Iran and Europe meet in Istanbul amid threats of sanctions
Iran is currently facing threats of a reimposition of sanctions at the UN security council that were originally lifted under a deal made ten years ago...
Japan will end tax-free shopping for foreign visitors in November 2026 and before that, it will introduce dual pricing, visa pre-approval, and visitor caps at major attractions this year, according to official announcements and media reports.
The changes are part of a broader effort by Japan to address overtourism and preserve cultural and environmental sites, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
Under the revised system, tourists will no longer benefit from point-of-sale tax exemptions. Instead, from 1 November 2026, they will pay consumption tax up front and be eligible for a refund at designated airport counters, the JNTO said in an official update published earlier this year.
In addition, a new dual pricing model is set to roll out in 2025, under which foreigners will pay higher entry fees than domestic visitors at museums, temples, ski resorts, and amusement parks. Some theme parks already charge international guests 25% more, according to Essential Japan, a travel and policy news site.
Japan’s Ministry of Justice is also preparing to introduce a Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) visa system, which would require travellers from visa-exempt countries to obtain online pre-approval before entering the country. According to TravelPirates, citing official government plans, the system is scheduled for implementation by fiscal year 2028, with preparatory steps beginning in 2025.
Meanwhile, Mount Fuji has introduced a cap of 4,000 hikers per day, with a mandatory ¥2,000 fee ($13.6) per visitor, as part of new access restrictions aimed at limiting environmental damage. The measure was reported by International Traveller in July 2024.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Air Canada is set to resume its flight services on 20 August, after a nearly four-day strike by its unionized flight attendants left more than 500,000 passengers stranded.
Türkiye’s low-cost carrier AJet, a branch of Turkish Airlines, will launch its first-ever direct flights from Ankara to Barcelona and Madrid this October.
China can visit South Korea without a visa from the end of September until June next year. Seoul made the announcement for temporary visa-free entry to tourist groups on Wednesday (6 August).
China has significantly relaxed its entry restrictions, with establishing unilateral visa-free access and mutual visa exemption arrangements with 75 countries as part of its efforts to streamline visa processes and encourage global engagement.
Turkish Airlines, the country's flag carrier, has announced that it will resume flights from Istanbul to Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, beginning 1st August.
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