Latest news with #visaFree
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
British Airways wants to see UK added to China's visa waiver scheme
British Airways would like to see Britain added to China's growing list of countries eligible for its 30-day visa-free scheme to increase demand after suspending its Beijing flights last year, an executive said on Wednesday. China has been steadily extending its 30-day visa waiver scheme. As of June, it included 55 countries. It does not include Britain, although British passport holders last year were included in a 240-hour transit visa-free policy. "We're working with the UK government and diplomatically with the China government around seeing if we can get the UK into that programme," the airline's Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, told media in Shanghai. "I think that that's one way that we can improve demand." British Airways suspended flights to Beijing in October, one of several foreign carriers that pulled Chinese services as they struggle with a ban on flying over Russian airspace and a slower than expected rebound in Chinese travel after the pandemic. Longer flights around Russia mean higher fuel and crew costs, and aircraft utilisation is lower, putting airlines that cannot overfly Russia at a disadvantage to Chinese carriers that can take those shorter routes. "In a place like China, which is not subject to the same restrictions we have in the UK, they can obviously offer a more competitive product because their flight times are less," Chernoff said. British Airways, which still flies daily to Shanghai and Hong Kong, is constantly evaluating whether to bring back its Beijing route. Demand has not caught up with increasing supply since the pandemic, Chernoff said. When the direct flights from London Heathrow to Beijing were halted, the airline initially said the suspension would last until November 2025, but there is no timeline yet of when they will resume, Chernoff said at an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of British Airways' Shanghai route. Britain's Foreign Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. British Airways has a joint venture with state-owned China Southern and on Wednesday said it was deepening it by allowing frequent flier points to be collected and redeemed by both sides. (Reporting by Casey Hall, Sophie Yu and Lisa Barrington. Editing by Mark Potter)
Bloomberg
03-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Indonesia Grants Brazil, Turkey Visa-Free Entry in Tourism Push
Indonesia has extended visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil and Turkey, a rare privilege in the Southeast Asian nation aimed at boosting tourism and business ties. The decision, effective immediately under a new immigration regulation, grants visitors from the two countries 30-day visa waivers for travel related to tourism, business and medical treatment, Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman said in a statement Thursday.
Times of Oman
14-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Armenia announces new visa-free travel for citizens and residents of Oman
Muscat: Effective July 1, 2025, Armenia will introduce visa-free entry for citizens and residents of Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen economic relations, boost tourism, and facilitate business opportunities between Armenia and the GCC member states. This significant development aims to enhance Armenia's attractiveness as an accessible and welcoming destination within the South Caucasus, particularly appealing to visitors from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The new visa free policy will apply to all passport holders from GCC member states, enabling travel for tourism, leisure, or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Additionally, individuals holding valid residency permit issued by any of the GCC countries with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry to Armenia, will also be eligible for visa-free entry, thereby broadening the accessibility for a substantial segment of the GCC expatriate communities. Officials have highlighted the timeliness of this decision, noting the growing interest among GCC nationals and residents in exploring nearby destinations that offer authentic experiences, diverse culture, and natural beauty. With Armenia's rich historical heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culinary scene, the country is well-positioned to attract a growing number of travellers and business visitors from the Gulf region. 'This milestone reflects our dedication to making Armenia more accessible to regional travellers,' said Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia. 'We look forward to welcoming more guests from the GCC who seek meaningful travel experiences - whether through our ancient monasteries, vibrant food scene, or immersive cultural festivals.' The Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia anticipates that the visa waiver will further stimulate collaboration with the GCC. The initiative supports Armenia's broader tourism strategy, which includes enhanced air connectivity, improved visitor infrastructure, and dynamic destination marketing across global markets. Armenia previously introduced visa-free travel for UAE citizens in 2017, Qatar citizens in 2019 and Kuwait citizens in 2022 - successful moves that laid the foundation for this expanded regional visa policy.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Armenia announces visa-free travel for GCC nationals and residents starting July 1, 2025
UAE / GCC; Effective July 1, 2025, Armenia will introduce visa-free entry for citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen economic relations, boost tourism, and facilitate business opportunities between Armenia and the GCC member states. This significant development aims to enhance Armenia's attractiveness as an accessible and welcoming destination within the South Caucasus, particularly appealing to visitors from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The new visa free policy will apply to all passport holders from GCC member states, enabling travel for tourism, leisure, or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Additionally, individuals holding valid residency permit issued by any of the GCC countries with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry to Armenia, will also be eligible for visa-free entry, thereby broadening the accessibility for a substantial segment of the GCC expatriate communities. Officials have highlighted the timeliness of this decision, noting the growing interest among GCC nationals and residents in exploring nearby destinations that offer authentic experiences, diverse culture, and natural beauty. With Armenia's rich historical heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culinary scene, the country is well-positioned to attract a growing number of travellers and business visitors from the Gulf region. 'This milestone reflects our dedication to making Armenia more accessible to regional travellers,' said Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia. 'We look forward to welcoming more guests from the GCC who seek meaningful travel experiences - whether through our ancient monasteries, vibrant food scene, or immersive cultural festivals.' The Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia anticipates that the visa waiver will further stimulate collaboration with the GCC. The initiative supports Armenia's broader tourism strategy, which includes enhanced air connectivity, improved visitor infrastructure, and dynamic destination marketing across global markets. Armenia previously introduced visa-free travel for UAE citizens in 2017, Qatar citizens in 2019 and Kuwait citizens in 2022 - successful moves that laid the foundation for this expanded regional visa policy. For more information on tourism in Armenia, visit For media inquiries: Paul Estorffe, Black Watch Communications paul@ About Armenia The Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia invites you to discover Armenia, a land where ancient history, vibrant traditions, and breathtaking landscapes converge. Nestled in the heart of the Caucasus, Armenia is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, welcoming hospitality, and diverse authentic experiences—from UNESCO-listed monasteries and scenic mountain trails to adventure sports and a flourishing culinary scene inspired by centuries-old recipes. For more information about Armenia, please visit Facebook: Instagram:
Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents to get visa-free entry to Armenia from July 1
Armenia will offer visa-free entry to residents of the UAE starting July 1, Khaleej Times can confirm. Travellers' residency visas must be valid for at least six months. Previously, only UAE nationals could travel visa-free to the landlocked country, while residents were eligible for a visa on arrival. The new visa-free policy enables travel for tourism, leisure, or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This change is part of a broader initiative by the Armenian government to expand its visa-free policy to travellers holding residency permits — valid for at least six months — issued by countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the European Union (EU), the Schengen Area, or the United States. The GCC includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The decision was made at an Armenian cabinet meeting last month and 'is expected to boost tourism and investments,' state news agency Armenpress reported. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia is a popular travel destination for UAE residents, particularly among expatriates. The country is just a three-hour flight from the UAE, with airlines like flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air operating direct flights.
