Japan
1 November 2026 · In effect
Since 1 November 2026, tax-free shopping works as a refund when you leave Japan, rather than at the till. JESTA, an online pre-travel authorisation, is due by March 2029 at the latest.
Checked early November 2026
Visa and entry notes
Entry rules change often, in Asia and in Europe. These are the changes that matter for trips over the coming months.
Key dates
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8 April 2026In effect
United Kingdom
Visitors from visa-free countries, including Singapore, the US and Australia, need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before they fly. The fee rose to £20 on 8 April 2026. Each ETA lasts two years, or until your passport expires.
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15 September 2026In effect
Thailand
Since 15 September 2026, visa-free stays are 30 days for tourism, down from 60. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is still required before you land. A tourist entry fee is planned but has no start date yet.
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1 November 2026In effect
Japan
Since 1 November 2026, tax-free shopping works as a refund when you leave Japan, rather than at the till. JESTA, an online pre-travel authorisation, is due by March 2029 at the latest.
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31 December 2026Coming up
China
The 30-day visa-free entry for the UK, Australia and about 48 other countries runs until 31 December 2026, with no extension announced when I checked. Singapore's mutual visa exemption is a separate agreement and is not affected. US travellers need a visa, or can use the 240-hour visa-free transit with an onward ticket to a third country.
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31 December 2026Coming up
South Korea
Travellers from 22 countries, including Singapore, the UK, the US and Australia, are exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. Nothing had been announced for 2027 when I checked, so plan on applying for a K-ETA for trips from 1 January 2027 unless the exemption is extended.
By destination
South Korea
31 December 2026 · Coming up
Travellers from 22 countries, including Singapore, the UK, the US and Australia, are exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. Nothing had been announced for 2027 when I checked, so plan on applying for a K-ETA for trips from 1 January 2027 unless the exemption is extended.
China
31 December 2026 · Coming up
The 30-day visa-free entry for the UK, Australia and about 48 other countries runs until 31 December 2026, with no extension announced when I checked. Singapore's mutual visa exemption is a separate agreement and is not affected. US travellers need a visa, or can use the 240-hour visa-free transit with an onward ticket to a third country.
Hong Kong
Many passports, including Singapore, UK, US and Australian, can visit Hong Kong visa-free for short stays. No new arrival requirements had been confirmed when I checked.
Singapore
Submit the SG Arrival Card online within the three days before you arrive.
Thailand
15 September 2026 · In effect
Since 15 September 2026, visa-free stays are 30 days for tourism, down from 60. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is still required before you land. A tourist entry fee is planned but has no start date yet.
Bali
Complete the All Indonesia arrival card before you land. Bali also charges a tourist levy, paid online or on arrival.
Vietnam
Vietnam's e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days. Use the official portal, evisa.gov.vn, and avoid look-alike sites that charge extra.
Malaysia
Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival. Singapore citizens are exempt.
Maldives
Tobacco is banned for anyone born in 2007 or later, and vapes are banned for all visitors. The traveller declaration is completed online before arrival.
Italy
The EU's Entry/Exit System is now in use at Schengen borders: travellers from outside the EU have fingerprints and a photo taken at their first entry, which can mean longer queues at busy times. ETIAS, the pre-travel authorisation, has no confirmed start date and is not yet needed.
France
The EU's Entry/Exit System is now in use at Schengen borders: travellers from outside the EU have fingerprints and a photo taken at their first entry, which can mean longer queues at busy times. ETIAS, the pre-travel authorisation, has no confirmed start date and is not yet needed.
Greece
The EU's Entry/Exit System is now in use at Schengen borders: travellers from outside the EU have fingerprints and a photo taken at their first entry, which can mean longer queues at busy times. ETIAS, the pre-travel authorisation, has no confirmed start date and is not yet needed.
United Kingdom
8 April 2026 · In effect
Visitors from visa-free countries, including Singapore, the US and Australia, need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before they fly. The fee rose to £20 on 8 April 2026. Each ETA lasts two years, or until your passport expires.
Spain
The EU's Entry/Exit System is now in use at Schengen borders: travellers from outside the EU have fingerprints and a photo taken at their first entry, which can mean longer queues at busy times. ETIAS, the pre-travel authorisation, has no confirmed start date and is not yet needed.
Portugal
The EU's Entry/Exit System is now in use at Schengen borders: travellers from outside the EU have fingerprints and a photo taken at their first entry, which can mean longer queues at busy times. ETIAS, the pre-travel authorisation, has no confirmed start date and is not yet needed.
These notes are a summary to help you plan, not immigration advice. Rules depend on your passport, so always confirm with the official source before you travel.