“I just had to show my passport when I crossed the border,” the fresh university graduate told This Week in Asia, describing her seamless four-day trip with a friend.
Since February, Chinese travellers have enjoyed visa-free access to Singapore, reciprocated by a 30-day pass for Singaporeans visiting China. This arrangement places them alongside citizens from the US, UK, and other Asean member states who benefit from similar travel privileges.
Visa-free travel has sparked a wave of exploration across Southeast Asia, where tourism is proving essential for economies still recovering from the pandemic – prompting many governments to relax long-standing immigration restrictions.
Travellers from India, China and Russia have emerged as the biggest beneficiaries, flocking to explore the region’s beaches and resorts. Many are venturing abroad for the first time, drawn by the ease of travel that eliminates bureaucratic hurdles.A tourist poses for photos at the Merlion Park in Singapore. Since February, Chinese travellers have enjoyed visa-free access to the city state. Photo: EPA-EFE
Source link : https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3278460/southeast-asias-visa-free-travel-magnet-tourists-and-trouble
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Publish date : 2024-09-13 14:00:00
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