The end of 2026 brings one firm change and three deadlines that could still be extended. This page lists every rule we have confirmed with an official source, in date order, with a link to the full article for each. We update it whenever a government announces a decision.
At a glance
| Date | Country | What happens | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 October 2026 | Taiwan | Visa applications from Moroccans accepted again | In force |
| 15 October 2026 | Russia | 30 days visa-free for Vietnamese citizens, until 15 October 2027 | In force |
| 1 November 2026 | Montenegro | Visa required for Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain | Confirmed |
| 31 December 2026 | China | 30-day visa-free entry ends for 48 countries | Unless extended |
| 31 December 2026 | South Korea | K-ETA exemption ends for 22 countries and territories | Unless extended |
| 31 December 2026 | North Macedonia | 15-day entry with a US, UK or Canadian visa ends | Unless renewed |
| No date | Europe (ETIAS) | EUR 20 travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers | Not started |
Already in force
Russia: visa-free for Vietnamese citizens (since 15 October 2026). Under Presidential Decree No. 730, Vietnamese citizens with an ordinary passport can stay up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, private or business visits, events and transit, until 15 October 2027 inclusive. It does not cover work, journalism, study or residence. The Vietnam passport page already shows Russia as visa-free.
Taiwan: visas for Moroccans again (since 12 October 2026). Taiwan ended its 81-day suspension of Moroccan visa applications. Moroccans still need a visa, applied for through Taiwan's offices in France. Read how to apply.
1 November 2026: Montenegro
From 1 November, citizens of Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain need a visa for Montenegro. Until 31 October they can still enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Holders of a valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit can still enter for up to 30 days. Read the full Montenegro article.
31 December 2026: three deadlines that may move
China. Citizens of 48 countries, including the UK, Canada, France, Japan and Australia, can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa only until 31 December 2026. Russia already has an extension to the end of 2027. The previous extension was published on 10 November 2025, so a decision for 2027 could come in the coming weeks. Read what to do if your trip is in 2027.
South Korea. Travellers from 22 countries and territories, including the US, UK, Japan, Canada and Australia, can enter South Korea without a K-ETA only until 31 December 2026. The current exemption is itself an extension, announced on 23 December 2025. Read who will need a K-ETA in 2027.
North Macedonia. In 2026, travellers who would otherwise need a visa can visit North Macedonia for up to 15 days with a multiple-entry US, UK or Canadian visa in their passport, valid at least 5 days beyond the stay. The government decision covers 1 January to 31 December 2026 only. Entry with a multiple-entry Schengen visa or an EU or Schengen residence permit is a separate, standing rule and is not affected. See the North Macedonia page.
No date yet: ETIAS
ETIAS, the EUR 20 online travel authorisation that visa-exempt travellers will need for 30 European countries, has not started. The EU will announce the date several months in advance, so it will not start in 2026. Read who will need it.
How we track these dates
Every date on this page comes from an official government text: decrees, foreign ministry notices and official portals, listed under the sources. The passport pages show the same rules, with upcoming changes on the date they take effect. When China, South Korea or North Macedonia announces its decision, we will update this page, the article and the passport data the same day. Spotted a newer notice? Email us.