Visa changes in Thailand and China, record seasons in Vietnam, Nepal and Egypt, and the trends shaping 2027 — everything you need before booking your winter holiday.
Last updated: · By MDH Holidays travel desk
Quick answer: the travel news that matters this month
If you are planning a winter trip from Bangladesh, five changes matter most right now. Thailand has cut visa-free and visa-on-arrival access, China is enforcing stricter entry-exit rules, and Vietnam, Nepal and Egypt are heading into a busy peak season. Book early, apply for visas on time, and choose packages with flexible cancellation.
- Thailand: The 60-day visa exemption ended on 15 September 2026. Bangladeshis still need a Thai e-Visa, applied for online.
- China: New entry-exit rules apply from 15 September 2026. False documents can mean fines and entry bans of up to five years.
- Vietnam: 17.7 million international visitors in nine months, up 14.5%. Peak season runs October to April.
- Nepal: Arrivals rose 12.1% in September 2026. October and November are the best trekking months.
- Egypt: 14.4 million tourists by end of September 2026, with about 20 million expected for the year.
- Bangladesh: Visa Policy 2026 is replacing the 2006 rules; an e-visa system is planned but not yet live.
- BTTF 2026 runs 29–31 October at BCFCC, Dhaka — the best place to compare winter deals this week.
Need help with any of these? Explore MDH Holidays, Bangladesh’s trusted travel and visa agency, or browse our holiday packages.
1Thailand cuts visa-free stays: what changes for Bangladeshis?
Thailand ended its 60-day visa exemption on 15 September 2026, replacing it with 30-day and 15-day exemption categories and a much shorter visa-on-arrival list (TAT News). Under the new framework, the visa-on-arrival list shrinks from 31 countries to four (The Thaiger).
2China’s stricter entry-exit rules are now in force
China’s new entry-exit regulations took effect on 15 September 2026. Every visa applicant must now state a truthful, lawful purpose of travel, and officers can ask for extra documents or electronic data to verify it. Individuals who submit false documents face fines of up to 10,000 yuan, and foreign nationals can be barred from entering China for up to five years (English.gov.cn).
3Vietnam breaks arrival records as peak season begins
Vietnam welcomed more than 17.7 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2026. September alone brought 1.77 million arrivals (VIR). The growth stands out because worldwide arrivals rose only 0.4% in the first half of 2026, and Vietnam’s peak international season now runs from October to April (The Star).
4Nepal bounces back for autumn trekking season
Nepal’s September arrivals grew despite floods and landslides in parts of the country (The Rising Nepal). South Asia supplied the largest regional share of visitors, at 34.1% (The Himalayan Times). October is traditionally Nepal’s busiest month, with clear mountain views through November.
5Egypt targets 20 million tourists in 2026
Egypt’s tourism minister expects around 20 million tourists by year end (Banker News), which would beat the roughly 19 million visitors recorded in 2025 (Ahram Online). The Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the full Tutankhamun collection, continues to pull big crowds, and winter is the most comfortable season for Giza, Luxor and the Red Sea coast.
6Bangladesh news: Visa Policy 2026 and the inbound tourism push
Bangladesh is replacing its 2006 visa rules with a single Visa Policy 2026 built around 34 visa categories (Stamped Nomad). An electronic visa system is planned, but no implementation date has been announced (BERNAMA). For foreigners already in Bangladesh, the Department of Immigration and Passports now generally accepts extension applications only within two weeks of visa expiry (Fragomen).
7Global travel trends for 2027 worth knowing
Four fresh reports point to the same message: travellers want flexibility, new experiences and less risk.
| Trend | What the data says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Going off-script | Booking.com surveyed 28,000+ travellers in 32 markets; 77% are interested in a trip completely unlike their usual style (Rus Tourism News) | Try a new destination such as Egypt or Vietnam instead of a repeat trip |
| Flexibility over price | 58% of US travellers in Phocuswright research would pay more for free cancellation (KarloBag) | Choose packages with clear cancellation and date-change terms |
| Weather-aware planning | 37.2% would pick a destination with lower risk of weather disruption, per Trip.com (Euronews) | Travel in each destination’s dry season and buy travel insurance |
| Europe keeps growing | Accor forecasts European accommodation nights rising 32% between 2026 and 2036 (Euronews) | Start Schengen visa paperwork early for 2027 trips |
At MDH Holidays, free cancellation and reserve-now-pay-later options are already part of how we book. Compare our outbound holiday packages.
8BTTF 2026 is on now in Dhaka
The 14th Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair, organised by TOAB, brings exhibitors from Nepal, the Maldives, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE and more. It is the best place this week to compare winter packages and fair-only discounts — take the Metro to Agargaon station to skip the traffic.
Full visitor guide: BTTF 2026 dates, venue and tips →
Your winter holiday checklist (Dec 2026 – Jan 2027)
- Check your passport. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
- Pick a destination by visa time. Thailand’s e-Visa takes about 10 working days; China, Egypt and Schengen need longer.
- Prepare consistent documents. Bank statements, hotel bookings, tickets and invitation letters must all match, especially for China.
- Book flights and hotels early. Vietnam, Nepal and Dubai fill up fast over the New Year.
- Choose flexible terms. Ask about cancellation, date changes and deposit rules before paying.
- Use a licensed agency. Look for ATAB and TOAB membership, and always get a written receipt.
Frequently asked questions
Do Bangladeshis need a visa for Thailand in 2026?
Yes. Bangladeshi ordinary passport holders must apply for a Thai e-Visa online at thaievisa.go.th before travel. Processing usually takes about 10 working days.
Did Thailand’s 15 September 2026 visa change affect Bangladeshi travellers?
Not directly. Bangladesh was not on the 60-day visa-free list, so the e-Visa process stays the same. Expect closer document checks, though.
What are China’s new entry-exit rules for 2026?
From 15 September 2026, applicants must state a truthful, lawful travel purpose. False documents can lead to fines of up to 10,000 yuan and an entry ban of up to five years.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam from Bangladesh?
October to April is Vietnam’s peak international season, with dry, mild weather in the north and centre. Book December and New Year trips early.
Is November a good time to visit Nepal?
Yes. October and November bring clear mountain views and stable weather, ideal for Kathmandu, Nagarkot and Pokhara.
Does Bangladesh have an e-visa in 2026?
Not yet. Visa Policy 2026 plans an electronic visa system, but no launch date has been announced.
Where can I compare holiday deals in Dhaka this week?
At BTTF 2026, held 29–31 October at BCFCC, Agargaon, or by contacting MDH Holidays directly.