Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: HKSAR extends multiple-entry visas; Indonesia implements eVisa VOA; and more. Εισερχόμενα

 Visitors Authority (MVA), will take place on March 8, 2025! Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers and by age division. Participants will receive a Limited Edition Official Saipan Marathon T-shirt, official Saipan Marathon medal, Certificate of Completion and one entry to the awards banquet.

Early bird registration through Oct. 31, 2024, is $80 for the full marathon, $60 for the half marathon, and $50 for the 10K and 5K. Youth ages 18 or younger on March 5, 2025, may register for 10K or 5K for $35 through Oct. 31, 2024.

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Hotels in county-level regions experience growth amid tourism surge. People's Daily Online (Oct 18)

Travel Updates:  Beijing relaxes visa rules for non-Chinese HKers. RTHK (Oct 16) Foreign residents of Macao can now visit China for up to 180 days. The Macao News (Oct 17) Travel Policy Updates:  Mainland authorities on Wednesday further relaxed visa rules for non-Chinese Hong Kong SAR residents, allowing for more people to apply for multiple-entry visas that allow individual visits of up to six months. RTHK (Oct 16) Starting October 15, 2024, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in India will adopt new measures for Chinese visa application. Chinese Visa Application Service Center (Oct 15) Full information from The State Council, China >

Destination Headlines: Taipei 5th most popular destination for couples in October. Taiwan News (Oct 21) Chinese Taipei expects record cruise passengers next year. Taiwan News (Oct 18)

Travel Updates:  Chinese Taipei's China Airlines to resume direct flights between Taipei and Guam. Islands Business (Oct 18) Travel Policy Updates:  Visa applicants who have resided in or visited Afghanistan, Pakistan, Madagascar, Mozambique, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, must submit proof of having been administered the oral polio vaccine (OPV) or the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) from four weeks to one year before applying if they have resided in or visited countries at high risk for polio transmission. Bureau of Consular Affairs (Sep 3) MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. Bureau of Consular Affairs (Jun 4) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Taipei >

Destination Headlines: Greater Bay Airlines welcomes initiatives under 2024 Hong Kong Policy Address. Travel Daily Media (Oct 16)

Travel Updates:  Hong Kong SAR cuts liquor taxes. Travel and Tour World (Oct 19) Hong Kong SAR extends multiple-entry visas validity for nationals of Cambodia, Lao PDR & Myanmar. Visa Guide (Oct 16) Travel Policy Updates:  All residents and visitors are not required to complete and furnish arrival or departure cards when passing through immigration clearance points. Automated immigration clearance service through designated e-Channels is available after successful enrolment with the Immigration Department, and then visitors can use the automated gates to enter. GovHK (Oct 16) Full information from The Government of HKSAR >

Destination Headlines: Visitors to Japan in January-September top last year's total; visitors spend US $39 billion in total. The Japan Times; The Business Times (Oct 16)

Travel Updates: Hoshino Resorts and Japan Airlines to launch joint initiative to boost inbound tourism. Breaking Travel News (Oct 21) Travel Policy Updates:  The Japanese government will introduce a new requirement for pre-travel authorisation on Malaysians. Malay Mail (Aug 30) Foreign nationals/people who wish to travel to Japan for tourism for a short-term period can apply for a visa online and receive an electronic visa (eVISA). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Aug 1) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Pilot hiriing up 8% by air carriers in Korea (ROK) amid strong travel demand. Pune News (Oct 20)

Travel Updates:  Fall tourism event offers discounts in 70 regions, 11 themes. Korea.net (Oct 18) Korean Air resumes Seoul Incheon to Kumamoto flights after 27-year hiatus. Travel Wires (Oct 16) Travel Policy Updates:  Korea Tourism Organization has made it easier for Filipinos to apply for a visa by removing the need for bank certificates, bank statements, and income tax returns for eligible credit card holders starting September 6, 2024. Korean Tourism Organization (Sep 9) KTO revises its personal information processing policy to comply with the Personal Information Protection Act and related laws, regulations, and guidelines. In particular, change of personal information items; and contact information of personal information protection manager or person in charge. The revised Privacy Policy is effective from October 23, 2024. Korean Tourism Organization (Oct 16) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: SAI completes one year with record passengers numbers. Khmer Times (Oct 17)

Travel Updates:  Cambodia Angkor Air outlines plans for new domestic and Chinese routes. The Star (Oct 19) Travel Policy Updates:  From July 1, 2024, tourists must submit the declarations via the Cambodia e-Arrival card 7 days before the date of arrival in the country. Cambodia E-Arrival Card (Oct 10) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperations >

Destination Headlines: Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway transports 5.79M passengers in first year. Xinhua (Oct 18)

Travel Updates:  VFS Global appointed to offer new Indonesia e-Visa on Arrival service to Indians, 96 other nationalities. Travel Trends Today (Oct 21) Travel Policy Updates:  The Directorate General of Immigration has launched a free visit visa (BVK) policy for foreign nationals (WNA) holding permanent residence in Singapore to visit Batam Island, Bintan Island and Karimun Regency on Kepulauan Riau. Foreign tourists who use this BVK facility are given a maximum stay of 4 days. Directorate General of Immigration (Oct 8) The Directorate General of Immigration had implemented electronic visa (e-Visa) digitalization that could be applied online, with payments using credit cards, and could pass through autogates. Immigration services on the VFS Global website will start operating in December 2024. Directorate General of Immigration (Oct 16) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Budget 2025: Malaysia poised for higher tourist influx next year. The Star (Oct 18) Tourism minister urges hotels in Malaysia to adopt 23-hour stays to enhance guest satisfaction. Malay Mail (Oct 20)

Travel Updates:  Malaysia Airlines, IndiGo codeshare to boost travel between Malaysia and India. TTG Asia (Oct 18) Sarawak airline may take off within 2 months, says Abang Jo. Free Malaysia Today (Oct 19) Travel Policy Updates:  Malaysia has extended visa-free policy for Chinese citizens until 2026. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sep 25) 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) Full information from Immigration Department, Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: Singapore Tourism Board launches global campaign to position city as a culinary capital. Campaign Asia (Oct 18) Singapore’s hotel industry remains robust in Q3. Singapore Business Review (Oct 19)

Travel Updates:  Gulf Air boosts Singapore operations with new daily flights. ZAWYA (Oct 21) 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 of 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) Singapore has exempted visa requirements for all Omani citizens. Foreign Ministry of Oman (Jul 15) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Koh Chang ranks 2nd best tropical getaway in the world. Pattaya Mail (Oct 20) Phuket Airport set for major upgrade to handle more tourists. Bangkok Post (Oct 16)

Travel Updates:  Thailand extends suspension of TM6 Immigration Form for land and sea arrival until Apr 2025. Thailand Business News (Oct 18) Travel Policy Updates:  The suspension of the TM6 immigration form for foreigners entering Thailand via 16 land and sea checkpoints has been extended until April 30 next year. Thailand Business News (Oct 16) Thailand introduces digital nomads visa - the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) - that permits up to 180 days per visit. Thailand will allow tourists and short - term business travellers from 93 countries/regions to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days (instead of 30 days as before). The Government Public Relation Department (May 31) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Quang Ninh welcomes 3 millionth international tourist. Vietnam.vn (Oct 21) 5-star cruise brings more than 3000 international tourists to visit Ha Long. Vietnam.vn (Oct 18)

Travel Updates:  Ha Giang Province offers 30% hotel discounts to attract tourists back. VnExpress (Oct 16) Vietnam Airlines to increase flights to Bangkok starting Dec 1. VnExpress (Oct 16) Travel Policy Updates:  Foreigners and Vietnamese people holding foreign passports who enter or reside on Phú Quốc Island are exempt from visas for a temporary stay of up to 30 days. Viet Nam News (Sep 17) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: The Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) calls for travel sector reform. BSS News (Oct 19)

Travel Updates:  Eight special trains to run on Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route Oct 23-27. Prothom Alo (Oct 19)  Travel Policy Updates:  Foreign citizens (except SAARC countries) of Bangladeshi origin along with their spouse and children are eligible for the endorsement of “NVR (No Visa Required) to Travel to Bangladesh" in their foreign passports. Citizens other than those of the USA must submit proof of residence in the USA (Resident Permit /Work-Permit /Valid Visa, etc.). Foreign citizens having investment in Bangladesh worth USD 5 (five) million is also eligible to receive NVR. Applicants must fill-out online application form (mandatory) at www.visa.gov.bd. Bangladesh National Portal Full information from Bangladesh Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: Inbound tourism to India to surpass 2019 levels by 2025: Booking. Media India Group (Oct 21) India transforming its iconic lighthouses into tourist hubs: Sonowal. The Hindu (Oct 20)

Travel Updates:  Uttar Pradesh tourism to launch QR code audio tours at Taj Mahal and other iconic heritage sites. Times of India (Oct 19) Air India-Vistara merger: Vistara experience continues with new Air India code. Travel Daily News (Oct 21) Travel Policy Updates:  India is to exempt 100,000 visa fees to foreign tourists as part of the Ministry of Tourism’s new “Chalo India” campaign, announced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Minister of Tourism on September 27. Ministry of Tourism (Sep 27) Nationals of Japan, Korea (ROK) &  the UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) are eligible for Visa-on-Arrival to India. Government of India (Aug 9) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: Over 30,700 foreign tourists visit Annapurna Circuit in a month. Online Khabar (Oct 20) Tourism entrepreneur, PATA Life Member Basanta Mishra passes away. The Kathmandu Post (Oct 20)

Travel Updates:  Buddha adds Kathmandu-Varanasi flights. Nepali Times (Oct 16)  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) From November 2024 to March 2025, Kathmandu airport will operate at reduced hours. International and domestic flights could be disrupted and delayed. Contact tour operator or airline for updates before travelling. Smartraveller (Oct 10) Full information from Nepal Tourism Board >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Tourism Australia expands Muslim-friendly travel offerings in Indonesia. Travel Daily News (Oct 18) New CLIA, ACA report highlights cruise tourism's $8.4 billion economic value. Travel Weekly (Oct 18)

Travel Updates:  NSW Government establishes Cruise Industry Panel to plan third Cruise Terminal. Karry On (Oct 20) Travel Policy Updates:  Australia will join the United States’ Global Entry program from 2025, making travel easier for the hundreds of thousands of Australians who visit the US every year. The program will initially be available from January 2025 to a limited number of Australians that travel most frequently to the US, with work underway to open up the program to all eligible Australians who wish to apply later in 2025. Minister for Foreign Affairs (Aug 6) On October 1, 2024, a pre-application process (visa ballot) commenced under the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) programme. Visa ballot registrations opened for high-demand Work and Holiday (subclass 462) countries: China, India, Vietnam. Australian Government (Oct 2) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Qantas gets Palau route as Australia strengthens Pacific ties. Nikkei Asia (Oct 16)

Travel Updates:  United Airlines to launch direct flights from Japan to Palau in May 2025. Post-Courier (Oct 17) Travel Policy Updates:  Palau has replaced the Health Declaration Form with Palau Entry Form. Palau Entry Form submissions must be within 72 hours or less prior to arrival time. Only ONE form is required per family or single traveller. Palau Visitors Authority (Jun 21) Full information from Palau Visitors Authority >

Destination Headlines: MACS interested in CNMI/Guam inter-island service. Saipan Tribune (Oct 21)

Travel Updates: $25M regional terminal at the Faleolo International Airport now in operation. Samoa Observer (Oct 17)

Americas

Destination Headlines: $5.5M pledged by federal government, province to attract global tourism to Jasper. CBC (Oct 19)

Travel Updates:  Air Canada and WestJet extend massive sales on Vancouver flights. Vancouver is Awesome (Oct 15) Travel Policy Updates:  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a temporary public policy that exempts certain low-risk, in-Canada foreign nationals from needing an additional immigration medical examination (IME) as part of their application. This exemption applies to foreign nationals with conditions listed in the announcement. Government of Canada (Oct 4) Effective Feb 29, Mexican citizens travelling to Canada will need to meet new visa requirements. Existing eTA will automatically be cancelled unless with a work permit or study visa, eTA in progress will need to be re-applied. All travellers from Mexico will need to apply for eTA or visitor visa before entering. Government of Canada (Feb 29) Full information from Government of Canada >

Destination Headlines: Florida tourism recovering from back-to-back hurricanes. Open Jaw (Oct 18)

Travel Updates:  Marriott is bringing the City Express midscale brand to the US. Travel Weekly (Oct 17) Travel Policy Updates:  The U.S. Mission to India opened an additional 250,000 visa appointments for Indian travelers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India (Sep 30) Starting October 1, 2024, citizens of the United States will be able to stay in Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days instead of the current limit, which stands at 30 days. U.S. Embassy in Qatar (Sep 24) Full information from U.S. Department of State >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: Bosnia's economy to grow 2.8% in 2024 - World Bank. SeeNews (Oct 17)

Travel Updates:  Sarajevo is a finalist in National Geographic Travel’s selection for the best destination in 2025. Sarajevo Times (Oct 16) 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) Full information from Tourism BiH >

Destination Headlines: Thousands protest in Spain's Canary Islands against over tourism. Reuters (Oct 20)

Travel Updates:  Attempt to establish flights between New York and Valencia's Alicante-Elche airport will be made in December. The Olive Press (Oct 17) Vueling to launch Barcelona-Istanbul flights with expanded service in 2025. FTN News (Oct 20) Travel Policy Updates:  The European Commission will increase short stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12%. The increase will apply worldwide as of June 11, 2024. New Schengen visa fees will be 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children aged 6 to below 12 years of age. European Commission (May 20) Full information from Spanish Tourism >

Destination Headlines: Saudi Arabia aims to attract over 5M Chinese tourists by 2030. Bastille Post (Oct 19)

Travel Updates:  First Saudi protected area listed on IUCN Green List. Travel Trends Today (Oct 16) Travel Policy Updates:  Saudi Arabia announced the official Approved Destination Status (ADS), effective July 1, in an effort to prove Saudi Arabia's readiness for welcoming Chinese visitors. Chinese visitors can expect to enjoy streamlined visa procedures, increased flight capacity, Mandarin integration, ... when travelling to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Press Agency (Jun 23) Saudi Arabia has eased tourist visa requirements for Pakistani travellers with “immediate effect” wherein applicants can now submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of $750 or its equivalent. Geo news (Jul 3) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: UAE travellers to spend more on vacation this year, trends revealed: Skyscanner. Arabian Business (Oct 17) Yas Island Abu Dhabi reports 83% hotel occupancy this summer. Travel Trends Today (Oct 16)

Travel Updates:  UAE introduces visa-on-arrival for Indian nationals with US, UK, or EU visas. Travel Trade Journal (Oct 18) Travel Policy Updates:  The UAE Digital Government announced on Monday, October 14, 2024, that residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and their companions can apply for a 30-day e-visa to enter the UAE and this can be extended for an additional 30 days. Khaleej Times (Oct 14) Indian nationals who hold tourist visas to the UK and EU countries will be able to get a visa-on-arrival in the UAE. Khaleej Times (Oct 17) Full information from UAE Government Portal >

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Tags: PATA