Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Jan 24 Travel Dashboard

 

The list of featured destinations in this newsletter will rotate on a weekly basis. Destinations with any updates regarding a change in travel policies will be given priority to be featured, the remaining destinations can be found on our webpage

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: China’s projected 2024 outbound travel boom, airlines double down. Jing Daily (Jan 22) Chinese travel bookings for Lunar New Year soar over 10-fold. YiCai (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  China grants visa-free access to two more European countries: Switzerland and Ireland. Travel Tomorrow (Jan 22) China's winter tourism boom indicates huge market potential: Foreign Ministry. Ecns (Jan 23) Travel Policy Updates:  China and Switzerland, Ireland agree: visa-free entry and easier visas for Chinese citizens. Xinhua, Xinhua (Jan 17) China simplifies the process for visitors, including relaxed conditions for port visas, exemption from inspection procedures for 24-hour visa-free transit at major airports, the ability to apply for visa extensions and multiple-entry visas within China, and minimizing documentation requirements for visa applications. National Immigration Administration (Jan 15)

Destination Headlines: Taipei 101 observatory attracted 1.29 million visitors last year. Taiwan News (Jan 19) Chinese Taipei the best place to retire in the world in 2024: CEOWORLD. CEOWORLD Magazine (Jan 23)

Travel Updates:  Starlux launches maiden flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand; Vietjet launches Phu Quoc-Taipei flight. Focus Taiwan; Simple Flying (Jan 18) Asian Archipelago Cruise Alliance launches. Rti (Jan 22) Travel Policy Updates:  Vietnamese passport holders who submit online applications for e-visa to Chinesse Taipei "with a visa, resident certificate or permanent resident certificate issued by Japan/Korea (ROK) as supporting documents will no longer be eligible for a Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC)” from Taiwanese authorities. VnExpress (Oct 3, 2023) Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, for Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines nationals. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Taipei (Aug 1, 2023) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Taipei >

Destination Headlines: HKIA leads soaring air traffic recovery in December 2023. Travel and Tour World (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade” returns to Hong Kong SAR after five years. Business Wire (Jan 19) Hong Kong SAR to extend mainland border checkpoint hours over Lunar New Year. HKFP (Jan 23) Travel Policy Updates:  All inbound persons must pass temperature checks upon arrival. Those found with symptoms will be referred to the Department of Health for further handling. No further restrictions upon arrival. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Feb 6, 2023) "Fly from Hong Kong via Zhuhai" policy, which took effect on Tuesday, allows travellers arriving at Zhuhai Jinwan Airport on the Chinese mainland to travel via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to Hong Kong International Airport to fly to overseas destinations without going through immigration in Hong Kong SAR. The same service applies in reverse, with people flying into Hong Kong SAR from overseas being able to transfer to China cities via the HZMB and Zhuhai Airport without the need to undergo Hong Kong immigration procedures. China News Service (CNS) (Dec 13) Full information from The Government of HKSAR >

Destination Headlines: Japan sees record 2.73M visitors in December; 25.06M for 2023. Japan Today (Jan 18) Japan's Mount Fuji plans to limit climbing this summer to avoid trash problems, injuries among inexperienced climbers. The Hindustan Times (Jan 21)

Travel Updates: Japan's ANA to debut flights to Milan, Stockholm and Istanbul. Nikkei Asia (Jan 21) Japan's official 2024 cherry blossom forecast released. Travel + Leisure (Jan 19) 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, 2023) 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, 2023) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Korea (ROK)'s tourism-boosting plan announced by Culture Ministry. Korea JooAng Daily (Jan 19) Korean air traffic nears pre-COVID levels despite hurdles remaining on Chinese and European routes. Korea JooAng Daily (Jan 21)

Travel Updates:  WestJet announces nonstop service from Calgary to Seoul. Upgraded Points (Jan 22) oneworld opens its 1st Alliance operated lounge in Seoul Incheon Airport. Simple Flying (Jan 22) Travel Policy Updates:  Korea (ROK) began issuing digital nomad visas from Jan. 1, allowing foreigners to stay for up to two years. VnExpress (Jan 3) 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, 2023) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Indonesia targets 1 million Chinese tourist arrivals in 2024. Antara (Jan 21) New tourist tax in Indonesia's Bali effective starting February 14. Tempo.co (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  Tech experts say ‘Silicon Bali’ will remain digital nomad haven in 2024. The Bali Sun (Jan 20) 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, 2023) 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: Lao PDR is hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024. Lao News Agency (Jan 23)

Travel Updates:  Lao PDR-China Railway boosts daily trips in preparation of tourism surge. The Laotian Times (Jan 23) Travel Policy Updates:  Travellers are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or COVID-19 test results at any international airports, land border crossings, or ports of entry in Lao PDR. Lao News Agency (Dec 27, 2022) Full Information from Foreign Travel Advisory, Gov.UK >

Destination Headlines: Penang's cruise tourism records robust resurgence. New Straits Times (Jan 23) Tourism Malaysia gearing up for Visit Malaysia 2026. The Malaysian Reserve (Jan 23)

Travel Updates:  Direct flights from Vizag to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok to take off in April. BizzBuzz (Jan 23) Tourism Malaysia wins big at Putra Aria Brand Awards. Citizens Journal (Jan 23) Travel Policy Updates:  Singaporeans travelling to Malaysia will not be required to fill up the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), which will otherwise be compulsory from Jan 1 for foreign travellers. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia (Dec 8, 2023) The Malaysian government has announced that tourists from China and India will be allowed 30-day visa-free entry from Dec. 1 as part of its tourism and economic revival efforts. Belt and road portal (Nov 27, 2023) Full information from Tourism Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: China’s travellers seen to head overseas more in 2024; S’pore expected to gain. The Straits Times (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  Qantas launches Embraer E190 Darwin Singapore flights. Simple Flying (Jan 18) Vietnam Airlines, Sentosa to promote tourism between Vietnam and Singapore. TTG Asia (Jan 23) 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, 2023) 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, 2023) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Thai hotel industry expects correction as 'revenge travel' cools. Nikkei Asia (Jan 17) Thailand expects 1 million foreign tourists during Lunar New Year. VnExpress (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  Phuket seaplane terminal to open up island tourism. The Nation (Jan 22) Travel Policy Updates:  Agreement on mutual visa exemption reached between Thailand and China from March 1, 2024. Royal Thai Government (Jan 2) Thailand provides special 90 day visa for cultural exploration - including Muy Thai, Thai dancing, music, & culinary arts. Prime Minister Twitter (Jan 15) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Vietnam is Korea (ROK)'s hottest business-class travel destination. VnExpress (Jan 21) Travel firms see surge in tour bookings by overseas Vietnamese for Tet. VnExpress (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  Vietnam, China jointly maintain cross-border railway bridge for upcoming travel rush. Xinhua (Jan 21) Vietnamese Tet Festival 2024 opens in HCMC. VnExpress (Jan 18) 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, 2023) 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, 2023) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: India's growing middle class poised to transform travel landscape. The Economic Times (Jan 21) Temple tourism set to soar under India's Modi; Ayodhya to surpass Mecca, Vatican as global spiritual tourism hotspot. Reuters; NDTV (Jan 23)

Travel Updates:  Travel surge sparks 50% jump in hospitality jobs across India. Economic Times (Jan 19) Travel Policy Updates:  Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary passport holders participants/delegates intending to attend G20 meetings may apply for Indian e-Visa and Reguler Visa through Indian Visa Online and select  "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" as visa application purpose. Indian Visa Application (Apr 17, 2023) The Union Health Ministry has further eased COVID-19 guidelines for international visitors, dropping the earlier requirement for RT-PCR based testing of a random 2% subset of international travellers. The new guidelines shall come into effect from midnight of July 20.Government of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Aug 1, 2023) Full information from New Delhi Airport >

Destination Headlines: Maldives welcomes first direct flight from Hong Kong SAR since 2020. Raajje (Jan 20)

Travel Updates:  Maldives to introduce medical, sports, and education tourism. The Edition (Jan 19)  Travel Policy Updates:  There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Maldives. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19. Passengers must complete a Traveller Declaration Form within 96 hours of both their arrival and their departure flights. Maldivians are no longer required to submit the Declaration form. DFA; Maldives immigration (Nov 27, 2023) 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) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Maldives >

Destination Headlines: STD to organise bike rally to promote tourism. Pakistan Observer (Jan 20)

Travel Updates:  Pakistan reopens key Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan after over ten-day closure. Arab News (Jan 23) Pakistan introduces new fee for flight passengers. Pakistan Observer (Jan 19)  Travel Policy Updates:  Inbound passengers no longer need to present COVID-19 vaccine certificate/ negative PCR Report before boarding flights or upon arrival. Geo News (Jun 26, 2023) Pakistanis need to get updated polio vaccination cards before travelling abroad. Pakistanis who need to update their polio vaccination status should visit any government hospital or medical facility to get polio drops and request fill in the form via the National Immunization Management System portal. Pakistan Observer (Aug 1, 2023) Full information from Government of Pakistan >

Destination Headlines: Sri Lanka welcomes over 142,000 tourists in first 3 weeks of 2024. Daily FT (Jan 23) Sri Lanka plans tourist promotional campaign from March. EconomyNext (Jan 23)

Travel Updates:  Foreigners to get on-arrival driving license in Sri Lanka. Daily FT (Jan 20) SL offers ‘NOMAD’ visas for online workers. Daily News (Jan 19) Travel Policy Updates:  Travel Policy Dec' 22 still as on January 19, 2023 - 1) The requirement to produce COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate by any person arriving to Sri Lanka via any airport or sea port is hereby removed. 2) If foreign nationals/tourists become COVID-19 positive after arriving to Sri Lanka, they should isolate for 7 days in a private hospital/hotel/place of residence. The cost of treatment/isolation should be borne by foreign nationals/tourists. Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka (Jan 19, 2023) Sri Lanka is giving dual entry status on arrival to travellers from India and 6 other countries, wherein the visa validity would be limited to 30 days’ stay. This would be carried out as a pilot project effective until March 24, 2024.- the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka has announced the implementation of a new initiative granting free tourist visas to Indian travellers, who constitute the largest inbound group to the island nation. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (Oct 23, 2023) Full information from SriLankan Airlines >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Key achievements set stage for Tourism Australia in 2024. Travel Trade Journal (Jan 19) South Australia hits new record $10.2 billion tourist spend. Travel Weekly (Jan 23)

Travel Updates:  Great Barrier Reef Drive reopens in tropical North Queensland. TTG Media (Jan 23) Australia terminated Golden Visa. Travel + Leisure (Jan 23) Travel Policy Updates:  On July 1, 2023, Papua New Guinea became the newest partner country to join the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program. The arrangement allows up to 100 Papua New Guinea nationals to travel to Australia on a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa. Department of Home Affairs (Jul 4, 2023) Starting from May 31, 2023, the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) will come into force. The new arrangements will allow both citizens to apply for a Working Holiday visa up to the age of 35 years (up from 30), and stay for a maximum of three years instead of two. Minister for Trade and Tourism Special Minister of State (May 30, 2023) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Higher value hotels ‘yield more’; Tourism Fiji actively promoting luxury accommodation options. The Fiji Times (Jan 23) Fiji records robust tourism growth. FBC News (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  FIji Airways has $609 return flights to Nadi in new sale. Travel Weekly (Jan 19) Travel Policy Updates:  International travellers to Fiji are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and travel insurance. Fiji no longer have any COVID-19 related border health measures. Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport (Feb 14, 2023) 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 Affairs (Dec 3, 2023) Full information from Tourism Fiji >

Destination Headlines: Hawaii proposes new tourist fees, targets vacation rentals. Travel Pulse (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  Hawaiian anticipates summer boom, adding more flights pre-merger. Best of Hawaii (Jan 22) Travel Policy Updates:  On March 10, 2023, CDC removed the requirement for air passengers from China, Hong Kong SAR or Macao, China to show a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery before boarding a flight to the United States. Hawaii Tourism Authority (Mar 10, 2023) Travellers arriving in Hawaii directly from an international airport must still comply with U.S. federal requirements. Full information from Hawaii Tourism Authority >

Americas

Destination Headlines: Mexico anticipates surge in tourism with Maya Train project and other initiatives. Puerto Vallarta Daily (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  Los Cabos remains one of the safest destinations in Mexico for tourists. The Cabo Sun (Jan 22) Travel Policy Updates:  There are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID-19 test or to do quarantine. However, it is mandatory to register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding and to show the QR code at the arrival airport. Secretary of Foreign Relation As of October 22, 2023, foreigners who intend to transit through Mexican international airports whose nationalities require a visa to travel to Mexico must have a Visitor visa without permission to carry out remunerated activities in order to board any flight to Mexico. Embassy of Mexico (Oct 22, 2023) Full information from Government of Mexico >

Destination Headlines: U.S. Travel Association forecasts moderating growth in business travel spending; inbound International demand, business travel to trail 2019 levels. The Beat; Hotel Management (Jan 22) US destination management service market to hit $6.9B by 2032, boasting a 6.8% CAGR. Travel and Tour World (Jan 22)

Travel Updates:  US eyes more Indian tourists in coming years, number expected to rise to 2M. Business Standard (Jan 20) Travel Policy Updates:  US ended its COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travellers and federal workers on May 11 2023, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ended. The White House (May 8, 2023) By November 30, 2023, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be updated to allow citizens and nationals of Israel to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa. Following updates in Israel’s travel policies, all U.S. citizens may request entry to Israel for up to 90 days for business, tourism, or transit without obtaining a visa. U.S. Embassy in Israel (Oct 21, 2023) Full information from U.S. Department of Health & Services >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: Passenger traffic at Baku airport in 2023 reaches historic levels. Azertac (Jan 18) Early bookings of Russian tourists increased in Azerbaijan. Azer News (Jan 17)

Travel Updates:  Azerbaijani President signs decree approving MoU with Iraq in tourism field. Azer News (Jan 18) Travel Policy Updates:  From March 28, 2023, entry into and exit out of the Republic of Azerbaijan of all foreign citizens, citizens of other countries permanently residing in those countries and stateless persons was permitted by air transport. Azerbaijan Tourism Board (Apr 24, 2023) From March 28, 2023, entry into and exit out of the Republic of Azerbaijan of all foreign citizens, citizens of other countries permanently residing in those countries and stateless persons was permitted by air transport. Azerbaijan Tourism Board (Dec 11, 2023) Full information from Azerbaijan Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: Germany prepares to host global MICE and tourism professionals at ITB Berlin 2024. Travel and Tour World (Jan 18)

Travel Updates:  Berlin hosts Arival 360: gathering top experience sector leaders, March, 2024. Travel and Tour World (Jan 23) 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, 2023) Germany's immigration law reforms will be introduced in three stages starting in November this year. The German government gave its final approval for the law in July this year. It 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 new EU Blue Card from November 2023. Federal Government (Oct 22, 2023) Full information from German National Tourist Board >

Destination Headlines: Kenya's int'l tourist arrivals hit 1.75 million in 2023. Xinhua (Jan 19) Kenya opens skies targetting millions of international tourists. The Exchange (Jan 23)

Travel Updates:  Tanzania and Kenya resume air travel. Business Insider (Jan 17) flydubai Expands African Network with Inaugural Flights to Mombasa, Kenya. Breaking Travel News (Jan 22) Travel Policy Updates:  A person who is a non-Kenyan and intends to enter the territory of Kenya for a period of less than 12 months shall be required to be in possession of a travel health insurance cover designated by the Cabinet Secretary [for Health]. Ministry of Health (Oct 15, 2023) 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) Full information from Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. >

Destination Headlines: Saudi Arabia's visitor target till 2030 increases to 150 million. Economic Times (Jan 19) Tourist arrivals in Saudi Arabia 156% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, UN report says. The National News (Jan 20)

Travel Updates:  Saudi Arabia unveils world’s first offshore adventure tourism destination. Marine Insight (Jan 22) Saudi Arabia to boost tourism sector with AR navigation technology. XR Today (Jan 23) Travel Policy Updates:  All travellers must fill out the Registration Immunization Information Form on the Muqeem Portal before travelling to the Saudi Arabia to allow travellers to register their immunization data. The Tawakkalna Application on mobile phone might be useful while in Saudi Arabia to show vaccination status at any stage. DFA Saudi Arabia (Apr 28, 2023) Nationals from Turkiye, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles and Mauritius can now request Saudi Arabia’s electronic tourist visa.The visitor e-visa is valid for an entire year, grants multiple entries and permits a stay of up to 90 days. Additionally, Visit Saudi offers an online trip planner for visitors to create custom itineraries with ease. Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia (Oct 18, 2023) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: Spain broke the record with 84 million tourists last year. Sarajevo Times (Jan 21) Valencia invests to develop more sustainable tourism experiences. Cruise and Ferry (Jan 18)

Travel Updates:  Ryanair wants to open five new bases, grow 40% in Spain. Reuters (Jan 22) Costa del Sol consolidates its position as a destination in Spain with high hotel profitability. SUR in English (Jan 23) Travel Policy Updates:  The European Union (EU) will introduce the ETIAS Visa Waiver in 2024. It will become a requirement for many nationalities who want to enter Spain or any of the other countries in the Schengen Area or countries in the process of joining Schengen, including Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania. Spain Visa (May 16, 2023) Full information from Spanish Tourism > Tags: PATA