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Πέμπτη 31 Οκτωβρίου 2024

Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Japan visa application centre to start in Bangladesh; Macao-Kazakhstan go visa-free; and more

 

The list of featured destinations in this newsletter will rotate weekly, the remaining destinations can be found on our webpage.

Northeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
Travel Updates: 
  • China’s first commercial space travel firm offers 20 tickets on Taobao at US$280,000 each. SCMP (Oct 26)
  • Ascott and Jin Jiang Hotels announce new joint venture for China expansion. Travel Weekly Asia (Oct 25)
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)
Destination Headlines:
  • HKSAR's Wine & Dine festival sees over 155,000 visitors, 10% increase from last year. Marketing Interactive (Oct 28)
  • Hong Kong SAR welcomes 144,000 visitors under expanded solo traveller scheme in third quarter. SCMP (Oct 23)
Travel Updates: 
  • Ocean Park to launch a new Adventure Zone with thrilling attractions by 2028. Lifestyle Asia (Oct 25)
  • Cathay Pacific restarts Hong Kong SAR to Riyadh flights after 7 years. SCMP (Oct 28)
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)
  • The Government relaxes the criteria for nationals of Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar applying for multiple‑entry visas for travel and business, and extend the validity period of multiple‑entry visas for these countries from two years to three years. The arrangement also applies to Vietnamese, who have benefitted from the relaxation of the visa policy since last year. GovHK (Oct 16)
Destination Headlines:
  • Indian travellers contribute 19.2B yen to Japan’s travel economy in Q2 2024. Travel Trends Today (Oct 24)
  • 1.97 million HKSAR visitors travel to Japan in first 9 months of 2024, spending an average of 240,000 yen (HK$12,000) each. Dimsum Daily (Oct 27)
Travel Updates:
  • ‘Tourism Resilience Summit’ will be held in Sendai to discuss preparation for crisis and business continuity, joined by tourism ministers from APAC. Travel Voice Japan (Oct 28)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Japan Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, will start operations on November 3, 2024. The Embassy of Japan will entrust VFS Global with the facilitation of the Japan visa application process. The Embassy of Japan will no longer accept visa applications directly from the visa applicants. Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh (Oct 24)
  • 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Incheon sees post-pandemic recovery on cruise tourism. The Korea Times (Oct 27)
  • Seoul launches campaign to correct K-food names. The Korea Herald (Oct 29)
Travel Updates: 
  • Korean travellers seen to prefer short-distance trips for 2025. The Korea Herald (Oct 24)
  • Busan to see significant expansion in international flight routes for winter season. Korea Stripes (Oct 25)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines announces the extension of simplification of visa application requirements to: 1. elected politicians, 2. government officials, 3. professional license holders and, 4. credit card holders. Extension Period: from January 1,  2025 to December 31, 2025 (1 year). Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines (Oct 24)
  • 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Visitor arrivals in Macao up 30.1% for first nine months of 2024. China Daily (Oct 24)
  • Macao seeks to diversify tourist base, Portuguese visitors highly valued – MGTO director. Macau Business (Oct 28)
Travel Updates: 
  • Macao’s international travel fair to return next April. TTG Asia (Oct 25)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Macao passport holders will be allowed to enter Kazakhstan without a visa and remain in the Central Asian country for up to 14 days per visit. The exemption from the visa requirements for both countries’ nationals will start applying from October 24, 2024. Macau Daily Times (Oct 24)
  • All visitors must hold a passport or a valid travel document for travel to Macao.
    Visas and entry permits are required by all visitors except the national passport holders of the following countries/territories in the list (link)

    When a non-resident enters Macao, the Public Security Police Force not only inspects his or her identity document but also verifies his or her identity by collecting biometric data. The biometric data includes fingerprints or palm prints, iris or retina patterns, facial features. Macao Government Tourism Office; Immigration Clearance of Non-residents of Macao (Jul 26)
Southeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • New Indonesian Tourism Minister sets forth key initiatives. The Bali Times (Oct 25)
Travel Updates: 
  • Indonesia revives plans for 2nd airport on Bali as tourism rebounds. VnExpress (Oct 27)
  • Lion Group and Jeju Air connect Indonesia and Korea (ROK) with new direct flights. Travel and Tour World (Oct 26)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Some UAE residents will be eligible to get visa on arrival in Indonesia. The technology company’s new e-VoA platform is set to commence in the first half of December 2024 and will be available to UAE residents and KSA who are for nationals of the 97 countries eligible for e-VoA. Khaleej Times (Oct 23)
  • 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • China-Lao PDR railway sees ridership surge during October holiday. Nikkei Asia (Oct 26)
Travel Updates: 
  • Lao PDR on Lonely Planet's Best to Travel 2025 list. CNN (Oct 25)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Lao PDR has also recently introduced visa exemptions for citizens from 36 countries, including key markets such as China, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Laotian Times (Oct 8)
Destination Headlines:
  • Malaysia-Thailand self-drive tourism flagged off. TAT Newsroom (Oct 28)
  • Langkawi records 2.1M tourist arrivals up to third quarter; 200% increase in Chinese tourists to Penang. New Straits Times; The Vibes (Oct 28)
Travel Updates: 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Singapore Tourism Board renews partnership with Expedia Group. TTG Asia (Oct 25)
  • Indian tourist arrivals in Singapore up 13% in first nine months of 2024. Deccan Herald (Oct 25)
Travel Updates: 
  • Singapore's Changi Airport launches passport-less immigration services. CNBC TV18 (Oct 25)
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)
Destination Headlines:
  • TAT, partners aim to attract over 10.7M international tourists in Q4. The Nation (Oct 28)
Travel Updates: 
  • Thailand to impose travel tax in 2025, first phase to involve air passengers. The Star (Oct 24)
  • Hong Kong Airlines launches daily service to Chiang Mai. Travel Daily News (Oct 28)
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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Vietnam's tourism set to boom with 'Six Countries, One Destination' visa plan. The Nation (Oct 26)
  • Vietnam to build $315M cruise port in Vung Tau. VnExpress (Oct 23)
Travel Updates: 
  • Vietnam Airlines launches Hanoi-Phnom Penh direct flight. VnExpress (Oct 27)
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)
South Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • Mumbai airport to operate 3,372 flights per week in winter season. Business Standard (Oct 28)
Travel Updates: Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The Indian Visa Application Center in Bangladesh is currently only processing visa applications related to emergencies and humanitarian issues. VisaGuide (Oct 4)
  • 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Tourist arrivals increase by 9.4% compared to 2023. Avas (Oct 28)
Travel Updates: 
  • Sharjah Airport and Air Arabia launch daily flights to Maldives, boosting tourism and connectivity. Middle East Economy (Oct 28)
  • Maldives’ vape ban effective from November 15 to include tourists. Report.Az (Oct 24)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Effective from August 15, 2024, all outbound travellers from the Maldives will no longer be required to complete the ‘Traveller Declaration’ form.

    Tourist visa was last updated on August 15, 2024. Maldives Immigration (Aug 15)
Destination Headlines:
  • Sri Lanka Tourism warmly welcomes travellers for the upcoming season. The Island Online (Oct 23)
Travel Updates: 
  • Sri Lanka to get 68,000 tourists from Russia on Red Wings flights: Udayanga. EconomyNext (Oct 28)
 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)
  • 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
The Pacific
Destination Headlines:
  • Queensland tourism shines at ATEC Meeting Place 2024. Travel Weekly (Oct 29)
  • Sydney ranks in world's top 10 sustainable cities. Travel Weekly (Oct 25)
Travel Updates: 
  • Tourism Australia partners with Singapore Airlines to boost Aussie travel. Travel Daily News (Oct 29)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Australia will join the United States’ Global Entry programme 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 who 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Air Tahiti Nui and Air Rarotonga enhance Pacific travel with new codeshare partnership. Aviation24 (Oct 26)
Destination Headlines:
  • Guam arrivals reach 753K in fiscal 2024, GVB targets up to 1M in 2025. Pacific Daily News (Oct 28)
  • Guam pursues $1M tourism recovery plan amid low arrivals; Contract started at $388K. Pacific Daily News (Oct 24)
Destination Headlines:
  • Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan named Micronesia's leading resort for 2nd consecutive year. Saipan Tribune (Oct 26)
Destination Headlines:
  • PTO and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority announce results of Papua New Guinea’s first Community Attitudes survey. Travel and Tour World (Oct 23)
Travel Updates:
Americas
Destination Headlines:
  • Canada hotels record first occupancy decline in nine months, but slight increase in room rates and revenue. Travel Daily News (Oct 24)
Travel Updates: 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • US Agencies seek public input on competition in air travel. Business Travel News (Oct 24)
  • Las Vegas tourist volume ‘almost back’ to pre-COVID levels, despite convention and overseas lags. Nevada Current (Oct 23)
Travel Updates: 
  • LaGuardia wins Best US Airport in latest Forbes Travel Guide release. Time Out (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)
Europe, West Asia, Africa
Destination Headlines:
  • Bosnia's Serb Republic sees 14.5% rise in Sep foreign tourists. SeeNews (Oct 28)
  • National Geographic Travel Readers’ Choice: Sarajevo is the best World Destination for 2025. Sarajevo Times (Oct 23)
Travel Updates: 
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina to reintroduce aviation tax. Ex-Yu Aviation (Oct 23)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • 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:
    1)     Member States of the European Union,
    2)     States Parties to the Schengen Agreement and
    3)     Andorra, Montenegro, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia, the Holy See (Vatican) and Switzerland. Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Apr 28)
Destination Headlines:
  • Madinah sees record 14M visitors in 2023, marking 124% growth since 2014. The Siasat Daily (Oct 24)
  • Saudi Arabia eyeing more tourists, investment from China. CGTN (Oct 24)
Travel Updates: 
  • Saudi Arabia’s Neom welcomes first guests to Sindalah Island. Elite Traveler (Oct 29)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Saudi Arabia announced the official Approved Destination Status (ADS) effective July 1. Chinese visitors can expect to enjoy streamlined visa procedures, increased flight capacity, Mandarin integration, ... when travelling to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Press Agency (Jun 23)
  • The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced updates to the regulations governing temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services. Arab News (Oct 1)
Destination Headlines:
  • Airlines predict bumper winter season in Spain as tourists change travel plans due to widespread conflict in the Middle East. SUR in English (Oct 23)
Travel Updates: 
  • Spain's Malaga to ban new holiday flat permits in 43 neighbourhoods. The Economic Times (Oct 26)
  • Barcelona Metro fares to double in 2025 as Spain scraps public transport subsidies. Catalan News (Oct 23)
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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Mardin expands its tourism season to all 12 months in S. Türkiye. Daily Sabah (Oct 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • Türkiye tackles overtourism challenges through sustainable initiatives. Turkiye Today (Oct 26)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • 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)
  • ​Türkiye launched the Tech Visa Program, aiming to attract talent with critical technological skills and innovative business models. The Türkiye Tech Visa Program provides participants with a three-year work permit, allowing them to live and work in Türkiye. Presidency of The Republic of Turkiye (Sep 24

Tags: PATA
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