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Asia Visa and Travel News

Thailand “accelerating” on ETA introduction

Thailand “accelerating” on ETA introduction

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers will be “an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand”. Since July 15, 2024, tourists and business travelers from 93 countries can stay up to 60 days visa-free in Thailand. This period can be extended by a

Sri Lanka: free visas for tourists from 35 countries

Sri Lanka: free visas for tourists from 35 countries

Starting October 1, 2024, and for 6 months, Sri Lanka will issue free 30-day visas to tourists from 35 countries. The ETA portal has been reactivated (details here), but the free visa policy announced by the previous government did not come into effect on October 1 (details here). Yesterday, the

Japan: a new preclearance system for foreign travelers in 2025

Japan: a new preclearance system for foreign travelers in 2025

To streamline immigration procedures upon arrival, Japan will introduce a preclearance system for foreign travelers in 2025. Since reopening to international tourism after the pandemic, and due in part to the weak yen, Japan has been breaking records for international arrivals. According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization,

Sri Lanka suspends e-Visa issuance

Sri Lanka suspends e-Visa issuance

Tourists planning to visit Sri Lanka soon will need to obtain a visa on arrival following the temporary suspension of the recent electronic visa system (e-Visa). As of Friday, August 2, travelers can no longer apply for visas online before traveling to Sri Lanka… In a statement published on the

Thailand: 60-day visa exemption can be extended for 30 days

Thailand: 60-day visa exemption can be extended for 30 days

The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirms that travelers with a 60-day visa exemption can extend their stay by an additional 30 days. Since July 15, 2024, tourists and business travelers from 93 countries benefit from a 60-day visa exemption in Thailand, up from the previous 30 days. The major question

India: a new seaport entry point for e-Visa holders

India: a new seaport entry point for e-Visa holders

India has just added a sixth seaport to the list of entry points for international tourists with an electronic visa (e-Visa). India continues to position itself as a top destination for travelers from around the world, thanks in part to the ease of obtaining its electronic visa (e-Visa). Previously, the

Israel delays ETA-IL requirement to 2025

Israel delays ETA-IL requirement to 2025

Visa-exempt travelers to Israel will be required to have an ETA-IL authorization starting January 1, 2025. Initially, the electronic travel authorization requirement for visa-exempt travelers to Israel was set to take effect on August 1 of this year. However, the Israeli government has decided to postpone this requirement until January

Thailand : 60-day visa-free takes effect on July 15

Thailand : 60-day visa-free takes effect on July 15

Citizens from 93 countries will be able to stay in Thailand without a visa for 60 days starting July 15, 2024. Eagerly awaited by many fans of the destination, the date for the implementation of the 60-day visa-free stay extension in Thailand has just been announced by the authorities. Last

Myanmar officially lifts COVID-19 travel restrictions

Myanmar officially lifts COVID-19 travel restrictions

It’s official: Myanmar no longer imposes entry health measures related to COVID-19. Although minimal, these measures have now been officially removed. The last remaining travel restrictions applied by Myanmar were lifted on July 8, 2024. “Due to the efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage worldwide, including in Myanmar, and the

Israel : ETA-IL system now open to visa-exempt travelers

Israel : ETA-IL system now open to visa-exempt travelers

Citizens from 99 countries exempt from short-stay visas in Israel can now apply for an ETA-IL authorization to visit the Jewish state. Last April, Israeli authorities announced the implementation of a new entry procedure for tourists from visa-exempt countries. Officially launched on June 1, 2024, in a test phase with