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: UK lifts Pakistan flight ban; EU eases Schengen visa for Turks; and more.
The list of featured destinations in this newsletter will rotate weekly, the remaining destinations can be found on our webpage.
Summer trips are more fun when they’re #CoolerAndCloser! Discover Aseer—a hidden gem in southwest Saudi Arabia where the mountains are veiled in clouds, the air is refreshingly cool, and the scenery stretches from lush green highlands to the calm Red Sea coast. 🏔️☁️
Just a short flight from major cities, explore Aseer's ancient forts, stroll through its heritage villages, and enjoy breezy summer days surrounded by nature and culture.
Book your flights, trade the heat for cool mountain winds, be the one with the "coolest" summer! 😎🌬️
China records 38M border crossings by foreign nationals in H1 2025. Global Times (Jul 16)
Travel Updates:
China secures 21 spots in global Top 50 hotel groups ranking. China Travel News (Jul 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
Starting July 16, 2025, holders of ordinary passports from China and Azerbaijan will be permitted to travel between the two countries without the requirement of a visa under a new bilateral agreement for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. Shanghai Municipal People’s Government(Jun 25)
The Embassy of China in UAE has launched new online visa application system from June 30 where the applicant only needs to submit all of their documents online no paperwork involved; except payment, there is no online payment available yet. Gulf news(Jul 15)
Chinese Taipei to host L’Étape Tour de France’s first 2025 Asian Stop at Sun Moon Lake. TTG Asia (Jul 22)
Travel Updates:
Chinese Taipei-US mulls Taipei-Houston spaceport, reducing travel to 2.5 hours. Taipei Times (Jul 22)
Travel Policy Updates:
Chinese Taipei has introduced Online Arrival Card for foreign visitors to streamline the immigration process; effective from October 1, 2025. Buch dein Visum (Jul 14)
Chinese Taipei extends visa-free entry for nationals of the Phillipines for one further year. Inquirer.net (Jun 15)
Japan voted second best country of the world by Telegraph readers. Time Out (Jul 21)
Travel Updates:
Japan opens a new office to combat overtourism. Travel Daily Media(Jul 21)
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 Airports Corp. unveils summer transport plan for nationwide hubs. The Korea Times(Jul 17)
Pokemon GO to Jeju Island this fall for first-ever Pokemon-themed attractions. The Korea Herald(Jul 18)
Travel Updates:
T’way Air launches special fares to Seoul from five European cities. Travel Daily Media(Jul 21)
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)
Indonesian tourism ministry and Balinese government to build up high-quality tourism. Travel Daily Media (Jul 21)
Travel Updates:
Indonesian Ministry of Tourism introduces Event by Indonesia. Travel Daily Media (Jul 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
The European Union (EU) has announced a new visa policy for indonesian citizens allowing them for a multiple entry schengen visa when entering the EU countries for a second time. Antara News (Jul 14)
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)
Lao PDR, Vietnam launch e-wallet to boost digital trade, tourism. Asia News Network (Jul 22)
Travel Updates:
Belarus and Lao PDR sign visa exemption agreement for holders of national passports. TV Brics(Jul 21)
Travel Policy Updates:
Lao PDR has introduced visa exemptions for citizens from 36 countries, including key markets such as China, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Laotian Times(Oct 8, 2024)
Malaysia's tourist arrivals up 20% from Jan to May, ministry says. Reuters (Jul 22)
Travel Updates:
redBus serves up food map to whet travel appetites across Malaysia. Marketing-Interactive (Jul 17)
Travel Policy Updates:
Malaysia and China will implement a mutual visa-free policy agreement effective from July 17, 2025, allowing citizens of both countries to visit each other visa free for leisure travel, visiting relatives/friends, and business activities, with permitted stays of up to 30 days per entry and a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. Embassy of PRC in Malaysia (Jul 10)
Singapore tourism receipts edge down 0.1% in Q1. The Business Times (Jul 16)
Travel Updates:
Las Vegas Sands breaks ground on $8 billion expansion of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Yogonet (Jul 16)
T’way Air boosts seasonal flights to Singapore. TTR Weekly (Jul 22)
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)
Thailand’s Destination Visa Program draws over 35,000 applications. Thailand Business News (Jul 22)
Thai tourism generates $23 billion in first half; launches “The New Thailand” vision to redefine tourism in 2026. Travel Weekly Asia; TAT Newsroom (Jul 21)
Travel Updates:
Thailand puts tourist entry fee on hold until 2026. The Economic Times (Jul 26)
Hat Yai ranks among Asia’s top 3 best-value cities for the second consecutive year. The Nation (Jul 21)
Travel Policy Updates:
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) launched on May 1, 2025 to replace the paper-based arrival card given to international visitors to Thailand. Thailand Immigration Bureau (May 1)
Thailand now requires proof of sufficient funds of foreign bank statement of at least 20,000 THB (600 USD$) or a letter of gurantee of said amount for tourist visa. Pattaya Mail (May 18)
Da Nang develops $375M inland waterway tourism project. VnEconomy (Jul 17)
Travel Updates:
Travel warning issued for Vietnam as Storm Wipha approaches. Travel Weekly (Jul 21)
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)
Air India to resume some flights following ‘safety pause’. Independent(Jul 17)
Travel Updates:
Jharkhand launches India’s first-ever mining tourism to offer guided mine tours. Times of India (Jul 22)
Viking launches first India river cruise. TNW (Jul 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
The government of India has introduced e-visa for citizens of Kuwait effective from July 24, 2025. Kuwaiti travellers can apply for different visa categories including tourism, business, medical, conference, and AYUSH (for alternative medicine, inc. yoga and Ayurveda). Gulf News(Jul 13)
India has approved a special 30-day visa-free entry for Thai tourists until December 31, 2025, allowing one or two entries and a stay of up to 30 days without any visa fee. Embassy of India, Thailand(Feb 6)
Pakistan: Fast-track immigration, e-gates planned at major airports. Gulf News (Jul 22)
Pakistan bans new hotel construction around tourist lakes. France24 (Jul 18)
Travel Updates:
Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian flights till August 24. Travel Trade Journal (Jul 21)
UK lifts five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, PIA to resume UK flights soon. Islamabad Scene (Jul 17)
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)
Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector welcomes policy change allowing women to work night shifts. TTG Asia (Jul 18)
Tourist arrivals in July top 98,000. Adaderana (Jul 20)
Travel Updates:
Tourists to get temporary driving licences at airport from August. Daily Mirror (Jul 18)
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 (Sep 27, 2024)
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)
Tourism Fiji unveils campaign to promote the destination through tribute film. Travel Trends Today (Jul 18)
Travel Policy Updates:
Visitors need to lodge for their visa or relevant permit prior to purchasing their ticket and boarding the flight to Fiji, they also need a Transit Visa if they are passing through Fiji to their final destination. In addition, visitors need to show travel documents or passport when entering Fiji.
The visa applications can be directly lodged at any Fijian Immigration Department office or through the nearest Fiji High Commission and Embassy offices stationed abroad. This visa is valid for 3 months and can be used for a single journey to Fiji only. It takes 14 working days to process visa applications from the date of receipt by the Visa Officer. Fiji Immigration
T’Way Air resumes daily flights from Japan to Guam. Travel Radar(Jul 19)
Destination Headline:
Hawaii Tourism Authority's work continues as state seeks new board members. Travel Weekly(Jul 21)
Destination Headline:
Marianas Tourism Office allocates $1.8M for marketing in Korea (ROK) and $1M for Japan promotion. Citizen Portal(Jul 20)
Destination Headline:
Lonely Planet just named Palau as one of the ‘best’ destinations for 2025. 7News(Jul 22)
The Americas
Destination Headlines:
Mexico tourism soars in early 2025 with 39.4 million global visitors. FTN News (Jul 19)
DOT imposes new restrictions on Mexican flights, targets Delta-Aeromexico deal. Travel Pulse(Jul 20)
Travel Updates:
Mexico City’s plan to tackle gentrification after angry protests against overtourism. Independent(Jul 17)
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)
International inbound travel to US shows mixed recovery; Brand USA says interest in travel to US is improving. CNBC; Travel Weekly (Jul 21)
US travel and tourism exports reach $160 billion in 2025. FTN News (Jul 18)
Travel Updates:
Delta will add Chicago and Hong Kong SAR service from LAX. Travel Weekly(Jul 16)
Breeze Airways adds nonstop flights from New Orleans to Vegas and LA. New Orleans City Business(Jul 21)
Travel Policy Updates:
Starting from July 8, The United States is adopting a new policy for non-immigrant visa holders from Ethiopia, Cameroon and Nigeria, limiting them to single-entry and valid for only three months, previously two years. BBC News (Jul 11)
The US president's Big Beautiful Bill introduces a $250 "visa integrity fee" applying to most non-immigrant U.S. visas, including tourist, student and work visas. Travel Market Report (Jul 14)
Germany’s travel & tourism sector to break all-time records in 2025. Hospitality Net (Jul 22)
Travel Updates:
German gov looks to roll back tax hike on flights. France24(Jul 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. Federal Foreign Office (Apr 28)
Saudi Arabia to launch new low-cost airline. Travel Pulse(Jul 11)
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 welcomes over 52 million international air passengers in 1H25, up 6.4% y-o-y. The Corner (Jul 21)
Spain’s domestic travel surge: Top national destinations for July long weekend. FTN News (Jul 21)
Travel Updates:
Palmanova, Magalluf and Santa Ponsa among 15 beaches awarded Q Tourism Quality Flags. Majorca Daily Bulletin (Jul 22)
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)
İstanbul Airport named 'world’s best' for 2nd consecutive year by US travel magazine. Türkiye Today(Jul 17)
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)
