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Global Nomad News — September 13, 2026

ByGlobal Nomad Center Editorial Team

September 13, 2026 edition · Reporting window: September 5–11. Supporting guides and resources checked September 17.

This week’s developments affect legal stays during disrupted
departures, future U.S. visa-waiver cooperation, airport processing,
winter flight connections and visa administration. The most urgent items
concern travelers affected by Indonesia’s volcanic disruption and anyone
planning visa-exempt entry to Thailand from September 15.

Indonesia
provides immigration relief after volcanic disruption

Indonesian authorities announced emergency stay permits of up to 30
days for qualifying foreign travelers unable to depart because of flight
disruption caused by Anak Krakatau. Extensions may be available under
applicable rules, and authorities stated that qualifying delays will not
attract overstay fees.

Travelers need evidence from an airline, airport or civil aviation
authority, along with travel and immigration documents. A canceled
flight does not automatically extend a stay.

Practical implication: Keep disruption evidence and
contact immigration before the existing stay expires whenever
possible.

European
Commission proposes U.S. screening framework

The European Commission proposed an agreement governing reciprocal
identity-verification and border-screening information exchanges with
the United States. The initiative responds to U.S. security-cooperation
requirements linked to the Visa Waiver Program and an end-of-2026
deadline.

Practical implication: This is a proposal. It does
not immediately change ESTA requirements or existing visa-free
access.

Dubai introduces
mobile passport control

Dubai announced Click and Travel, which allows immigration officers
to complete certain checks using connected mobile devices and biometric
verification away from fixed counters. Authorities reported transactions
taking approximately 12–15 seconds during a test covering more than
31,000 transactions.

At launch, departures cover citizens, residents and visitors. Initial
arrival coverage is limited to UAE citizens and residents.

Practical implication: International visitors may
benefit on departure, but the stated transaction time is not a promise
about the total airport queue.

Kolkata adds
biometric kiosks for e-Visa arrivals

Four self-service biometric kiosks were reported operating at Kolkata
airport. Travelers scan passports, register photographs and
fingerprints, then take confirmation to an immigration officer. Similar
equipment was reported at Delhi, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Practical implication: The kiosks are a
pre-processing step. An immigration officer still completes the entry
check.

Qatar
Airways announces additional winter services

Qatar Airways announced more services through Doha: Phuket rises from
14 to 21 weekly flights from October 25; Kuala Lumpur is scheduled for
18 weekly flights from October 25; Ho Chi Minh City rises from seven to
11 weekly services from November 7; and daily Zanzibar flights resume
October 25.

Practical implication: The schedule adds travel
options but does not establish that fares will fall. Confirm current
operation before booking.

Solomon
Islands implements an electronic visa system

The Solomon Islands Government confirmed that visa applications,
processing, approvals and decisions can now be handled online.

Practical implication: This is an administrative
change for travelers who require visas. It is not a digital nomad visa
or permission to work remotely.

Thailand
changes visa-exempt entry on September 15

Regulations published August 31 are scheduled to take effect
September 15. The reported framework reduces visa-exempt tourist stays
to 30 days for 60 countries and territories and generally limits
eligible nationalities to two visa-exempt land entries per calendar
year, subject to exceptions. Travelers admitted before September 15
retain the stay granted at entry.

Practical implication: Verify nationality coverage
and exceptions against official Thai rules before relying on the revised
allowance.

Sources

  1. Indonesia Immigration, September 8
  2. European Commission proposal, September 10
  3. Dubai Media Office, September 7
  4. Times of India, September 5: attributed Kolkata reporting
  5. Qatar Airways, September 10
  6. Solomon Islands Government, September 7
  7. Thailand Royal Gazette notice, August 31
  8. Thailand MFA clarification, September 3

Full reports

Practical guides

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