Czech lawmakers, led by Tomio Okamura, are visiting China for the first high-level talks since 2019, aiming for direct flights, increased tourism, and visa-free travel. The visit, including 40 Czech firms, is seen as "testing the waters" due to deep divisions over China among Czech politicians.
Beijing has expanded its visa-free travel policy for citizens from over 50 countries, leading to a significant increase in foreign visitors. This move, contrasting global trends of closure, aims to boost inbound tourism and allow visitors to form their own perceptions of China, despite existing limits on long-term stay.
Serbia will not impose visa requirements on Russian citizens, stated Nenad Popovic, Minister without Portfolio. He emphasized that Russian tourists are welcome and ranked first in visits to Serbia in the first six months of 2026, with direct flights available from multiple Russian cities.
Foreign nationals and stateless individuals participating in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) can enter and stay in Russia without visas from August 28 to September 6, according to a government decree. The 11th EEF is scheduled for September 1-4 in Vladivostok, focusing on technologies, international cooperation, and quality of life.
Indonesia's tourism ministry advocates for expanding its visa-free policy to nine more countries, citing a 2016 study showing a 24% increase in tourist demand and 400,000 jobs created. This push follows a 2025 reduction from 169 to 16 visa-free nations.
India ranks 80th globally in the Henley Passport Index, with access to 56 countries visa-free. Despite economic growth, its passport mobility has lagged behind other major economies due to factors like per-capita income, diplomatic relations, and visa policies.
India's passport ranks 80th globally, offering visa-free access to 56 countries. Despite economic growth, its passport mobility has lagged behind other major economies due to factors like per-capita income, diplomatic relations, and visa policies, not just GDP.
A visa-free regime between Russia and Bangladesh is theoretically possible but will require a government agreement and is not expected soon, according to Svetlana Zhurova, First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. Bangladesh has a strong desire for this, but Russia must consider security and other factors. Discussions also covered labor resources and worker rights.
A visa-free regime between Russia and Bangladesh is theoretically possible but will require a government agreement and is not expected soon, according to Svetlana Zhurova, First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. Bangladesh has a strong desire for this, but Russia must consider security and other factors. The issue was discussed during recent parliamentary talks, alongside labor resources and worker protections.
Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are in talks to establish a reciprocal visa-free travel agreement, potentially allowing visitors from both sides to stay for up to 30 days. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee met with Uzbekistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov to witness the confirmation of the deal.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee met with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Saidov in Tashkent, agreeing to discuss details for a visa-free arrangement allowing 30-day stays for travelers from both sides.
Moldova is reportedly discussing the cancellation of its visa-free regime with Russia, according to a Moldovan parliament deputy. The ruling party is also considering denouncing a 2001 treaty recognizing each other as strategic partners, with potential termination within one to two years.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has denied reports that Serbia will end its visa-free travel agreement with Russia, reaffirming close ties with Moscow despite the war in Ukraine and complicating EU accession talks.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has pledged that Serbia will not abolish its visa-free travel agreement with Russia, stating any such decision would be immediately overturned. Russian officials, including Dmitry Peskov and Ambassador Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, commented on the matter, with the ambassador highlighting the benefits for Serbia.
China's visa-free policy for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay has completed one year, leading to a 50.5% increase in travelers from these nations through Shanghai. Nearly 70% of these visitors utilized the visa-free option, highlighting its role in boosting tourism and facilitating business exchanges.
Thailand has cancelled its 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries, reducing it to 30 days for 54 nations and introducing a 15-day exemption for three others, aiming to curb crime and visa abuse.
Russia will extend its visa-free regime with China until the end of 2027, mirroring China's earlier decision. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the reciprocal move, highlighting the positive results of the current agreement.
China has extended its visa-free regime with Russia through the end of 2027. Experts predict this will boost tourist flow, with inbound travel to China potentially increasing by 20-25% this year and outbound travel from Russia by 30-40%.
China has decided to extend its visa-free regime for Russian nationals until December 31, 2027. This move aims to further simplify humanitarian exchanges between the two countries, allowing Russian citizens with ordinary passports to enter China for up to 30 days for business, travel, or visits.
China announced it will extend its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until December 31, 2027. This allows Russian ordinary passport holders to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or exchanges for up to 30 days without a visa.
Thailand is drastically cutting visa-free stays for tourists from over 90 countries, reducing them to 30 or 15 days from the current 60. Officials aim to curb crime involving foreigners, including drug offenses and sex trafficking, while boosting the vital tourism economy.
Thailand is cutting its visa-free stay period from 60 to 30 days for 93 countries and regions, including Taiwan, Japan, and the US. The change, aimed at national security and economic interests, takes effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.
Thailand plans to reduce visa-free stays for tourists from over 90 countries, aiming to combat foreign crime. The new policy will likely grant 30 days, with some nationalities receiving only 15 days, a reduction from the current 60 days. This move comes as Thailand seeks to boost its vital tourism sector, which has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Thailand's cabinet approved a drastic reduction to its visa-free entry scheme, reverting to a tiered system capping stays at 30 days and shortening some to 15 days, citing security concerns and exploitation of the current 60-day exemption.
