Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Feb 14 Travel Dashboard

 

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: China opens up Hainan to more kinds of visa-free travel as it seeks to transform island into major free-trade port. South China Morning Post (Feb 9) Chinese tourists predicted to make over 6 billion domestic trips in 2024. Xinhua (Feb 11)

Travel Updates:  Chinese tourism expects rapid boom as this year marks as “Year of Consumption Promotion”. Travel and Tourism World (Feb 12) Travel Policy Updates:  China expands Hainan visa-free entry options. The State Council (Feb 9) China signs mutual visa waiver agreements with Thailand and Singapore. Bloomberg (Jan 25)

Destination Headlines: HKSAR to get more than 1 million mainland Chinese tourists over Lunar New Year. South China Morning Post (Feb 7) HKSAR sees glamorous ever Chinese Lunar New Year parade with 44,000 attendees. Travel and Tour World (Feb 12)

Travel Updates:  Returning tourists & mega events – “Hong Kong is back,” says HKTB’s Michael Lim. PAX News (Feb 9) Over 1,500 tourists depart HKSAR after LNY fireworks under extended crossing hours to prevent overcrowding. South China Morning Post (Feb 12) Travel Policy Updates:  Eswatini nationals will now require a visa for entry into Hong Kong SAR starting January 30th. News Gov HK (Jan 23) "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, 2023) Full information from The Government of HKSAR >

Destination Headlines: EXPO 2025 Osaka Kansai is expected to generate 891.3 billion JPY in spending by visitors. Travel Voice Japan (Feb 7) Japan to launch a digital nomad visa in March. InsideHook (Feb 8)

Travel Updates: JAL will launch daily Haneda-Doha service on March 31, 2024 as the first direct flights to Middle East city by a Japanese airline. Travel Voice Japan (Feb 8) Foreigners’ guest nights in Japan were up 32% in December 2023 compared to pre-pandemic. Travel Voice Japan (Feb 9) 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: High foreign reservations buoy Seollal tourism boom. The Investor (Feb 7) Korea (ROK)'s digital nomad visa promotes Workation Culture. Travel Noire (Feb 7)

Travel Updates:  Seoul's local markets bustle as Lunar New Year approaches. The Korea Times (Feb 7) 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 >

Destination Headlines: Visitors surge to 93% of pre-pandemic levels on day 2 of LNY. Macau Business (Feb 12)

Travel Updates:  Agencies to recruit drivers for more than 1,400 tour groups during LNY. The Macao News (Feb 9) Macau Pass works with AutoNavi Asia to make travel experiences smarter. Macau Business (Feb 9) 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, 2023) Full information from Macao Government Tourism Office >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Cambodia and Thailand reaffirm commitment to bolster tourism cooperation. BNN Breaking (Feb 7) Ministry of Tourism and EuroCham Cambodia agree to jointly attract tourism investment through events and promotions. Khmer Times (Feb 12)

Travel Updates:  New tourism strategy aims to enhance growth and arrivals. Phnompenh Post (Feb 8) Travel Policy Updates:  Cambodia lifts all COVID-19-related restrictions for international travellers, including testing and vaccination requirements. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cambodia (Oct 10) The government of Cambodia now allow travellers from all countries to apply for an electronic visa certificate (Visa Type E). To apply, applicants must complete the application online and use the country’s passport reader technology. Cambodia eVisa (Apr 17) Full Information from Embassy of Cambodia >

Destination Headlines: Bali to implement foreign tourist tax starting February 14. Tempo (Feb 8)

Travel Updates:  From Bali to Baku, the expansion of Indian airlines will tell you where Indians are travelling. Hindustan Times (Feb 13) Travel Policy Updates:  Indonesia reduces golden visa investment requirements. Indonesian National Police (Feb 2) 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, 2022) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore lure Chinese with visa-free travel. Business Inquirer (Feb 9) Malaysia expects 27.3 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024. Travel and Tour World (Feb 12)

Travel Updates:  Tourism Malaysia strategic sales mission targets North African market. Travel and Tour World (Feb 8) Dragon-themed festivities, economic optimism mark Lunar New Year in Malaysia. Xinhua (Feb 11) 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: Singapore Tourism Board and Traveloka sign MoU to target travellers from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Travel Trade (Feb 13)

Travel Updates:  Straco: Singapore Flyer owner positioned for good times amid travel recovery. The Straits Times (Feb 12) LNY travel bookings to Singapore are now 206 times higher after visa-free agreement. The Independent (Feb 12) Travel Policy Updates:  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) Singapore and China grant mutual 30-day visa exemptions starting February 9th. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore (Jan 25) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Trip.com foresees significant rise in Thailand tourism expenditure. Thaiger (Feb 9) Thailand sees increase in tourism spend over Lunar New Year. Khaosod English (Feb 8)

Travel Updates:  Thailand gears up for World Songkran Festival. Thaiger (Feb 9) Prachuap Khiri Khan leads central Thailand in tourism revenue for 2023. Asean Now (Feb 12) 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 tourism haven Da Nang flourishes with record visitors for Lunar New Year season. The Star (Feb 11) Lào Cai targets 8.5 million tourist arrivals in 2024. Vietnam Plus (Feb 11)

Travel Updates:  Vietnam is now world’s leading heritage destination - wins world travel award. The Star (Feb 12) Vietnam, China cross-border travel boom during Spring Festival. Xinhua (Feb 12) 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: Bangladesh, US collaborate to develop tourism, aviation sectors. The Business Post (Feb 6)

Travel Updates:  Experts stressed the need to form a regional alliance of South Asian airlines. The Daily Star (Feb 11)  Travel Policy Updates:  Passengers arriving from outside of Bangladesh need not fill up an online Health Declaration Form and need not provide an RT-PCR test report or a Covid-19 Vaccination Card or Certificate. Restrictions to wearing masks, keeping social distance and other preventive measures related to COVID-19 spread are hereby made relaxed. Hajj passengers must abide by the conditions set by the KSA and keep themselves away from camel to prevent the spread of MARS Virus. Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (May 30, 2023) Bangladesh has visa exemption agreement with Maldives for all passport holders (Excluding Employment). Bangladesh has signed visa waiver agreements with Serbia and Argentina but has not yet entered into force. Visa Waiver Agreement (Apr 25, 2023) Full information from Bangladesh Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: Post COVID-19 tourist footfalls going up in Goa: Minister. Times of India (Feb 7) Major projects on anvil to put Lakshadweep on global tourism map. The Indian Express (Feb 8)

Travel Updates:  Ayodhya to get mega tourism push, 5-star hotel near Ram temple. Hindustan Times (Feb 12) 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: Nepal's government launches nationwide initiative to boost its LGBTQ traveller base. WION (Feb 9) Milan Devkota appointed Member-Secretary of Nepal Tourism Board. KhabarHub (Feb 9)

Travel Updates:  Chundi Ramgha to be developed as tourist destination. Nepal News (Feb 8) Minister Kirati assures to take forward Sagarmatha Airport construction process. Nepal News (Feb 9) 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, 2023) 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) Full information from Nepal Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: Sri Lanka to extend visa exemption for Indians past March. National Herald (Feb 9) Sri Lanka Tourism aims for record-breaking 2024: Harin. Daily FT (Feb 9)

Travel Updates:  Sri Lanka eyes tourism boom in 2024 via slick ads, digital nomads. Nikkei (Feb 10) India's UPI services introduced in Sri Lanka, Mauritius. Hindustan Times (Feb 12)  Travel Policy Updates:  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: China expected to be Australia's biggest tourism market again in near future: tourism director. Xinhua (Feb 8) Western Australia amplifies efforts to draw Australia-bound Indians. Travel Trade Journal (Feb 12)

Travel Updates:  Mainland airlines add flights to Australia amid festival travel peak. Global Times (Feb 7) Artesian springs a hot tourism experience in outback Queensland. ABC, ABC (Feb 13) 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: ‘China tourism market benefits whole CNMI economy’. Saipan Tribune (Feb 13)

Travel Updates:  MVA chief: Hong Kong Airlines to return in March. Marianas Variety (Feb 6) Travel Policy Updates:  All travellers inbound via air or sea are not required but are highly encouraged to fill out the CNMI health declaration form if their return trip requires COVID-19 testing. Office of The Governor (Apr 8, 2023) Full information from Office of The Governor >

Destination Headlines: Samoa's tourism sector soars: Record-breaking visitor numbers in December 2023. BNN Breaking (Feb 9)

Travel Updates:  Pacific Nations and Australia unite for tourism and education growth amid pandemic. BNN Breaking (Feb 7) Travel Policy Updates:  All travel restrictions for COVID-19 are now lifted. All passengers and crew are no longer required to present vaccination cards/certificates or undergo pre-departure testing for COVID-19 before boarding. Upon arrival into Samoa All passengers are strongly advised to wear face masks at all times and continue to take precautionary and preventative measures within the first few days of arrival. Inform any healthcare provider if you feel ill if you have recently arrived into Samoa. All passengers must truthfully complete the arrival Health declaration form in-flight and provide a valid local phone number and email/Facebook address. Samoa Tourism Authority (Sep 22, 2023) Full information from Samoa Tourism Authority >

Americas

Destination Headlines: Canada overtakes Europe for visitor numbers to Mexico. Open Jaw (Feb 8) Mexico gains prominence as a luxury hotel market as segment evolves. Costar (Feb 12)

Travel Updates:  New Delta Flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are Launching in 2024. Afar (Feb 8) Pachuca Carnival parade set for February 17. Visit Mexico (Feb 10) 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: The US remains the largest domestic travel market. Statista (Feb 7) US market driving UK tourism boom. The Times (Feb 11)

Travel Updates:  Brand USA’s India blitz brings record number of travel partners for trade mission. Travel Trade Journal (Feb 11) Impending North America total solar eclipse presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travel trade. Travel Daily Media (Feb 13) 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: Foreign tourist arrivals to Bosnia and Herzegovina up 29% Y-o-Y in 2023. SeeNews (Feb 9) Over 110K tourists visited BiH in December. Sarajevo Times (Feb 9)

Travel Updates:  G Adventures to launch new trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Travel Week (Feb 12) Travel Policy Updates:  There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. BIH Border Police (May 2, 2023) Citizens of the following countries may enter to Bosnia and Herzegovina up to 90 days over a period of six months starting from the date of first entry, unless they hold the passport or a valid identification card proving identity and citizenship of: Member States of the European Union States Parties to the Schengen Agreement and Andorra, Montenegro, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia, the Holy See (Vatican) and Switzerland. Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Apr 28, 2023) Full information from Tourism BiH >

Destination Headlines: Kenya Tourism Board on west African road show to foster intra-Africa travel. Modern Ghana (Feb 8) Kenya to strengthen arrivals from mainland China, driving tourism sector growth. Fitch Solution (Feb 8)

Travel Updates:  MV World Odyssey: A floating university boosting Kenya's tourism and cultural exchange. BNN Breaking (Feb 9) Year of the Dragon in Kenya: Chinese get a taste of home away from home at Lunar New Year gala in Nairobi. South China Morning Post (Feb 13) 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 visited by 100 million tourists in 2023. Gulf Business (Feb 8) Saudi Arabia and Switzerland ink tourism agreement to enhance visitor experiences. Arab News (Feb 8)

Travel Updates:  Saudi Travel Market 2024 marks as catalyst for global trade industry. Travel and Tour World (Feb 10) Investments in Saudi tourism to accelerate in 2024, says top expert. Arab News (Feb 12) 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: Slovenia prepares for Conventa 2024 to attract world tourism market. Travel and Tour World (Feb 9)

Travel Updates:  Ljubljana and Venice could soon get a high-speed train link. Euronews, Time Out (Feb 12) Travel Policy Updates:  There are no restrictions on entering Slovenia: the RVT rule (recovered, vaccinated, tested) is not in effect, no referral to quarantine on crossing the border. Passengers only need a valid travel document (an identity card or passport) and a visa (if required). Slovenian Tourist Board (May 2, 2023) Full information from Slovenian Tourist Board >

Destination Headlines: Dubai achieves its best ever annual tourism performance with international tourists growing by 19.4% to 17.15 million in 2023. Nile FM (Feb 8) Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah in 10 mins: Air taxis expected to launch in 2026, cut travel time. Khaleej Times (Feb 11)

Travel Updates:  First Pullman resort in UAE opens in Ras Al Khaimah. Zawya (Feb 7) RAK summit to showcase models for growth in aviation market. Trade Arabia (Feb 9) Travel Policy Updates:  Those who are vaccinated against COVID-19, must present the vaccination certificate containing a QR code. They are not required to present a negative result of RT-PCR test for COVID-19 at the airport of departure. Those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, can either present a valid, negative result of an RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours before arrival, or present a recovery certificate (containing a QR code) from COVID-19 issued within 30 days before departure, if they were previously infected with the virus. UAE Government Portal (Apr 28, 2023) Tourists can now also obtain a fee-free visa for children under the age of 18 years during the summer period from July 15 to September 15 of each year. Ministry of Foreign Affair (Dec 3, 2023) Full information from UAE Government Portal >

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