Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Chinese Taipei launched 6-month Digital Nomad Visa; Japan eases visa rules for Chinese; 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 expects record-high air travel during Spring Festival travel rush. China Daily (Jan 3) China expects 520M participants in ice-snow tourism this winter: report. Bastille Post Global (Jan 5)

Travel Updates:  The world’s largest artificial island airport is going to open in China. Lifestyle Asia (Jan 3) Travel Policy Updates:  Visa-free stays in China increased from 15 to 30 days, and nine new countries will be added to the list of nations benefiting from the unilateral visa-free policy. VisasNews (Dec 22, 2024) China extends visa-free transit to 10-day stay, effective December 17, 2024. The State Council of the People's Republic of China (Dec 17) Full information from The State Council, China >

Destination Headlines: Chinese Taipei welcomes over 7.85M visitors in 2024. Breaking Travel News (Jan 4) Tainan ranked fourth-best Asian travel destination by Time Out. Taipei Times (Jan 2)

Travel Updates:  Chinese Taipei launches 6-month visa for travellers to work remotely. Travel + Leisure (Jan 3) Travel Policy Updates:  Chinese Taipei and Paraguayan signed an agreement that allows mutual visa-exempt entry for regular passport holders. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nov 30, 2024) Chinese Taipei launched a six-month "digital nomad visitor visa" program for foreign nationals from its list of visa-exempt countries, as long as the digital workers can meet certain financial eligibility criteria and provide proof of work contracts. Focus Taiwan (Jan 6) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Taipei >

Destination Headlines: Japan urges Australians to head off the beaten track as record numbers flood tourist hotspots. The Guardian (Jan 2)

Travel Updates: HK Express adds direct flight to Mount Fuji Shizuoka, Japan. Lifestyle Asia (Jan 3) Travel Policy Updates:  Japanese government eases visa rules for Chinese travellers, including a new 10-years-valid multiple visa and extension of stays in Japan. Travel Voice Japan (Jan 6) Japan to grant working holiday visa renewals for Brits and Canadians. Nikkei Asia (Dec 22, 2024) Full information from Japan National Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route becomes ASEAN-Korea Olle to mark 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Korea Relations. TTG Asia (Jan 6)

Travel Updates:  Korea (ROK)’s Jeju Island to issue ‘NFT Cards’ in bid to boost tourism. Crypto News (Jan 6) 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, 2024) K-ETA exemption period extended to December 31, 2025 for 22 countries. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Dec 13, 2024) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Authorities expect new policy for Zhuhai tourists to add 20,000 daily visitors. Macau Daily Times (Jan 6) Nearly 35 million people visited Macao in 2024. The Macao News (Jan 2)

Travel Updates:  Macao GGR to grow 8% in 2025, backed by increasing travel spending: Goldman Sachs. Asia Gaming Brief (Jan 3) New Macao visa scheme for neighboring cities kicks off. Asia Gaming Brief (Jan 2) Travel Policy Updates:  From Jan. 1, 2025, permanent residents of Zhuhai City will be able to apply for a "one trip per week" permit for Macao. Under the policy, they can visit Macao once per calendar week, with a maximum stay of seven days per trip. Also starting Jan. 1, 2025, permanent residents and residence permit holders in the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin will be eligible to apply for multi-entry permits to Macao, enabling unrestricted visits for up to seven days per stay within a one-year validity period. The State Council (Nov 29, 2024) 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, 2024) Full information from Macao Government Tourism Office >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: Indonesia welcomed over 12 million tourists in 2024 as Bali remains top destination. The Bali Sun (Jan 2) Foreign tourist visits to Batam increase, 50% Singaporean tourists. Tempo.co (Jan 4)

Travel Updates:  Clean Tourism Movement to launch to improve Bali’s beaches. The Bali Sun (Jan 6) Travel Policy Updates:  Indonesia launches a new e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) service for 97 nationalities, including the US, Canada, India, Japan, and Australia. ASEAN Briefing (Nov 25, 2024) Azerbaijan and Indonesia waived mutual visa requirements for holders of the diplomatic and service passports. Xalq qazeti (Nov 29, 2024) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Malaysia welcomed 22.5 million foreign visitors in 2024; eyes 35.6M tourists in 2026, up 30% from 2024 target. VnExpress; Nikkei Asia (Jan 6) .PM Anwar launches Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign with focus on sustainable tourism. Malay Mail (Jan 6)

Travel Updates:  Loong Air’s Xi’an-Penang route takes off with inaugural flight. Citizens Journal (Jan 3) Travel Policy Updates:  Malaysia has extended its visa-free entry for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. Times of India (Dec 22, 2024) 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, 2024) Full information from Immigration Department, Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: Foreign tourists to Philippines top 5.4M. GGR Asia (Jan 6) Ilocos cruise arrival increases, over 6K expected until Feb 2025. Philippine News Agency (Jan 2)

Travel Updates:  Philippines tops Asia for potential digital nomads: Agoda. VnExpress (Jan 2) Travel Policy Updates:  The Philippines has launched an e-Visa system for Indian passport holders. The Economic Times (Dec 9, 2024) Visa-required nationals onboard cruise ship vessels arriving in the Philippines will now be able to secure entry visas faster and more conveniently. Department of Tourism (Jun 16, 2024) Full information from Tourism Philippines >

Destination Headlines: Local tour operators look to offer new experiences as inbound tourism slowly picks up. Channel News Asia (Jan 3)

Travel Updates:  Merlion to undergo cleaning, maintenance works on Feb 11 and 12. The Straits Times (Jan 6) 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, 2024) Singapore has exempted visa requirements for all Omani citizens. Foreign Ministry of Oman (Jul 15, 2024) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: New visa rules propel arrivals to Thailand to near pre-COVID levels; aims 40M visitors in 2025. Bangkok Post; Khaosod English (Jan 6) Pattaya’s tourism outlook optimistic, THA forecasts 80-85% occupancy. The Nation (Jan 3)

Travel Updates:  Phuket Old Town set to lead as Thailand’s first carbon-neutral historic area. TTG Asia (Jan 6) Thailand launches ‘Grand Tourism & Sports Year’ campaign. Breaking Travel News (Jan 6) Travel Policy Updates:  Thailand has made its electronic visa system globally accessible as of January 1, 2025. Eligible travellers can apply online, reducing administrative hurdles. TAT Newsroom (Jan 1) The suspension of the TM6 immigration form for foreigners entering Thailand via 16 land and sea checkpoints has been extended until April 30, 2025. Thailand Business News (Oct 16, 2024) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Ho Chi Minh City: 750,000 visitors on New Year's Eve 2025. Vietnam.vn (Jan 1) Vietnam receives 17.6 million foreign tourists in 2024. VnExpress (Jan 5)

Travel Updates:  New terminal at HCMC’s Tan Son Nhat int’l airport takes shape. Saigon (Jan 3) Da Nang among best places to visit in Asia in 2025: Time Out. Vietnam Plus (Jan 6) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting November 11, international travellers to Vietnam will be able to apply for electronic visas (e-visas) through a new web portal thithucdientu.gov.vn and https://evisa.gov.vn. Vietnam portal on Immigration (Nov 9, 2024) 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, 2024) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: Kaziranga witnesses highest inflow of visitors in 20 years. Times of India (Jan 2) Rajasthan saw over 200M tourists till Nov, including 1.9M foreigners. Business Standard (Jan 3)

Travel Updates:  Indian hotel market set to grow from $32 billion in FY20 to $52 billion: FHRAI President K Syama Raju. Hotelier India (Jan 2) India introduces two special category visas for international students. Travel Trade Journal (Jan 6) Travel Policy Updates:  The Indian government has launched two special visas for international students: the e-student visa for students and the e-student-x visa for their dependents. Applicants must register on the 'Study in India' portal to apply for these visas, enabling them to pursue higher education in India. Live Mint (Jan 5) Indian travellers will soon be able to enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, potentially as early as spring 2025. VisaGuide (Dec 16, 2024) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: Maldives hits 2 million visitor target. TTR Weekly (Jan 6) Maldives aims for US$5 billion in tourism revenue in 2025. TTG Asia (Jan 3)

Travel Updates:  MMPRC launches Global Campaign: 52 Maldives holidays to be won. Avas (Jan 1)  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, 2024) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Maldives >

Destination Headlines: 1.15 million tourists visited Nepal in 2024; sees notable recovery with 13% growth. CNBC; Rising Nepal Daily (Jan 3) Hospitality industry contributes Rs326 billion to Nepal’s economy. The Kathmandu Post (Jan 2)

Travel Updates:  Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu debuts in Nepal. Travel Trends Today (Jan 6)  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, 2024) Full information from Nepal Tourism Board >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Australia dominates Lonely Planet’s ‘World’s Best Beach List’ with top two spots. Forbes (Jan 6)

Travel Updates:  Dark tourism on the rise in regional Australia. ABC (Jan 7) Travel Policy Updates:  From January 1, 2025, applicants for Australian student visas are required to include a “Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)” in order to verify their enrollment in a registered course at an educational institution in Australia. VisaGuide (Jan 6) From December 7, 2024 the National Innovation visa (NIV) replaced the Global Talent visa. Australian Government (Dec 7, 2024) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Fiji celebrates record tourism numbers, crosses 1 million mark. The Australia Today (Jan 7)

Destination Headlines: HTA seeking to shore up tourism with new round of emergency funds. Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Jan 6)

Destination Headlines: More than 13,900 visitor arrivals recorded in third quarter of 2024. Solomon Islands (Jan 3)

Americas

Destination Headlines: Cancun and Tulum top Mexico destination choices for international female travellers. Riviera Maya News (Jan 3) Aeromexico had world's best record for on-time arrivals in 2024. Japan Today (Jan 3)

Travel Updates:  Mexico’s Maya Train launches Tourist Ticket Packages. Travel Pulse (Jan 2) Mexico suspends crusie tax to boost tourism sector. Vallarta Daily (Jan 2) Travel Policy Updates:  Mexico to require visas for Peru nationals after migration spike. Gobierno de Mexico (Apr 6, 2024) Full information from Government of Mexico >

Destination Headlines: 1.9 million Indian tourists visited the US in 2024. Travel Daily Media (Jan 2)

Travel Updates:  Major winter storm strikes central US causing widespread travel disruption. France24 (Jan 6) Travel Policy Updates:  USCIS will implement major changes to Form I-129, “Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker,” on January 17, 2025. The updated form, now 38 pages, introduces stricter documentation requirements for employment-based visas like H-1B and L-1. Boundless (Jan 5) The United States Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad will open consular operations on December 7, to accommodate applicants requiring in-person visa interviews. U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India (Dec 6, 2024) Full information from U.S. Department of State >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: Kenya reports 90% festive season occupancy rates. Tourism Update (Jan 2)

Travel Updates:  Kenya launches Mountain and Trail Running Series to boost sports tourism. ATTA (Jan 6) Kenya Airways launches direct flights to London's Gatwick Airport. The Eastleigh Voice (Jan 2) Travel Policy Updates:  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, 2024) Full information from Directorate of Immigration & Citizen Services >

Destination Headlines: Riyadh hosts third edition of Saudi Tourism Forum under slogan ‘To Discover’. Economy Middle East (Jan 6) King Abdulaziz International Airport welcomes 49.1M passengers in record-breaking 2024. Aviation Business (Jan 6)

Travel Updates:  Tourism ministry mandates booking platforms to remove listings for unlicensed hospitality firms. Saudi Gazette (Jan 1) Travel Policy Updates:  The holders of diplomatic, special and service passports of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be exempted from visa requirements for short-term visits. Azertac (Nov 29, 2024) 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, 2024) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: Spain created 500,000 jobs last year, mostly thanks to tourism boom. SUR in English (Jan 6) 88.5M visitors flocked to Spain in first 11 months of 2024 spending a whopping 118 billion euros. SUR in English (Jan 6)

Travel Updates:  Alicante announces 2-year ban on short term holiday lets. Time Out (Jan 3) Travel Policy Updates:  The Spanish Council of Ministers approved a new Immigration Regulation to improve the integration of foreign citizens through three key areas: work, education, and family. European Commission (Nov 21, 2024) Full information from Spanish Tourism >

Destination Headlines: UAE witnesses surge in visit visa approvals; sets historic record in aviation sector with over one million air movements in 2024. The Siasat Daily; Emirates 247 (Jan 6) Dubai welcomes 16.79M international tourists in 11 months. ZAWYA (Jan 3)

Travel Updates:  Ras Al Khaimah sets 2 new world records with 2025 New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone show. The Filipino Times (Jan 1) Travel Policy Updates:  Dubai's Emigration Department has tightened the conditions for tourist visas to streamline the application process and improve security. Travellers will now be required to provide proof of their confirmed hotel bookings, along with return flight tickets to obtain a tourist visa. Times of India (Nov 23, 2024) New golden visa scheme announced for private school educators in Ras Al Khaimah. It grants a 10-year, self-sponsored residency to eligible professionals who meet the set criteria, enabling them to enjoy stability and focus on their professional contributions. ICP Smart Services (Nov 15, 2024) Full information from UAE Government Portal > Tags:    PATA                                                                                                                          Tqa