Pata:Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Nepal ready for visitors; South Caucasus to open its borders; and more

 

Nepal Tourism Board is pleased to inform you all that peace, stability, and normalcy have been fully restored across the country following the recent developments. The Interim Government has assured timely elections, further strengthening public trust and safety.

Public transportation, domestic and international flights, and all major destinations are operating normally. Hotels, restaurants, and travel services are open and welcoming guests in a safe and comfortable environment.

Tourism in Nepal has a remarkable history of resilience. NTB is confident that the tourism sector will once again rebound, stronger than ever, as visitors return to experience the unparalleled beauty of the Himalaya, vibrant cultural traditions, and sacred sites.

Nepal is now safe, peaceful, and ready to host visitors from around the world.

Read full statement from Nepal Tour

Northeast Asia

Destination Headlines: China’s tourism surge may net $42 billion for economy in 2025. Al Arabiya (Sep 13)

Travel Updates:  Legoland Shanghai Resort draws big crowds in first summer. China Daily (Sep 13) Travel Policy Updates:  China has started a trial period for a visa-free policy for Russian ordinary passport holders. This policy, in effect until September 14, 2026, allows Russian citizens to stay for up to 30 days for various purposes including business and tourism. Global China Daily (Sep 16) Legoland Shanghai Resort draws big crowds in first summer. China Daily (Sep 13) Full information from The State Council, China >

Destination Headlines: Chinese Taipei expands inbound tourism: Alishan, Matsu Islands, and eco-friendly travel top the agenda for 2025. Travel and Tour World (Sep 11) Taoyuan airport expects 1.95M weekend travellers. Taipei Times (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  2026 APEX Five-Star Award goes to Chinese Taipei’s STARLUX Airlines. Travel and Tour World (Sep 13) Kenting secures 5th spot in Asia’s top rural escapes. Taiwan News (Sep 10) 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) In accordance with WHO recommendations, applicants for Chinese Taipei visas must submit proof of having been administered the oral polio vaccine (OPV) or the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) from four weeks to one year before applying if they have resided in or visited countries or regions at high risk for polio transmission—namely, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, French Guiana, and Guinea—for four weeks or longer within the past year. BOCA Taiwan (Sep 15) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Taipei >

Destination Headlines: K-Pop Demon Hunters sparks Seoul travel frenzy. Travel Weekly Asia (Sep 10)

Travel Updates:  PayPay is now accepted in Korea (ROK) via Ant International’s Alipay+. Business Wire (Sep 16) Seoul Tourism Organization launches ‘Pick 3 Pass,’ a customisable Discover Seoul pass for smarter trip. News Break (Sep 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) Full information from Korea Tourism Organization >

Destination Headlines: Mongolia surpasses 617,000 tourist arrivals by mid-September 2025. MontSame (Sep 15)

Travel Updates: Mongolia launches global tourism campaign with cinematic ‘Go Mongolia’ film via Edelman.  Campaign Brief (Sep 11) Travel Policy Updates:  Visa-free travel to Mongolia for Korean citizens is extended until Dec 31, 2025. News MN (Jan 2) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Consular Department >

Southeast Asia

Destination Headlines: CTB, Visa ink strategic partnership to boost Kingdom’s tourism appeal. Khmer Times (Sep 14) New airport reports welcoming 130 flights and 15,000 tourists daily. KiriPost (Sep 15)

Travel Updates:  CTB signs strategic partnership with Nanjing Tuniu to boost Chinese tourist inflows. Khmer Times (Sep 14) 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) Full information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperations >

Destination Headlines: Indonesian MotoGP spurs strong tourism demand, boosting hotel revenue in Lombok and South Bali. Travel and Tour World (Sep 12) Bali tourism stays strong despite floods: Minister. Voice of Indonesia (Sep 14)

Travel Updates:  Indonesia implements All Indonesia digital arrival card. Travel Daily Media (Sep 10) 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) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia >

Destination Headlines: Malaysian tourism grows, hits RM291.9B in 2024. The Star (Sep 12) KLIA Southeast Asia's second busiest airport. Bernama (Sep 10)

Travel Updates:  Sabah sets wellness tourism benchmark. TTR Weekly (Sep 15) 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) Full information from Immigration Department, Malaysia >

Destination Headlines: Singapore visitor tally at 3.29M in July and August, up nearly 5% year-on-year: STB. GGR Asia (Sep 15) Singapore Changi named busiest airport in Southeast Asia. VnExpress (Sep 15)

Travel Updates:  Disney's first-ever Asian cruise from Singapore gets postponed to March 2026. Travel + Leisure (Sep 12) 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) Full information from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore >

Destination Headlines: Phuket eyes $17.3B tourism revenue as high season bookings soar. Khaosod (Sep 13)

Travel Updates:  Thailand to start sea plane tourism pilot project. Travel Mole (Sep 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 (May 18) Full information from Thai Embassy >

Destination Headlines: Vietnam overtakes Thailand as the top travel destination for Chinese tourists. Bangkok Post (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  Vietnam expands smoke-free environment to promote public health, tourism. Vietnam Plus (Sep 15) 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) Full information from Vietnam National Authority of Tourism >

South Asia

Destination Headlines: India's temple tourism goes premium: Bookings for ₹7,000-10K+ rooms up 24%. Business Standard (Sep 10) Agoda reports 19% growth in searches for secondary destinations in India. Economic Times (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  UNESCO adds seven new sites to Tentative World Heritage List for India. Travel + Leisure Asia (Sep 16) IndiGo AEGEAN codeshare agreement opens new routes between India, Greece and Europe. Travel and Tour World (Sep 15) Travel Policy Updates:  India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens for the first time in five years starting  July 24, 2025. The visas can be applied for online and obtained after an appointment at the Indian Embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou. CNBC (Jul 25) Full information from Ministry of Tourism, India >

Destination Headlines: Nepal safe for tourists to visit. Nepal Tourism Board (Sep 13)

Travel Updates:  Nepal offers free visa renewal for tourists with expired permits. The Kirib (Sep 11)  Travel Policy Updates:  Nepal’s Department of Immigration (DoI) stated that travellers whose visas were valid until September 8, 2025, and who must leave the country during the curfew period will be able to obtain visa regularisation and exit permission free of charge. These procedures must be carried out directly at the immigration offices located at departure points, notably at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Department of Immigration Nepal (Sep 11) Full information from Nepal Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: Tourist arrivals in September top 52,000. Adaderana (Sep 14) Sri Lanka sees a major tourism boost from JW.ORG Convention in Colombo. Travel and Tour World (Sep 15)

Travel Updates:  Cabinet approves $100M ADB loan for sustainable tourism projects. The Morning (Sep 16)  Travel Policy Updates:  Sri Lanka, in efforts to revive tourism industry, has extended its Visa-Free programme. Even if the start date of implementation is unknown, the nation has listed 40 countries to have visa-on-arrival, with a requirement of ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) in advance to travel. Travel and Tour World (Jul 28) Starting August 1, 2025, Sri Lanka has decided to issue one-year visas to Maldivians, focusing on promoting medical tourism and longer visits. Previously, Maldivians were only eligible for short term visas. Lanka News (Jul 27) Full information from Department of Immigration and Emigration >

The Pacific

Destination Headlines: Virgin takes hat trick as Australia’s most trusted travel brand. Australian Aviation (Sep 11)

Travel Updates:  Schengen Area introduces new digital entry/exit system for Australians starting October 2025. Travel and Tour World (Sep 11)  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 and Tour World (Feb 23) 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) Full information from Department of Home Affairs, Australia >

Destination Headlines: Fiji Airways celebrates historic win as APEX World Class 2026 airline. Travel Weekly (Sep 12) Fiji’s tourism earnings hit $744M in June quarter. The Fiji Times (Sep 21)

Destination Headlines: Guam targets growth in Malaysia and Singapore tourism markets. TTG Asia (Sep 15)

Destination Headline: Hawaii Tourism Authority invests nearly $1M in Native Hawaiian cultural programmes. Pacific Business News (Sep 15) Hawai‘i Tourism Authority appoints new leadership for advisory board committees. Travel Daily News (Sep 16)

Travel Updates: Palau tourism prepares for boost with direct Japan flights set for October. Marianas Variety (Sep 14)

Travel Updates: Air Niugini takes delivery of its first Airbus A220-300. Aeroflap (Sep 12)

Destination Headline: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea sign updated border agreements. SIBC (Sep 12)

The Americas

Destination Headlines: International travel to Mexico jumps 12% in July. Mexico News Daily (Sep 12)

Travel Updates:  IHG inks conversion deal in Mexico for its upscale Voco brand. Travel Weekly (Sep 10) Princess Cruises adds 13 new shore excursions in Mexico for 2025/26. Travel Agent Central (Sep 12) Travel Policy Updates:  Starting in August, Mexico will launch an electronic visa platform for foreign tourists eliminating the need for in-person visits to consular offices. The e-visa costing 32 USD is not valid for travel by land or sea. It only applies to foreigners entering via air for tourism, cultural or family purposes and require a visa to enter mexico. It does not allow any work activities and is valid for a maximum of 180 days. Infants under two years old are exempt from the payment. Mexico News Daily (Jul 29) Full information from Government of Mexico >

Destination Headlines: Canadians made three million fewer trips to the US during summer travel boycott. The Globe and Mail (Sep 10) US tourism navigates tough 2025 with big events on the horizon. Hotel Management (Sep 11)

Travel Updates:  DOT terminates Delta-Aeromexico joint venture. Travel and Tour World (Sep 17) Travel Policy Updates:  As of September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of state requires nonimmigrant visa applications to be filed in the applicant’s country of residence or nationality only. This guidance does not apply to applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, diplomatic/official-type visas, or any visa for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement. US Immigration (Sep 6) As of September 30, 2025, the fee for obtaining an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will increase from $21 to $40. US Customs (Sep 4) Full information from U.S. Department of State >

Europe, West Asia, Africa

Destination Headlines: Peace deal opens borders positioning Azerbaijan as a tourism gateway for the South Caucasus. Euro News (Sep 15) Record tourist inflow expected for Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku; tourist spending rises by 85%. Azer News; Report News Agency (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  AZAL announces special discount campaign for Tourism Day. Report News Agency (Sep 15) 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) Full information from Azerbaijan Tourism Board >

Destination Headlines: Oktoberfest 2025 draws record numbers of international visitors. Tourism Review News (Sep 15)

Travel Updates:  Germany gradually launches the new EU entry system. Aviation Project (Sep 11) 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) Full information from German Federal Foreign Office >

Destination Headlines: Saudi Arabia sees 126% surge in domestic travel. Connecting Travel (Sep 12) Saudi hotels post 1.9% ADR rise in H1 as pipeline expands: JLL. Arab News (Sep 16)

Travel Updates:  Minister of Tourism launches Saudi Winter 2025 programme, featuring over 1,200 tourism products. ZAWYA (Sep 15) Travel Policy Updates:  Effective July 26, 2025, the General Directorate of Passports has announced a 30-day extension of its grace period for expired visit visas. Holders of expired visit visas, in any category, can apply for an exit permit without incurring an overstay fine. Overstay after grace period is subject to fine of up to SAR 50,000 and a multi-year entry ban. SPA (Jul 28) 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) Full information from Saudi Tourism Authority >

Destination Headlines: UAE hotel sector achieves $7.1 billion in 2025 H1 revenue; welcomes 16M guests. iGamingToday; Arab News (Sep 15)

Travel Updates:  UAE tightens visit visa rules for Nepalis. Online Khabar (Sep 15) 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. VisaGuide (Jun 18) The UAE has banned the previously 96 hours transit visa for Nigerian travellers and toughened the entry requirements for other visa categories. Daily Trust (Jul 9) Full information from UAE Government Portal >

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