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Τετάρτη 11 Μαρτίου 2026

Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: Special Updates on West Asia


Special Updateson the Ongoing Situation in West Asia
more updates available on the weekly dashboard page >
 
Azerbaijan:
  • Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan airport resume operations. KazInform (Mar 9)
Bahrain:
  • Gulf Air flight operations remain temporarily suspended. The airline will resume services once the Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs confirms the safe reopening of the affected airspace. Gulf Air (Mar 11)
Kuwait:
  • Kuwait Airways announces the transportation of Kuwaiti citizens with confirmed bookings and tickets to return to Kuwait by land through Saudi Arabia. The deadline for registering requests is March 12, 2026. Kuwait Airways (Mar 10)
Jordan:
  • Royal Jordanian flights will be operating as long as Jordanian airspace remains open. Royal Jordanian (Mar 10)
Qatar:
  • The Ministry of Interior has extended all categories of entry visas that have expired or are nearing expiration for a period of one month. Qatar News Agency (Mar 3)
  • Qatar Airways has announced a limited number of flights to and from Doha for passengers whose original bookings were disrupted by the conflict in West Asia. Condé Nast Traveler (Mar 9)
    Saudi Arabia:
    • Saudia Airline flight suspensions extended until Mar 12, 2026 (23:59 GMT), with some exceptional flights operating in Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain. Saudia Airline (Mar 10)
    The UAE:
    • UAE authorities have confirmed that visa fine waivers will apply to travellers affected by the airspace closure that began on February 28, 2026. The visas will be automatically extended and will remain valid until regular flight services resume. The Times of India (Mar 9)
    • Emirates customers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating. Please do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking for these flights. Emirates (Mar 7)
    • Etihad Airways has resumed a limited commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations. Etihad Airways (Mar 11)
    • Dubai airports resume partial flight operations after temporary suspension. Gulf News (Mar 9)

    Relevant updates from more destinations within the Asia Pacific region available below.
    Northeast Asia
    Destination Headlines:
    • China says 2025 inbound trips top 150 million, spending by international travellers up 40%. CGTN (Mar 7)
    • Chinese carriers capture Europe–Asia transit flows as West Asia airspace closes. China Travel News (Mar 3)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • Starting from February 17, 2026, Canada and UK ordinary passport holders can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes. The policy will be effective until December 31, 2026. Ministry of Foreign Affairs People's Republic of China (Feb 15, 2026)
    • The unilateral visa-free entry policy has been extended through December 31, 2026. The policy now covers 46 countries, including the newly added Sweden. China Briefing (Nov 3, 2025)
    Destination Headlines:
    • Hong Kong flight tickets soar amid West Asia airspace shutdown. Lifestyle Asia (Mar 3)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Symphony of Lights harbour display taking its final bow soon; new light and projection show expected to launch second half of the year. Travel Weekly Asia (Mar 3)
    • HK Express adds capacity on Hong Kong–Bangkok route. Travel and Tour World (Mar 6)
    • Cathay Pacific’s daily Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights, as well as Cathay Cargo's freighter flights to Dubai and Riyadh, have been cancelled up to and including March 31. Cathay Pacific Airways (Mar 11)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR confirmed its pandemic-era reduction in visa fees for travel to mainland China will remain in place for another 12 months, through December 31, 2026. VisaHQ (Jan 14)
    Destination Headlines:
    • Japan gov't to craft guidelines on dual pricing at tourism facilities. Kyodo News (Mar 3)
     
    Travel Updates: 
    • Japan’s former Nara prison to reopen as luxury hotel in 2026. Travel Tomorrow (Mar 3)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • The Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) will require foreign tourists exempt from visa requirements to input entry related information before traveling to Japan. The government plans to implement this new system in fiscal 2028. The Mainichi (Mar 10)
    • From March 2, 2026, walk-in visa submissions will be phased out at VFS Global centres in Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Puducherry. VisaHQ (Feb 23)
    Destination Headlines:
    Travel Updates: 
    • Korea (ROK) to allow Iranians to overstay visas until conflict eases. The Korea Times (Mar 8)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • The Korean Embassy has waived the requirement to submit three months’ worth of bank statements for visa applications to ease visa application requirements for Filipinos. Philippine News Agency (Feb 19)
    Southeast Asia
    Destination Headlines:
    • Indonesia targets 17 UNESCO Global Geoparks by 2029. RRI (Mar 8)
    Travel Updates: 
    • AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia to end Darwin flights in April 2026. Travel and Tour World (Mar 4)
    • A new NIHI resort is opening on Indonesia’s Rote Island in May 2026. Time Out (Mar 6)
    • Indonesia has implemented a fine exemption for travellers who overstay due to flight disruptions, provided they can present documentation from the airline or airport authority. Visa News (Mar 2)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • Indonesia’s Immigration Office in Batam is promoting a seven-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) for foreign tourists planning short visits to Batam and the Riau Islands. The visa is valid for a single entry and cannot be extended. Tempo.co English (Jan 22)
    Destination Headlines:
    • Luang Prabang ranked 30th in list of world’s 50 most beautiful cities. Asia News Network (Mar 4)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Minor Hotels announces Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane. Breaking Travel News (Mar 4)
    • Lao PDR officially opens Bokeo International Airport in Bokeo Province. CTN News (Maar 8)
     
    Destination Headlines:
    • Travel boom lifts Malaysia’s 2025 tourism revenue to RM49.2B net inflow. The Star (Mar 3)
    • Malaysia Airlines adds flights to London, Paris amid travel disruptions. The Star (Mar 6)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Lufthansa to launch flights from Frankfurt to Malaysia. BTN Europe (Mar 4)
    • Waldorf Astoria finally debuts in Malaysia. Travel Weekly Asia (Mar 9)
     
    Destination Headlines:
    • Singapore welcomes Disney Adventure. TTR Weekly (Mar 6)
    Travel Updates: 
    • teamLab museum to be built in Gardens by the Bay as part of expanded urban wetland. The Straits Times (Mar 4)
    • Singapore Airlines (SIA) has cancelled flights between Singapore and Dubai till March 28 due to the geopolitical situation in the West Asia. Singapore Airlines (Mar 11)
     
    Destination Headlines:
    • TAT partners with Mastercard on AI-powered upgrade of ‘Amazing Thailand’ app. Markettech APAC (Mar 4)
    • Thailand unveils ‘The New Thailand’ at ITB Berlin 2026. Travel Daily Media (Mar 5)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Travellers who remain in Thailand with an expired permission to stay and wish to depart the Kingdom will have their overstay fines waived. No penalty payment will be required when exiting Thailand under these circumstances.

      Foreign nationals who wish to remain in Thailand may apply for a temporary stay extension. Each extension may be granted for a period of up to 30 days per permission.

      In cases where the traveller’s permission to stay has already expired, immigration officers will first process the fine settlement in accordance with the law before considering the request for an extension of temporary stay. TAT (Mar 5)
    • Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports is offering special accommodation rates in key destinations across the country to support travellers affected by recent flight cancellations due to the current situation in West Asia. TAT (Mar 11)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to attract high-quality visitors, digital nomads, and participants in cultural activities. The Government Public Relation Department (Feb 11)
    • Thailand doubles visa-free stay for Indians to 60 days, introduces 30-day extension. VisaHQ (Feb 19)
    Destination Headlines:
    • Vietnam reports rise in foreign visitors; welcomes nearly 4.7 million foreign visitors in January–February. Azer News; Vietnam Net (Mar 9)
    • Russia surpasses Cambodia to become Vietnam's 3rd largest source of tourists. VnExpress (Mar 6)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Hanoi named among world's 50 most beautiful cities by Condé Nast Traveler. VnExpress (Mar 5)
    • Vietnam Airlines to launch direct Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket route from April 2. Vietnam Net (Mar 9)
     
    South Asia
    Destination Headlines:
    • Bhutan recognised as "Destination of the Year- Earthly Experiences" at ITB Berlin 2026. Kuensel Online (Mar 5)
    • Bhutan International Marathon saw strong participation from local and international runners. Daily Bhutan (Mar 9)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Intrepid Travel releases new women's expeditions to Bhutan. Travel Weekly (Mar 6)
    Destination Headlines:
    • India to double airport capacity as tourism demand outpaces supply. Travel Daily Media (Mar 2)
    • Netflix and Ministry of Tourism, India unveil ‘Flavours of India’ campaign at ITB Berlin. Bollywood Hungama (Mar 6)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Uber opens intercity bus ticketing for pan-India travel, ropes in AbhiBus. The Hindu (Mar 6)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • India’s e-Tourist Visa scheme now covers 166 countries in 2026, up from 156 a year ago. Under the expanded list, travellers from Kenya, Algeria, Fiji, Uruguay, Armenia, and North Macedonia—among others—can apply online, pay by card and receive an electronic travel authorisation within 72 hours. VisaHQ (Jan 26)
    Destination Headlines:
    • Pakistan to launch Hajj flight operation from April 18. Arab News (Mar 8)
    • 500 flights cancelled in three days as war disrupts Pakistan air travel. Pakistan Today (Mar 3)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Pakistan restores full flight operations to Saudi Arabia, partial services to Gulf countries. Pakistan Today (Mar 6)
     Travel Policy Updates: 
    • The Pakistani government has launched the Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) category, simplifying tourism and business visits for citizens of 126 countries. Embassy of Pakistan (Jan 5)
    The Pacific
    Destination Headlines:
    • Australia’s newest theme park is slated to open in a mega $2.6 billion entertainment city by 2030. Time Out (Mar 4)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Jetstar to launch seasonal nonstop Christchurch–Perth route. The Traveler (Mar 4)
    Destination Headline:
    • Tourism Fiji launches first-ever AI Travel Planner on Chinese TikTok. Skift (Mar 3)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Fiji’s Nadi International Airport recognised as Best in South Pacific at PATWA Travel Awards. Travel and Tour World (Mar 6)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • Fijians who qualify for a US business or tourist visa will be required to pay a bond of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000 before the visa is approved. Fijivillage (Jan 21)
    • Visitors must apply for a visa/permit before purchasing a ticket or boarding a flight to Fiji. A Transit Visa is required for those passing through. Applications can be lodged at a Fijian Immigration office or a Fiji High Commission/Embassy abroad. 

      The visa is valid for a single 3-month journey and takes 14 working days to process. Fiji Immigration
    Destination Headlines:
    • Palau tourism closes 2025 strong, January arrivals up 13%. Marianas Variety (Mar 3)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • Effective March 30, 2026, Executive Order 499 will end visa-on-arrival privileges for nationals of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sri Lanka, and Vanuatu. Travellers from these 12 nations must obtain advance clearance or a visa before traveling. Island Times News (Feb 12)
    The Americas
    Destination Headlines:
    • Mexico ranked fourth globally for long hotel stays in 2025. Mexico Business (Mar 3)
    • ALG Vacations expects a short-term tourism decline in Mexico. Travel Weekly (Mar 8)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Airlines expand flights to Mexico’s 2026 World Cup cities. Mexico Business (Mar 5)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • From February 5, Mexico will accept exclusively electronic visas (e-Visas) for Brazilian passport holders entering for tourism, business or transit. VisaHQ (Feb 3)
    Destination Headlines:
    • US hotels seek World Cup boost after tourism dip. Taipei Times (Mar 8)
    • Las Vegas tourism plummets as officials consider $6M plan to win back Canadian visitors. Fox News (Mar 6)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • Beginning January 21, 2026, Bangladeshi nationals approved for new B-1/B-2 visitor visas will have to post a U.S.$15,000 “departure bond” before they can travel to the United States. Only visas issued on or after January 21 will be subject to the bond. VisaHQ (Jan 20)
    • Passport holders in seven countries (Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan) are now required to post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply to enter the United States. Independent (Jan 5)
    Europe, West Asia, Africa
    Destination Headlines:
    • Tourist arrivals from Europe to Azerbaijan up nearly 20%.
       Report.az (Mar 7)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • From February 2, 2026 to February 2, 2027, HKSAR passport holders will be able to travel to Azerbaijan visa-free up to three times, with each stay lasting up to 30 days. Report.Az (Jan 30)
    • From February 15, 2026 to February 15, 2027, citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain will be allowed to enter Azerbaijan up to three times a year without a visa and the duration of stay in Azerbaijan for each visit is up to 30 days. The Azerbaijan State News Agency (Feb 17)
    Destination Headlines:
    • Kenya unveils new global tourism campaign ‘Experience Wonder’, eyes 5 million visitors by 2027. The Economic Times (Mar 6)
    Travel Updates: Travel Policy Updates: 
    • The Government of Kenya has implemented entry measures requiring all travellers (including Macao passport holders) to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before entering Kenya. Once approved, travellers can enter the country visa-free for a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. Macao SAR Government Portal (Mar 6)
    Destination Headlines:
    • Saudi Arabia allocates 2,500 hotel rooms for GCC travellers at Kingdom’s airports. Middle East Economy (Mar 3)
    • Saudi Red Sea Authority appoints new CEO. TTN Worldwide (Mar 5)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Saudi opens Ajeer platform for temporary tourism hiring. Connecting Travel (Mar 9)
    • The Embassy of India in Riyadh is obtaining individual transit visa approvals from the Saudi Government. Priority is given to stranded Indian nationals, especially those on tourist or short-term visas to transit through Saudi Arabia from Bahrain. These transit visa requests are referred by the Embassy of India in Bahrain to the Embassy of India in Riyadh.

      Indian and Saudi carriers have resumed normal operations in Jeddah and Madinah. Indian nationals can travel to India by checking flight availability. Embassy of India, Bahrain, Embassy of India, Riyadh (Mar 9)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Ethiopia, Libya and other countries face strict changes to travel and visa suspensions in Saudi Arabia under this year's "Banned Hajj without Permit" campaign. Travel and Tour World (Feb 13)
    Destination Headlines:
    • UAE hotels reassure guests, keep prices steady amid travel disruption. Gulf News (Mar 10)
    Travel Updates: 
    • Abu Dhabi hotels and attractions open as usual, travel guidance for visitors. Gulf News (Mar 7)
    Travel Policy Updates: 
    • A uniform fine of AED 50 per day will be charged to anyone who remains in UAE beyond their visa’s expiration date. Pakistan Observer (Feb 11)
    • PNG and UAE elevate Bilateral Relations with landmark Visa Waiver Agreement. Citizens of Papua New Guinea holding valid diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports will be eligible to enter the United Arab Emirates without a pre-arranged Visa, with Visa-Free Entry or Visa on Arrival for a period of up to 30 days. Department of Prime Minister (Feb 6)
    See All Destinations' Updates

    Tags: PATA

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