Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Nov 8 Travel Dashboard

 

Israel Travel Updates   Travel updates and information regarding the current situation in Israel can be found in each destination's column if the destinations' authorities have released official announcements.

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: US$42.7 billion in hotel development fuels Chinese tourism recovery. Top Hotel Projects (Nov 2) Customs scraps health declaration requirement for all travellers from November 1. China Briefing (Nov 2)

Travel Updates:  China’s hotel industry recovers as occupancy and room rates return to pre-pandemic levels amid leisure travel boom. SCMP (Nov 6) China Eastern to boost weekly international and regional flights. Aviation Source News (Nov 6) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting from Nov 1, inbound and outbound travellers no longer need to file a health declaration form with customs. People with symptoms of infectious diseases such as fever, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea should make voluntary declarations to customs, and cooperate with customs in temperature monitoring, epidemiological investigation and other health and quarantine measures. The State Council (Nov 3) Most Chinese embassies and consulates now provide visa appointments within two working days in advance. A few Chinese missions no longer require an online appointment for visa applications. The State Council (Nov 3)

Destination Headlines: Japan to focus on promoting lesser-known regions amid soaring demand. Travel Weekly (Nov 6) Airlines JAL and ANA post significant recovery in profits. The Japan Times (Oct 31)

Travel Updates: Philippines, Japan ink deal on tourism cooperation. TTG Asia (Nov 6) Japan takes lead in Nation Brands Index 2023, finds reputational strength on People and Tourism Indices. Ipsos (Nov 1) Travel Policy Updates:  The Japanese Embassy in Vietnam will provide electronic marketing from November 1, 2023. The electronic implementation level begins to be implemented after all the preparatory work has been completed, one after another from a number of Travel Companies designated to organize package tours. Applicable visa type: Single-entry short-term visa with the purpose of traveling within 15 days (Limited to Vietnamese passport holders living in Vietnam). Embassy of Japan in Vietnam (Oct 7) Starting August 21, 2023, Japan will grant visa exemption to Qatari nationals. They can electronically apply for visas at the Embassy of Japan in Doha, streamlining the process. Upon arrival in Japan, travellers should display their visa waiver registration on mobile devices. This change allows Qatari citizens to enjoy visa-free stays of over 30 days. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Aug 8) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Invest KOREA Summit opens to promote Busan's World Expo bid. The Korea Times (Nov 7)

Travel Updates:  Korean Air continues fleet modernisation for operational safety, sustainability and enhanced passenger experience. Future Travel Experience (Nov 3) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting June 27, the Ministry of Justice in Korea (ROK) are accepting application for e-Group Visa for regular tourists. Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines (Jun 28) The Ministry of Justice in Korea (ROK) reinstated the visa-free entry system for foreign transit passengers starting April 30, 2023. For Filipino nationals, specific cases apply: Visa-free entry for 30 days is granted to individuals with a visa (re-entry permit, permanent residency) for the United States, Canada, Australia, or 32 European countries (details in the attachment) who transit through Korea (ROK) on their way to these countries. However, those with prior legal violations like illegal stays or denied entry to Korea (ROK) or their destination may be denied entry. When transferring at Incheon International Airport en route to a country not in (1), a three-day tour is possible through a recognised Transit Tourism Program by the Korean government. Ministry of Justice  (Apr 30) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: MGTO exploring ‘Travel Around Macao’ plan to enhance cultural values. Macau Daily Times (Nov 2) Macao, China had nearly 23M visitor arrivals Jan-Oct; total for 2023 could surpass 27M. GGR Asia (Nov 3)

Travel Updates:  Air Macau concession contract will be extended until the new civil aviation activity law becomes effective. Macao Government News (Nov 6) Travel Policy Updates:  All arrivals, regardless of their nationalities, do not require prior approval from the health authorities to enter Macao, nor do they need to present any COVID-19 test result or undergo medical observation upon entry. Health Bureau of Macao SAR Government (Aug 30) Full information from Macao Government Tourism Office >

Destination Headlines: Mongolia sees record high number of foreign visitors in 10 months. Xinhua (Nov 2) Mongolia sees record high number of foreign visitors in 10 months. AKI Press (Nov 7)

Travel Updates:  Mongolia to introduce tax-free system for foreign visitors. Xinhua (Nov 3) Travel Policy Updates:  No negative PCR or rapid test results are required to enter Mongolia before departure or upon arrival at the border points. No quarantine or self-isolation. These provisions apply to all ages, and both vaccinated and non-vaccinated. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Consular Department (Mar 14) Mongolia and Vietnam have signed a mutual Mongolia-Vietnam visa waiver agreement. Nationals from these bilateral destinations will be exempt for visa required. Vietnam Immigration (Nov 2) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Consular Department >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Bali tourists will be reminded to pay mandatory diving & snorkelling tax. The Bali Sun (Nov 2)

Travel Updates:  More flights from Bali Airport encourage tourists to explore Indonesian archipelago. The Bali Sun (Nov 7) Malaysia-Indonesia conduct border patrol. Borneo Bulletin (Nov 6) Travel Policy Updates:  Indonesia update the list of countries for Visa on Arrival (VOA) and Electronic Visa on Arrival (E-VOA) Holders. Travellers can enjoy a 30-day stay in Indonesia, which can be extended to 60 days. Directorate General of Immigration (Sep 4) PCR test is no longer required to enter Indonesia if a traveller is fully vaccinated. Showing insurance coverage statement for COVID-19 treatment in Indonesia is no longer required. National Committee of Indonesia's Chairmanship in ASEAN (Sep 1, 2022) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Heavy traffic expected at Singapore-Malaysia land borders over Deepavali holiday: ICA. The Straits Times (Nov 6) Full recovery of Malaysia's airline passenger traffic in 2024: Transport Minister. New Business Times (Nov 2)

Travel Updates:  Batik Air expands Indonesia and Malaysia non-stop flights. Citizens Journal (Nov 6) Langkawi prepares for flydubai flights. TTR Weekly (Nov 6) Travel Policy Updates:  All travellers permitted entry, regardless of vaccination status. Tourism Malaysia (Aug 1, 2022) The visa-free entry period for HKSAR passport holders travelling to Malaysia has been extended from a maximum of one month to ninety days. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Aug 21) Full information from Tourism Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: Boracay int’l arrivals grow 355%. Panay News (Nov 7)

Travel Updates:  Govt ‘fine-tuning’ e-visa system to boost tourism. Business Mirror (Nov 6) Philippines unveils updated travel app for visitors. TTG Asia (Nov 3) Travel Policy Updates:  As of 21 July 2023 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced the lifting of the Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19.  As stated in the announcement “All prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that are effective only during the State of Public Health Emergency shall be deemed withdrawn, revoked or cancelled and shall no longer be in effect.” Tourism Philippines (Sep 18) Travellers to and from the Philippines are now required to register through etravel.gov.ph not earlier than 72 hours from their intended arrival. As a replacement for the paper-based departure cards, only outbound Filipino passengers are required to register in the e-Travel system 72 hours but not less than 3 hours from their scheduled departure from the Philippines. Already registered passengers may update their e-Travel status under the Edit Registration tab while crewmembers may update under the Registered Crew tab. Tourism Philippines (May 8) Full Information from Tourism Philippines >

Destination Headlines: Singapore’s Changi Airport fully reopens Terminal 2 following dramatic makeover. CNN (Nov 3)

Travel Updates:  Scoot launches daily flights connecting Chennai and Singapore. Travel Daily News (Nov 6) Travel Policy Updates:  There are no longer any COVID-19 measures for travellers arriving in Singapore from Feb 13, 2023, regardless of vaccination status or traveller profile. Travellers must ensure that they fulfil all other general entry requirements as listed on Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore website. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore (Feb 13) Saudi nationals with passports issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will no longer need to apply for an entry visa to enter Singapore from 1 June 2023 (inclusive). Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore (May 23) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore > Israel Travel Update & Information: Singaporeans are strongly encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg so that the Ministry can contact you should the need arise. Those who need consular assistance while in Israel or the Palestinian Territories may contact the Singapore Embassy in Tel Aviv or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours). Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore (Oct 10)

Destination Headlines: PM Srettha eyes 3.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue for 2024. Nation Thailand (Nov 3) Govt sees visa policy lifting flights to 1.3M next year. The Phuket News (Nov 6)

Travel Updates:  Thailand’s tourist districts may extend nightlife hours to boost economy. The Thaiger (Nov 7) Thai AirAsia launches fly-thru flight to boost up lesser-visited provinces. The Thaiger (Nov 6) Travel Policy Updates:  Thailand suspends TM6 form at Sadao Immigration Checkpoint for incoming and outgoing travellers passing through from November 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. Tourism Authority of Thailand (Nov 6) From today until April 30, 2024, holders of Russian passports or travel documents will be entitled to a tourist visa exemption for a 90-day stay in Thailand, up from the original 30 days. For Indian and Chinese Taipei citizens, they will be granted a temporary visa exemption for a 30-day stay on tourism purpose in Thailand, effective from November 10, 2023 until May 10, 2024. Tourism Authority of Thailand (Nov 6) Full information from Thai Embassy > Israel Travel Update & Information: Royal Thai Embassy, Tel Aviv has closed their centre at InterContinental David Hotel for any operation. The final chartered flight carrying Thai nationals back to Thailand was operated on Nov 3. However, the embassy and the Thai government will continue their assistance upon the needs. Should you have any question or need an assistance, please contact consular.tav@mfa.go.th, https://www.facebook.com/thaiembassytelaviv or emergency call at +972-54-6368150. Royal Thai Embassy, Tel Aviv (Nov 3)

Destination Headlines: Vietnam's tourism sector earns US$23.7 billion in 10 months; international arrivals surpass annual projections in just 9 months. Vietnam Net; Deccan Herald (Nov 2)

Travel Updates:  Marriott to debut two luxury brands in Vietnam. Hotel Designs (Nov 6) Jeju Air opens Incheon - Da Lat service. VnExpress (Nov 5) Travel Policy Updates:  Vietnam has extended the validity of tourist e-visas to 90 from 30 days, with multiple entries, and tripled the duration of visa-free stays for visitors from certain countries to 45 days. Vietnam Immigration Department (Oct 15) Mongolia and Vietnam have signed a mutual Mongolia-Vietnam visa waiver agreement. Nationals from these bilateral destinations will be exempt for visa required. Vietnam Immigration (Nov 2) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism

Tags: PATA