ΔΙΕΘΝΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΗ ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΠΟΙΚΙΛΗΣ ΥΛΗΣ - ΕΔΡΑ: ΑΘΗΝΑ

Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)

(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).

► ΤΑΙΝΙΕΣ ΒΛΕΠΕΤΕ ΕΔΩ www.youtube.com/user/TileorasisDagkilas ► www.dailymotion.com/user/ArgyriosDagkilas

Τετάρτη 21 Μαΐου 2025

Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: China opens visa-free for 6 more nations; Indonesia extends visa stay to 180 days; and more.

 


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🎉 Dadonghai Bay:
Lively and budget-friendly! Great for young travellers, nightlife fans, and city explorers. Close to town with vibrant energy.

🌅 Sanya Bay:
Long bay, chill vibes. Affordable, quiet, and scenic—with sunset strolls and easy airport access.
Northeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • Foreigners flock to China's Shenzhen as visa-free entries surge 160%. Bangkok Post (May 15)
  • China railway sees strong growth in domestic and international travel. Travel Daily News (May 19)
Travel Updates: 
  • China announces visa-free travel for nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru & Uruguay from June 1. VisaGuide (May 15)
  • Uzbekistan & China to launch 30-day visa-free travel from June 1, 2025. VisaGuide (May 15)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Nationals of Uzbekistan will be able to visit China visa-free for a stay up to 30-days, commencing June 1, 2025. Additionally, nationals of China will be able to visit Uzbekistan under the same conditions. The total stay is limited to any 180-day period and cannot exceeed 90 days. VisaGuide (May 15)
  • Nationals of Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay can travel to China visa-free for stays up to 30 days starting June 1, 2025. This can include travel for business, tourism, VFR, exchanges and transit without exceeding 30 days. This is a trial period and will last until May 31, 2026. The State Council The People's Republic of China (Mar 15)
Destination Headlines:
Travel Updates:
  • Japan to launch prescreening of visa-free travellers in FY 2028. Kyodo News (May 19)
  • Korea (ROK), Japan to pilot immigration fast lanes in June. The Korea Herald (May 16)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Japan will begin pre-arrival screening of visa-free travellers starting in FY 2028. VisaGuide (May 19)
  • 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:
Travel Updates: 
  • SCAT Airlines launches direct Incheon–Shymkent route. The Korea Post (May 19)
  • Panmunjom tourism to partially resume in form of special tour. The Korea Herald (May 15)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Korea (ROK) launched its "Top-Tier" Visa programme on April 2, 2025 aimed at attracting top talent to Korea (ROK). Visa Guide (Apr 3)
  • Korea (ROK) will temporarily abolish visa requirements for Chinese tourist groups, taking effect in Q3 2025 to boost the tourism industry. Visa Guide (Mar 20)
Destination Headlines:
  • Macao Government Tourism Office installs new deputy director, Si Tou Lam Lai; term to begin June 6, 2025. Macau Business (May 14)
  • Macao named ‘Best Destination for Annual Meetings’ at Asia-Pacific awards. Macau Business (May 18)
Travel Updates: 
  • Macao Grand Prix Museum celebrates with free admission on June 1. MGTO (May 14)
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)
Destination Headlines:
  • Number of tourists from Mongolia planned to be increased twofold. AKI Press (May 16)
Travel Updates: 
  • China and Mongolia begin building cross-border railway. Rail Freight (May 16)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Visa-free travel to Mongolia for Korean citizens is extended until Dec 31, 2025. News MN (Jan 2)
  • The Immigration Agency of Mongolia has begun issuing invitation-based visas of all 54 categories electronically. Mongolian National News Agency (Sep 20, 2024)
Southeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • Cambodia’s highest bridge now 100% complete. Khmer Times (May 16)
Travel Updates: 
  • China's Ruili Airlines resumes flights to Cambodia's Sihanoukville. Big News Network (May 19)
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:
  • Travel Meet Asia 2025 returns to Jakarta with strong backing. Travel Daily News (May 15)
Travel Updates: 
  • Indonesia eases visa rules, extends stay period for multiple-entry visa holders to 6 months. Nairametrics (May 15)
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)
  • Indonesia has relaxed its multiple-entry visa protocols allowing for foreign nationals to extend their stay two times at 60 days each. This will allow people to stay for 180 days from the time of entry into Indonesia. Directorate General of Immigration (May 15)
Destination Headlines:
  • Penang sees over 218% surge in Chinese tourist arrivals. New Straits Times (May 19)
  • Tourism Act review set for completion by early 2025, says Motac. Malay Mail (May 14)
Travel Updates: 
  • Tourism Minister in talks with Scoot Airlines to re-establish direct Singapore-Bintulu route. Dayak Daily (May 15)
  • Malaysia expands TNG eWallet access for Cambodian tourists. Khmer Times (May 15)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Malaysia and China have agreed to further extend the visa-free agreement for five years until 2031; implementation of the extension will come into effect soon. Embassy of PRC in Malaysia (May 6)
  • Citizens of Kosovo can now visit Malaysia for stays of up to 30 days visa exempt. Visa Guide (Apr 25)
Destination Headlines:
  • Demand for flights to China has risen recently, Singapore Airlines exec says. Reuters (May 16)
  • Singapore’s April visitor arrivals up nearly 5% Y-o-Y to 1.4M says tourism board. GGR Asia (May 15)
Travel Updates: 
  • Singapore’s Changi Airport starts building fifth terminal. Bangkok Post (May 14)
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:
  • Thai hotels see 30% drop in Chinese tourists in Q2, occupancy rate falls to 52% in May. The Nation (May 15)
Travel Updates: 
  • Thai tourist visa changes announced on official website. Pattaya Mail (May 18)
  • Thailand closes Similan Islands for 5 months to restore nature. Khao Sod (May 15)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) launched on May 1, 2025 to replace the paper-based arrival card given to international visitors to Thailand. Thailand Immigration Bureau (May 1)
  • Thailand now requires proof of sufficient funds of foreign bank statement of at least 20,000 THB (600 USD$) or a letter of gurantee of said amount for tourist visa. Pattaya Mail (Mar 18)
Destination Headlines:
  • Vietnam Airlines to move all domestic flights to Ho Chi Minh City airport's new terminal this week. VnExpress (May 14)
Travel Updates: 
  • Hilton launches first Tru hotels in Vietnam, expanding regional footprint. Travel Daily News (May 15)
  • Lien Khuong International Airport to shut down for 6 months for upgrade. VnExpress (May 19)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Vietnam has launched a ten year golden visa to attract tourism and investment. The Nation (May 8)
  • 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:
  • Dhaka becoming popular destination for Malaysian travellers: Mastercard Economics Institute. Newage BD (May 15)
Travel Updates: 
  • Saudia to operate 80 Hajj flights carrying 30,485 pilgrims from Bangladesh. MenaFN (May 17)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Pakistanis can now obtain visas for Bangladesh online as it has relaxed visa conditions for the country. Islamabad Post (Jan 12)
  • Bangladesh and Timor-Leste have signed agreements on visa exemption. BSS News (Dec 15, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • Indians cancel Azerbaijan, Türkiye travel plans, up to 260% drop in bookings. Business Standard (May 15)
Travel Updates: 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:
  • Sri Lanka nears one million tourist arrivals in 2025. Adaderana (May 16)
  • Tourist arrivals surge early May reaching 32% of 2025 target. Daily Mirror (May 16)
Travel Updates: 
  • New tourist zones to be opened in Yala National Park. Sri Lanka Mirror (May 16)
 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, 2024)
  • 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 (Sep 27, 2024)
The Pacific
Destination Headlines:
  • Rise in after-dark travel drives tourism surge across Australian. ABC News (May 17)
Destination Headlines:
Destination Headlines:
Destination Headlines:
The Americas
Destination Headlines:
  • Mexico tourism record 16.2 million international visitors land in first quarter of 2025. The Cancun Sun (May 14)
  • Canadian arrivals to Los Cabos up 12%, says tourism board. Pax News (May 14)
Travel Updates: 
  • Rosewood opens hotel in Mexico's Riviera Nayarit. Travel Weekly (May 15)
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)
  • Visa-free entry reinstated for Mexican nationals entering Peru for business or travel purposes. Fragomen (Apr 11)
Destination Headlines:
  • US saw less business travellers in April as economic anxiety and border detentions cooled demand. Independent (May 15)
  • US set to lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending: WTTC. The Star (May 13)
Travel Updates: Travel Policy Updates: 
  • DHS has rescined Romania's designation into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). USDHS (May 2)
  • The U.S. Secretary of State has announced that they will begin to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, this change is to begin immediately. Visa Guide (Apr 7)
Europe, West Asia, Africa
Destination Headlines:
  • Chinese tourism to Azerbaijan hits new heights with nearly double arrivals. Trend News Agency (May 19)
Travel Updates: 
  • Azerbaijan reveals top travel destinations of its nationals in 4M2025. Trend News Agency (May 20)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Russian nationals entering Azerbaijan under a visa exemption for any purpose (including work, business or tourism) can now only stay up to 90 days, effective per Jan 1, 2025. Mondaq (Jan 8)
Destination Headlines:
  • Sarajevo Airport reports growth across all metrics, plans further modernisation. Sarajevo Times (May 20)
Travel Updates: 
  • SkyAlps inaugurates flights between Milan Bergamo and Mostar. Travel Daily News (May 19)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • As of Jan 16, 2025, applications for a Schengen visa from residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be processed by the Swedish Embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia. Travel and Tour World (Feb 24)
Destination Headlines:
  • Berlin launches the Berlin Impact programme to foster sustainable and purpose-driven events. Travel and Tour World (May 20)
Travel Updates: 
  • IHG’s extended stay Candlewood Suites brand makes European debut with Berlin property. Business Traveller (May 17)
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 airline resumes first Iran Hajj flights since 2015: Official. Gulf Today (May 18)
  • Total number of passengers at Saudi airports jumps 15% to over 128M in 2024. ZAWYA (May 19)
Travel Updates: 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)
See All Destinations' Updates

Tags: PATA

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