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Πέμπτη 27 Μαρτίου 2025

Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: US updates NIV waiver process; Thailand halves visa-free stay; 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:
  • Shanghai reaches tourism milestone with $80.3 billion revenue and ambitious plans to lead the global travel landscape. Travel and Tour World (Mar 23)
  • China sets tourism milestone with nearly 9 million foreign visitors post-visa reform. Travel and Tour World (Mar 21)
Travel Updates: 
  • HKSAR; Macao, China; and Chinese Taipei residents can apply for temporary electronic travel permits. encs.cn (Mar 20)
  • High-profile sporting events fuel China’s tourism surge. Global Times (Mar 23)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Starting Feb 10, 2025, ASEAN visitors can visit Xishuangbanna, a city in southwestern Yunnan Province, visa free for up to six days. Xinhua (Feb 10)
  • Starting Mar 17, 2025, Libyans will be able to apply for Chinese visas online. Visa Guide (Mar 7)
Destination Headlines:
  • Hong Kong SAR tourism overview 2025 seminar inspires strategic growth and innovation for the travel sector. Travel and Tour World (Mar 22)
  • HKSAR, Singapore, and Tokyo lead as top business travel detinations in Asia Pacific for 2025. Travel and Tour World (Mar 20)
Travel Updates: 
  • Hong Kong SAR bans passengers from using power banks during flights, coming to affect April 7. SCMP (Mar 24)
  • Hong Kong Jockey Club partners with China Travel Service to boost racing tourism. SCMP (Mar 19)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The visa-free period for nationals of Saudi Arabia to visit the HKSAR will be extended from 30 to 90 days, per January 15, 2025. Govt of HK (Jan 14)
Destination Headlines:
  • Cherry blossom, free visas and stronger rouble see Russians flock to Japan. Reuter (Mar 20)
Travel Updates:
  • Japan set to elevate anime & manga culture to new heights at the World Expo In Osaka, promoting domestic travel sector. Travel and Tour World (Mar 24)
  • Japan approves lodging tax in 11 more areas as tourism booms. Kyodo News (Mar 21)
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)
  • Filipino tourists to Japan are advised to file visa applications 2 months before arrival due to rapid increase of visitor numbers. JPN Embassy (Jan 14)
Destination Headlines:
  • Chinese group tourists to get temporary visa-free entry in 3Q. Korea.net; Reuter (Mar 20)
Travel Updates: 
  • Jeju Air adds Singapore to Seoul direct flights, boosting travel with exclusive fare offer. Travel and Tour World (Mar 20)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Korea (ROK) plans to introduce a new “Top-Tier” visa program aimed to attract skilled foreigners engaged in technology and research industries. Visa Guide (Mar 6)
  • Visitors entering Korea (ROK) can now complete and submit the newly-launched online arrival card via www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr, three days before arrival. Immigration Korea (Feb 24)
Destination Headlines:
  • Macao, China; Zhuhai; and Zhongshan plan to boost collaboration on tourism. The Macao News (Mar 21)
  • International visitors to Macao, China, rose by almost 18% in February. The Macao News (Mar 21)
Travel Updates: 
  • 'Macau Pass' makes HKSAR-Macao, China, travel convenient, boosting GBA connectivity. China Daily (Mar 20)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Per Jan 1, 2025, permanent residents of Zhuhai City and the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin are 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. The State Council (Nov 29, 2024)
Southeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • Cambodia confident of removal from US ‘Yellow List’ travel restrictions after review. Khmer Times (Mar 19)
Travel Updates: 
  • A major new airport to serve Cambodia’s capital and boost tourism is due to open in July. AP News (Mar 22)
  • Cambodia promotes tourism in riverside province. Khmer Times (Mar 24)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • From January 1, 2025, Cambodia has lowered the cost of its electronic visas. Tourist e-Visas now cost $30, down from $36; Business e-Visas are reduced to $35, down from $42. India Today (Jan 3)
Destination Headlines:
  • Indonesia experiences strong economic recovery as Chinese tourists lead the charge in tourism growth. Travel and Tour World (Mar 23)
Travel Updates: 
  • National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions unveils diving expeditions in Indonesia. Travel Weekly (Mar 24)
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)
Destination Headlines:
Travel Updates: 
  • Sarawak pickleball’s great potential in boosting sport tourism. Sarawak Tribune (Mar 23)
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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Singapore reports record growth in tourism led by Lady Gaga concert. The Pinnacle Gazette (Mar 21)
Travel Updates: 
  • Singapore's upgraded ferry terminal to boost travel to Malaysia and Indonesia. The Star (Mar 22)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Singaporeans are required to apply for and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before making a UK trip from Jan 8, 2025. The Straits Times (Jan 8)
Destination Headlines:
  • The White Lotus effect fuels surge in Thailand tourism and travel insurance sales. Squaremouth (Mar 20)
Travel Updates: 
  • Thailand’s tourism revolution: Sustainable strategies and tech innovation propel growth. Travel and Tour World (Mar 24)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Thailand will adopt a new digital immigration system called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) starting May 1, 2025. This system will replace the paper TM6 form to simplify entry procedures for foreign travellers. Nation Thailand (Feb 1)
  • Thailand plans to reduce visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days to curb illegal business activities by foreigners. VisaGuide (Mar 17)
Destination Headlines:
  • Vietnam surpasses Thailand as most favoured destination of Russian tourists. VN Express (Mar 23)
Travel Updates: 
  • Phong Nha in Vietnam is Agoda’s most affordable Asian destination for spring 2025. Travel Daily Media (Mar 24)
  • Vietnam welcomes first charter flight from Iran to Ho Chi Minh City, opening new travel horizons. Travel and Tour World (Mar 20)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Visa-free travel agreement between Belarus and Vietnam became effective since January 30, 2025. Nationals of both territories are eligible to travel visa-free to each other’s countries for stays that do not surpass 30 days from the date of entry. VisaGuide (Jan 30)
  • Vietnam applies visa exemption for citizens from 12 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Korea (ROK), Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland) effective March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028. Vietnam Travel (Mar 8)
South Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • India tourism sector boom as domestic air travel hits 15% surge, Maha Kumbh being the key factor. Travel and Tour World (Mar 24)
Travel Updates: 
  • Indian aviation set for major boost in 2025 with launch of Shankh Air, Air Kerala, and Alhind Air. The Free Press Journal (Mar 25)
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)
  • India has approved a special 30-day visa-free entry for Thai tourists until 31 December 2025, allowing one or two entries and a stay of up to 30 days without any visa fee. Embassy of India, Thailand (Feb 6)
Destination Headlines:
Travel Updates: 
  • Pokhara tourism entrepreneurs forge business partnership with China.
    khabarhub (Mar 20)
 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Pakistan’s tourism industry set to generate $4 billion revenue by 2025. The Nation (Mar 19)
Travel Updates: 
  • Pakistan Railways revolutionises Eid Al-Fitr travel with massive fare reductions. Travel and Tour World (Mar 23)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • 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, 2024)
The Pacific
Destination Headlines:
  • Western Australia looks to India, China to drive tourism surge. Aviation Week (Mar 24)
Travel Updates: 
  • IHG becomes first major luxury hotel brand to land in Barossa. Latte Luxury News (Mar 21)
  • Reef Unlimited launches initiative for Great Barrier Reef regeneration. Travel Weekly (Mar 24)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Australia has introduced new updates to the Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), allowing eligible travellers to extend their stay for an additional 12 months. Travel & Tour World (Feb 23)
Travel Updates:
  • The Guam Government Tourism Agency has successfully completed a new senior travel project. Maeil Business Paper (Mar 21)
Destination Headlines:
  • Visitor ‘green fees’ bill passes Hawaii House committees. Hawaii Tribune (Mar 22)
  • Hawaii tourism leaders say Canadians are canceling trips because of Trump. Hawaii News Now (Mar 21)
Destination Headlines:
  • The inaugural Papua New Guinea National Tourism Conference 2025 announced. Post Courier (Mar 19)
The Americas
Destination Headlines:
Travel Updates: 
  • Mexican authorities to enforce FMM tourist permit for Rocky Point travellers starting May. Travel and Tour World (Mar 23)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Since May 6, 2024, Mexico has been requiring all Peruvians to hold a visa in order to be permitted entry to the country. These measures have been taken to slow migration to the US. VisaGuide (May 9, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • U.S.-Canada tariffs affecting New York's tourism industry, businesses say. CBS News (Mar 21)
Travel Updates: 
  • Trump travel ban 2.0 coming as soon as Friday. USA Today (Mar 23)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • US have applied new changes to Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) waivers, as consular officers must review each NIV waiver request independently. VisaGuide (Mar 18)
  • Starting April 11, 2025, USA will start enforcing law that requires Canadians staying in the US territory for more than 30 days to register with immigration authorities. US Federal Register (Mar 12)
Europe, West Asia, Africa
Destination Headlines:
  • UN Tourism and Germany pave the way towards inclusive employment and accessibility. Hospitality Net (Mar 21)
Travel Updates: 
  • Construction underway on the world’s longest tunnel immersed underwater. The World (Mar 21)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • National visa procedure is going digital. The Consular Services Portal is being launched worldwide on 1 January 2025, enabling people around the world to submit applications for German visas online. Federal Foreign Office (Jan 6)
  • Third-country nationals require a visa to enter Germany. The short-stay Schengen visa allows its holders to enter and reside in Germany for a maximum period of 90 days within a 180-day period. For stays of up to 90 days, visitors apply for a Schengen visa, and for longer stays, visitors apply for a national visa. Visitors may apply for a Schengen visa from between six months and generally no later than 15 days before their planned trip

    *Starting from May 2025, visitors will be required to apply for ETIAS to enter Germany. German Federal Foreign Office (Apr 28)
Destination Headlines:
  • Saudi Arabia’s airports witness a powerful surge of over three million pilgrims in Ramadan. Travel and Tour World (Mar 22)
Travel Updates: 
  • Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector propels with new radisson blu in Riyadh. Travel and Tour World (Mar 21)
  • Saudi Arabia sees surging prices for religious tourism amid Ramadan rush. Arab News (Mar 22)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Effective February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia changed visa policy for visitors from 14 countries, issuing only single-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits, and suspending the previous one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely. Economic Times (Feb 8)
  • Saudi Arabia scraps meningitis vaccine requirement for Umrah travellers, while polio vaccination is mandatory for Pakistani following surge in cases. Khaleej Times (Feb 6)
Destination Headlines:
  • UAE sees record surge in flight bookings, fuelled by Eid Al Fitr, spring break rush. Arabian Business (Mar 24)
  • UAE tops Arab World in global happiness rankings. The Pinnacle Gazette (Mar 22)
Travel Updates: Travel Policy Updates: 
  • UAE has launched the first phase of the Blue Visa Program, a new long-term visa dedicated to sustainability and environmental action professionals, offering a ten-year residency. UAE Govt (Mar 4)
  • UAE expands visa-on-arrival facility for Indian travellers with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from Singapore, Japan, Korea (ROK), Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, complimenting previous policy that only allows valid documentation from USA, EU member states, and the UK. NDTV (Feb 17)
Destination Headlines:
  • Tourist arrivals in Türkiye reach 4.3 million in January-February. Daily Sabah (Mar 21)
  • Turkish tourism kicks off season early in 2025 with Eid-al-Fitr holidays. Turkiye Today (Mar 23)
Travel Updates: 
  • Rooftop gardens, recycled linens: inside Istanbul's green tourism renaissance. Forbes (Mar 23)
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, 2024)
See All Destinations' Updates



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