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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Maldivians soon to be exempt from European visa requirements

An agreement is about to be reached between the Maldivian government and the European Union on visa-free travel for Maldivian citizens within the Schengen area. As the economic situation of the Maldives is considered stable and prosperous, Europe sees no risk of immigration and will grant this facility in a few weeks' time. Maldivians will be able to ... Read the article