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).
Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: US considers banning 36 countries; Macao visa-free for Gulf nations; and more.
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China-Central Asia tourism heats up, as visitor numbers soar. Global Times (Jun 16)
Travel Updates:
Beijing subway now accepts all five major global card networks. China Travel News (Jun 16)
China grants 10-day visa-free transit to Indonesian citizens. VisaGuide (Jun 12)
Travel Policy Updates:
China grants free 10 day visa-free transition to Indonesian nationals. Additionally, this policy will apply to a further 55 countries. VisaGuide(Jun 12)
China has launched ASEAN visa for ASEAN member states and its observer Timor-Leste. It offers five-year multiple-entry visas for individuals and their family whose purpose is business enabling a maximum stay of 180 days. Ministry of Foreign Affairs The People's Republic of China(Jun 3)
Cruise boom buoys Japan's post-pandemic tourism. The Mainichi (Jun 12)
Japanese coastal cities Fujisawa, Kamakura saw rise in tourists in 2024. NHK (Jun 13)
Travel Updates:
Tourist-crowded Japan turns to apps to combat guide shortages. Nikkei Asia(Jun 13)
Japan planning to require all foreign tourists to have health insurance. Travel Weekly Asia(Jun 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
Japan will begin pre-arrival screening of visa-free travellers starting in FY 2028. VisaGuide (May 19)
Starting July 1, 2025 nationals of Peru will be able to visit Japan visa-free for short-term stays not greater than 90 consecutive days. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Jun 2)
K-Pop drives June tourism surge to Korea (ROK) as global fans flock to Seoul and Busan. Travel Daily News(Jun 12)
Busan hits peak foreign tourism with more than 1 million visitors this year. Korea JooAng Daily(Jun 16)
Travel Updates:
Jetstar boosts capacity to Korea (ROK) with sale fare offers. Travel Weekly(Jun 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
Korea (ROK) launched its "Top-Tier" Visa programme on April 2, 2025 aimed at attracting top talent to Korea (ROK). Visa Guide (Apr 3)
Korea (ROK) will temporarily abolish visa requirements for Chinese tourist groups, taking effect in Q3 2025 to boost the tourism industry. Visa Guide (Mar 20)
MGTO optimistic about visitor numbers over summer holidays. Macau Daily Times (Jun 17)
Travel Updates:
Macao to exempt citizens of Gulf nations from visa requirements. Macau Daily Times (Jun 17)
Macao eases immigration for foreign visitors arriving via H-Z-M Bridge. Macau Business (Jun 11)
Travel Policy Updates:
Nationals of Saudia Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman will be exempted from visa requirements. This policy will begin July 16, 2025. Macau Daily Times(Jun 17)
Foreign visitors entering Macao via H-Z-M bridge are allowed to go through immigration without needing to leave their vehicle, if they are from visa-free countries with a valid passport. Macau Business(Jun 11)
Indonesia’s international visitor spend to reach a record-breaking IDR 344T in 2025. WTTC (Jun 12)
New travel data shows Bali in increasingly high demand from European tourists. The Bali Sun (Jun 14)
Travel Updates:
AirAsia adds Palembang and Semarang to its Indonesia network. Travel Daily News (Jun 18)
Travel Policy Updates:
Indonesia has updated their extension process for tourist and long-stay foreign nationals in Indonesia to require an online registration followed by an in-person interview. Bali Legals Group (May 29)
Indonesia has relaxed its multiple-entry visa protocols allowing for foreign nationals to extend their stay two times at 60 days each. This will allow people to stay for 180 days from the time of entry into Indonesia. Directorate General of Immigration (May 15)
Korean arrivals to Sarawak up 20%, as STB strengthens Northeast Asia push. Borneo Post Online (Jun 14)
Malaysia expects to attract 500,000 British tourists next year. VnExpress (Jun 14)
Travel Updates:
Malaysia tops Global Muslim Travel Index for the 10th year. Business Today (Jun 13)
Travel Policy Updates:
Malaysia and China have agreed to further extend the visa-free agreement for five years until 2031; implementation of the extension will come into effect soon. Embassy of PRC in Malaysia(May 6)
Citizens of Kosovo can now visit Malaysia for stays of up to 30 days visa exempt. Visa Guide (Apr 25)
Russia and Myanmar discuss mutual visa-free travel for citizens. Asia News Network (Jun 13)
Travel Updates:
Myanmar Airways International boosts international capacity with October schedule expansion. The Global New Light of Myanmar(Jun 14)
Travel Policy Updates:
Myanmar launches visa-free scheme.
Citizens of Singapore and Vietnam can visit for up to 30 days, either for tourism or business. Singaporean travellers can enter and exit the country via any port, whether by land, air, or sea.
Visitors from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Thailand can enjoy visa-free access for up to 14 days but must use specific entry points. Travel and Tour World(Nov 7, 2024)
Myanmar has announced a visa-on-arrival policy for holders of the Macao Passport, allowing them to apply for a Tourist Visa upon arrival at international airports for a maximum stay of 30 days. This measure is put into use on a trial basis for one year starting from October 21, 2024. GOV.MO(Nov 8, 2024)
Princess Cruises to homeport two ships in Singapore for new season. TTG Asia(Jun 16)
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 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, 2024)
Malaysia surpasses China as Thailand's largest source of visitors. VnExpress (Jun 11)
Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand decreased by 2.7% between January and May 2025. Thailand Business News (Jun 16)
Travel Updates:
Rayong named no.1 "Slow Travel" destination in Asia for 2025 by Agoda. The Nation (Jun 12)
US State Dept upgrades Thailand’s travel advisory to safest level. The Nation (Jun 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) launched on May 1, 2025 to replace the paper-based arrival card given to international visitors to Thailand. Thailand Immigration Bureau (May 1)
Thailand now requires proof of sufficient funds of foreign bank statement of at least 20,000 THB (600 USD$) or a letter of gurantee of said amount for tourist visa. Pattaya Mail (Mar 18)
Vietnam Airlines to launch first direct flight to Italy next month. VnExpress (Jun 15)
Travel Policy Updates:
Vietnam has launched a ten year golden visa to attract tourism and investment. The Nation(May 8)
Vietnam applies visa exemption for citizens from 12 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Korea (ROK), Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland) effective March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028. Vietnam Travel(Mar 8)
Jungle tourism session ends across Uttar Pradesh, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve sees record footfall. The Times of India(Jun 16)
Travel Updates:
Off-season fades from India's travel scene amid flexible work, breaks. Business Standard (Jun 13)
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)
India has approved a special 30-day visa-free entry for Thai tourists until 31 December 2025, allowing one or two entries and a stay of up to 30 days without any visa fee. Embassy of India, Thailand(Feb 6)
Sri Lanka welcomes over 43,000 tourists in early June. Daily FT (Jun 16)
Travel Updates:
Arkia Airlines resumes direct flights to Sri Lanka for the autumn holidays. The Jerusalem Post (Jun 12)
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
Australia’s travel & tourism sector set to reach record $315B in 2025. Hospitality Net(Jun 16)
Tourism Research Australia research shows increase in Japanese visitors to NSW. Travel Weekly(Jun 16)
Travel Updates:
Gold Coast welcomes Australia’s first Mondrian. Travel Weekly Asia (Jun 15)
New Zealand announces visa waiver for Chinese travelling from Australia. Global Times (Jun 15)
Travel Policy Updates:
Nationals of China travelling to New Zealand from Australia, who have valid Australian visitor, work, student, or family visa can visit New Zealand for up to three months under NZeTA. The visa-waiver programme is being trialled for 12 months before a more definite decision is made. Global Times (Jun 15)
Australia has introduced new updates to the Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), allowing eligible travellers to extend their stay for an additional 12 months. Travel & Tour World (Feb 23)
Fiji Airports to modernise Nadi International Airport. ACI-Asia Pacific(Jun 12)
Destination Headline:
French Polynesia announces world’s largest marine protected area at UN Ocean Conference. EcoWatch(Jun 13)
Destination Headline:
Ban on harvesting coconut crabs comes into effect in Solomon Islands. ABC(Jun 12)
The Americas
Destination Headlines:
Mexico sees double-digit growth in international tourism in April. Travel Pulse (Jun 12)
Quintana Roo set to surpass Las Vegas in hotel infrastructure with 150K rooms projected. Vallarta Daily (Jun 16)
Travel Updates:
Mexico travel may disrupt this weekend as tropical storm Dalil approaches. Travel and Tour World(Jun 14)
Travel Policy Updates:
Since May 6, 2024, Mexico has been requiring all Peruvians to hold a visa in order to be permitted entry to the country. These measures have been taken to slow migration to the US. VisaGuide (May 9)
Visa-free entry reinstated for Mexican nationals entering Peru for business or travel purposes. Fragomen (Apr 11)
Brand USA launches new tourism campaign as travel recovery stalls. Skift (Jun 16)
Trump administration considers adding 36 countries to travel ban list. The Washington Post (Jun 14)
Travel Updates:
Northern US states woo travellers with ‘Canadians-only’ deals. CNN(Jun 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
DHS has rescined Romania's designation into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). USDHS (May 2)
Any nationals from the following 12 countries have been banned from entering the USA, they are: Afganistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The White House (Jun 4)
Tourism in Germany rose 11% in April overnight stays. ANSA (Jun 11)
Travel Updates:
German National Tourist Board publishes halal travel guide book. TTG Asia(Jun 13)
Travel Policy Updates:
National visa procedure is going digital. The Consular Services Portal is being launched worldwide on 1 January 2025, enabling people around the world to submit applications for German visas online. Federal Foreign Office (Jan 6)
Third-country nationals require a visa to enter Germany. The short-stay Schengen visa allows its holders to enter and reside in Germany for a maximum period of 90 days within a 180-day period. For stays of up to 90 days, visitors apply for a Schengen visa, and for longer stays, visitors apply for a national visa. Visitors may apply for a Schengen visa from between six months and generally no later than 15 days before their planned trip
*Starting from May 2025, visitors will be required to apply for ETIAS to enter Germany. German Federal Foreign Office (Apr 28)
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and amusement market to reach $6.1 billion by 2033: Report. Economy Middle East (Jun 12)
Travel Updates:
Saudi Arabia new travel rule: Hotel bookings now mandatory to get an Umrah visa. Business Today(Jun 16)
Saudi Arabia resumes issuing eVisa for nationals of Tajikistan. Asia-Plus(Jun 12)
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)
UAE has launched the first phase of the Blue Visa Program, a new long-term visa dedicated to sustainability and environmental action professionals, offering a ten-year residency. UAE Govt (Mar 4)
UAE lifts travel ban on travel to Lebanon for UAE nationals. They will need to register with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Twajudi service before departure. UAE MoFA (May 4)
Hotel stays in Türkiye rebound sharply heading into new season. Daily Sabah (Jun 13)
Health care sector increases share in tourism revenues. Hürriyet Daily News (Jun 13)
Travel Updates:
Syrian Airlines resumes flights to İstanbul after 12-year hiatus. Türkiye Today (Jun 11)
Geben Valley declared Türkiye’s 50th national park. Hürriyet Daily News (Jun 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
Greece may extend the visa-on-arrival scheme for Turkish citizens visiting 10 islands in 2025. Hurriyet Daily News (Nov 19, 2024)
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)
