Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: US retightens visa rules; UAE expands VOA facility for 7 nations; and more

 

The list of featured destinations in this newsletter will rotate weekly, the remaining destinations can be found on our webpage.

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Ne Zha 2 boosts cultural tourism across China. Bastille Post Global (Feb 16)

Travel Updates:  "Harry Potter" project to open in Shanghai, competing with Disneyland and Legoland. China Travel News (Feb 13) Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced new additon to Mainland China portfolio. Travel Weekly (Feb 17) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting Feb 10, 2025, ASEAN visitors can visit Xishuangbanna, a city in southwestern Yunnan Province, visa free for up to six days. Xinhua (Feb 10) The stay duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit has been extended from the previous 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Chinese Visa App Centre (Dec 23, 2024) Full information from The State Council, China >

Destination Headlines: Cathay Pacific ranked fourth in world’s best airlines in 2025. Lifestyle Asia (Feb 12) Hong Kong SAR sees 24% rise in visitor arrivals in January. China Daily (Feb 15)

Travel Updates:  Hong Kong Airlines adds daily service to Sydney. Airways Magazine (Feb 14) HK Express resumes daily direct flights to Ishigaki. Travel Daily News (Feb 17) Travel Policy Updates:  The visa-free period for nationals of Saudi Arabia to visit the HKSAR will be extended from 30 to 90 days, per January 15, 2025. Govt of HK (Jan 14) Hong Kongers will require an ETA to enter the UK from Jan 8, 2025. Hong Kongers with British National (Overseas) passports will also need an ETA, as will babies and children. HK Free Press (Jan 8) Full information from The Government of HKSAR >

Destination Headlines: Japan overtakes Thailand as top Lunar New Year destination for Chinese tourists. Thailand Business News (Feb 17)

Travel Updates: Tourism boom sends prices soaring at Japan's famed Niseko ski resort. Kyodo News (Feb 16) ANA launches direct Tokyo-İstanbul flights. Türkiye Today (Feb 13) Travel Policy Updates:  Japanese government eases visa rules for Chinese travellers, including a new 10-years-valid multiple visa and extension of stays in Japan. Travel Voice Japan (Jan 6) Filipino tourists to Japan are advised to file visa applications 2 months before arrival due to rapid increase of visitor numbers. JPN Embassy (Jan 14) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: KTO targets 360,000 Indonesian tourist arrivals this year. Tempo.co (Feb 12)

Travel Updates:  The Gangwon Winter Sports Festival opened on Feb 18. Sports Chosun (Feb 18) Travel Policy Updates:  The Ministry of Justice is accepting applications from local governments in a local government-designed visa programme. They will pilot the visa programme in 2025 and 2026, allowing regional governments to establish tailored guidelines for the D-2 student visa and E-7 work visa. Korea JoongAng Daily (Jan 3) K-ETA exemption period extended to December 31, 2025 for 22 countries. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Dec 13, 2024) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: MGM China reports strong growth, cultural tourism boost in Macao. Travel Daily News (Feb 17) Macao pre- and post-CNY visitor volume at over 100K a day: tourism office. GGR Asia (Feb 13)

Travel Updates:  Macao defends its title as the world’s five-star hotel capital for a third year. The Macao News (Feb 13) Travel Policy Updates:  Per Jan 1, 2025, permanent residents of Zhuhai City and the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin are able to apply for a "one trip per week" permit for Macao. Under the policy, they can visit Macao once per calendar week, with a maximum stay of seven days per trip. The State Council (Nov 29, 2024) Full information from Macao Government Tourism Office >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Indonesia Ministry of Tourism reveals targets for 2025. Travel Daily Media (Feb 18)

Travel Updates:  Uzbekistan, Indonesia sign visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders. KazInform (Feb 12) Travel Policy Updates:  Indonesia launches a new e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) service for 97 nationalities, including the US, Canada, India, Japan, and Australia. ASEAN Briefing (Nov 25, 2024) Azerbaijan and Indonesia waived mutual visa requirements for diplomatic and service passports holders. Xalq qazeti (Nov 29, 2024) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Malaysia's current account surplus set to expand in 2025 on export strength, tourism revival — analysts. The Edge Malaysia (Feb 17) Sarawak and Japan reinforce collaborations in green energy, tourism. Sarawak Tribune (Feb 14)

Travel Updates:  Sarawak launches AirBorneo, makes history as first Malaysian state to own an airline. Travel + Leisure (Feb 16) Travel Policy Updates:  Malaysia has extended its visa-free entry for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. Times of India (Dec 22, 2024) All foreign citizens travelling to Malaysia must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Effective January 1, 2024, completion of this MDAC will be mandatory, except for some conditions mentioned in the list. Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jan 1, 2024) Full information from Immigration Department, Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: SIA Group sees 8.6% rise in January passenger traffic on Chinese New Year travel rush. The Straits Times (Feb 18) Singapore's traveller volume hits 230 million in 2024, surpasses pre-COVID levels. CNA (Feb 14)

Travel Updates:  Resorts World One to homeport in Singapore for limited 2025 season. Travel Daily News (Feb 14) Travel Policy Updates:  Singaporeans are required to apply for and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before making a UK trip from Jan 8, 2025. The Straits Times (Jan 8) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Thailand records 4.8 million tourists so far this year. Bangkok Post (Feb 13) ‘White Lotus’ is expected to lure more tourists to Thailand. CNN (Feb 16)

Travel Updates:  Thailand eyes global leadership in medical and wellness tourism. Nation Thailand (Feb 15) Thailand mulls lifting 53-year-old ban on afternoon alcohol sale in bid to boost tourism. CNA (Feb 14) Travel Policy Updates:  Thailand will adopt a new digital immigration system called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) starting May 1, 2025. This system will replace the paper TM6 form to simplify entry procedures for foreign travellers. Nation Thailand (Feb 1) Thailand has decided to ease rules for long-term visa applicants, scrapping the minimum income requirement and four family members cap for digital nomads and other professionals. VisaGuide (Jan 15) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Timor-Leste government OKs first casino resort. iGB (Feb 17)

Travel Updates:  Timor-Leste debuts a direct air link to China. The Macao News (Feb 17) Travel Policy Updates:  Thailand and Timor-Leste mutually agreed to waive visas for their citizens to promote tourism in both countries. The visa exemption is good for visits of up to 30 days. The Government Public Relations Department, Thailand (Jun 25, 2024) Full information from Immigration Service of Timor Leste >

Destination Headlines: Int’l arrivals to Vietnam up 36.9% in the first month of 2025. Vietnam Plus (Feb 14)

Travel Updates:  Radisson Hotel Group expands in Vietnam with Radisson Blu Ha Long Bay. Travel Daily News (Feb 18) Travel Policy Updates:  Visa-free travel agreement between Belarus and Vietnam became effective since January 30, 2025. Nationals of both territories are eligible to travel visa-free to each other’s countries for stays that do not surpass 30 days from the date of entry. VisaGuide (Jan 30) Starting on March 1, 2025, the Vietnamese government will allow Polish, Czech, and Swiss citizens to enter the country visa-free for 45 days. VisaGuide (Jan 16) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: SATTE 2025 poised for a record-breaking edition. Travel Daily News (Feb 14) Kerala receives over 22 million tourists in 2024. Media India Group (Feb 13)

Travel Updates:  Air India increases frequencies on European routes. Business Travel News (Feb 17) Travel Policy Updates:  The Indian government has launched two special visas for international students: the e-student visa for students and the e-student-x visa for their dependents. Applicants must register on the 'Study in India' portal to apply for these visas, enabling them to pursue higher education in India. Live Mint (Jan 5) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: Pokhara to launch ‘Visit Pokhara 2025’ campaign, aiming for 2 million tourists. Online Khabar (Feb 14) Kathmandu airport nears 5 million international flyers. The Kathmandu Post (Feb 13)

Travel Updates:  Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarahi launches in Nepal. Global Data (Feb19)  Travel Policy Updates:  Nepali citizens travelling through tour package and the members/employees of legal entities/organisations travelling to the golf countries and Malaysia have to take approval from department of immigration prior their visit. DFA (Oct 3, 2024) Full information from Nepal Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: Sri Lanka’s tourism revenue surges by 34.5% in January. Travel and Tour World (Feb 16) February tourist arrivals up 17% to over 115,000 in 1H. Daily FT (Feb 15)

Travel Updates:  Intrepid to host Global Summit 2025 in Sri Lanka. Daily FT (Feb 14)  Travel Policy Updates:  No free visas for tourists from 35 countries for the time being, and travellers wishing to visit Sri Lanka must still comply with the requirement to obtain, and pay for, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival. VisaNews (Oct 1, 2024) With effect from September 27, 2024, all Tourist or Business travellers to Sri Lanka can have ETA for entering in to Sri Lanka. The particular visa-free regime applies to seven nominated countries (China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan) and the rest of the countries may follow the general rules and regulations applicable to Sri Lanka ETA. Department of Immigration and Emigration Full information from Department of Immigration and Emigration >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Australian domestic air travel surges, outpacing capacity. Aviation Source (Feb 18)

Travel Updates:  Air India and Virgin Australia announce codeshare partnership for easier India-Australia travel. KarryOn (Feb 18) Travel Policy Updates:  From January 1, 2025, applicants for Australian student visas are required to include a “Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)” in order to verify their enrollment in a registered course at an educational institution in Australia. VisaGuide (Jan 6) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Jamika Taijeron is MVA’s new managing director. Marianas Variety (Feb 17)

Americas

Destination Headlines: Air Canada sees 2025 core profit above estimates on international travel demand. Reuters (Feb 14) Vancouver International Airport reports second-highest passenger numbers and record cargo volumes in 2024. International Airport Review (Feb 12)

Travel Updates:  Canadians cancelling US trips amid Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Global News (Feb 14) Travel Policy Updates:  IRCC extended the temporary public policy allowing for open work permits to be issued to applicants applying for PR, under the temporary resident to permanent resident pathways (TR to PR pathway), as per Dec 17 2024. CIC News (Jan 11) Full information from Government of Canada >

Destination Headlines: Wyndham execs expect a rebound in US travel in 2025. CoStar (Feb 13)

Travel Updates:  US tightens visa rules for tourists, businesses - longer waits ahead. Business Standard (Feb 15) Travel Policy Updates:  USA to restrict visa issuance and approval to several foreign countries deemed as security or public-safety threat. The White House (Jan 20) USA has restricted the eligibility for visa interview waiver programme at US consular posts abroad, reverting to conditions applied before the pandemic, as more applicants will be subject to in-person visa interviews. Visa categories affected include H-1B, O-1, and L-1. Visa Guide (Feb 14) Full information from U.S. Department of State >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: Saudi Arabia Railways exceeds 13 million passengers, diverts 2 million truck trips in 2024. Middle East Economy (Feb 17)

Travel Updates:  Hajj 2025 update: Saudi Arabia announces ban on children and visa restrictions. Times of India (Feb 16) Travel Policy Updates:  Effective February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia changed visa policy for visitors from 14 countries, issuing only single-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits, and suspending the previous one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely. Economic Times (Feb 8) Saudi Arabia scraps meningitis vaccine requirement for Umrah travellers, while polio vaccination is mandatory for Pakistani following surge in cases. Khaleej Times (Feb 6) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: American visits to Türkiye reach new highs for the second consecutive year. Travel Daily News (Feb 17) Türkiye welcomes 62.2M visitors in 2024, Indian market grows by 20.7%. The Economic Times (Feb 10)

Travel Updates:  Turkish Airlines confirms daily flights between Sydney-İstanbul. Travel Weekly (Feb 14) Travel Policy Updates:  Greece may extend the visa-on-arrival scheme for Turkish citizens visiting 10 islands in 2025. Hurriyet Daily News (Nov 19) Türkiye to extend work permit exemption to 3 years for foreign workers who are able to provide economic, sociocultural, and technological contributions. VisaGuide (Oct 17, 2024) Full information from Ministry of Tourism Affairs, Republic of Turkiye >

Destination Headlines: F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 drives 34% net increase in international visitor spend, Visa data shows. The National (Feb 13) Dubai sees a 31% surge in Chinese tourists. China Daily (Feb 17)

Travel Updates:  UAE re-elected to UNWTO Executive Council. Emirates 247 (Feb 13) UAE expands visa-on-arrival programme for Indian nationals from six more countries. Travel Trade Journal (Feb 17) Travel Policy Updates:  UAE expands visa-on-arrival facility for Indian travellers with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from Singapore, Japan, Korea (ROK), Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, complimenting previous policy that only allows valid documentation from US, EU member states, and the UK. NDTV (Feb 17) Full information from UAE Government Portal > Tags::   PATA