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).
Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: China visa-free for Azerbaijan; UAE makes Golden Visa easier for Indians; 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:
Hainan emerges as China’s premier international medical tourism destination. Xinhua (Jul 6)
Travel Updates:
China extends visa-free entry to more than 70 countries to draw tourists- Azerbaijan the latest addition starting July 16. AP News (Jul 8)
China launches online visa system in Mongolia. AKI Press (Jul 7)
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)
Taiwan Tourism unleashes DOOH Campaign in Mumbai to solidify Chinese Taipei’s position as the ultimate MICE destination for Indian corporates. Travel and Tour World (Jul 3)
Travel Updates:
EVA Air's nonstop Dallas to Taipei flights start in October 2025. Upgraded Points (Jul 7)
Travel Policy Updates:
Chinese Taipei extends visa-free entry for nationals of the Phillipines for one further year. Inquirer.net (Jun 15)
Japan expands rural destination development project to broaden luxury tourism potential. TTG Asia (Jul 8)
Japan flights cancelled amid impact of manga Doomsday prediction. News Week (Jul 4)
Travel Updates:
ANA extends NDC-based air ticketing on Trip.com to 11 Asian markets in addition to Japan. Travel Voice Japan(Jul 3)
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)
Korea (ROK) travel retail market to reach over $2B dollar by 2033. Travel and Tour World(Jul 8)
Int'l air passengers reach record high in first half. The Korea Times(Jul 6)
Travel Updates:
Hadong-Gun designates 17 new “hot places” to boost local tourism. Stars and Stripes(Jul 9)
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)
Bali tourism tax levy catalyses 10-12% increase in international visitors and sustainable tourism initiatives. Travel and Tour World (Jul 6)
Travel Updates:
Indonesia launches new Susi Air flights from Yogyakarta to Bandung and Karimunjawa to boost regional tourism. Travel and Tour World (Jul 3)
Travel Policy Updates:
Indonesia updated 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 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)
Malaysia mulls visa-free travel for Sri Lankans. Daily Mirror (Jul 2)
RM2.9B tourism gain fuelled by Korea (ROK). The Star (Jul 5)
Travel Updates:
Juneyao Airlines connects Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur with direct flights. Travel Daily News (Jul 3)
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)
The Philippines welcomes 2.54 million foreign visitors in five months. VnExpress (Jul 4)
Travel Updates:
Philippine Airlines' Manila-Seattle route to offer five weekly flights starting November 2025. iOrbit News(Jul 7)
Philippines declares Davao one of the safest cities nationwide for 2025. Travel and Tour World(Jul 8)
Travel Policy Updates:
Taiwanese tourists may enter the Philippines visa-free for 14 days starting July 1. For those intending to visit the Philippines for more than 14 days or for purposes other than tourism, visa is still required. Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan (Jun 19)
Nationals of India are able to enter the Philippines visa free for 14 days solely for tourism. They can not extend or convert to a different visa if they enter on the visa free scheme. Visa Guide (May 29)
Lady Gaga’s Singapore shows pull in up to S$150M in tourism spend, say analysts. Malay Mail (Jul 4)
InnoTrans expands to Singapore in 2027. TTR Weekly (Jul 8)
Travel Updates:
Singapore reinvents nature travel with the launch of the Best You Path by Klook. Travel and Tour World (Jul 8)
The first train for the Singapore-Malaysia RTS Link has been unveiled. Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong (Jul 8)
Travel Policy Updates:
Singapore and Timor-Leste reached a mutual agreement on visa waiver: Holders of Diplomatic, Official, and Ordinary passports issued by Singapore can stay up to 30 days in Timor-Leste, while holders of Diplomatic, Official, Service and Ordinary passports issued by Timor-Leste will enjoy up to 30 days visa-free stay in Singapore. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Jun 27, 2024)
Malaysia now No.1 source of tourists in Thailand. Bangkok Post (Jul 7)
High-spending tourists generate 1.74T baht for Thai economy: Krungthai COMPASS. The Nation (Jul 8)
Travel Updates:
TAT promotes Jurassic world filming locations as Thailand’s next eco-adventure destinations. Pattaya Mail (Jul 7)
Thailand’s half-half travel campaign boosts domestic tourism with subsidised hotel stays. Travel and Tour World (Jul 8)
Travel Policy Updates:
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) launched on May 1, 2025 to replace the paper-based arrival card given to international visitors to Thailand. Thailand Immigration Bureau (May 1)
Thailand now requires proof of sufficient funds of foreign bank statement of at least 20,000 THB (600 USD$) or a letter of gurantee of said amount for tourist visa. Pattaya Mail (May 18)
Vietnam welcomed 10.7M international visitors in H12025; posts highest international tourist arrival growth in Asia Pacific. TTR Weekly; VnExpress (Jul 8)
Hue draws tourists with heritage and green tourism push. Vietnam Plus (Jul 4)
Travel Updates:
Northern Vietnam province opens bid for $2B tourism-casino complex project. The Investor (Jul 8)
Vietnam Airlines launches new nonstop route from Hanoi to Milan. Travel and Tour World (Jul 2)
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)
Tourism showing signs of revival in Kashmir, government initiatives helping build confidence. Times of India(Jul 8)
India’s rising middle class to drive global leisure travel boom: BCG report. DD News(Jul 2)
Travel Updates:
Triton Hotels and Resorts plans new hotels, expansion in tier 2 and 3 cities. Times of India (Jul 4)
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)
India tops number of tourist arrivals to Nepal, US second. Hindustan Times (Jul 3)
Nepal welcomes 76,000 tourist arrivals in Jun 2025. CAPA (Jul 4)
Travel Updates:
Flight services resume in Taplejung as weather conditions improve. The Himalayan Times (Jul 8)
Travel Policy Updates:
Nepali citizens travelling through tour package and the members/employees of legal entities/organisations travelling to the gulf countries and Malaysia have to take approval from department of immigration prior their visit. DFA (Oct 3, 2024)
Pakistan, China set strategic roadmap to deepen tourism, cultural cooperation. Arab News (Jul 7)
Travel Updates:
Pakistan and Oman announced intentions of starting direct ferry service between the two nations. Travel and Tour World (Jul 4)
Sweden restarts visa services in Pakistan, easing travel for nationals. Daily Times (Jul 8)
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)
Adventure tourism in Australia sees major growth with thrilling experiences. Travel and Tour World(Jul 3)
Travel Updates:
Australia kicks off a new era of Sports Tourism in 2025. Travel and Tour World (Jul 6)
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)
New Waiqele Airport terminal to enhance travel experience and boost Northern growth. Fijivillage(Jul 2)
Destination Headline:
Aranui Cargo Cruises introduce new tourism opportunities in French Polynesia’s Austral Island. Travel and Tour World(Jul 6)
Destination Headline:
First luxury capsule hotel in Hawaii offers affordable luxury in Waikiki, aiming to attract travellers across the globe. Travel and Tour World(Jul 7)
The Americas
Destination Headlines:
Travel Leaders EDGE 2025 underscores Mexican Caribbean’s expanding opportunities for North American Advisors. Travel Pulse (Jul 3)
Travel Updates:
New tourist tax takes effect in Mexico’s Baja California Sur. Travel Pulse(Jul 3)
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)
Kentucky joins US tourism surge, achieving $14.3 billion in economic impact and supporting over ninty seven thousand jobs. Travel and Tour World (Jul 2)
US cities demonstrate dominant appeal in global tourism rankings, led by New York in top 4. The Korea Herald (Jul 2)
Travel Updates:
LAX to Brisbane: American Airlines announces new nonstop service to Australia. Travel and Tour World(Jul 6)
Travel Policy Updates:
DHS has rescinded 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: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The White House (Jun 4)
Nairobi is Africa's top business travel destination. The Standard Media (Jul 5)
Travel Updates:
Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways ink strategic partnership. Breaking Travel News(Jul 7)
Renegade Air launches Nairobi–Kisumu route to strengthen domestic tourism. ATTA(Jul 7)
Travel Policy Updates:
Kenya now exempt some visitors from obtaining an eTA prior to entering the country. Nationals of the East African Community (EAC) can now enter Kenya visa-free for a stay not exceeding 180 days. For more comprehensive information check with Kenyan immigration serivces. Standard Media (May 31)
Kenya grant eTA exemptions to all African countries (except Somalia and Libya), allowing visitors a two-month stay. Govt of Kenya (Jan 21)
International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia hits $13B in Q1; reports record growth. Arab News (Jul 2)
Cruise Saudi targets 10 destinations by 2030 and 1.33 million passengers by 2037. Cruise Arabia (Jul 2)
Travel Updates:
Saudi Arabia now offers a free stopover visa for international travellers flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas, including UAE residents. The Economic Times(Jul 2)
Umrah made easier: Saudi Arabia allows year-round nonstop entry for GCC visitors. Times of India(Jul 4)
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)
Spain rises as a leading nautical destination with the Balearic Islands and Barcelona driving a record year on the water. Travel and Tour World (Jul 8)
Travel Updates:
€3.2 billion investment to relaunch Barcelona airport as an intercontinental hub. Spain Travel News (Jul 2)
Travel Policy Updates:
From mid-2025, UK nationals will need to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver before travelling to Spain. The EES system that records biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) upon entry and exit will replace traditional passport stamping starting October. Travel and Tour World (July 5)
Abu Dhabi's hotel revenues surge to $230M in April. Trade Arabia (Jul 3)
UAE airfares rise by up to 20% as travel hits summer peak. The National (Jul 2)
Travel Updates:
UAE removes Golden Visa hurdles for Indians. The Economic Times (July 7)
UAE hotels roll out summer staycation packages for residents, GCC tourists for as low as Dh100. Gulf News(Jul 2)
Travel Policy Updates:
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)
UAE lifts travel ban on travel to Lebanon for UAE nationals. They will need to register with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Twajudi service before departure. UAE MoFA (May 4)
