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The international tourism market is experiencing a turbulent period as numerous regulations regarding visa procedures at popular destinations are changing simultaneously. These changes require rapid updating and flexible planning to avoid unnecessary risks.
China tightens visa restrictions for group events ahead of major celebrations.
Travel companies specializing in tours to China are facing a difficult period as group visa procedures are tightened, especially from August 10th to September 8th. The main reason is believed to be China's preparation for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Fascist Japan on September 3rd, a significant historical event requiring strict security and control measures.
Travel agencies specializing in tours to China have confirmed that visa application procedures for group tours between August 10th and September 8th have been tightened.
According to announcements from our Chinese partners, the new regulations require tour groups on group visas to have a minimum of 5 people. In particular, entry may be strictly restricted at four key locations: Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, and Shanghai. This means that many popular tourist cities with direct flights from Vietnam, such as Xi'an, Chongqing, Kunming, Chengdu, and Xiamen, may not accept group visas during this period.
As a result, many travel companies have had to cancel numerous tours. Travel agencies reported that more than 10 tour groups scheduled to depart between August and early September on routes to Beijing and Beijing-Shanghai (if entering through Beijing) have had to cancel. Fortunately, groups entering via Shanghai were still able to depart as normal, somewhat mitigating losses for the companies.
This regulation affects large group tours that many tourists have already booked.
Another important warning from our Chinese counterparts is that all visa applications at border crossings are at risk of rejection. Therefore, Vietnamese travel agencies are advised to submit applications 10-12 days in advance to allow sufficient processing time. If a group visa is rejected, travelers can still opt for a sticker visa, although the cost is significantly higher and there is no guarantee of 100% approval.
Additionally, a special note regarding the period from August 25th to September 6th: Beijing and surrounding cities may implement strict traffic controls, and attractions may close unexpectedly without much prior notice. This is common practice during major holidays in China, posing considerable challenges for tour groups planning their trips in detail.
US - increasing visa fees and putting pressure on travel and study abroad costs.
Starting October 1st, the cost of applying for a US visa is expected to increase significantly by $250, bringing the total fee to $410-435 per person. According to a representative from Viet Travel, with this increase, the visa cost for a family of four could reach 40 million VND, not including service fees, travel, insurance, airfare, and hotel accommodations. This will certainly lead to a substantial increase in the price of US tour packages.
Starting October 1st, the fee for applying for a US visa is expected to increase by $250, to $410-435 per person.
This surge in fees is expected to cause many families to reconsider their US travel plans, potentially shifting to other, lower-cost destinations such as South Korea, Japan, Europe, or Australia, where visa costs are lower or even visa-free for short-term trips.
This significant fee increase may cause many families to reconsider their plans to travel to the United States.
Not only tourists, but also international students are significantly affected. Student visa fees are expected to increase from approximately $160 to $410. Similarly, students going for research, short-term internships, and businesses sending personnel to the US for work will also have to bear this new fee, adding to their financial burden.
Germany abolishes visa appeal procedures from July 1, 2025.
A significant change to the German visa application process will take effect from July 1, 2025: the appeals process 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 July 1, 2025, a significant change to the German visa application process will come into effect: the appeals procedure will be abolished worldwide.
This decision is based on a pilot project that has been implemented at several German visa offices abroad since June 2023, in which the objection procedure has been partially suspended.
To date, applicants can still appeal rejected visa applications in this manner free of charge.
According to the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, the abolition has had positive effects: visa application processing has become more efficient and faster, and the waiting time for decisions has been shortened. The authorities believe that the permanent abolition of the final appeal procedure will ultimately benefit all applicants, although this also means removing one support channel for visa rejections.
South Korea requires COVID-19 declarations before entry effective July 1, 2025.
Starting July 1, 2025, travelers to certain areas in South 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 and safety and to comply with South Korea's new entry regulations.
Electronic Quarantine Declaration (Q-Code) for passengers arriving in South Korea
To avoid unnecessary trouble, travelers are advised to prepare thoroughly by checking the list of strictly quarantined areas on the official KDCA website.qcode.kdca.go.kr) and complete the Q-Code form or other necessary documents. Staying up-to-date with the latest information from the embassy or airline is key to a smooth and safe trip to South Korea.
These widespread changes require proactiveness and flexibility from both travelers and travel businesses. Thorough research, complete documentation, and early planning will be key to ensuring a smooth international trip amidst increasingly stringent visa regulations.
