Australian tourist visa cost

The new version of the forms, which are now available, will help shorten the time needed to fill in the forms, said China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular news briefing in Beijing, according to Bloomberg . The applicant now only needs to submit their travel history for a year, instead of five years as previously required. In terms of educational background, it only requires the applicant’s highest academic qualification. Starting from March 15, China fully resumed the issuance of tourist visas, visa exemptions for certain countries, and the use of multiple-entry visas issued before the Covid pandemic. … [Read more...] about China simplifies visa procedures to attract foreign tourists

Dancers in traditional costumes and puppeteers put on performances for the bemused visitors, who came in on a flight from Shanghai. Many stopped to take selfies with Srettha. Tourism is a crucial driver of Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife, and reviving an industry that was hard hit by the pandemic is one of the priorities of newly elected Srettha, who inherited an underperforming economy. China's own post-pandemic economic woes, however, have meant fewer tourists from what was once Thailand's biggest market are flying in, a situation Srettha hopes the visa waiver can help fix. "We are confident this policy will stimulate the economy," the prime minister told reporters at Suvarnabhumi airport, adding that tourist safety will be prioritized. The visa waiver program runs from Sept. 25 until February next year. The government expects 2.88 million Chinese visitors during that 5-month period, slightly higher than the … [Read more...] about Chinese tourists get VIP welcome as Thai visa waiver program begins

But thanks to social media rumors and a blockbuster movie, the kingdom's image among many Chinese people is now one of dangerous illegality and seedy scam border compounds - leaving visitor numbers plummeting. Thailand is hugely reliant on tourism, particularly from China. The country welcomed more than 10 million Chinese visitors each year before the Covid-19 pandemic - numbers Bangkok is desperate to see return. But its struggling holiday industry has been hit by viral social media rumors claiming that tourists might be kidnapped and sent across the border to work in brutal scamming compounds in Myanmar or Cambodia. Chinese tourist Jia Xueqiong spent a week in Thailand with her husband and daughter, despite her parents' disapproval. "They felt it was not safe here, and tried to persuade us not to come," the 44-year-old nurse told AFP outside Bangkok's unusually quiet Grand Palace. "All my friends said 'You go first to explore, if it's ok we will follow'," she said. Her … [Read more...] about Blockbuster movie scares Chinese tourists away from Thailand

Dung Dang, Visa's country manager for Vietnam and Laos said, “For more than a decade, the Global Travel Intentions Study has equipped Visa and its partners with unparalleled insights into the travel and payment landscape. This invaluable knowledge allows operators in the industry to plan and execute effective strategies to satisfy consumer demands and grow their businesses, all while reinforcing Visa’s commitment to creating a cashless society.” Emerging trends powering the travel boom The GTI 2023 revealed an ongoing trend in the Vietnamese travel industry, with the rise of Gen Z and families with children as significant contributors to the growth. In terms of leisure trips, families travelling with kids and the older generation made the most trips over the past 12 months, with an average of 2.4. Gone are the days when travel was solely about ticking off landmarks from a checklist. Vietnamese travellers are now placing a strong emphasis on leisure-focused and … [Read more...] about A journey of discovery from Visa Global Travel Intentions Study 2023

The Global Intentions Study 2023 surveys more than 40,000 consumers globally across 37 markets on their recent travel in the past 12 months and intention to travel in the next 12 months. The study fieldwork was conducted from April 2023 to June 2023. Vietnam, a country of vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has become a favoured destination for travellers from across the globe. As the world transitions into a new era of post-pandemic exploration, understanding the changing trends in the Vietnamese travel landscape is crucial for travellers and industry stakeholders. “For more than a decade, the Global Travel Intentions Study has equipped Visa and its partners, in Vietnam and worldwide, with unparalleled insights on the travel and payment landscape. This invaluable knowledge allows operators in the industry to plan and execute effective strategies to satisfy consumer demands and grow their businesses, and reinforces Visa’s commitment to creating a cashless … [Read more...] about Visa study shed lights on Vietnam travel trends

The Japanese tourists recently told Asia One that they had been overcharged after trying a chili-style Alaskan King Crab at Seafood Paradise in Clarke Quay last month. After finishing their meal, they were shocked to receive the bill that charged them a total of S$1,322 (US$967), including a 10% service charge. The 3.5-kg crab dish they ordered cost S$938 (US$686). One of the Japanese tourists claimed they were not told they would be charged based on the weight of the crab, according to Asia One . The waiter initially told her the Alaskan King Cab specialty dish was about S$30 "without explaining that they charge per 100 grams." After arguing with the restaurant, the tourists called the police who arrived to settle the dispute before the restaurant offered them a S$107.40 discount, Channel News Asia reported. The group eventually paid for the meal. The Japanese tourists then reported the incident to the Singapore Tourism Board, which in turn brought the matter to … [Read more...] about Singapore restaurant denies that it cheated Japanese tourists

Under the amended Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through and Residence in Vietnam, the e-visa validity period is extended to 90 days from 30 days, and for multiple entries. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, since the beginning of this year, the sector has welcomed 8 million international arrivals, reaching the set target. The county expects to receive about 12 million foreign visitors this year. Tour operator Vietravel revealed that in the first eight months of 2023, the company completed up to 80% of its plan on welcoming international tourists, including those from the E.U. and the Republic of Korea (RoK). Hanoitourist Corporation said that it has received many orders from previous months for this year’s peak season. Tourists from Asian countries such as the RoK and Japan and the E.U. account for the majority. Besides, the Indian market has emerged significantly. Meanwhile, Vietlux … [Read more...] about Number of int’l tourists to Vietnam bounces back

Foreigners have expressed strong interest in visiting Vietnam, but the number of travelers actually making a hotel or tour booking remains modest, according to travel business insiders. Speaking at a tourism event held in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, deputy general director of tour operator Vietravel, said that the revival of the inbound market in Vietnam has yet to reward the significant efforts that businesses have dedicated in recent time. Currently, Vietnam has become a destination garnering global attention, according to Hoang. However, the number of foreign visitors actually placing bookings for services in the country remains quite modest. The primary cause behind this trend, Hoang believed, is the absence of competitive services in the tourism sector. In addition, although visa policies have gradually been relaxed, their enforcement still poses challenges for tourists. “Following the outbreak of the [COVID-19] pandemic, we have … [Read more...] about Vietnam still sees modest number of int’l visitors: travel firms

Vietnam ranked 19th in a list of 40 most visited countries based on an analysis of flight bookings between July 1 and August 31 by Spain-based travel data and analytics company ForwardKeys. Most Southeast Asian countries, except Thailand, stood behind Vietnam on the list, including the Philippines at 23rd, Singapore 24th, Indonesia 27th, and Malaysia 36th. Thailand was 14th and one of the only two Southeast Asian countries to break into the top 20 along with Vietnam. The number of foreign tourists arriving in Vietnam by air this summer jumped 12% over the same period last year but was 28% lower than pre-pandemic levels, the report said. Vietnam welcomed 2.3 million international visitors in July and August, equivalent to 80% of the figure during the same period in 2019. Of these, nearly 2 million visitors arrived by air, about 88% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Starting August 15, Vietnam's new immigration policy accepts … [Read more...] about Vietnam world’s 19th most visited destination this summer

Vietnam stood behind its Southeast Asian neighbors such as Thailand (18th), the Philippines (27th), Singapore (29th), Malaysia (31st) and Indonesia (39th) where retirement visas have already been offered for years. However, it was placed higher than South Korea (50th), Cambodia (52nd), China (62nd) and Myanmar (75th) in the region. The ranking was based on a global survey of more than 17,000 people recording their perceptions on several factors: affordability, favorable tax environment, friendliness, pleasant climate, respect for property rights and a well-developed public health system. This year, Switzerland was voted the best country for retirees, followed by Portugal and Australia. Last year, Vietnam ranked 39th among 85 destinations. Cheap living costs, high-quality healthcare and low levels of violent crime have pushed Vietnam's reputation as an ideal choice for foreign retirees. Tourism industry insiders believe Vietnam has a great opportunity to become a paradise … [Read more...] about Vietnam world’s 40th best country for ‘comfortable’ retirement