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Kuwait launches new e-visa system
Representative Image: Kuwait towers, Kuwait City The platform, introduced this week by Kuwaiti authorities, is a key milestone in the country’s efforts to become a regional hub for tourism, trade, investment, and international cooperation. Kuwait - In a significant step toward modernizing its digital infrastructure and enhancing global connectivity, Kuwait has launched a new electronic visa (e-visa) system aimed at simplifying and expediting entry procedures for both travelers and residents. The e-visa platform currently offers four distinct visa types: tourist, family visit, business, and official, each tailored to meet various travel needs. All visa categories are now available online, streamlining the application process and reducing paperwork and processing times. Visa categories explained The tourist visa allows for a 90-day stay and is ideal for travellers eager to explore Kuwait’s museums, souks, and coastal escapes. The family visa, valid for 30 days, enables residents to invite relatives for short-term stays. The business visa, also for 30 days, is designed for professionals attending meetings or negotiations. Lastly, the official visais reserved for diplomats and delegations on formal government assignments. How to apply Applicants can access the e-visa system via the Ministry of Interior’s official website, where all visa categories are listed with eligibility requirements and submission steps. The process is fully digital, aiming to cut down paperwork and wait times. Travellers planning broader regional trips should also stay tuned for the GCC Grand Tours Visa – a six-country permit set to ease movement across Gulf nations. Though not yet implemented, the initiative represents a major step toward streamlined regional mobility and greater tourism integration in the Gulf.
GCC Visa gets approval by all six Gulf nations
Representative Image The GCC Grand Tours Visa, also known as the GCC Unified Visa, is a new visa initiative that gives non-nationals the option to visit one or all six Gulf nations using one visa. The strategic move is seen as a critical milestone for regional tourism, enabling seamless travelling across all six GCC countries - Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully soon. Once implemented, the visa will enable access to all six GCC countries, simplify paper work for tourists and enable easier travel for residents across GCC. What is the GCC Grand Tours Visa? The GCC Grand Tours Visa, also known as the GCC Unified Visa, is a new visa initiative that gives non-nationals the option to visit one or all six Gulf nations using one visa. Introduced by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in a collaborative effort to promote tourism across the region, the unified GCC visa permits entry to one or all of the following GCC member countries: Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia The United Arab Emirates (UAE) The GCC Grand Tourist visa was officially approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in 2023 and will be introduced in efforts to increase tourism to the GCC, by making it more convenient for non-nationals living in Gulf countries to explore other countries in the region without needing to obtain separate visas. The exact launch date has not yet been confirmed but is anticipated to be late 2024 or early 2025. The GCC countries involved are currently finalizing the logistics and regulatory framework for the visa, and although the full details of the visa are not available, it is thought that the Unified GCC Tourist Visa will offer extended validity, allowing travel across multiple countries for longer periods. It is thought the visa will cover activities such as tourism and visiting family and friends. Why Choose the GCC Grand Tours Visa? The GCC Unified Tourist Visa “GCC Grand Tours” Visa is expected to be a convenient and efficient way for tourists to visit multiple Gulf countries using a single visa. It is expected to have multiple advantages for both tourists and the participating countries. Benefits for Tourists Easy Multi-Country Travel within the GCC Tourists can enjoy the freedom to travel seamlessly across several GCC countries with a single visa. This eliminates the need for multiple applications and allows travelers to visit more of the Gulf region with fewer administrative difficulties. Simplified Visa Process The application process for the Grand Tours Visa will be completely online. Having a user-friendly online application process that allows tourists to apply for a visa to one country or all six countries in a few short minutes reduces the hassle and time typically involved in obtaining separate visas for each country. Cost-Effective Tourists can save money by choosing to apply for the unified visa option to travel across all six nations, rather than needing to pay for multiple different visas. This makes the GCC Visa an affordable choice for tourists looking to explore the Gulf region. Greater Opportunity for Travel The GCC visa allows tourists the opportunity to visit all six culturally rich and diverse countries easily and with low administrative effort. For people who love to travel, having the opportunity to visit all six countries is a significant advantage of the visa. Benefits for the GCC Community Economic Impact The introduction of the visa is likely to boost tourism and lead to increased spending in local economies, job creation, and increased development in the hospitality and service sectors, all of which will have significant positive impacts on the local economies. Cultural Exchange The multi-country travel and the likely increase in tourism encourages interactions between visitors and local communities which encourages greater understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich heritage and diverse cultures. Required Documents To apply for the Unified GCC Visa, you will likely need to provide several important documents. These documents will help verify your identity, travel intentions, and preparedness for your journey across the GCC countries. Although all the details of the visa have not yet been finalized, below is a list of the typical documents that are expected to be required: Valid Passport You will need a valid passport from an approved country with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into the GCC region. You will also need to have several blank pages in your passport for exit and entry stamps. Completed Application Form You will need to complete an online application form with all the relevant information, such as your personal information, travel details, and the purpose of your visit. You will also be asked to indicate your choice of a single-country visa or unified visa. Passport Sized Photos Alongside your application, you will need to provide recent photographs that meet the specifications outlined by the visa application guidelines. The photos should be in color, clearly identifiable as you, and taken against a white background. Additional Documents Some applications may require additional documentation, such as: Proof of accommodation Confirmation of hotel bookings, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host residing in one of the GCC countries. Travel itinerary A detailed plan of your travel within the GCC, including flight bookings or other transportation details between the countries. Travel insurance Proof of valid travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergencies, and repatriation throughout your stay in the GCC countries. Proof of financial means Bank statements or financial documents demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the GCC region. Return or onward ticket Evidence of a return flight to your home country or onward travel to another destination outside the GCC region. How to Apply for the GCC Grand Tours Visa Applying for the GCC Grand Tours Visa is expected to be a simple and straightforward process, aiming to make travel across the Gulf region easy and accessible. While the specific details of the application process have not yet been finalized, a step-by-step guide to completing the application is listed below based on typical visa application procedures: 1 Fill Out the Online Application You will likely need to navigate to the online application form and enter all required details, such as your personal information, travel dates, and intended itinerary to one GCC country or muliple countries (depending on the visa you choose). 2 Submit Required Documents Upload digital copies of the necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and any other documents requested as part of the application process. 3 Pay the Visa Fee Pay the visa fee securely through the online payment portal. Ensure you have a valid payment method available for this step. 4 Receive Your Visa Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your approved GCC Unified Visa electronically via email. Print a copy of the visa and carry it with you during your travels within the GCC region. UK EXPLORE THE ISLAND OF IRELAND’S NORTH COAST WITH A NEW HOLIDAY COMBINING TWO ICONIC ROUTES: THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY AND CAUSEW
China grants Indonesians visa-free entry for up to ten days
China now grants Indonesian citizens a visa-free transit stay of up to days, expanding the number of countries eligible for the policy to 55. The visa-free transit arrangement was announced on Thursday, 12th June. Under the new ruling, Indonesian travellers are allowed to enter China through any of 60 designated ports without a visa, provided they hold valid international travel documents and connecting tickets with confirmed dates and seats to a third country or region. Eligible travellers can stay in designated areas for up to 10 days. Those allowed entry under the policy may do so for the purpose of tourism, business, family, and exchange-related visits. A necessary move An administration official said the expansion of the visa-free transit policy is an important step toward enhancing China's exchanges and cooperation with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). At the same time, it is also expected to help facilitate trade and investment between China and Indonesia, and strengthen the good momentum in bilateral ties. China is Indonesia's largest trading partner. Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, is Southeast Asia's biggest economy. The Chinese Foreign Ministry reported that bilateral trade reached US$147.8 billion last year, a 6.1 percent increase year-on-year. Investment and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries has also thrived, with landmark projects including the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor. It is expected that this new visa-free policy, alongside initiatives such as scholarships and youth exchange programs, will open the gate for the emerging middle class, students and young people in Indonesia to gain a better understanding of China.
Indian tourists may now enter the Philippines sans visa
As of Sunday, 8th June, Indian tourists may now enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days. The new ruling seeks to increase the number of tourist arrivals from the South Asian nation. In an advisory released on Saturday, 7th June, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Indian tourists only need to present a passport with at least six months’ validity beyond their planned stay, confirmed accommodation booking, proof of financial capacity, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination. On the other hand, Indian nationals holding valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or residence permits and are visiting for tourism purposes may enter the country and stay visa-free for a non-extendible period of 30 days. The DFA said the updated visa-free privileges for Indian nationals may be availed of at any Philippine port of entry but are not convertible to a visa-based stay or other admission status categories. Points for consideration Indian nationals coming to the Philippines must not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration in order to be admitted into the country without a visa. However, Indian nationals transiting in the Philippines or entering the country for long-term visits and non-tourism activities are not included among those who may enter the country sans visa. According to the DFA, these individuals need to apply for an appropriate Philippine visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country or origin, place of legal residence, or any country that requires entry visas for Indian nationals. Indian nationals who are eligible for e-Visas may also apply through the official Philippine e-Visa website. Note that e-Visas may not be extended or converted to other visa-based stay or other admission status categories.
Philippines grants a 14-day visa-free entry for Indians with valid (AJACSSUK) visa or PRP
Turquoise Waters, Pristine Sands: The Beauty of Coron The Philippines government has revised regulations granting visa-free entry to the Philippines to Indian nationals with valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visa or Permanent Residence Permit. Pursuant to Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended, otherwise known as the "Philippine Immigration Act of 1940", in relation to Section 9(a) of the same Act, upon consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and in support to the national government's programs to promote and encourage tourism development, INDIAN nationals who wish to visit the Philippines for tourism purposes may be granted VISA-FREE entry into the country in any port of entry (major international airports and secondary international hubs (SIHs), as well as in seaports by passengers on board cruise ships/vessels) for an initial authorized stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days, provided they possess the following: Either a valid and current AMERICAN, JAPANESE, AUSTRALIAN, CANADIAN, SCHENGEN, SINGAPORE OR UNITED KINGDOM (AJACSSUK) visa or permanent residence permit; A national passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated stay; Return or onward ticket to the next country of destination; and No derogatory record with the Bureau of immigration. The fourteen (14)-day visa free entry may be extended by an additional seven (7) days for a maximum of twenty-one (21)-day stay.
Japan to begin pre-arrival screening of visa-free travellers in 2028
Japan’s Ministry of Justice announced that pre-arrival screening of travellers who do not require a visa to enter the country will commence in 2028. According to VisaGuide.World, the pre-screening initiative is a part of the Japanese government’s drive to make entry into the country easier for travellers. The system that will be used for screening was modelled after the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and the process itself could boost inbound tourism. The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) reports that 36.87 million foreigners travelled into Japan over the past year, an increase of 47.1 percent from the total seen in 2023. With that in mind, the Japanese government has set its arrivals target to around 60 million by the end of the current decade, given how tourism has been a great boon to the national economy. What happens once the system is in place? Once the system has been implemented, travellers from visa-exempt nations will be required to submit personal and travel details at least several days prior to their arrival. The Immigration Services Agency will review the submissions, checking each traveller’s information before they arrive. By doing so, those with existing criminal records, those who previously entered Japan under suspicious circumstances, and those who overstayed in the country in the past will be prevented from boarding their flights.
The pros and cons of a regional unified visa
The concept of a unified visa is not a new one, seeing how the European Union (EU) has been offering them for a while, much to the benefit of EU member nations, for three decades. However, with the Philippines becoming the latest nation to show support for the unified ASEAN Visa proposed by the Thai government in 2024, perhaps it is time to take a closer look at what such a visa would mean for the regions that offer them in terms of both tourism and economics. In this article, we define what exactly is a unified visa, what are the parameters governing its issuance and use, and how it may (or may not) benefit its issuing region. What exactly is a unified visa? Simply put, a unified visa is a form of travel documentation that gives a traveller access to more than one country within a specific region. Rather than apply for a separate visa for a specific nation, this simplifies the process by allowing access to both the destination of choice as well as its regional neighbours if they, too, are covered under the visa. The oldest unified visa currently in use is the EU’s Schengen Visa which was initially issued in 1995, following the ratification of the Schengen Agreement ten years earlier. Per the Agreement, the Schengen Visa enables foreigners to travel to or through any country privy to the Agreement using a single visa as opposed to applying for individual visas with member states. The same principle is set to govern the use of the GCC Grand Tours Visa and the proposed ASEAN Unified Visa. The benefits of a unified visa for a region To see what the benefits of a unified visa may deliver to its issuing region, let’s take a look at the one that is slated to be offered under the GCC’s Grand Tours programme. While the GCC Grand Tours Visa has yet to be implemented, those behind it are already touting its merits in the form of the following regional benefits: Greater economic impact through tourism The introduction of the visa is likely to boost tourism and lead to increased spending in local economies, job creation, and increased development in the hospitality and service sectors, all of which will have significant positive impacts on the local economies. Fostering cultural exchange through multi-border access The multi-country travel and the likely increase in tourism encourages interactions between visitors and local communities which encourages greater understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich heritage and diverse cultures. Also, regardless of which region issues a unified visa, there are significant benefits to the travellers who avail of them. These include: Seamless travel across numerous nations Tourists can enjoy the freedom to travel seamlessly across several countries with a single visa. This eliminates the need for multiple applications and allows travelers to visit more of a given region with fewer administrative difficulties. A far simpler application process Rather than compiling several batches of the same documents for several visas, travellers need only compile one and fill out a single form. Thanks to modern technology, there may not even be a need to fill out a physical form as the process can smoothly be done online. A more cost-effective way to travel Plus, given that one only needs to fill out a single application rather than several, the process is also less costly and more manageable, allowing travellers to have more funds to spend on their trips. So, what are the disadvantages of a unified visa? Where there are benefits, there are also disadvantages, and even a document as vital as a unified visa has its flaws. Among the potential disadvantages of a unified visa are the following Unresolved security issues and differing security policies One of the key matters that regional associations need to address is that of security, especially within ASEAN given the political volatility of several member nations and the high possibility of conflict among GCC nations and their neighbours. At the same time, a policy that may work in one country may not necessarily work with its neighbour, thereby leading to further discussions regarding border control and safety. Issues related to data sharing and immigration control Implementing a unified visa requires seamless data sharing between member countries, which can be challenging due to varying data privacy laws and security protocols. Likewise, uneven immigration control systems across member countries can create loopholes and undermine the effectiveness of a unified visa. Involved nations also need to discuss parameters with which to prevent the use of such visas for illegal activity, particularly human trafficking. Cost will always be an issue Implementing a unified visa requires substantial investment in infrastructure, data sharing mechanisms, and security protocols. This, in turn, poses a serious challenge with regions wherein two or more nations are undergoing economic instability and may be unable to hold up their end of the funding. Processes and procedures At the same time, let’s not forget that the implementation of a unified visa (an initiative on such a massive scale) requires governments to do all the paperwork from legal issues to the implementation of governing rules and regulations. It is a process that cannot be completed overnight and requires time, effort, and resources. Also, nations need to wrangle among themselves to find common ground with regard to visa validity, the types of visas to be offered, and a single list of requirements to be submitted by applicants. These disadvantages notwithstanding, the benefits of a unified visa may far outweigh them in the long run, leading to greater economic success within a region and the wider exchange of cultural knowledge among nations.
VFS Global and TAAI organise Visa Insights Workshop in Hyderabad
In a significant step towards enhancing the visa application experience for Indian travellers, VFS Global, the world’s leading technology services specialist in secure mobility solutions, and the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) joined hands to successfully host a Visa Insights Workshop titled Consultant-to-Officer Dialogues in Hyderabad, Telangana, on 17 May 2025. The interactive session was attended by 40 travel agents from the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh chapters of TAAI and staff from the VFS Global Visa Application Centre. The workshop facilitated dialogue between travel consultants and VFS Global, promoting transparency and mutual understanding in the visa facilitation process. The event featured discussions on the end-to-end process of visa applications handled by VFS Global, focusing on operational best practices, process timelines, document requirements, and traveller preparedness. The workshop provided a platform for travel agents to share challenges they face while assisting clients with visa applications, allowing VFS Global to address concerns, clarify procedures, and explore opportunities for continuous improvement, leaving all participants with a sense of optimism for the future. Sunil Kumar, President, Travel Agents Association of India, said: “This joint knowledge-sharing workshop by TAAI and VFS Global, is among the firsts of its kind. This is a commendable initiative that strengthens the bridge between visa consultants from travel companies and VFS Global frontline employees. Such collaborative efforts not only enhance operational efficiency but also empower our industry professionals with deeper insights needed to deliver exceptional service to travellers, especially in an evolving travel environment. TAAI is truly delighted to have partnered with VFS Global in launching the Pilot Programme in Hyderabad, which was attended by 40 experienced visa consultants who had a dialogue with over 25 VFS Global frontline staff, which gifted all valuable learnings. We appreciate VFS Global’s joining this initiative and applaud their commitment to continuous learning and expanding partnership.” VFS Global has been spearheading travel agent outreach across the country. It recently concluded a six-city roadshow supported by the travel fraternity. This event is a continuation of this outreach, that will continue in the months ahead. Sharad Gowani, Regional Head, VFS Global, said: “Engaging with travel agents through forums not only enables us to understand their perspectives better but also improves service delivery. At VFS Global, we are committed to creating a seamless and informed visa application journey for travellers. We believe that partnerships with key industry stakeholders like TAAI are not just key, but integral to achieving that goal. We sincerely thank TAAI for their enthusiastic participation and providing us with a platform that benefits the entire travel community.” The Visa Insights Workshop underlined VFS Global's and TAAI's commitment to promoting efficiency, transparency, and traveller-centric services in the visa ecosystem. Both organisations look forward to continuing this dialogue and organising similar sessions in other regions in the near future.
Philippines open to possibility of One ASEAN Visa
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) strongly supports the proposed unified ASEAN visa. Tourism secretary Christina Frasco pointed out that a single regional visa would help position ASEAN as a key global tourism destination. This proposed visa will be modelled after the current Schengen Visa of the European Union and the joint visa of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the Middle East. In recent months, the proposal has gained support from ASEAN member-states. "A destination for every dream" Frasco remarked in a statement released yesterday, 18th May, that ASEAN tourism's overarching tagline is "a destination for every dream,' and that a unified visa would help make the dream come true for many global travellers. Frasco said: “To be able to unify the ASEAN as a destination is an aspiration for us in the Philippines.” The tourism secretary added that neighbouring countries have likewise expressed strong interest in carrying the proposal. She said: “We are very hopeful that the subject matter will again come up as the Philippines hosts the ASEAN next year." Frasco also pointed out the potential of enhanced regional cooperation despite existing competition among ASEAN countries. As she puts it: “Competition is always very healthy, but collaboration is healthier in a sense that ASEAN coming together to work as a force for good for the world would really benefit all of our countries."
Philippines to increase number of visas issued to western retirees
The Philippines announced that it is augmenting the number of Special Resident Retiree’s Visas (SRRVs) it issues to 4,000 this year. This initiative is targeted at travellers at retirement age from Canada, Europe, and the United States. The SRRV is a non-immigrant visa that allows multiple-entry and indefinite stays in the Philippines to qualified foreigners aged 50 and older. According to Roberto Zozobrado, general manager and CEO of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA): “Our target now is really more Europeans and more from both the US and Canada.” Zozobrado compared the situation with the growing number of European and American retirees currently living in or making their way to Thailand. Since 1987, the Philippines has issued close to 80,000 SRRVs, with around 60,000 still in active use. Active promotion Based on the latest PRA data, some 3,812 foreigners enrolled for an SRRV last year, up from the 3,108 recorded in 2023. Chinese nationals are still the top SRRV applicants, making up 40 percent of the total 2024 figures, followed by US citizens, Indians, and Koreans. The PRA is actively participating in international expositions that cater to retirees and pre-retirees, such as the Salon des Séniors 2025 in Paris last March, where it secured about a hundred leads. Through the eye of a needle Zozobredo said: “2024 was a very good year for us despite the problems we had with Philippine off-shore gaming operators (POGOs) and similar issues. We had cancellations, but despite that, we almost made our targets.” He thus assured the public that a strict vetting process is in place to screen all applicants and ensure that they do intend to retire in the country. He said: “Because of that POGO problem, we have applied more security measures, monitoring measures just to be sure that we are safe. Our security risk officer interviews all our applicants, and he tells me if there is a red flag. The moment we see a red flag, then we definitely won’t process the application.” Why retire in the Philippines? Filipino hospitality is a top consideration for most foreign retirees when asked why they opted for the Philippines as a retirement destination instead of other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, or Malaysia. As Zozobredo explains: “Their number one reason is always, ‘I like the way Filipinos take care of old people, of course, the hospitality of the Filipinos, English communication, lower cost of living, and the easy access to nature.” Today, the PRA sustains a programme that provides various Filipino experiences to SRRV holders. It also partnered with about 400 hotels, restaurants, resorts, and wellness centers to provide these foreign retirees a special discount, given that they are not entitled to the 20 percent discount privilege offered to Filipino citizens over the age of 60.
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