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Πέμπτη 7 Νοεμβρίου 2024

Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: US to add 1M visa slots; Canada drops Chinese flight restrictions; 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:
  • China sees 49.09B inter-regional trips in first three quarters. Xinhua (Oct 31)
  • Air Charter Service Greater China achieves record growth in 2024. Travel Daily News (Oct 31)
Travel Updates: 
  • China offers visa-free entry to 9 more countries in renewed tourism and diplomatic push. SCMP (Nov 2)
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)
  • China extends the visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and Korea (ROK) on a trial basis. From November 8, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from 9 countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes. Ministry of Foreign Affairs The People's Republic of China (Nov 1)
Destination Headlines:
  • Chinese Taipei’s tourism reaches new heights with 80% rise in Southeast Asian visitors. Travel and Tour World (Nov 4)
  • Chinese Taipei to top 8M visitors by year end, still aiming for 10M visitors. Taipei Times (Nov 5)
Travel Updates: 
  • Chinese Taipei clarifies new permanent residency rules for foreigners, attracting skilled professionals to Taipei and beyond. Travel and Tour World (Nov 4)
  • Subsidies for Hualien travel increased, extended to Dec. 20. Focus Taiwan (Nov 4)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Chinese Taipei extends planned digital nomad visa from 6 months to 1 year. Rti (Oct 30)
  • 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • JAL net profit falls 19.1% to ¥49.9B in fiscal 1st half. Japan Today (Nov 2)
  • Transactions on Visa cards by Korean travellers in Japan increase from 39% to 48% of all their spending. Travel Voice Japan (Nov 1)
Travel Updates:
  • Planned Mt. Fuji light rail line to transport 3 million hikers per year. Japan Today (Nov 3)
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:
  • No. of int'l tourists in September exceeds pre-COVID-19 figure. Korea.net (Nov 2)
  • Korea (ROK) foresees surge in travel to China following visa waiver programme. The Korea Times (Nov 4)
Travel Updates: 
  • Seoul's Bukchon Hanok Village to restrict visits to resolve overtourism. The Korea Times (Oct 31)
  • Korean Air increases PH-Korea flights to 4 per day. Inquirer.net (Nov 2)
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:
  • Macao package visit tally doubles in year to Sep 30. GGR Asia (Oct 29)
  • MGM China reports strong recovery and growth in Macao tourism. Travel Daily News (Nov 1)
Travel Updates: 
  • Macao airport sees 57% Y-o-Y rise in passenger numbers, set to increase routes in winter season. Macau Business (Nov 4)
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:
  • Over 10 million foreign tourists visit Indonesia per September 2024: BPS. Tempo.co (Nov 4)
  • Indonesia moves closer to target of 14 million foreign arrivals; almost 21% more than same period in 2023. The Star (Nov 3)
Travel Updates: 
  • Indonesia, VFS Global to introduce e-Visa on Arrival for 97 nationalities. TTG Asia (Nov 4)
  • New Tourism Minister targets high-quality tourists by promoting five super priority destinations. Jakarta Globe (Oct 31)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration has partnered with VFS Global to launch a new e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) service for 97 eligible nationalities, starting in December 2024. TTG Asia (Nov 4)
  • Foreign nationals holding Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP) and Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) can now use the immigration autogate at Soekarno-Hatta and Ngurah Rai airports. Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Nov 2)
Destination Headlines:
  • Sabah attracts two million tourists so far this year; working to become premier tourism destination, says Chief Minister. The Star; The Star (Nov 3)
  • Langkawi aims for three million tourists via Poland flights. The Star (Nov 5)
Travel Updates: 
  • Batik Air to launch direct KL flights to Bintulu, Miri. Borneo Post (Oct 29)
  • Sarawak can issue tourism licence for S-MM2H agents. New Straits Times (Oct 31)
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:
Travel Updates: 
  • Myanmar launches new training centre and programmes to boost hospitality sector. The Star (Nov 4)
Travel Policy Updates: 
Destination Headlines:
  • India surpasses Australia as Singapore's 3rd largest source of tourists. VnExpress (Nov 3)
Travel Updates: 
  • Singapore signs new Air Services Agreements with 5 countries grow air connectivity. Travel Daily News (Oct 30)
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:
  • “WOW! Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges” campaign officially launched. Thailand Business News (Nov 2)
  • TAT and Visa sign MOU to elevate Thai tourism with financial innovation. TAT Newsroom (Oct 31)
Travel Updates: 
  • TAT launches e-guidebook for Gen S, promoting sustainable rail travel in Thailand. The Nation (Nov 2)
  • Thailand offers 10,000 subsidies worth up to 400 baht each for travellers visiting 17 Northern provinces. Pattaya Mail (Nov 2)
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:
  • HCM City welcomes over 4.6 million foreign visitors in 10 months. Vietnam Plus (Oct 31)
Travel Updates: 
  • Accor to open Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences in Vietnam by 2030. Hotel News Resource (Oct 31)
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:
  • Bhutan’s Laya plans to boost tourism with better horse trails. Vietnam News (Nov 2)
Travel Updates: 
  • Bhutan’s Drukair expands international network with Dubai operations. The Economic Times (Nov 4)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The mandatory requirement of travel insurances for visitors to Bhutan since COVID - 19 has been lifted with immediate effect on the process of visa application. Bhutan Travel (Department of Tourism) (Apr 23)
  • The new tour operation clearance and license can be processed online through the new Integrated Business Licensing System (IBLS). The other services like ownership/name/location change and license renewal procedures will remain the same till further notice. Tourism Council of Bhutan (Jul 23)
Destination Headlines:
  • Major domestic routes see up to 32% drop in spot airfares for Diwali travel. Business Standard (Oct 30)
Travel Updates: 
  • Thiruvananthapuram is India's first city to win Global Sustainability Award: Key success factors. Times of India (Nov 5)
  • Star Air launches direct Kolhapur–Ahmedabad flights, boosting regional connectivity. Travel Daily News (Nov 1)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Indian travellers will soon be able to enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, potentially as early as spring 2025. Times of India (Oct 28)
  • The Indian Visa Application Center in Bangladesh is currently only processing visa applications related to emergencies and humanitarian issues. VisaGuide (Oct 4)
Destination Headlines:
  • Pakistan announces free online visas for Sikh pilgrims from UK, US, Canada within 30 mins on arrival. The New Indian Express (Oct 30)
Travel Updates: 
  • New vehicle import rules for foreign tourists introduced. Daily Ausaf (Oct 29)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Sikh pilgrims from the US, UK and Canada will receive free online visas processed within 30 minutes upon arrival in the country to pay respect to their religious sites. Business Standard (Nov 2)
  • Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s ambassador to China, has revealed that Pakistan is set to grant visa-free access to Hong Kong residents. South China Morning Post (Sep 12)
The Pacific
Destination Headlines:
  • Gold Coast hosts over 600 tourism leaders at ATEC Meeting Place 2024. Travel Daily News (Oct 30)
Travel Updates: 
  • Perth Airport partners with Accor for first airport hotel. The Economic Times (Oct 30)
  • Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport joined forces to launch campaign for fighting human trafficking. Travel Weekly (Nov 4)
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:
  • Hawai'i arrivals near pre-pandemic levels, Canadian visitation up. Pax News (Nov 3)
Travel Updates: 
  • Hawaiian Airlines presents ‘Moana 2’ themed flight. Travel Radar (Oct 30)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Attendees of the 2025 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Honolulu, Hawai’i are encouraged to use 2025 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting invitation letter form to assist with attaining a visa to travel to Honolulu, Hawai’i. ISMRM (Oct 11)
Destination Headlines:
  • Tourism Solomons flies the flag ‘Beyond Borders’. Solomon Star (Nov 5)
Destination Headlines:
  • Tonga visitor survey finds “People and culture” most appealing aspect. Matangi Online (Nov 4)
Americas
Destination Headlines:
  • Canadian travel agencies broke sales records in 2023: StatCan. Pax News (Nov 3)
  • Canadian hotel development reaches historic heights. Travel Daily News (Nov 1)
Travel Updates: 
  • Canada drops pandemic restrictions on China flights – Air Canada ramps up. Travel Pulse (Oct 31)
  • Destination BC launches beta test of New HelloBC AI Concierge to support digital visitor servicing. Destination BC (Nov 4)
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:
Travel Updates: 
  • US to add 1M visa slots in 2025, may reduce wait for Indian travellers. Business Standard (Nov 1)
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:
  • Azerbaijan launches efforts on inscribing its Ateshgah temple on UNESCO Heritage List. Trends News Agency (Nov 2)
  • Azerbaijan observes sharp increase on tourists from Iraq and India. ABC.az (Oct 30)
Travel Updates: 
  • Azerbaijan Railways prepares for COP29 with major upgrades across its network. Railway Supply (Oct 30)
  • Azerbaijan introduces free ‘COP29 special visa’ for conference participants. News.Az (Nov 4)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Azerbaijan and Indonesia signed a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic passports. TURAN (Oct 17)
  • All COP29 participants travelling from outside Azerbaijan will require a visa. The Azerbaijan Government has authorised an electronic, free-of-charge “COP29 Special Visa," for all COP29 Azerbaijan registered participants. The COP29 Special Visa allows the holder a single-entry visit. COP29 Azerbaijan
Destination Headlines:
  • Kenya shilling steady on tourism, tea exports. CNBC Africa (Nov 4)
  • Kenya's coastal ports see surge in cruise tourism. ATTA (Nov 4)
Travel Updates: 
  • Kenya to classify tourism facilities countrywide from 2025. The Star (Oct 30)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The TLScontact visa application centre in Mombasa and Nairobi will close on 14 November 2024 and all visa application processing for the UK will be transferred to VFS Global. VFS.GLOBAL (Oct 21)
  • Following the launch of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for transit travellers with long connections, transit passengers with a long connection in Nairobi will be able to leave Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and visit the city. VisaNews (Oct 2)
Destination Headlines:
  • Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global likely to spend another $27B by 2030: Report. Arabian Business (Nov 4)
  • Saudi Arabia ranks 12th in global tourism receipts: UN Report. We News (Nov 1)
Travel Updates: 
  • Air Arabia resumes flights from Sharjah to Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. Travel Trends Today (Nov 5)
  • Saudi Tourism Ministry announces 99% growth in tourism hospitality licenses. Asharq-Al-Awsat (Nov 3)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • 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:
  • International tourists spend more than €99 billion up to September, 16.9% more than in the first nine months of 2023. La Moncloa (Oct 31)
  • Madrid received 6.2% more foreign tourists in September. Tourism Review News (Nov 3)
Travel Updates: 
  • Iberia resumes flights to Japan with Madrid-Tokyo route. BTN Europe (Oct 29)
  • Spain flight cancellations: Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet cancel flights as storms hit Barcelona airport. National World (Nov 4)
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)



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