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Τετάρτη 2 Ιουλίου 2025

'Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: UAE-Pakistan agree on visa exemption; Tomorrowland goes to Thailand; 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 introduces 36 waterway tourism routes to boost travel spending. Global Times (Jun 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • Shanghai, China set to launch the world’s largest Legoland Theme Park in July 2025. Travel and Tour World (Jun 28)
  • Power banks carried on domestic flights in China must now display the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark. The Nation (Jun 29)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • China grants free 10 day visa-free transition to Indonesian nationals. Additionally, this policy will apply to a further 55 countries. VisaGuide (Jun 12)
  • China has launched ASEAN visa for ASEAN member states and its observer Timor-Leste. It offers five-year multiple-entry visas for individuals and their family whose purpose is business enabling a maximum stay of 180 days. Ministry of Foreign Affairs The People's Republic of China (Jun 3)
Destination Headlines:
  • China Airlines looking to invest $2 billion in fleet expansion, Airbus jets. AeroTime (Jun 26)
Travel Updates: 
  • New HK – Hualien direct flight boosts Chinese Taipei inbound with travel incentives. Travel Daily News (Jun 27)
  • New ferry route connects Tainan and Penghu, to be launched on Jul 8. Taiwan News (Jun 26)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Chinese Taipei extends visa-free entry for nationals of the Phillipines for one further year. Inquirer.net (Jun 15)
Destination Headlines:
  • West Kowloon new landing facility to open in Q4: tourism chief. The Standard (Jun 25)
Travel Updates: 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)
  • Hong Kong SAR citizenas are now able to travel to Qatar for 30-days visa-free without needing to obtain a visa-on-arrival. VisaGuide (May 13)
Destination Headlines:
  • Indian travel to Japan hits record highs in 2025. Skift (Jun 25)
  • US trips to Japan surpass Paris for hot summer vacation destinations. The Japan Times (Jan 27)
Travel Updates:
  • New casino resort application round in Japan ‘not far off’: government official. GGR Asia (Jun 26)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Japan will begin pre-arrival screening of visa-free travellers starting in FY 2028. VisaGuide (May 19)
  • Starting July 1, 2025 nationals of Peru will be able to visit Japan visa-free for short-term stays not greater than 90 consecutive days. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Jun 2)
Destination Headlines:
  • Foreign visitors to Korea (ROK) reach 1.63 million last month, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The Korea Post (Jun 30)
  • K-pop activity lifts travel interest in Korea (ROK) this month. TTG Asia (Jun 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • Agoda ranks Seoul 2nd and Jeju 6th in Asia's top destinations for a one-night stay. The Korea Herald (Jun 30)
  • Jeju Air to increase int'l flights on 18 routes through Oct. to meet travel demand. Yonhap News Agency (Jun 30)
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)
Southeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
Travel Updates: Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Indonesia has updated their extension process for tourist and long-stay foreign nationals in Indonesia to require an online registration followed by an in-person interview. Bali Legals Group (May 29)
  • 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:
  • Tourism Malaysia launches Explore Sabah campaign with SabahTravel.com. Travel Daily News (Jun 26)
  • Sarawak sets sight on Indonesia’s corporate meetings market. CMW (Jun 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • Chinese tourists can now pay via DuitNow QR at 2.5 million Malaysian shops using Alipay, Weixin Pay. Malay Mail (Jun 25)
  • AirAsia Malaysia lands first Kuala Lumpur flight in Doha. AirAsia (Jun 27)
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:
  • Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Strategy 2030 paves the way for regional development. TTG Asia (Jun 30)
  • Myanmar to host Mekong Tourism Forum 2026. Ministry of Information (Jun 28)
Travel Updates: 
  • Kunming-Mandalay flights resume. Xinhua (Jun 30)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Myanmar launches visa-free scheme.
    • Citizens of Singapore and Vietnam can visit for up to 30 days, either for tourism or business. Singaporean travellers can enter and exit the country via any port, whether by land, air, or sea.
    • Visitors from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Thailand can enjoy visa-free access for up to 14 days but must use specific entry points. Travel and Tour World (Nov 7, 2024)
  • Myanmar has announced a visa-on-arrival policy for holders of the Macao Passport, allowing them to apply for a Tourist Visa upon arrival at international airports for a maximum stay of 30 days. This measure is put into use on a trial basis for one year starting from October 21, 2024. GOV.MO (Nov 8, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
  • Koh Kood sees 40% tourist surge second year despite monsoon. Khaosod (Jun 29)
  • Tomorrowland is officially coming to Thailand. Travel Weekly Asia (Jun 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • TAT introduces ‘Thailand Safe Travel Stamp’ to ensure safety and attract Chinese tourists back amid rising concerns over security. Travel and Tour World (Jun 29)
  • Thailand’s new campaign spotlights Thai soft power. TTG Asia (Jun 27)
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 (May 18)
Destination Headlines:
  • $2B high-end tourism-service project okayed in northern Vietnam economic zone. The Investor (Jun 28)
  • Cambodia among top 10 tourist source for Vietnam in 2024. Khmer Times (Jun 26)
Travel Updates: 
  • Hoi An named among Asia’s top five wellness tourism destinations. VoV (Jun 26)
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:
  • Monsoon deals spark travel boom as tourists head back to Indian hotspots. Business Standard (Jun 27)
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:
  • ADB announces $350M for Pakistan to boost the role of women in the economy Pakistan travel guides. Pakistan Television (Jun 25)
Travel Updates: 
  • UAE, Pakistan sign agreement on entry visa requirement exemption. Gulf News (Jun 25)
 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)
Destination Headlines:
  • City of Dreams Sri Lanka to open in August, marking record $1.2B private tourism investment. Gambling Insider (Jun 27)
  • Sri Lanka welcomes over 1.1M tourists in 2025; June tourist arrivals surpass 100,000. Adaderana; Adaderana (Jun 28)
Travel Updates: 
  • Sri Lanka’s first dedicated diving liveaboard tourism experience launched. Daily News (Jun 27)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • 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
The Pacific
Destination Headlines:
  • Australia launched Domestic Tourism Statistics (DoTS): A game-changer in travel insights. Travel Daily News (Jun 30)
  • Australia’s tourist spending soars in Q1 2025. TTR Weekly (Jun 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • Virgin Australia launches inaugural Perth to Doha service. Travel Weekly (Jun 26)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Nationals of China travelling to New Zealand from Australia, who have valid Australian visitor, work, student, or family visa can visit New Zealand for up to three months under NZeTA. The visa-waiver programme is being trialled for 12 months before a more definite decision is made. Global Times (Jun 15)
  • 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)
Destination Headline:
Travel Updates: 
  • Greater Bay Airlines proposes direct flights to Saipan from Hong Kong for 2025. Travel and Tour World (Jun 26)
 Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Travellers need a valid passport from an eligible country and must complete the online ETA application once they book their travel or at least seven days before they depart for Guam or the CNMI. 
    A new eTA must be obtained if the traveller is issued a new passport, changes their name, gender, or country of citizenship, or if their previous responses to the eligibility questions on Form I-736 change
    The G-CNMI VWP allows eligible citizens from 12 countries to travel to Guam and/or the CNMI without the need for a physical visa. Travellers must present a round-trip ticket and aconfirmed departure date not exceeding 45 days from the date of admission to be considered eligible. But if passports that expire in six months or less will not receive an approved eTA. The Marianas
Travel Updates:
  • Ritz-Carlton Yacht expands into Asia-Pacific and Polynesia for 2026. Travel Daily News (Jun 26)
Destination Headline:
  • Korean air seat capacity climbs as GVB reports tourism recovery momentum. The Guam Daily Post (Jun 28)
The Americas
Destination Headlines:
  • Calgary 'bucking the trend' as US visits to area surge amid nationwide slump. CBC (Jun 26)
Travel Updates: 
  • IHG's upscale Voco brand is coming to Canada. Travel Weekly (Jun 27)
  • Porter Airlines to operate direct flights to five sun destinations for the first time ever. Canada.com (Jun 26)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily stopped accepting new applications from groups of five and community sponsors under the PSR Program as of November 29, 2024. This pause will remain in effect until December 31, 2025. Government of Canada (Nov 29, 2024)
  • IRCC extended the temporary public policy allowing for open work permits to be issued to applicants applying for PR, under the temporary resident to permanent resident pathways (TR to PR pathway), as per Dec 17 2024. CIC News (Jan 11)
Destination Headlines:
  • A record 72M Americans projected to travel for July 4 holiday. Hotel Dive (Jun 30)
Travel Updates: 
  • Philadelphia named Most Walkable City to Visit in US poll. Travel Weekly (Jun 26)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • DHS has rescined Romania's designation into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). USDHS (May 2)
  • Any nationals from the following 12 countries have been banned from entering the USA, they are: Afganistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The White House (Jun 4)
Europe, West Asia, Africa
Destination Headlines:
  • Azerbaijan tourism to grow 32% in 2025, says WTTC. Travel Daily News (Jun 26)
  • Azerbaijan sees growth in tourist arrivals during first five months of 2025. Azer News (Jun 25)
Travel Updates: 
  • Azerbaijan reopens air bridge with Israel as AZAL resumes Tel Aviv flights. Caliber (Jun 28)
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:
  • Airlines plan five new subsidised routes from Sarajevo in 2026. Ex-Yu Aviation (Jun 29)
Travel Updates: 
  • First Sarajevo–Ploče train for summer starts. Croatia Week (Jun 28)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Starting January 1, 2025, Kosovo will unilaterally allow free movement for holders of identification cards from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prishtina Insight (Oct 14, 2024)
Destination Headlines:
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)
  • Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have approved the singular tourist visa, that will enable visitors to apply for one visa that provides access to: the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. It has been officially approved, but no launch date has been officially set. Visa Guide (Jun 18)
Destination Headlines:
  • Türkiye emerges as new holiday route for Europe’s ‘pilot tourists’. Hurriyet Daily News (Jun 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • Wyndham opens five-star resort in Alanya, Turkiye. BW Hotelier (Jun 25)
  • Turkish Airlines resume flights to Iran. Tehran Times (Jun 29)
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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