains the world’s most peaceful country in 2025, maintaining the top spot for the 18th year. Nations like Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland also rank among the most peaceful globally.
New Zealand introduces a new Business Investor Visa, replacing the existing Entrepreneur Work Visa and offering two high-value pathways to residence via active investment in established businesses.
Villa Vie Residences launches its ‘Golden Passport’ program, offering retirees a one-time payment for lifelong residence aboard the Odyssey of the Seas, blending luxury, travel, and worry-free retirement at sea.
European hot spots including Italy, Spain, and Greece are rolling out aggressive anti-overtourism measures – ranging from reservation-only beaches and short-term rental bans to cruise caps and digital border systems – to protect local life and heritage amid surging visitor numbers.
Tokyo has topped the 2025 Work from Anywhere Barometer, earning its spot as the world’s most ideal city for blending work and travel – thanks to its high-speed internet, transport, safety, culture, and new digital nomad visa.
Costa Rica’s newly introduced Digital Nomad Visa, available for roughly $100, is already reshaping tourism by attracting remote workers to stay longer, spend more on local services, and experience the country beyond traditional vacation cycles.
Croatia has expanded its digital nomad visa program, allowing non-EU remote workers to live and work in the country for up to three years – boosting long-term tourism, local economies, and lifestyle travel.
The Trump administration will require some foreign visitors to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, aiming to curb overstays and tighten travel regulations.
The latest Henley Passport Index ranks European nations prominently among the world’s most powerful passports in 2025, while the U.S. drops to its lowest-ever position amid shifting global mobility dynamics.
The European Union plans to raise the ETIAS travel fee from €7 to €20 by 2026, impacting millions of international travelers visiting the Schengen Area.
A new Schengen-style visa has been officially approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council, allowing travelers to visit six Gulf nations under a single visa, revolutionizing tourism in the region.
Slovenia is preparing to launch its highly anticipated digital nomad visa, offering remote workers a chance to live and work legally in one of Europe’s greenest and most scenic countries.