New Visa Rules 2025: Higher Financial Requirements for Thailand, Canada, UK & More

Are you planning to travel, study, invest, or reunite with family abroad in 2025? The global visa landscape is shifting rapidly, with new financial proof requirements and stricter immigration policies in top destinations.

From Thailand’s sandy shores to the bustling streets of London, visa rules are tightening across the board. From bank statements for tourists to higher income thresholds for sponsors, these updates could catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.

Here’s your essential guide to the top five visa changes in 2025 that every traveller, student, investor, and expat needs to know.

Thailand: Financial Proof Required for Tourists in 2025

After a year of relaxed entry requirements, Thailand has reintroduced strict financial requirements for tourists. As of May 2025, solo travellers must show proof of at least THB 20,000, while families need THB 40,000. This means you’ll need recent bank statements to prove you can fund your adventure; no more spontaneous trips without a financial safety net.

• Effective: May 2025
• Solo travellers: Must show at least THB 20,000
• Families: Minimum proof of THB 40,000

What You Need:

• Recent bank statements
• Evidence of funds before arrival
• Enough to cover your stay and travel expenses

Travel Tip: Prepare your bank documents before departure to avoid last-minute hassles at immigration.

Brazil: Visa and Proof of Funds Return for US, Canada, and Australia

Brazil has brought back visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia starting April 10, 2025. Applicants must now show at least USD 2,000 in available funds, submit bank statements, and pay an $81 visa fee. The good news? The visa is valid for 10 years with multiple entries.

• Effective: April 10, 2025
• New Requirements:
  • Tourist visa application
  • Proof of USD 2,000 in funds
  • $81 visa fee
  • Multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years

Who’s Affected: Digital nomads, Carnival fans, and business travellers should budget and prepare paperwork well in advance.

Good to Know: This affects tourists, digital nomads, and long-term travellers alike. So if you’re heading to Rio, be sure your bank account is ready for inspection.

New Zealand: Investor Visa Now More Accessible

In April 2025, New Zealand revamped its Active Investor Plus Visa to attract global capital. The minimum investment drops to NZ$5 million, and applicants only need to spend 21 days per year in the country. The English language test has been scrapped—your financial clout is what counts now.

• Effective: April 2025
• Investor Visa: Active Investor Plus
• New Perks:
  • Lower investment threshold: NZD 5 million
  • Just 21 days of annual residency required
  • No English language test

Why It Matters: This is now one of the world’s most flexible investor visas, making New Zealand a hot spot for global investors.

Canada: International Students Need Bigger Budgets

Dreaming of studying in Canada? As of 2024-2025, international students must show CAN $20,635 in living expenses, almost double the previous requirement, plus tuition and travel costs. This move aims to ensure students can truly afford life in Canada.

• Effective: 2024–2025 Academic Year
• New Financial Requirement: CAN $20,635 for living expenses (up from $10,000)
• Plus tuition fees and travel costs

Student Advice: Start budgeting early and gather your financial documents to secure your study permit without delays.

United Kingdom: Spouse Sponsorship Income Requirement Rises

Bringing your spouse to the United Kingdom just got tougher. Since April 2024, the minimum income threshold for sponsorship has jumped from £18,600 to £29,000. If you don’t meet the income bar, you may still qualify with savings above £16,000, but the financial expectations are higher than ever.

• Effective: April 2024
• New Sponsorship Income Requirement:
  • £29,000 (up from £18,600)
  • Savings route possible with at least £16,000

Pro Tip: Review your finances and consider alternative routes if you’re close to the threshold.

Summary Table: 2025 Visa Rule Changes

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Global Mobility

Visa rules are no longer just about paperwork—they’re about proof of financial stability, investment capability, and higher income standards. With these changes in place, it’s crucial to:

• Plan early
• Save more than the minimum required
• Double-check new visa conditions before applying

If you’re a traveller, student, investor, or expat hopeful, these new rules could either open doors or close them, depending on how prepared you are.