Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)
(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).
47 από 48.366 Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Saudi-Solomon goes visa-free; Kenya's new transit ETA & Digital Nomad permits; and more
New destination: Federated States of Micronesia added to the dashboard. The list of featured destinations in this newsletter will rotate weekly, the remaining destinations can be found on our webpage.
ast Asia
Destination Headlines:
China sees surge in return trips as holiday nears end. Global Times (Oct 7)
China's National Day marks record 21.44M train trips. CGTN (Oct 2)
Travel Updates:
China’s ‘port visas’ prove popular as inbound tourists employ entry alternative.SCMP (Oct 7)
Travel Policy Updates:
From October 15, 2024 to December 31, 2025, to further promote cross-border travel, China decided to expand its visa waiver program and extend the visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Slovenia on a trial basis. Ministry of Foreign Affairs(Sep 30)
China will extend visa exemption to Malaysian citizens till the end of 2025 and Malaysia will do the same to Chinese citizens till the end of 2026. Ministry of Foreign Affairs(Sep 25)
Australia, New Zealand tourists to Chinese Taipei near pre-pandemic levels. Taiwan News (Oct 7)
Chinese Taipei ranked second in top five gourment destinations for Asian Travellers: Agoda. Maeil Business Newspaper (Oct 1)
Travel Updates:
Chinese Taipei appoints Vietnamese Beauty Queen as Ambassador, aims to attract 500,000 Vietnamese tourists. Rti (Oct 3)
STARLUX Airlines codeshares with Alaska Airlines on eight US domestic routes. eTurboNews (Oct 4)
Travel Policy Updates:
MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. Bureau of Consular Affairs(Jun 4)
People who have been in Afghanistan, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) for four weeks or longer within the past year, must submit proof of having taken the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) four weeks to one year before applying for Chinese Taipei visas. Bureau of Consular Affairs(Jan 17)
Tourist spending pushes up lumber demand in Japan. Nikkei Asia (Oct 5)
Travel Updates:
Japan Airlines and Garuda Indonesia sign commercial cooperation agreement. Aerotime(Oct 4)
Travel Policy Updates:
Starting August 1, 2024, UAE foreign residents are required to apply for a Japan visa via VFS Global, as the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai has entrusted the company with facilitating the visa application process. Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai (Jul 24)
Foreign nationals/people who wish to travel to Japan for tourism for a short-term period can apply for a visa online and receive an electronic visa (eVISA). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Aug 1)
Korea Tourism Organization has made it easier for Filipinos to apply for a visa by removing the need for bank certificates, bank statements, and income tax returns for eligible credit card holders starting September 6, 2024. Korean Tourism Organization(Sep 9)
Korea's Ministry of Justice to extend the pilot e-group visa programme for citizens of three Southeast Asian countries of the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam by two years. Vietnam Plus (Jun 28)
Starting from July 25, Golden Visa holders can enjoy extended stay periods (up to 10 years), priority immigration service lanes at international airports, and efficiency as they no longer need to apply for limited stay permits (ITAS) at the immigration office. Directorate General of Immigration(Jul 25)
Hong Kong SAR residents have officially been granted visa-free access to Indonesia. It could facilitate international business to enabling spontaneous trips to Indonesia. Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia(Sep 4)
Foreign tourists to Philippines top 4M in year to September. GGR Asia (Oct 7)
Philippines air travel to fully recover in 2025 – IATA. The Philippine Star (Oct 4)
Travel Updates:
Philippine Airlines launches Manila to Seattle direct flights.The Philippines Star (Oct 3)
Cebu, Boracay among Agoda's top beach getaways.The Manila Times (Oct 4)
Travel Policy Updates:
Visa-required nationals onboard cruise ship vessels arriving in the Philippines will now be able to secure entry visas faster and more conveniently. Department of Tourism (Jun 16)
Visa data reveals foreign visitor travel spending boosted by 30% during annual signature F1 race week. Visa Worldwide (Oct 3)
Travel Updates:
The Standard to debut in Singapore. Bangkok Post(Oct 3)
Travel Policy Updates:
Singapore and Timor-Leste reached a mutual agreement on visa waiver: Holders of Diplomatic, Official, and Ordinary passports issued by Singapore can stay of up to 30 days in Timor-Leste, while holders of Diplomatic, Official, Service and Ordinary passports issued by Timor-Leste will enjoy up to 30 days visa-free stay in Singapore. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Jun 27)
Singapore has exempted visa requirements for all Omani citizens. Foreign Ministry of Oman (Jul 15)
Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 placed Thailand among Top 20 Countries in the World. TAT Newsroom (Oct 7)
H1 2024 bookings surge in Thailand, driven by group travel and long stays. The Nation (Oct 3)
Travel Updates:
Thailand aims to host F1 street race in Bangkok by 2024. Travel Daily News (Oct 7)
Thai AirAsia X relocates to Don Mueang for enhanced connectivity. Travel Daily News (Oct 3)
Travel Policy Updates:
Thailand will allow tourists and short-term business travellers from 93 countries/regions to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days (instead of 30 days as before). The Government Public Relation Department (May 31)
Thailand introduces digital nomads visa - the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) - that permits up to 180 days per visit. The Government Public Relation Department (May 31)
Vietnam's nine-month international tourist arrivals exceed 2023 total; pushes for 18 million international tourists by 2024. VnExpress; Travel and Tour World (Oct 7)
Korean visitors increase spending in Vietnam: Visa. VnExpress (Oct 3)
Travel Updates:
Vietnam Airlines adds Munich to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. FTN News (Oct 3)
Travel Policy Updates:
Citizens of Kazakhstan and Vietnam can travel visa free between 2 countries from May 25, 2024. Kyrgyz National News Agency(May 7)
ADB approves $162M support to strengthen coastal protection in Himachal Pradesh, India. ADB(Oct 7)
Travel Updates:
Marriott International to bring the iconic EDITION Hotels brand to India with Mumbai launch. The Economic Times (Oct 7)
Travel Policy Updates:
India is to exempt 100,000 visa fees to foreign tourists as part of the Ministry of Tourism’s new “Chalo India” campaign, announced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Minister of Tourism on September 27. Ministry of Tourism(Sep 27)
Nationals of Japan, Korea (ROK) & the UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) are eligible for Visa-on-Arrival to India. Government of India(Aug 9)
Effective from May 14, 2023, “Meeting Visa” will be granted for any foreign national visiting the Maldives for the purpose of attending a meeting, conference, or convention held in the Maldives. Meeting Visa does not require pre-approval, and it will be issued to foreign nationals who meet the entry requirements under the mentioned visa. Maldives Immigration (May 23, 2023)
Over 800,000 foreigners visit Nepal in first nine months of 2024. myRepublica (Oct 3)
Travel Updates:
Kathmandu’s iconic Annapurna Hotel to be resurrected. The Kathmandu Post (Oct 5)
Airlines to sell flight tickets at reduced prices until road services fully resume. myRepublica (Oct 2)
Travel Policy Updates:
Nepal issues a study visa to an American citizen holding a passport of the USA, on the basis of reciprocity, the multi-entry visa fee for 5 years (study period) will be fixed at USD 160 and this visa fee will be applied from 1st Baisakh 2080 (April 14, 2023). Department of Immigration (Apr 17, 2023)
25th WTTC Global Summit kicks off in Perth with focus on tourism growth, sustainability, and innovation. Outlook Traveller (Oct 8)
Tourism to become $91 billion cornerstone of NSW economy with NSW Visitor Economy Strategy. The National Tribune (Oct 8)
Travel Updates:
$15 million International Tourism Recovery Program bringing international visitors back to Tropical North Queensland. The National Tribune(Oct 8)
Brisbane makes American Express' top 10 list of trending global destinations for 2025. Travel Weekly(Oct 4)
Travel Policy Updates:
Australia is set to offer up to 1,000 work and holiday visas annually to Indian citizens, beginning on October 1, 2024. This move is part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which has been in effect since December 2022. Minister for Trade and Tourism Special Minister of State(Sep 26)
Australia will join the United States’ Global Entry program from 2025, making travel easier for the hundreds of thousands of Australians who visit the US every year. The program will initially be available from January 2025 to a limited number of Australians that travel most frequently to the US, with work underway to open up the program to all eligible Australians who wish to apply later in 2025. Minister for Foreign Affairs(Aug 6)
Fiji recognised as top island in Australia and the South Pacific by Condé Nast. FBC News (Oct 7)
Travel Updates:
Fiji Airways expands Adelaide-Nadi service starting April 2025. Glam Adelaide(Oct 3)
Travel Policy Updates:
Fiji and UAE announce visa-free travel. This means that passport holders from the UAE and Fiji including diplomatic, special, ordinary and service passports can now enjoy visa-free access to each other’s territories. Ministry of Foreign Affair(Dec 3, 2023)
'Maui is open': HTLA president continues to encourage the return of visitors. Hawaii News Now(Oct 2)
Travel Updates:
Hawaiian Airlines introduces free Starlink Wi-Fi across Airbus fleet. TravelAge West(Oct 6)
Travel Policy Updates:
Travellers arriving in Hawaii directly from an international airport must still comply with U.S. federal requirements. For updates on international travel, visit CDC.gov.
Yap doubles visitor arrivals in 2024. Saipan Tribune(Sep 27)
Destination Headlines:
Guam arrivals hit 700K in first 11 months of FY2024. Pacific Daily News(Oct 3)
Destination Headlines:
Northern Marianas authorities work to boost tourism to the islands. Travel Daily Media(Oct 7)
Travel Updates:
Solomon Islands agrees visa exemption for Saudis. ZAWYA(Oct 7)
Travel Updates:
Tonga keeps whale watching in check amid global concerns. Islands Business(Oct 7)
Americas
Destination Headlines:
Vancouver named among world's most underrated winter travel spots. Daily Hive (Oct 4)
Travel Updates:
Qatar Airways expands Canada service with new Toronto flights. Travel Pulse (Oct 3)
Travel Policy Updates:
Effective Feb 29, Mexican citizens travelling to Canada will need to meet new visa requirements. Existing eTA will automatically be cancelled unless with a work permit or study visa, eTA in progress will need to be re-applied. All travellers from Mexico will need to apply for eTA or visitor visa before entering. Government of Canada (Feb 29)
The Canada - Finland Youth Mobility Agreement lets youth at the age of 18 - 35 of both countries to travel between the 2 countries through International Experience Canada (IEC) Program. Government of Canada (Mar 1)
US RevPAR to improve in the second half of 2024, forecasts CBRE. Hotels (Oct 4)
Travel Updates:
Delta launches first-ever nonstop route from Salt Lake City to Seoul. Travel Daily Media (Oct 4)
Travel Policy Updates:
The U.S. Mission to India opened an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travelers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India (Sep 30)
Starting October 1, 2024, citizens of the United States will be able to stay in Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days instead of the current limit, which stands at 30 days. U.S. Embassy in Qatar (Sep 24)
All COP29 participants traveling from outside Azerbaijan will require a visa. The Azerbaijan Government has authorized an electronic, free of charge “COP29 Special Visa," for all COP29 Azerbaijan registered participants. The COP29 Special Visa allows the holder a single-entry visit. COP29 Azerbaijan
Royal Jordanian Airlines resumes direct flights between Berlin and Amman. Aviation24 (Oct 2)
Travel Policy Updates:
All COVID-19 entry restrictions to Germany have been provisionally lifted. Entry into Germany will again be permitted for all travel purposes (including tourism and visiting trips). For entry into Germany, proof of vaccination, proof of convalescence or proof of testing is no longer required. Federal Ministry of Health (Apr 28)
Germany's immigration law reforms is expected to come into force in three steps in November 2023, March 2024 and June 2024. The reforms to the Skilled Immigration Act particularly focus on workers with vocational, non-academic training. Existing rules for qualified professionals with university degrees will also be relaxed. The German legislator has restructured and widened the migration possibilities with an EU Blue Card. Federal Government (Oct 22)
Kenya hosts int'l travel expo amid quest to grow tourist numbers. Xinhua (Oct 3)
Travel Updates:
Kenya announces launch of transit ETA and Digital Nomad Work Permits to boost tourism. ATTA(Oct 3)
AirAsia X and Kenya Tourism Board collaborate to drive tourism ahead of first direct flights between Nairobi and Kuala Lumpur. Air Asia Newsroom(Oct 4)
Travel Policy Updates:
Kenya's new visa-free policy is now in effect, enabling foreign nationals to enter the country using an electronic travel authorisation instead of a traditional visa. KCAA (Jan 16)
Saudi leisure tourism sees 656% surge, reaching 17.5 million visitors in 2024; visitors spend more than $24B. Hotelier Middle East; Arab News (Oct 17)
Saudi Arabia adds 60 new direct air routes since launch of Air Connectivity Program. Arab News (Oct 8)
Travel Updates:
Saudi Arabia & Solomon Islands establish visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders. Visa Guide(Oct 7)
Saudi Tourism Authority drives SAR2 billion tourism projects in Al-Ahsa. Hotelier Middle East(Oct 4)
Travel Policy Updates:
Saudi Arabia announced the official Approved Destination Status (ADS), effective July 1, in an effort to prove Saudi Arabia's readiness for welcoming Chinese visitors. Chinese visitors can expect to enjoy streamlined visa procedures, increased flight capacity, Mandarin integration, ... when traveling to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Press Agency (Jun 23)
Saudi Arabia has eased tourist visa requirements for Pakistani travellers with “immediate effect” wherein applicants can now submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of $750 or its equivalent. Geo news (Jul 3)
