16 | VISA UPDATES AND SOUTH KOREA


www.nitravelnews.com


Major Shifts in Global Travel Rules: From EU Biometric Borders to Visa-Free Sri Lanka


BY ERIN ENGLISH erin@nitravelnews.com


2025 brings significant changes to travel


documentation: biometric systems in Europe, rising ESTA fees in the US, and Sri Lanka’s new visa-free plans for UK citizens


FROM the implementation of the EU’s new entry-exit biometric system on 12th of October, to the rise in costs for an ESTA following the US Government’s introduction of the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’


act, and the announced


plans for visa-free travel to Sri Lanka, 2025 has witnessed major changes to the intricacies of travel documentation.


Europe


The EU’s new biometric border system, the Entry-Exit system (EES) is expected to come into effect from Sunday 12 October 2025. The new EES system will


be


phased out progressively across all EU borders. The system is set to be fully operational at all external EU borders by 10th April 2026. Non-EU citizens will be required to submit fingerprints and facial biometrics when they enter the EU for the first time following the launch. This data will then be stored on file for three years.


The introduction of the new system aims to ensure that short- term visitors do not overstay by strengthening the enforcement of the 90/180-day rule. The 90/180- day rule permits non-EU nationals to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Instead of receiving manual stamps, entry and exit into the Schengen Area will be recorded electronically. Upon introduction of the EES system, longer-waiting times at EU Borders are to be expected during the transition period as biometric data is required to be collected from every new arrival registering under the system for the first time. Children aged under 12 are not required to provide fingerprints. In the long run, the EES is expected to streamline border crossing procedures by improving both efficiency and security. Recent research conducted by


ABTA saw that more than half (51%) of people say they are aware of the upcoming requirements of the new biometric system, up from 44% in 2024.


Amongst those who have been


abroad over the course of the last 12 months, the percentage rises to 61%, giving strong indication that those who travel abroad frequently are more likely to plan for upcoming travel documentation changes. Back in May 2025, the UK government entered into a wide- range agreement with the European Union. As per the terms of this agreement, UK Passport holders are now authorised to utilise more e-gates in Europe, a change which aims to help alleviate long waiting times for border control when arriving in Europe.


America Changes to the Electronic System


for Travel Authorisation, otherwise known as an ESTA,


have


been made f o l l o w i n g the passing of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ by the US Government on the 4th of July 2025.


Approved by the US Congress,


the fee for an ESTA


will increase from $21 to $40 on the 30th of September 2025, equating approximately to an increase of £16 to £30 pounds. An ESTA is valid for two years from the date of approval, and is mandatory for entry into the USA under the Visa Waiver Program.


Asia


British holidaymakers may soon be able to avail of visa-free entry when holidaying to Sri Lanka, in a new move which has been approved by Sri Lankan Government officials.


Last year, Sri Lanka highlighted plans for tourists to avail of visa- free travel throughout the country for 30 days under a six month pilot programme. This programme was initially supposed to take effect from October 1st 2024. Further


plans were unveiled


which would allow 38 nationalities, including British holidaymakers, to enter the country visa-free. However, this decision was later revoked. Now, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister,


Vijitha Herath has confirmed that the reinstatement of visa-free entry for British tourists and 39 other countries is in the pipeline. While a date for the move has


not yet been confirmed, Herath highlighted that plans for visa-free entry would help boost Sri Lanka’s tourism, spurring a positive impact on Sri Lanka’s economy.


UAE


The UAE is giving visitors the opportunity to do experience its lvfestyle with the introduction of its new golden visa.


The visa could grant eligible applicants


the opportunity to


live, work and study in the UAE, whilst enjoying the middle eastern lifestyle.


sunshine and tax-free


The visa is open to a wide list of individuals and, if granted, will give residence status to applicants for either 5 or 10 years. The visa also gives successful applicants an entry visa which spans over 6 months with the ability to enter and exit as you please. It also entitles the now-residents to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual timeframe of 6 months. Would you give the move a chance?


Blending Pop Culture with Supernatural Thrills


From neon-lit streets to secret shrines, South Korea is the ultimate destination for fans of the Netflix hit, K-Pop Demon Hunters


IF you’re one of the many Netflix devotees hooked on K-pop Demon Hunters, why not take your fandom off the screen and onto the streets of South Korea? This electric country is a perfect real-life backdrop for the show’s blend of flashy K-pop vibes and otherworldly battles minus, thankfully, the actual demon-slaying. Seoul, the pulsating heart of South Korea, is where you can dive headfirst into the K-pop craze. Start your day in Gangnam, the stylish district made famous worldwide by Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’.


Beyond


the catchy beats and dance moves, the area is a shopping haven packed with sleek boutiques and cafes that look like they belong in a futuristic sci-fi set.


For a bit of the supernatural,


visit


Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses sit peacefully amid the city’s chaos.


Don’t miss a stop at Hongdae, Seoul’s youth culture hotspot, where street performers, indie bands, and neon signs create an energy that’s equal parts chaotic and captivating. It’s also the perfect place to catch a live K-pop dance cover or sample quirky themed cafes, ones dedicated favourite idols.


including to your


For something truly otherworldly, take a day trip to the Namhansanseong Fortress on the outskirts of Seoul.


mountain fortress offers hiking trails, temples,


This historic ancient


and panoramic views.


And of course, no trip would be complete without trying some of the countries most famous foods. Start


September/October 2025


with tteokbokki,


those spicy rice cakes you’ve definitely seen someone crying over in a K-drama. Found at nearly every street food stall, these chewy, fiery little devils are addictive in the best (and messiest) way. If you’ve seen Itaewon Class (if you haven’t, you should *swoon*), you know the emotional power of a good bowl of tteokbokki. Then there’s ramyeon.


Not to be confused with Japanese


ramen, this


Korean noodle soup is a staple in both dramas and real life. Whether eaten in a humble convenience store or dressed up with extras at a local restaurant, it’s the


comfort food of K-drama dreams. Slurping ramyeon like a heartbroken K-drama lead is a rite of passage. Feeling fancy? Try samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) at a Korean BBQ spot made popular in dramas such as What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo. Here you grill your meat at the table, wrap it in lettuce with garlic and gochujang,


and pretend


you’re not watching the couple next to you act out a K-drama scene of their own.


For dessert, hit up a bingsu café for shaved ice piled with condensed milk, fruit, or red beans. It’s refreshing, enormous, and the kind of thing the Demon Hunters would definitely deserve after saving Seoul (again).


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80