February 2026 Global Mobility News: No Global Entry, China Visa-Free (Not for US), Thailand 60→30 Days, Portugal in Limbo
Global mobility updates you should not miss this month
Each month I track new visas, residency changes, and travel rules so you don’t miss anything.
Visa launches
Rule and fee changes
Travel access changes
Citizenship & investment news
Here is what changed in the last four weeks.
DHS Shutdown Suspends Global Entry
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been partially shut down since February 14.
On February 22, Global Entry stopped processing new applications and renewals.
If you are American living abroad who relies on Global Entry to breeze through customs, you are affected.
This is actually the second shutdown of 2026.
The first lasted about four days in early February while the House waited to vote on a funding deal the Senate had already passed. This one only affects DHS, but the consequences are starting to show.
Global Entry is the first visible casualty, while TSA PreCheck was briefly threatened but stayed operational.
What this means for you:
If you had a Global Entry interview scheduled, that will be on hold. And if you are flying back to the U.S. this spring, budget extra time at customs.
China Opens Visa-Free Entry to UK and Canada
Starting February 17, citizens of the UK and Canada can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days.
The policy covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit.
This is expected to run through December 31, 2026.
This brings China’s visa-free list to 50 countries.
And it leaves the United States as the only Five Eyes nation that still needs a visa to enter.
Both UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Beijing in January. Both pushed for easier access and got it within weeks.
Air China, British Airways, and Air Canada all added extra flights on Shanghai and Beijing routes almost immediately.
What this means for you:
If you hold a US passport, nothing changes. You still need a visa to visit China.
But dual citizens with a UK or Canadian passport just got a shortcut.
And for anyone (like me) watching global mobility trends, this is China continuing to open its doors selectively.
Thailand Moving Back to 30-Day Visa-Free Stays
Thailand is rolling back its generous visa-free entry policy.
The government confirmed in early February that it will cut the permitted stay from 60 days to 30 days for travelers from 93 countries (including US).
The 60-day window was introduced in July 2024 to boost tourism after the pandemic (and it worked well).
But officials say it also created problems, such as illegal employment, unregistered businesses, and foreign-run tour companies operating without permits.
No implementation date has been announced, so until it takes effect, the current 60-day stay is still valid.
Thailand has a long history of “erratic” visa policy.
Examples include (but are not limited to):
In 2014, the military government cracked down hard on visa runs after the coup. Weeks later, the Prime Minister told immigration to ease up because it was killing tourism.
In November 2025, immigration announced a two-entry-per-year limit for visa-free visitors. By January 2026, they clarified that no such rule actually exists.
And the Electronic Travel Authorization that was supposed to launch in late 2024 was crapped and replaced by a completely different system in 2025.
What this means for you:
If you are planning a longer trip to Thailand, the window is closing on 60-day stays. For most visitors who stay two to three weeks, nothing changes.
If you want a stable Plan B option in Thailand that doesn’t depend on tourist visa policies shifting every few months, reach out to me.
There are proper long-term pathways that give you real legal standing.
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Sri Lanka Launches Digital Nomad Visa
Sri Lanka officially launched its first digital nomad visa in February 2026.
This had been discussed since 2021, and now it is finally reality.
The basics:
You need to be 18 or older, earn at least $2,000 per month from clients or employers outside Sri Lanka, and apply online through the Department of Immigration.
The visa costs $500 per person, lasts 12 months, and is renewable annually.
You can bring your spouse and dependents.
If you have more than two kids, the income requirement goes up by $500 for each additional child.
What you get:
Legal residence for a full year.
The ability to open a personal bank account.
The right to enroll your children in international or private schools.
Applications are handled entirely online.
What you don’t get:
Permission to work for Sri Lankan clients or employers. This is strictly for people earning foreign income.
What this means for you:
Sri Lanka is one of the more affordable countries in Asia, with strong appeal for people who want beaches, culture, and a slower pace without the crowds of Bali or Chiang Mai.
Portugal Can't Get Citizenship Law Across the Finish Line
Two things happened in Portugal this month that matter if you are considering residency or citizenship there.