Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Japan starts tourist e-Visa, Pakistan exempts visa fee for 126 nations, 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's domestic tourism surges in H1. China Daily (Jul 26) China sees 32.4 billion inter-regional trips in H1. Xinhua (Jul 26)

Travel Updates:  Olympics Games boost air travel between China and France. Caixing Global (Jul 30) Travel Policy Updates:  China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Monday that the country's 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been expanded to three more entry ports, taking the number of ports covered by the policy to 37. The State Council (Jul 15) Shanghai Municipality has issued China's first e-visa, a significant move for the country in promoting the use of electronic visas. The State Council (Jul 13) Full information from The State Council, China >

Destination Headlines: Hong Kong Tourism Board’s new ‘Hong Kong Pals’ team set to elevate visitor experiences starting in November. Travel and Tour World (Jul 29)

Travel Updates:  Hong Kong SAR’s Greater Bay Airlines launches tax-free sea-to-air service for 6 mainland ports. SCMP (Jul 30) Travel Policy Updates:  Eswatini nationals will now require a visa for entry into Hong Kong SAR. News Gov HK (Jan 23) "Fly from Hong Kong via Zhuhai" policy 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: Domestic travel top Japan leisure pursuit, just 5,6% under pre-COVID level. Kyodo News (Jul 28) International visitors to Japan reached record-high 3.13 million in June 2024, exceeding 3 million for four consecutive months. Travel Voice Japan (Jul 23)

Travel Updates: Japan’s e-visa system is now open for eligible tourists. Visa Guide (Jul 25) Travel Policy Updates:  From April 1, 2024, nationals and people residing in Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, UAE, US, and more can apply for eVISA for short-term tourism purposes. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Apr 1) 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). As of July 23, 2024, the JAPAN eVISA system is available for foreign nationals/people living in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Jul 19) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Foreign tourist arrivals in Korea (ROK) reach 96% of pre-pandemic levels in June. The Korea Times (Jul 30) Busan’s marine tourism market surpasses 6 trillion won for the first time. Korea Stripes (Jul 30)

Travel Updates:  Korea (ROK) selected as 'Destination of the Year' by British travel magazine. Korea JoongAng Daily (Jul 25) Jeju Island introduces QRcode payment system for all buses, catering to foreign tourists. The Korea Bizwire (Jul 30) Travel Policy Updates:  Korea's Ministry of Justice to extend the pilot e-group visa programme for citizens of three Southeast Asian countries of the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam by two years. Vietnam Plus (Jun 28) Korea (ROK) will launch the "K-culture training" visa for foreigners on a trial basis starting this year, which will be available for people taking part in training programmes on K-pop, choreography and other cultural sectors. Yonhap News Agency (Jun 17) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: A lot more foreigners are visiting Macao on package tours. The Macao News (Jul 30) The first half of 2024 saw airport passenger numbers almost double. The Macao News (Jul 30)

Travel Updates:  2024 Sands Shopping Carnival draws record-breaking 120,000 visits. Morning Star (Jul 24) 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) Full information from Macao Government Tourism Office >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Thailand beats China to become Cambodia's largest source of visitors. VnExpress (Jul 24) Cambodia records 45.2% rise in Chinese tourist arrivals in H1. Xinhua (Jul 24)

Travel Updates:  First CEO of Cambodia Tourism Board nominated. Khmer Times (Jul 25) AirAsia Cambodia to launch direct PP-KL flights. Khmer Times (Jul 29) 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 Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperations >

Destination Headlines: Indosat partners with airline Garuda Indonesia for digitalisation project. Total Telecom (Jul 24)

Travel Updates:  Indonesia launches Golden Visa Program, intends to issue 1,000 visas by the end of 2024. Visa Guide (Jul 25) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting from July 25, Golden Visa holders can enjoy extended stay periods (up to 10 years), priority immigration service lanes at international airports, and efficiency as they no longer need to apply for limited stay permits (ITAS) at the immigration office. Directorate General of Immigration (Jul 25) The Bali Provincial Government has applied a new tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person to foreign tourists entering Bali. The tourist levy is separate from the e-Visa on Arrival or the Visa on Arrival. Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Mar 5) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Malaysia to receive over 80,000 Digital Visa nomads visitors by 2025. Visa Guide (Jul 26) New airline additions propel Malaysia’s international traffic to 40% Y-o-Y growth in 1H24. Travel and Tour World (Jul 28)

Travel Updates:  Penang ranks 2nd best solo travel destination in Southeast Asia: Lonely Planet. The Sun (Jul 25) Sarawak's Niah Caves complex recognized as UNESCO world heritage site. VnExpress (Jul 28) 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 Immigration Department, Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: Changi Airport’s Q2 passenger movements hits 98.2% of pre-pandemic level. The Business Times (Jul 26)

Travel Updates:  Singapore AIrlines tops up flights out of Brisbane ahead of schedule. Travel Weekly (Jul 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) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Long weekends to generate THB18 billion from domestic tourism. The Nation (Jul 24) Thailand welcomed 20.3 million foreign tourists from January to late-July; 34% rise in tourist arrivals. Reuters; Travel Daily Media (Jul 30)

Travel Updates:  SRT offers special tourism train for rainy season. The Nation (Jul 28) Travel Policy Updates:  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) Thailand introduces digital nomads visa - the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) - that permits up to 180 days per visit. The Government Public Relation Department (May 31) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Tourism rising as Vietnam welcomes nearly 10 million international visitors in seven months;  sees 51% increase in international tourists, led by European influx. The Star; Vietnam Net (Jul 29)

Travel Updates:  HCMC, Da Nang favorite destinations for Australian tourists: Agoda. VnExpress (Jul 29) 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) Citizens of Kazakhstan and Vietnam can travel visa free between 2 countries from May 25, 2024. Kyrgyz National News Agency (May 7) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: Wego reports 40.71% increase in travel interest to India in 2024. Travel Daily News (Jul 29)

Travel Updates:  Vistara becomes India’s first airline to offer complimentary Wi-Fi onboard its international flights. Travel Daily Media (Jul 29) Travel Policy Updates:  Malaysian Nationals will be granted 30-day e-Tourist visa with double entry on gratis basis (no visa fees) with effect from July 1, 2024 till June 30, 2025. High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur (Jul 1) Starting from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, the Government of India will grant 30-day e-Tourist visa with single/double entry on a gratis basis to Thai nationals. Embassy of India, Bangkok (Jun 28) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: India leads Nepal’s tourism surge with 186,696 arrivals in first half of 2024. Travel Trends Today (Jul 24) Study: Women travellers stay longer than men in Gandaki. The Kathmandu Post (Jul 28)

Travel Updates:  Hilton debuts flagship property in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. The Economic Times (Jul 26)  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) Full information from Nepal Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: Pakistan to give visa on arrival to Sikhs, exempt visa fee from 126 nations. Business Standard (Jul 26)

Travel Updates:  Pakistan abolishes visas for businesspersons from Gulf countries. Visa Guide (Jul 29)  Travel Policy Updates:  Pakistan and Tajikistan exempted official passports from visa requirements. Government of Pakistan (Jul 3) The cabinet approved the enforcement of an online visa application system under which citizens of 126 countries can get business and tourist visas within 24 hours. Citizens of these 126 countries will be exempted from visa fees. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (Jul 24) Full information from Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Corporate travel takes off with lift in Australia’s ‘Golden Triangle’ bookings. Conference & Meetings World (Jul 30) Gold Coast Airport records busiest year for domestic travel. Gold Coast Airport (Jul 26)

Travel Updates:  Capricorn Coast in Australia grabs ECO Destination Certification. Travel and Tour World (Jul 24) Australia extends Business Visitor Visa validity to 5 years for ASEAN and Timor-Leste. Visa Guide (Jul 24) Travel Policy Updates:  Australia added the Philippines to its Work and Holiday (subclass 462) programme, which allows 200 young Filipino and Australian passport holders each year enjoy a 12-month holiday in each other’s country. The program started on July 1, 2024. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Jul 1) Australia have extended the business visitor visa for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and Timor-Leste nationalities to up to 5 years, instead of up to 3 years, for applications lodged after Apri 1, 2024. Department of Home Affairs (Jul 24) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Hawaiian Airlines preps for the holiday season with added flights to the West Coast. Spectrum Local News (Jul 23) Maui takes step toward crackdown on short-term rentals. Travel Weekly (Jul 26)

Travel Updates:  Hamakua Hotel opens as the first luxury boutique property on Hawaii’s Big Island. Travel Daily News (Jul 25) Travel Policy Updates:  Travellers arriving in Hawaii directly from an international airport must still comply with U.S. federal requirements. For updates on international travel, visit CDC.gov. Full information from Hawaii Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: US bolsters open skies aviation ties with Fiji. Mirage News (Jul 26)

Destination Headlines: GVB board mulls multi-million dollar marketing deal with European football team. Pacific Daily News (Jul 26)

Destination Headlines: HANMI occupancy at 41% in June; BGRT less than 50% of pre-pandemic levels. Marianas Variety (Jul 29)

Destination Headlines: Pacific Tourism Organisation released insights for tourism trends in PNG. Post Courier (Jul 30)

Americas

Destination Headlines: Vancouver tops Canada for hotel room rates. BIV (Jul 29) Air Canada provides 2nd Quarter 2024 preliminary results and updates full year 2024 guidance. Travel Daily News (Jul 23)

Travel Updates:  WestJet announces expanded winter travel schedule. Calgary Herald (Jul 22) Halifax airport expansion aims to simplify international connections. CBC (Jul 26) Travel Policy Updates:  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) The Canada - Finland Youth Mobility Agreement lets youth at the age of 18 - 35 of both countries to travel between the 2 countries through International Experience Canada (IEC) Program. Government of Canada (Mar 1) Full information from Government of Canada >

Destination Headlines: Foreign visitors spent record-setting $21.6 billion in US in May. eTurboNews (Jul 25)

Travel Updates:  US announces details for 2024 Diversity Visa programme opening in Oct 2024. Times of India (Jul 26) Travel Policy Updates:  The U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan launched a new and improved visa appointment system on June 10, 2024. Through the new service, visa applicants will be able to obtain visa information, pay any required visa fees, schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment, and receive document courier services. U.S Embassy in Uzbekistan (Jun 7) From April 17, 2024, U.S Embassy issues visitor visas (B-1/B-2 visas) to Papua New Guinean citizens traveling to the United States, which has the validity of six months maximum with single entry. US Embassy to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu (Apr 17) Full information from U.S. Department of State >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: Foreign tourist arrivals to Bosnia's Federation up 35.6% Y-o-Y in June. SeeNews (Jul 29)

Travel Updates:  AJet adds flights to Bosnia's Tuzla. Travel Weekly (Jul 29) 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: 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) Full information from Tourism BiH >

Destination Headlines: Saudia ranks first worldwide in on-time performance. ZAWYA (Jul 29)

Travel Updates:  Saudi Red Sea Authority trains over 1,000 nationals in luxury coastal tourism services. Hotelier India (Jul 29) Flynas buys additional 90 Airbus planes. ASB Zeitung (Jul 25) 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 traveling 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: Hotel stays surge to record highs in Spain. FTN News (Jul 25)

Travel Updates:  Barcelona Tourism Office to officially renew slogan to "This is Barcelona" on Aug 22. Catalan News (Jul 24) 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: Dubai attracts record 9.31 million international visitors in first half of 2024. The National (Jul 28)

Travel Updates:  UAE launches innovative tourist visas with integrated health insurance. Visa Guide (Jul 25) UAE publishes rules for legal gambling and casino licenses. Skift (Jul 28) Travel Policy Updates:  UAE resumes visa application for Nigerian passport holders. A valid Document verification number is required for visa application. Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Nigeria; Document Verification Hub (Jul 15) UAE list of countries eligible for visa-free regime up to 87. Check visa per country here. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mar 17) Full information from UAE Government Portal >

See All Destinations' Updates Tags:   PATA                                                                                                                        PATA