Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
Brazil: Introduction of Electronic Temporary Visa Process
Effective September 1, 2026, Brazil will begin issuing temporary visas electronically to nationals of countries that are exempt from visitor visa requirements.
Applicants will be required to submit their visa applications through the Integrated Consular System (SCI) by uploading the required supporting documentation online. Physical documents and passports will no longer need to be submitted to consular authorities.
Once approved, the electronic visa will be sent automatically to the email address provided in the SCI application. The new process is expected to streamline visa processing and eliminate the need for in-person document submission.
This summary is based on information provided by Crown’s service partner as well as information published in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (available in Portuguese)
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Joanna Sogeke (European Client Services Manager – Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
Thailand: Introduces new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced a revised entry framework that will replace the current 60-day visa exemption arrangement. The new rules will take effect on September 15, 2026.
The Thai government approved revisions to its visa exemption and Visa on Arrival programs on May 19, 2026, and the related Ministry of Interior notifications were published in the Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026. As a result, the current 60-day visa exemption for nationals of 93 countries will be discontinued.
From September 15, 2026, travelers who are currently eligible for the 60-day visa exemption will instead be subject to a 30-day visa exemption, 15-day visa exemption, Visa on Arrival, or other applicable entry arrangement, depending on their nationality. Foreign nationals already in Thailand under the current visa exemption programs, as well as those entering Thailand before the effective date, may remain until the expiry of their authorized period of stay.
Under the new framework, holders of passports or travel documents from 60 countries and territories will be eligible for a visa exemption for tourism purposes and may stay in Thailand for up to 30 days. The eligible countries and territories are:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Malaysia, Maldives, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.
For entries through land-border immigration checkpoints, travelers using the 30-day visa exemption may generally enter Thailand under this arrangement no more than twice per calendar year. This limitation does not apply to nationals of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore, or to any additional nationalities designated by the Ministry.
A 15-day visa exemption will apply to holders of passports or travel documents issued by Mauritius and Seychelles. Travelers entering through land-border immigration checkpoints under this arrangement may generally do so no more than twice per calendar year, unless otherwise exempted by the Ministry.
A Visa on Arrival will be available to holders of passports or travel documents issued by Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia.
Separate bilateral and other entry arrangements will remain in place where applicable, providing visa exemptions of 90, 30, or 14 days, depending on the relevant agreement. Travelers should verify the entry requirements applicable to their nationality before traveling.
This summary is based on information published by Tat News and the Department of Consular Affairs
Update to Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) requirements
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has announced changes to the supporting documentation required for Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) applications, effective August 31, 2026.
The changes are as follows:
- The e-Visa system now requires all DTV applicants to provide proof of permanent residence in the country where the application is submitted. This replaces the previously accepted document confirming the applicant’s current location.
- A criminal record clearance certificate is now a mandatory supporting document for all DTV applicants. The certificate must have been issued within six months prior to submission (for example, an ACRO certificate or Irish police certificate). Dependents under 16 years of age may submit the police clearance certificate of the principal DTV applicant.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is designed for digital nomads and remote workers who wish to reside in Thailand while working remotely for an overseas employer or as freelancers. The visa is also available to individuals participating in activities such as Muay Thai training, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and music festivals. Eligible spouses and dependent children may apply as accompanying dependents.
To qualify for a DTV, applicants must demonstrate funds of at least THB 500,000 or provide an equivalent financial guarantee. The visa fee is THB 10,000 and permits stays of up to 180 days per entry. The visa remains valid for five years and allows multiple entries. Each stay may be extended once for an additional 180 days, after which the holder must depart Thailand before re-entering.
This summary is based on information published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon (Director of Immigration Services, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Denmark: New measures to strengthen oversight of foreign labor and support employer recruitment
The Danish Parliament has approved new legislation requiring workers on larger construction sites to carry identification cards. The measure aims to strengthen workplace oversight by making it easier for authorities to verify that individuals working on construction sites are legally employed and that businesses comply with applicable labor and immigration regulations.
According to the Danish Ministry of Employment and Gender Equality, the new ID card requirement is expected to support fair competition within the construction sector while contributing to a safer and healthier working environment. The government has emphasized that stronger controls are necessary to address fraud and non-compliance that can undermine the integrity of the Danish labor market.
Parliament also adopted legislation introducing a new collective agreement-based salary scheme for certified employers. The scheme is intended to help eligible Danish companies recruit foreign workers from selected countries while ensuring employment takes place under regulated conditions and in accordance with applicable collective agreements. The government views these measures as a way to both address labor market needs and maintain effective oversight of foreign labor entering Denmark.
Further details regarding the implementation of the new ID card system are expected to be announced by the Danish authorities in due course. Employers operating in the construction sector should monitor developments closely and assess any new compliance obligations that may arise once the framework is implemented.
This summary is based on information published by the Ministry of Employment and Gender Equality
United Kingdom: Multi-Factor Authentication introduced for sponsor licence management
The UK Home Office has begun introducing mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for users of the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect sponsor accounts from unauthorised access. The change applies to sponsor licence holders and is being implemented in phases.
MFA was introduced for Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors from September 3, 2026, with the rollout taking place gradually across sponsor accounts. From September 9, 2026, sponsors can no longer appoint new Level 2 Users. The Home Office has indicated that MFA is expected to be introduced for Student sponsors, including organisations holding both Worker and Student sponsor licences, in early November 2026.
In advance of these changes, sponsor licence holders are encouraged to review their sponsorship records and ensure that information held on the SMS remains accurate and up to date. Particular attention should be given to the Authorising Officer, who should remain the appropriate individual for the role, with a current and regularly monitored email address recorded on the system. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will use the contact details held on the SMS to communicate important updates, and repeated email delivery failures may prompt a review of sponsor contact information.
Sponsors are also encouraged to review all SMS users and verify that contact details, including email addresses, mobile telephone numbers, and dates of birth, are accurate. Organisations should ensure that users who no longer require access are removed promptly, that sufficient Level 1 User coverage is maintained, and that all authorised users are able to access their registered email accounts or mobile devices to complete MFA requirements when prompted. Each user should continue to use their own unique SMS User ID and must not share login credentials or personal information.
Inaccurate or outdated contact information may disrupt access to the SMS, which could affect a sponsor’s ability to assign Certificates of Sponsorship and meet sponsor reporting obligations. Maintaining accurate records and ensuring that key personnel remain contactable form part of a sponsor’s ongoing compliance responsibilities.
Effective dates:
- September 3, 2026: MFA rollout begins for Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors.
- September 9, 2026: Sponsors can no longer appoint new Level 2 Users.
- Early November 2026: MFA expected to be introduced for Student sponsors, including organisations holding both Worker and Student sponsor licences.
This summary is based on information provided by our service partner as well as published by the GOV.UK
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Joanna Sogeke (European Client Services Manager – Immigration).
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