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South Korea says it must hold further talks with Washington before a promised reduction in U.S. import tariffs on Korean cars can take effect, leaving...
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.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
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.
Russia’s flag carrier Aeroflot said a failure in its information systems may lead to delays and cancellations across its network. Technicians are working to restore normal operations and limit disruption to passengers.
India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from 24 July, its embassy in China said on Wednesday, marking the first time in five years as the two countries seek to mend strained relations.
The European Commission has announced a new fee for non-EU travellers who do not require a visa to enter 30 European countries. Under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), the fee will increase from €7 to €20.
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