International travel and immigration policies continue to change as governments introduce digital visa systems, revise application procedures and review pathways to permanent residence. These developments could affect tourists, international workers, students and migrants planning to move abroad.
This October 2026 roundup covers five important global travel and immigration developments, including a new e-Visa system in Turkmenistan, changes to New Zealand visitor visa applications, restrictions affecting major US technology companies, proposed UK settlement reforms and wider changes to international travel requirements.
1. Turkmenistan Launches New e-Visa System for International Travellers
Turkmenistan has introduced a new electronic visa system and an online registration portal for foreign nationals, marking a move towards digital immigration services.
The country’s State Migration Service announced the launch of the services on September 30, with the e-Visa system becoming available on October 1, 2026.
The electronic visa platform is intended to allow eligible foreign nationals to submit visa applications online. A separate portal allows foreigners to complete certain migration registration procedures digitally.
The development could simplify parts of the application process for tourists, business travellers and other eligible visitors who previously had to deal with more paperwork.
However, travellers should not assume that the new system makes entry visa-free. Eligibility requirements, application fees, processing times and supporting-document requirements should be confirmed through the official portal before making travel arrangements.
What travellers should know
- Check whether your nationality is eligible for the electronic visa.
- Confirm the required documents and application fees.
- Apply through the official migration website rather than relying on unofficial agents.
- Wait for the relevant approval before travelling.
Official links:
- Turkmenistan migration portal: https://migration.gov.tm/
- Online foreigner registration portal: https://rgstr.migration.gov.tm/
- Background report: https://turkmenistaninfo.gov.tm/en/news/turkmenistan-zapusti-1
2. New Zealand Changes Visitor and Transit Visa Application Procedures
New Zealand has introduced another step in its transition towards digital immigration services. From October 1, 2026, applications for selected visitor and transit visa categories must be submitted through Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced online application system.
The change covers several categories, including standard visitor visas, business visitor visas, group visitor visas, academic visitor visas, parent and grandparent visitor visas, and transit visas.
Applicants who previously relied on paper forms for the affected categories must now use the designated online system.
According to Immigration New Zealand, paper applications submitted before October 1 will continue to be processed normally. Applicants who have already submitted an affected paper application do not need to submit it again simply because the rules have changed.
The move is intended to make applications easier to submit and track while helping immigration officials process applications more efficiently.
What this means for international applicants
Anyone planning to visit New Zealand for tourism, business, family visits or transit should check the latest application instructions before submitting documents.
Applicants should also make sure they use the correct online form, provide all required supporting documents and allow sufficient time for processing.
The change does not mean that every traveller automatically qualifies for a visa or that visa requirements have been removed. Eligibility and entry requirements continue to depend on the traveller’s circumstances and nationality.
Official link:
3. United States Suspends Green Card Processing Access for Major Technology Companies
The United States has taken action affecting the ability of several major technology and IT services companies to use an important employment-based immigration process for foreign workers.
According to reports published on October 8, 2026, the US administration suspended companies including Microsoft, Adobe and several major IT services firms from the Permanent Labor Certification Program, commonly known as PERM.
The programme is an important part of the employment-based green card process for many foreign workers. Under the usual procedure, employers must demonstrate that they meet applicable labour-market requirements before sponsoring eligible workers for certain permanent positions.
US officials have raised concerns about the use of employment-based immigration programmes and the treatment of American workers. The affected companies and workers could face uncertainty while the restrictions and related investigations develop.
The development is particularly relevant to skilled professionals who work for, or hope to join, multinational technology companies in the United States.
However, it is important to understand that PERM is only one part of the US immigration system. The reported action should not be interpreted as a blanket suspension of all green card applications or all work visas.
Foreign workers should obtain advice specific to their employer, immigration category and stage of application before making decisions about their employment or immigration status.
What skilled foreign workers should do
- Confirm whether their employer is affected by the reported suspension.
- Ask their employer’s immigration team how the action affects their particular case.
- Review the status of pending applications with a qualified US immigration lawyer.
- Avoid assuming that an existing work visa or pending application has automatically been cancelled.
News link:
4. United Kingdom Considers Changes to Permanent Settlement Rules for Migrants
The United Kingdom’s proposed settlement reforms remain an important development for people planning to build a long-term future in the country.
The government’s proposed earned-settlement approach could increase the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five years to ten years for many migrants, while allowing different qualifying periods depending on individual circumstances and the route concerned.
Indefinite leave to remain generally allows eligible migrants to live in the UK without the time restrictions attached to temporary immigration permission.
The proposed changes could be significant for skilled workers, some family migrants and other residents who hope to obtain permanent settlement after spending several years in the country.
However, a proposal is not the same as a final immigration rule. The precise requirements, exemptions, transitional arrangements and treatment of people already living in the UK must be checked against the latest official guidance.
People considering a UK work visa or another immigration route should therefore avoid making decisions based solely on headlines about a possible ten-year settlement period.
What prospective migrants should consider
Anyone planning to move to the UK should check the settlement rules associated with their particular visa category. They should also consider how any confirmed policy changes might affect their long-term plans before paying substantial fees or making relocation commitments.
People already in the UK should follow official announcements to determine whether any new requirements apply to their circumstances.
Official information:
- UK Visas and Immigration: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
- UK Parliament research briefings: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/
5. Global Visa and Border Rules Continue to Change in 2026
Travellers planning international trips in 2026 should pay close attention to changes involving electronic visas, travel authorisations, arrival cards, visa fees and border-entry procedures.
A global policy tracker published by iVisa reports that it has tracked 90 policy changes across 58 countries and travel schemes during the 12 months covered by its October 2026 edition.
The changes illustrate how governments are increasingly using digital systems to manage immigration and border crossings. While some developments simplify applications, others introduce additional requirements, higher costs or new steps that travellers must complete before departure.
For example, Turkmenistan has introduced an e-Visa system, while New Zealand has moved selected visitor and transit visa applications to its enhanced online platform.
Elsewhere, changes to electronic travel authorisations and digital arrival systems may affect how eligible travellers prepare for trips.
Travellers should also pay attention to proposals that have not yet become law. A government announcement about a planned visa change does not necessarily mean the new requirement is already being enforced.
Before booking an international trip, travellers should:
- Check the entry requirements for their passport nationality.
- Confirm whether a visa, electronic travel authorisation or arrival card is required.
- Review passport validity rules and supporting-document requirements.
- Check current visa fees and processing times.
- Confirm whether any transit country requires additional permission.
- Verify the information with the destination country’s official immigration authority.
Checking these requirements before booking flights can help travellers avoid preventable delays, additional expenses and denied boarding.
Final Thoughts
October 2026 brings several developments that international travellers and prospective migrants should monitor closely. Turkmenistan’s new electronic visa system offers a digital route for eligible applicants, New Zealand has changed how selected visitor and transit visa applications are submitted, and the United States has introduced restrictions affecting employment-based green card processing at major technology companies.
Meanwhile, the UK’s proposed settlement reforms highlight why migrants should pay attention to changes that could affect their long-term plans.
The most important lesson for anyone planning to travel, work, study or settle abroad is to verify the rules that apply to their own nationality and immigration category. Visa policies can change quickly, and eligibility for one person may differ from eligibility for another.
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