Dear Travel Partners,
Focus Asia are pleased to inform you of the following regulations updates and news highlights throughout our regions...
Vietnam Visa Regulations Update
The nationals of the following countries do not need visa to enter Vietnam:
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Countries
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Maximum duration of stay (the arrival and departure days are included)
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From 01.07.2015 - 30.06.2016:
Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK
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15 days
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Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Russia and Belarus
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15 days
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Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Laos and Cambodia
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30 days
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Philippines
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21 days
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Myanmar
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14 days
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The following conditions must be met:
- The passport is valid for at least six (06) months;
- Two consecutive visa-free entries must be at least thirty (30) days apart (e.g. If you enter Vietnam on 01 July 2015, you are entitled to stay until 15 July 2015 without a visa. You can only re-enter Vietnam without a visa as of 30 July 2015). This rule does not apply to those who enter Vietnam with a valid visa.
Those who do not fall in the above categories are still required to have a valid visa to enter Vietnam.
Myanmar Extends E-visa to Business Travelers
As part of the effort to encourage more business people into the country, Myanmar extended the e-Visa system to business travelers since 1st July, according to the local newspaper The Myanmar Times.The report said that the e-Visa for business applicants will be run concurrently with an existing business visa-on-arrival programme. It is probably the most significant development for the e-Visa since its introduction last year, as it opens the convenient online service to high spend visitors many of whom are looking at investment opportunities or attending conferences.
Both business visa programmes are open to nationals of 51 countries who enter via Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports.
For the business-visa-on-arrival, applicants must have an invitation letter from a Myanmar company that must be registered with the government, and be prepared to show a photograph and proof of identity. Payment is by credit card.
The e-Visa costs USD70, USD20 more than the business visa-on-arrival.
Cambodia plans highway linking Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville
Cambodia plans to build an expressway linking Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, finally replacing the two-lane road that links the capital with the country's most-popular beach resort.
The Phnom Penh Post reported that construction of the highway will begin next year. It will be built by Chinese contractor Henan Provincial Communications Planning, Survey, and Design Institute.
Once complete in 2020, the expressway is expected to bring an end to the incessant traffic jams and long commute times on twisty National Road 4. Current travel times between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville averages 4.5 hours. The new highway is expected to cut travel time to less than 3 hours.
Ho Chi Minh City launches boat tour in downtown canal
The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department has recently launched a boat tour of the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Canal in and around the downtown area.
The three-hour tour, offered by the Saigon Boat Company, covers a total distance of 4.5 km (2.8 miles) and takes visitors from a pier near Thi Nghe Bridge to Le Van Sy Bridge and back.
Thi Nghe Bridge is situated near Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street in District 1. Le Van Sy Bridge is located near Nguyen Van Troi Market on Le Van Sy Street in District 3. The tourist boats also dock by a boat to see performances of don ca tai tu, a traditional southern music genre, and modern music. Tourists also learn about the history of the city, especially the canals.
If you have any questions or would like more information relating to any of the above articles, please contact your Sales Manager in charge.
Sincerely,
Your Focus Asia Team
