Sri Lanka to exempt 5 countries from visa fees
Sri Lanka is attracting attention by soon abolishing visa fees for tourists from 5 major countries, namely China, Russia, India, Thailand and Indonesia.
Asia
The Asia Travel Information category provides up-to-date information on travel formalities in Asian countries such as China, Japan, India, Thailand, Malaysia and other popular destinations. This category is dedicated to publishing information on visas, passports, mandatory vaccinations, travel restrictions and customs regulations for travelers visiting various Asian countries. Articles published in this category will contain useful tips for travelers, information on precautions to take, recent changes in laws and regulations, as well as updates on known incidents that could affect the safety of travelers to Asian destinations.
Thailand rethinks extending visa-free period to 60 days
Thailand is facing a new tourism boom after pandemic-related restrictions. With efforts to encourage sustainable tourism and strengthen its position as a destination of choice, the country is ready to welcome a growing number of visitors.
Singapore: airport to offer innovative passport-free immigration system
In early 2024, Singapore's Changi airport will revolutionize international travel with an automated, secure border control system. This system will enable travelers to depart without having to show their passport, thanks to the use of biometrics to verify their identity. Minister for Communications Teo announced ... Read the article
Japan wants to speed up the extension of its e-Visa system
The Japanese government is planning to extend its system of electronic visa services to simplify the application process for foreign visitors. The move comes as tourism begins to recover following the lifting of coronavirus-related border control measures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced the ... Read the article
Pakistan cricket team awaits visas for World Cup in India
The Pakistan cricket team's participation in the Cricket World Cup, to be held in India from October 5 to November 19, is threatened by visa delays. This situation is forcing Pakistan to review its preparations for this major sporting event.
Indian visa services suspended in Canada until further notice
Due to diplomatic concerns about anti-Indian incivilities and hate crimes in Canada, India has announced the immediate suspension of physical visa services at its consulates in Ottawa, Vancouver and Toronto until further notice.
MotoGP in India: hundreds of visas not issued
The iconic upcoming motorcycle Grand Prix in India has unveiled a major challenge it faces. Several hundred MotoGP-related people have still not received their visas for India. This unprecedented situation raises the question of organization and administrative formalities on the eve of such an eagerly-awaited sporting event ... Read the article
Kazakhstan: visa-free regime to be extended to 100 countries
Kazakhstan plans to extend its visa-free regime to citizens of 100 countries in order to further promote the country's tourism sector. The announcement was made at the Forum on Tourism Development in Kazakhstan, held on September 15 in Aktau.
Thailand announces visa-free travel for Chinese visitors
In a bid to boost a tourism industry vital to its economy, Thailand has decided to temporarily grant visa-free entry to tourists from China. How will this work, and what impact will it have on the tourism industry?
Thailand: Thapanee Kiartphaiboon takes the reins at TAT
On September 1, Thailand welcomed a new governor for its tourism sector. Ms. Thapanee Kiartphaiboon succeeds Yuthasak Supasorn, whose term of office had expired. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is the official government body that manages all tourism-related activities in Thailand, including the promotion of the country ... Read the article
Will the Indian visa become the "Bharatian" visa?
In an effort to replace Western influence with a more local and traditional identity, India wishes to make known its intention to change its name to "Bharat". This wish comes from the current government led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. This decision would be taken thanks to a constitutional amendment that would pave the way ... Read the article
Sri Lanka launches a "Digital Nomad" visa
Sri Lanka, known as a popular tourist destination, recently approved the granting of a Digital Nomad visa. This initiative aims to appeal to independent workers and freelancers from all over the world who are looking to establish themselves in a new location. According to the information available, applicants for the Digital Nomad visa will need to justify an income ... Read the article
Chinese first to benefit from Philippine e-Visa
On August 24, 2023, the Philippines launched its new e-Visa program, enabling nationals of countries where a visa is required to apply for a visa online. The first tourists to benefit were Chinese in a "pilot" program. They arrived in the country on August 25.
Thailand: 90-day visa extension planned for certain countries
Thailand's new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has pledged to boost tourism in Phuket by considering a visa extension to 90 days for nationals of certain countries. He also plans to increase capacity at Phuket airport in preparation for a possible surge in international arrivals during the peak season. Read the article
Mopa airport eligible for e-Visa to facilitate international travel
Manohar International Airport, located in Mopa, has been an e-Visa-eligible entry point since August 17. This new international airport in the Indian state of Goa enables tourists and business travellers from all over the world to benefit from this facility when entering India.
Thai visa: 2 documents no longer required
Thailand, a popular destination for travelers from all over the world, has recently taken steps to facilitate access to its territory. These changes, which range from simplifying visa procedures to optimizing issuance times, reflect the country's ambition to strengthen its tourism sector.
Temporary exemption from fingerprinting for Chinese visa applicants in France
The Chinese Embassy in France announced on Thursday a measure that will greatly facilitate the procedures for Chinese visa applicants in France. From August 10 to December 31, 2023, applicants in France for Chinese business (M), tourist (L), family visit (Q2), transit (G) and crew member (C) visas with one or two entries ... Read the article
India and Sri Lanka want a bridge to link the two countries
At the end of July, India and Sri Lanka announced their intention to consider building a land bridge, known as the Palk Strait, to link the two countries. This ambitious project aims to strengthen bilateral relations between these two neighboring nations and facilitate access to the key ports of Trincomalee and Colombo.
China visa centers in France, Switzerland and Belgium
Obtaining a visa to travel to China can be a crucial but sometimes complex step. To simplify the process, China visa centers have been set up in several European countries, including France, Switzerland and Belgium. These centers offer services such as visa application registration, ... Read the article
In 2024, foreign tourists visiting Bali will be subject to a USD 10 tax
To finance its preservation, the Indonesian authorities have announced that from 2024, Bali will impose a tax of 10 US dollars per holidaymaker.
Japan Airlines offers to rent clothes to travel light
From July 5 until at least August 2024, Japan Airlines, in partnership with Sumitomo Corporation, is testing an innovative new service called "Any Wear, Anywhere", enabling travelers to rent clothes during their stay in Japan. This revolutionary concept enables customers to travel light without sacrificing their style of dress while on the move.
Philippine e-Visa extension scheduled for Q3 2023
The Philippines has announced that it will expand its electronic visa system (e-visa) in the 3rd quarter of this year to facilitate entry into the country and stimulate foreign investment. According to Jesus Domingo, Undersecretary for Consular Affairs at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the new system will greatly facilitate the application process ... Read the article
Indonesia: boom in international arrivals and economic repositioning
In the first five months of 2023, Indonesia recorded the arrival of 4.12 million international visitors, representing a 4-fold increase over the same period in 2022, according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics.
South Korea extends K-ETA validity to 3 years
In a press release from the South Korean Immigration Service on June 29, 2023, a major announcement was made concerning K-ETA, the electronic travel authorization for South Korea. From July 3, 2023, the validity of the K-ETA travel authorization will be extended from 2 to 3 years.
South Korea offers group e-Visas for tourists not eligible for K-ETA
In an effort to boost tourism, South Korea has begun accepting applications for electronic group visas, also known as e-Group Visas. This new initiative was introduced on June 27, and has opened up a more convenient and efficient avenue for group travel ... Read the article
Vietnam e-Visa to allow 90-day stays from August 15
In response to the global health crisis, Vietnam has decided to extend the validity of its visa waiver and electronic visa (e-visa) in order to boost tourism and attract more international travelers. The new provisions include a visa waiver for stays of 45 days and an e-visa valid for up to ... Read the article
Indonesia could soon triple its visa prices
Discussions are currently underway at Indonesian government level regarding a possible increase in visa-on-arrival fees. Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, recently confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that a significant increase, potentially a tripling of current fees, could be on the cards.
Bhutan introduces an offer on its tourist tax for long stays
Known for its unique approach to development based on Gross National Happiness rather than Gross Domestic Product, the small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has long maintained a highly selective tourism policy. To preserve the integrity of its cultural and natural heritage, and to protect the tranquillity of its inhabitants, the local authorities ... Read the article
Indonesia officializes end of visa-free regime for 159 nationalities
Indonesia has suspended its visa-free visit policy for 159 nationalities. The decision, announced by the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Yasonna Laoly, follows concerns about disruption to public order and the possible transmission of diseases from countries not certified disease-free by the WHO.
Kazakhstan approves visa waiver agreement with Vietnam
The Kazakh government recently approved a visa waiver agreement with Vietnam, allowing citizens of both nations to travel visa-free between the two countries. The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral relations and encourage tourism, economic and cultural exchanges between Kazakhstan and Vietnam. This measure is ... Read the article
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