US Visa Waiver Update: The US has published updated Visa Waiver Programme rules for eligible travellers, including the need for approved ESTA clearance before boarding, plus limits tied to recent travel and dual-national status. UAE Entry Rules: The UAE confirmed 2026 visa-free access for citizens of at least 70 countries, with 90-day visa-free stays for 49 nations (no work allowed) and expanded visa-on-arrival options under new residency criteria. Schengen Summer Stress: Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now active at all external Schengen borders, replacing passport stamps with digital entry/exit tracking and biometric checks—Andorra citizens are exempt, but many other short-stay travellers are not. Coolcationing Goes Alpine: “Alpine summer” is surging as heatwave-weary travellers swap beaches for cooler mountain air, hiking and lake swims; Switzerland and Andorra are newly added to a growing list of walking destinations. Travel Deals for Members: Accor launched a summer bonus points offer (July 3–Sept 13, 2026) for stays across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with extra points for ALL Accor+ bookings. Passport Power Watch: India’s passport slipped to 125th in the Global Passport Index 2026, while Sweden topped the overall ranking.