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Πέμπτη 2 Απριλίου 2026

Weekly Asia Pacific Snapshot: India mandates e-arrival card; Sri Lanka to expedite visa-free plan; and more

 


 
Bahrain:
  • Gulf Air continues operating its temporary network via Dammam to April 2026 to Paris, London, Mumbai, Nairobi, Cairo, Chennai, Bangkok, Manila, Casablanca, and Frankfurt. Passengers holding Gulf Air ticket with original travel dates up to April 15, 2026 may rebook free of charge onto Gulf Air operated flights up to June 30, 2026. Gulf Air, Gulf Air (Mar 31)
Jordan:
  • Jordon's airspace is open, and Royal Jordanian continues to operate flights to destinations around the world. Jordan News Agency (Mar 29)
Kuwait:
  • Kuwait Airways announced the resumption of commercial flights to and from Amman, Jordan, via Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia, starting April 5. Kuwait Times (Mar 30)
Qatar:
  • Qatar Airways continues to restore flight network with its latest revised schedule, reflecting the gradual increase in flights to and from Doha. The latest update, valid until April 15, 2026, provides additional frequencies to more than 90 destinations. Qatar Airways (Mar 26)
Saudi Arabia:
  • The Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary visa relief measure for foreign visitors due to disruptions caused by the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. The extension is valid unitl Apr 28, 2026.

    The decision applies to holders of visit visas, Umrah visas, transit visas, and final exist permits that expired around late Feb 2026. NDTV Travel (Mar 25)
The UAE:
  • Following the partial reopening of regional airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule. Emirates (Mar 30)

Relevant updates from more destinations within the Asia Pacific region available below.
Tourism Malaysia Short Pulse Survey: West Asia Crisis Impact
 
In light of the status quo, Tourism Malaysia is gathering insights to better understand its impact on the tourism industry. Your valuable feedback will help gain a clearer understanding of current challenges, industry sentiment, and booking trends across the sector. 

Take a few minutes to complete this short survey >

Kindly submit your feedback on or before April 2, 2026 to facilitate the next course of action. Your input will also be shared with the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia.
Northeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • Shanghai overtakes Tokyo to rank as the world’s third-busiest airport city. China Travel News (Mar 26)
  • Visa-free travel, rising foreign visitors boost luxury hotel growth in China. SCMP (Mar 25)
Travel Updates: 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)
  • 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:
  • Japan leads Chinese Taipei tourism recovery accounting for 17% of arrivals. Taiwan News (Mar 30)
  • Hotel occupancy, inbound tourism show promise for upcoming 4-day holiday. Taipei Times (Mar 31)
Travel Updates: 
  • Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches its first international route to Taipei. Vietnam Plus (Mar 30)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Effective from January 1st, 2026, Graduates with an Associate degree or higher can now apply to extend their residency in Chinese Taipei for 1 year post-graduation. This extension can be renewed for a second year, allowing a total residency extension of 2 year. Talent Taiwan (Jan 6)
 
Destination Headlines:
Travel Updates: 
  • Cathay Pacific to raise passenger fuel surcharge 34% from April as jet-fuel prices soar. VisaHQ (Mar 27)
Destination Headlines:
  • Multimodal booking platform ‘Omio’ enters the Japanese market for international travellers to Japan. Travel Voice Japan (Mar 27)
  • Japan sees increasing trend of dual pricing for attractions targeting tourists. FTN News (Mar 26)
 
Travel Updates: 
  • Japan to increase the number of regions implementing measures against overtourism from 47 in 2025 to 100 by 2030. The Japan Times (Mar 27)
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:
  • Seoul to make major tourist areas ‘data-free zones’. The Korea Herald (Mar 29)
Travel Updates: 
  • Korea (ROK) extends 5- and 10-year multiple-entry visas for Chinese nationals. Visa HQ (Apr 1)
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)
  • Korea (ROK) granted visa-free entry to travellers from Indonesia and expanding automated entry processing to nationals from European Union member states. The Korea Times (Feb 25)
Southeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • Indonesia records 147 million movements during 2026 Eid travel season. Tempo (Mar 30)
Travel Updates: 
  • Komodo National Park ranked second Most Beautiful Place in the World by Time Out 2026. Social Xpat (Mar 30)
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 (Jan 22)
Destination Headlines:
  • China-Lao PDR railway handles over 70 million passenger trips. The Star (Mar 31)
Travel Updates: 
Destination Headlines:
  • Malaysia tourism hit by fuel shock; tour prices may jump 50%. The Business Times (Mar 30)
  • Malaysia’s tourism industry announces 70-80% maximum price hike for tour buses, vans due to diesel pinch. Malay Mail (Mar 30)
Travel Updates: 
  • Malaysia’s tour agencies saw 2,800 cancellations in first week of Iran war, say tourists now in wait-and-see mode. Malay Mail (Mar 30)
 
Destination Headlines:
  • Green jet fuel levy postponed due to impact of Middle East war: CAAS. The Straits Times (Mar 26)
Travel Updates: 
  • Far East Hospitality, JTB launch travel packages for Singapore-Japan anniversary. TTG Asia (Mar 30)
Destination Headlines:
  • Pattaya hotel bookings hold steady as fuel concerns rise ahead of Songkran travel rush. Pattaya Mail (Mar 30)
Travel Updates: 
  • Thailand to launch $9 tourist entry fee under new government. The Nation (Mar 27)
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’s first airport destination now in the making. Travel Weekly Asia (Mar 30)
  • Vietnamese among Asia’s top foodie travellers. Vietnam Plus (Apr 1)
Travel Updates: 
  • Vietnam building $953M mountain expressway to cut Nha Trang-Da Lat drive from 4 hours to under 2. VnExpress (Mar 30)
 
South Asia
Destination Headlines:
  • Airbnb report highlights Maharashtra’s growth as India’s event tourism hub. Travel Daily News (Mar 27)
  • India leads Asia in spiritual travel plans for 2026. Travel Daily Media (Mar 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • IHCL signs Taj Safaris lodge in Satpura, expands wildlife portfolio in Madhya Pradesh. The Economic Times (Mar 29)
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)
  • Starting April 1, 2026, travellers will be required to submit the digital e-Arrival card within 72 hours before arriving in India. Travel and Leisure Asia (Mar 30)
Destination Headlines:
  • Airfares in Pakistan increase 100%. Samaa (Mar 26)
Travel Updates: 
  • Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian carriers. VisaHQ (Mar 27)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • The Ministry of Interior has withdrawn from the authority to issue visa-on-arrival and prior-to-arrival visas. Pakistani visas will now be issued only by the country’s relevant embassies and diplomatic missions. ProPakistani (Mar 12)
Destination Headlines:
  • Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals in 2026 surpass 700,000. Adaderana (Mar 29)
 Travel Updates: 
  • IndiGo launches direct Delhi–Colombo flights, expands Sri Lanka connectivity. The Economic Times (Mar 29)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • Sri Lanka has expanded its tourist visa validity from 90 to 180 days. Travellers can apply online through the country’s Electronic Tourist Visa Activation System via a mobile app. Propakistani (Feb 6)
  • Sri Lanka grants free 7-day visa extension to stranded foreign nationals following Middle East bound flight cancellations. The Economic Times (Mar 1)
 
The Pacific
Destination Updates:
 Travel Updates: 
  • Australia imposes six-month entry ban on Iranian tourist-visa holders. VisaHQ (Mar 26)
  • Fuel tax halved and free public transport offered as war pushes up prices in Australia. BBC (Mar 30)
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 & Tour World (Feb 23)
  • Australia activated Section 84B ‘arrival-pause’ power on March 18, 2026, making visa grants conditional on real-time border controls. VisaHQ (Mar 19)
Destination Headlines:
  • Tourism Fiji rejuvenates Fiji Matai Program. FBC News (Mar 27)
 Travel Updates: 
  • Fiji Airways will not cut routes: Minister Gavoka. Fiji Sun (Mar 26)
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 Headline:
Destination Headline:
 Travel Updates: 
  • Philippine Airlines to push through with Manila-Saipan flights despite energy crisis. RNZ (Mar 30)
The Americas
Destination Headlines:
  • International visitors helped boost Canada’s tourism industry in 2025: data. Global News (Mar 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • Canada Strong Pass returns for cheaper summer travel in Canada. Railway Supply (Mar 29)
 
Destination Headlines:
  • AI adoption reshapes travel planning behavior in the U.S., Phocuswright reports. Travel Daily News (Mar 30)
  • US-Europe summer travel demand continues to drop. Travel Pulse (Mar 29)
Travel Updates: 
  • House rejects Senate DHS Funding Bill, extending 42-day shutdown and travel chaos. VisaHQ (Mar 28)
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)
  • The visa bond programme is being expanded to apply to a total of 50 countries on April 2 and will require foreign nationals from these countries to post a bond of up to $15,000 before receiving B1 or B2 visas for business and tourism in the United States. The bond will be returned to visa recipients who return home in compliance with the terms of the visa and the bond or does not travel.

    The 12 new countries include:  Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia. U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua (Mar 18)
Europe, West Asia, Africa
Destination Headlines:
  • US$1bn AYARA platform to deliver 50 business hotels across Saudi by 2029. Hotelier (Mar 27)
Travel Updates: 
  • Saudi Arabia rolls out visa relief measures for visitors, travellers can request extensions until April 18, 2026. Connecting Travel (Mar 26)
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:
  • Spain closes its airspace to all US aircraft involved in Iran war. Euro News (Mar 30)
  • Twelve major Spanish airports to be impacted by ‘indefinite’ strikes. Independent (Mar 30)
Travel Updates: 
  • Hotel Tarifa Lances joins Radisson Individuals on Los Lances Beach in Andalusia. The Arts Shelf (Mar 31)
Travel Policy Updates: 
  • British nationals in Spain will be able to travel and work between the UK and Spain without visas for stays of up to 90 days. Euro Weekly News (Mar 19)
Destination Headlines:
  • Abu Dhabi museum, Dubai resort among Time’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 list. Gulf News (Mar 30)
  • UAE holiday homes slash prices as demand collapses. Skift (Mar 25)
Travel Updates: 
  • Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi launches hotel refurbishment scheme in Al Ain Region. Abu Dhabi Media Office (Mar 27)
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)
  • 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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