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.
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.
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
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
Indonesia: a golden visa to attract foreigners and encourage investment
Indonesia recently promised to introduce a new type of visa, known as the golden visa, to attract foreign investors and skilled workers. The measure aims to support the country's economic growth and encourage investment in key areas such as tourism, infrastructure and energy. It is expected to be ... Read the article
The Japanese government is considering introducing a visa for "digital nomads".
The Japanese government hopes to stimulate consumption by foreign visitors to Japan. It is taking its cue from the growing number of countries that have introduced special visas for "digital nomads". This would make it easier for highly-skilled workers to stay in the country.
Thailand: tourist tax postponed again
Thailand has agreed to postpone the application of the Thailand Tourism Fee (TTF) until September 2023. In a previous article, we spoke of a June 2023 implementation date. This is the second time the Thai government has postponed this decision.
In the end, Thailand does not extend the 45-day visa waiver
It's so confusing! While the Tourism Authority of Thailand insisted on extending the 45-day visa waiver for some nationalities until the end of 2023, the Thai government decided not to follow the recommendation.
22 nationalities exempt from K-ETA until 2025
"As part of "Visit Korea Year (2023-2024)", the K-Eta will be temporarily exempted for 22 countries/regions benefiting from visa exemption, from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024. France is one of the countries concerned". This is what the twitter account @encoredusud noted following the official announcement by the authorities ... Read the article
The Japan e-Visa government portal is back online
As of today, you can apply for an e-visa to travel to Japan. This travel formality had been suspended since October 11, 2022, due to travel restrictions, and now concerns only a few travelers.
Vietnam: 90-day e-Visa coming soon?
Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security, on the orders of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, has proposed a change to Vietnam's immigration laws. Under this proposal, holders of electronic visas would be able to stay for up to 90 days, three times longer than the current 30 days granted to nationals ... Read the article
Resumption of Chinese visas today: what you need to know
As of today, March 15, 2023, China's visa entry policy has been readjusted. The Chinese Embassy in France has announced the issuance of all types of visa, including tourist visas, and the easing of health formalities for travelers entering China.
Bali wants to suspend visas for Russian and Ukrainian arrivals
Bali Governor Wayan Koster is pounding his fist on the table. Due to the numerous disturbances caused by Russian and Ukrainian nationals in the province, he has sent a letter to the Indonesian Ministry requesting the suspension of the issuance of visas on arrival for these two nationalities.
Elimination of VAT for tourists in the Philippines in 2024
The Philippines recently announced a measure to boost tourism in the country by offering 12% VAT refunds to foreign tourists. The measure, which will come into effect next year, will allow foreign tourists to reclaim VAT on goods they purchase in the country.
Hong Kong offers 500,000 airline tickets for visitors
Hong Kong was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. By complying with Beijing's "zero Covid" policy through quarantines, border closures and compulsory masking, Hong Kong was largely spared the virus before the deadly spread of ... Read the article
Taiwan gives tourists money to travel to its country
Taiwan gives money to tourists to encourage them to visit the island. This offer covers part of the costs of travel, accommodation and car rental.
Thailand makes 18 sectors accessible to foreign workers
The Thai government recently unveiled a new set of rules designed to encourage foreigners to invest or work in 18 specific sectors in order to stimulate the economy.
Thailand to extend 45-day visa waiver until 2024
It's now an open secret: the Kingdom of Thailand will soon be announcing an extension of the tourist visa exemption regime for many Western nationalities to 45 days.
Soon 83 new nationalities for the Indonesian e-Visa?
The tourism sector has proposed to the Indonesian government that it extend the list of countries authorized to obtain a visa on arrival in Indonesia or on the Internet. Bali's vice-governor, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, announced that the project was currently being examined and that the countries that could benefit from this visa ... Read the article
98 nationalities can now apply for a Mongolian e-Visa
Up to now, there were 36, but now there are almost 3 times as many: the number of nationalities eligible to apply for an e-Visa for Mongolia is much higher, including virtually all nationalities from Africa and the Middle East.
Indonesia launches new electronic visa
The Tourism e-Visa is now available for stays of 60 consecutive days. This new feature facilitates travel formalities for international visitors. Visa applications can now be processed online. It is no longer necessary to visit an immigration office. The electronic tourist visa is evolving Previously, you could ... Read the article
Brunei imposes its E-Arrival Card from February 2023
From February 9, Brunei authorities will require international travelers to present an electronic arrival card (E-Arrival Card) before entering the country.
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