The international tourism market is going through a turbulent period when a series of regulations on visa procedures at familiar destinations are changing simultaneously. These changes require quick updates and flexible planning to avoid unnecessary risks.
China tightens group visas before the ceremony
Travel agencies specializing in tours to China are facing a difficult period as group visa procedures are tightened especially from August 10 to September 8. The main reason is believed to be because China is preparing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese fascism on September 3, an important historical event that requires strict security measures and controls.
Travel companies specializing in Chinese tours all confirm that group visa application procedures during the period from August 10 to September 8 have been tightened.
According to announcements from Chinese partners, the new regulations require tour groups with group visas to have a minimum of 5 people. In particular, entry may be strictly limited at four main points: Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei and Shanghai. This means that many famous tourist cities with direct flights from Vietnam such as Xi'an, Chongqing, Kunming, Chengdu, Xiamen may not accept group visas during this time.
As a result, many travel companies have had to cancel a series of tours. Travel agencies said that more than 10 groups of tourists scheduled to depart between August and early September on the Beijing and Beijing-Shanghai routes (if entering through Beijing) had to cancel. Fortunately, groups entering through Shanghai were still able to depart normally, somewhat minimizing the damage to the companies.
This regulation affects large group tours that many tourists have booked in advance.
Another important warning from the Chinese partner is that all visa applications at the border are at risk of being rejected. Therefore, Vietnamese travel companies are advised to submit applications 10-12 days in advance to allow enough processing time. If a group visa is rejected, tourists can still switch to a sticker visa, although the cost is significantly higher and the approval rate is not 100%.
Additionally, a special note for the period from August 25 to September 6: Beijing and surrounding cities may impose strict traffic controls, and tourist attractions may close abruptly without much advance notice. This is a common practice during major holidays in China, making it difficult for tour groups to plan their detailed itinerary.
US - increasing visa fees and putting pressure on tourism and study abroad spending
From October 1, the cost of applying for a US visa is expected to increase sharply, by 250 USD, bringing the total cost to 410-435 USD/person. According to a representative of Du Lich Viet, with this increase, the cost of a visa for a family of 4 could be up to 40 million VND, not including service fees, travel, insurance, airfare and hotel. This will certainly increase the price of a US tour significantly.
From October 1, US visa application fees are expected to increase by 250 USD, to 410-435 USD per person.
The hike is expected to force many families to reconsider their travel plans to the US, possibly turning to other lower-cost destinations such as South Korea, Japan, Europe or Australia, where visa fees are lower or even visa-free for short-term trips.
This sharp increase in fees may cause many families to reconsider their plans to travel to the US.
Not only tourists, but international students are also heavily affected. Student visa fees are expected to increase from about 160 USD to 410 USD. Similarly, students who go on research, short-term internships and businesses sending employees to the US for work will also have to pay this new fee, increasing the financial burden.
Germany abolishes visa appeal procedure from July 1, 2025
An important change to the German visa procedure will come into effect from 1 July 2025: the appeals procedure will be abolished worldwide. Until now, applicants could appeal rejected visa applications free of charge, but after this date, this popular option will no longer be available.
From 1 July 2025, an important change in the German visa procedure will come into effect: the appeal procedure will be abolished worldwide
The decision follows a pilot project that has been running at several German visa offices abroad since June 2023, in which the objection procedure has been partially suspended.
Until now, applicants have been able to appeal refused visa applications free of charge in this way.
According to the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, the abolition has had a positive effect: visa applications have become more efficient and faster, and waiting times for decisions have been shortened. The authority believes that the permanent abolition of the final objection procedure will ultimately benefit all applicants, even if it means one less support channel for visa refusals.
South Korea requires epidemic declaration before entry 7/1/2025
From July 1, 2025, visitors to certain areas in Korea will be required to fill out a quarantine declaration form before entering the country. This quarantine declaration is an important step to ensure public health safety and compliance with Korea's new entry regulations.
Electronic Quarantine Declaration (Q-Code) for Passengers Arriving in Korea
To avoid unnecessary trouble, visitors are advised to prepare thoroughly by checking the list of strict quarantine areas on the official website of the KDCA (qcode.kdca.go.kr) and complete the Q-Code form or other required documents. Staying updated with the latest information from the embassy or airline is key to a smooth and safe journey to Korea.
These changes require proactiveness and flexibility from both travelers and travel agencies. Thorough research, adequate documentation, and early planning are key to ensuring a smooth international trip in the context of increasingly strict visa regulations.
