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: Australia Opens Frequent Traveller Visa to Filipinos
Northeast Asia
Destination Headlines:
GBTA: China ranks second globally in business travel spending. Travel Daily Media(Oct 15)
Chinese outbound travel grows 9.3% during Golden Week as longer, multi-destination trips reshape demand. Travel Daily News(Oct 15)
Travel Updates:
China's largest flower market blossoms into a national trading and tourism hub. China Daily(Oct 20)
Travel Policy Updates:
China's State Council issues new Exit and Entry Administration Provisions, effective on September 15, 2026.
Foreign Travellers are advised to avoid falsifying materials and recall prior violations as they may be banned between one to five years and face visa denial during application. Additionally, the provisions will allow custom officials to inspect travellers' electronic data and mobile phones. Genie (Aug 4)
China extends its 240-hour visa free transit policy and Hainan's 30-day visa-free entry to Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan travellers. Travellers of the forementioned destinations may enter China visa-free through 65 selected ports, including Beijing and Shanghai. Asia News Network (Aug 21)
Hong Kong’s Huanggang crossing absorbs 366% surge as travellers stream back. SCMP (Oct 19)
Visitor arrivals surge 22% in September to over 4M. The Standard (Oct 15)
Travel Updates:
Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival returns this Autumn from October 29 to November 1. Hong Kong Tourism Board(Oct 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
Hong Kong's Immigration Department launched the "Go Hong Kong" app on September 16, letting eligible frequent visitors (18+, valid e-travel document, no adverse record, 2+ HKIA visits in 24 months) pre-enroll for e-Channel via smartphone before arrival. Approval requires entering Hong Kong by the stated arrival date, or the enrollment automatically lapses. Immigration Departement of Hongkong(Sep 16)
The Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities (STV Scheme) is adding a social welfare category to its existing 17 sectors, and expanding coverage across international/mega events, higher education, and finance-related fields, also effective October 1. News Gov Hong Kong(Sep 24)
ANA and JAL will raise fuel surcharges from November 2026 again, charging 62,000 yen on US routes. Travel Voice Japan(Oct 19)
Japan National Tourism Organization recommends five prefectures for foreign visitors to visit in 2027. Travel Voice Japan(Oct 14)
Travel Updates:
Japan leaves dual pricing, taxes for foreign tourists to businesses. VnExpress(Oct 16)
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 November 1, 2026, Japan switches from tax-free shopping at the till to airport refunds. Tourists pay the full 10% tax-inclusive price up front and get the tax back on departure, and sealed bags for consumables are no longer required. Japan Travel (Aug 28)
Busan ranks No. 5 on Expedia's Top 10 global travel destinations for 2027. The Korea Times(Oct 20)
Travel Updates:
Travelodge opens its largest hotel in Asia with 360 rooms in Seoul. Travel Daily News (Oct 16)
Travel Policy Updates:
Korea (ROK) has extended its visa application fee exemption for package tourists from the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, and China until the end of 2026. Gulf News(Jul 6)
Korea (ROK) launches digital nomad visa (F-1-D visa) which allows foreign travellers employed overseas to stay even without a Korean employer. The Korea Herald(Jul 16)
Singapore’s Jan to Sept visitor arrivals down 1.7% Y-o-Y to 12.7M; Q2 tourism receipts down 6.2% at $7.21 billion. GGR Asia; The Straits Times (Oct 16)
GetYourGuide, Singapore Tourism Board collaborate on tourism experiences. TTG Asia (Oct 16)
Travel Updates:
Singapore Airlines, Scoot offer discounts on 380,000 air tickets to Asia, Europe. VnExpress (Oct 19)
BTS takes over Singapore with month-long December events. FTN News (Oct 19)
Travel Policy Updates:
Effective July 1, 2026, Singapore permanent residents, certain UN laissez-passer holders, visiting forces, eligible Chinese passport holders, and holders of specified diplomatic, official, or service passports from countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, India, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia exempted from visa requirements. The Order also revokes the previous visa exemption order. Singapore Statutes Online (Jul 1)
Singapore confirms travellers will no longer need to submit two arrival cards as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)'s interface and SG Arrival Card (SGAC) will begin a new version starting August 26. Visa News (Aug 19)
Thailand's Interior Ministry confirms visa-free entry will now be limited to 30 days from the initial 60. Additionally, over 21 selected nationalities will be required to obtain a visa, starting September 15, 2026. Visas News (Sep 3)
Starting August 31, Thailand sets new rules for Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) applicants to submit proof of permanent residence in the country from which they are applying, and a police clearance certificate. Documents must be in original language and an English translation. Daily Sun (Aug 30)
Under the Politburo Resolution, travellers will garner preferential visas, depending on the length they stay in the destinations. They are also required to obtain a compulsory insurance. VnExpress (Aug 28)
Goa records 43% Y-o-Y growth in travel searches within India; gears up for festive tourism rush. Travel Trends Today (Oct 19)
India’s alternative accommodation market to reach INR 415 billion by FY29 as demand expands. Travel Trends Today (Oct 19)
Travel Updates:
Nok Air resumes Hyderabad-Bangkok flights with four weekly services. The Economic Times (Oct 17)
Travel Policy Updates:
The Government of India grants Thai Nationals 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa. The policy will remain in fefect until December 31, 2027 and is free of charge. The Nation Thailand (Sep 12)
India's Home Ministry officiates e-group visit visa for over 172 foreign nationals arriving in India through cruise vessels. The visa will remain valid for 30 days while allowing travellers multiple entry.
Travellers are reminded that their selected agent/cruise operator will need to submit the visa application three days before berthing within Indian Ports. Times of India (Sep 4)
Maldives targets 2.5 million visitors as tourism enters its next phase of growth. Breaking Travel News (Oct 17)
Travel Updates:
Maldives postpones 17% tourism tax on foreign travel agencies until April 2027. Travel Tomorrow (Oct 15)
Travel Policy Updates:
The Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed the Agreement on the Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements, granting visa-free entry for holders of Ordinary Passports from both countries, for a period of 90 days. MOFA of Maldives (Sep 25)
As of September 8, a permament bilateral pact between Maldives and Ghana allows respective passport holders of the aforementioned destinations to stay visa-free for up to 30 days. Business Insider Africa (Oct 5)
Michelin Guide debut expected to raise South Australia’s tourism profile. TTG Asia(Oct 16)
NSW leading as Australia’s largest culinary tourism economy. Hospitality Magazine(Oct 20)
Travel Updates:
Australia launches 10-year multiple-entry visa for Filipino frequent travellers. Philstar (Oct 17)
Travel Policy Updates:
Australia will add a "No Further Stay" condition to all newly granted visitor visas. Visitor cannot apply while in Australia, they must leave and apply from overseas. Existing visitor visas are unaffected, while the reform will roll out progressively over the next 12 months. Visa News (Sep 17)
Australia added the Philippines to its Frequent Traveller visitor visa stream, letting Filipinos obtain multiple-entry visas valid up to 10 years, with three-month stays per visit and no work allowed. EMC Australia (Oct 19)
Canada records 5.3 million international arrivals in September 2026. Immig Canada (Oct 17)
Travel Updates:
Air Canada adds nonstop Montréal–Seville flights for 2027. Travel Pulse (Oct 16)
Air Canada expands Canada-U.S. connectivity with new Summer 2027 routes. Travel Press (Oct 19)
Travel Policy Updates:
Canada extended temporary Ebola-related border measures until November 27, 2026. Travellers whose last country of residence was the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan cannot currently travel to Canada, including those holding valid visas, permits or eTAs. Government of Canada (Sep 28)
IRCC’s 2026 transition binder outlines 40+ national-level criteria for imposing or lifting country-level visa requirements. These criteria are distinct from individual assessments, with no changes to country-level eligibility announced. Visitor visas have a maximum validity of 10 years and can be issued for single or multiple entries, depending on the case. Immigration News Canada (Sep 22)
US travel agency air ticket sales soar to over $10 billion. Travel Pulse (Oct 16)
US international visitor arrivals fall 6.1% despite World Cup travel boost. Hotel News Resource (Oct 18)
Travel Updates:
US lifts Mexico City flight restrictions, allowing airlines to expand routes again. Rus Tourism News (Oct 17)
Travel Policy Updates:
On September 17, ruling from the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, covering Connecticut, New York, and Vermont, including JFK Airport, confirmed border officers can search travellers' cellphones without a warrant or reasonable suspicion. US Court Gov (Sep 17)
As of August 21 2026, the January 2026 pause of immigrant visa issuance is no longer in effect, opening applications for 75 countries.
Nonetheless, applicants are advised to expect delays due to US State Department's launching of a global training initiative at US embassies and consulates worldwide. US Travel State Government; Travel + Leisure (Aug 27)
Sarajevo Airport registered its busiest September on record. Sarajevo Times (Oct 18)
Travel Updates:
Ryanair plans new Sarajevo routes as fresh airline subsidy tender opens. Ex-Yu Aviation(Oct 15)
Travel Policy Updates:
Bosnia and Herzegovina renews summer visa-free Entry for Saudi, Bahrain and Oman from Validity Period: June 1 through September 30, 2026. Passport Index (May 12)
Saudi tourist accommodation registrations rise 29% to 20,560 in Q3 2026. Saudi Gazette (Oct 19)
Travel Updates:
Airlines resume flights to Saudi Arabia. TTR Weekly(Oct 20)
Travel Policy Updates:
Saudi Arabia inaugurates the Visa Package for Jordan, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Mexico Passengers. Travellers may secure an online tourist visa within 48 hours as part of a bundled travel booking including round-trip flights, accommodation at licensed hotels, and an electronic tourist visa. Gulf Business (Jul 11)
Saudi Arabia expanded its tourist visa programme to include citizens of Kosovo and Guyana, allowing eligible travellers to obtain visas electronically or on arrival. The visa covers tourism, events, exhibitions, conferences, Umrah and visits to family and friends, subject to applicable regulations. Gulf News (Oct 4)
Foreign tourist spending rebounds between May and August 2026. BBVA Research (Oct 19)
Spain approaches 11.5 million international air passengers in September, a 5.1% increase. Democrata (Oct 19)
Travel Updates:
Spain and Canaries set to introduce new tourism accommodation tax from December 1. Liverpool Echo (Oct 15)
Travel Policy Updates:
New application procedure in the Spanish Embassy’s Washington jurisdiction: beginning October 1, most visa applications must be submitted by appointment through the BLS Spain Visa Application Center rather than directly to the embassy. Embassy of Spain (Oct 1)
Amasra draws 1.3M visitors on history, seafood; Antalya welcomes 14M. Turkiye Today; AA (Oct 19)
Travel Updates:
Türkiye unveils tourism route linking east to Black Sea. Hurriyet Daily News(Oct 19)
Travel Policy Updates:
The agreement between Turkiye and Saudi Arabia on mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and special passports was ratified on June 13, 2026. Resmi Gazete (Jun 13)
