Live updates on visa rules, scam alerts, customs changes, and safety notices. Updated as news breaks.
Effective May 19, 2026, most Western passport holders now receive 30 days visa-free instead of 60. The change applies to air arrivals. Land border stays were already capped at 30 days.
Source: Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs
ADHD medications including Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin are classified as controlled substances in Japan and are illegal to bring — even with a prescription.
Source: Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) replaced the paper TM.6 form and is now mandatory for all foreigners entering Thailand by any means — air, land, or sea.
Source: Thai Immigration Bureau
Reports of bag and phone snatching from motorbikes have increased in HCMC's tourist areas, particularly around Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien Walking Street.
Source: Vietnam Tourist Police
Thai immigration is now actively checking the long-standing funds requirement: 20,000 THB per person (~$550) or 40,000 THB per family.
Source: Traveler reports + Thai immigration
Japan's online visa application system expanded in September 2025 to cover nationalities that previously had to visit embassies in person.
Source: Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Malaysia's mandatory Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is now being enforced with fines at certain entry points. Complete it before travel.
Source: Malaysia Immigration Department
Scammers are replacing legitimate merchant QR codes with their own at restaurants and markets in Bangkok tourist areas. Tourists pay but merchants never receive the money.
Source: Tourist Police Thailand
Vietnam upgraded its e-Visa to 90-day multiple-entry in 2023 and the system now processes applications in under 24 hours for most nationalities.
Source: Vietnam Immigration Department
All travelers must complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within 3 days before arrival. The digital form replaces the old paper disembarkation card.
Source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
Japan's consumption tax refund system for tourists is now entirely digital. Physical passport presentation is mandatory — no copies or photos accepted.
Source: Japan Tax Agency
India's e-Visa system has been upgraded and most applications from Western countries are now approved within 4-24 hours rather than the previous 3-5 days.
Source: India Bureau of Immigration
Phu Quoc maintains its special status: all nationalities get 30 days visa-free when arriving directly to the island — no e-Visa needed.
Source: Vietnam Tourism Authority
Bali implemented a mandatory tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (~$10 USD) per foreign visitor. The fee is separate from visa costs.
Source: Bali Provincial Government
Indonesia maintains and enforces the death penalty for drug trafficking. Multiple foreigners are currently on death row. This is not a theoretical risk.
Source: Indonesian National Police
Updates added as news breaks. Report a scam or rule change →