Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Thailand has approved 30-day visa-free stays for Indian tourists to attract destination wedding groups and luxury travellers. The move positions India as a cornerstone of Bangkok's tourism strategy, targeting 2.7 million arrivals by 2027.
The US is overhauling visa policies for foreign students, journalists and exchange visitors, with Chinese journalists facing 90-day limits compared to 240 days for others. The rules eliminate decades-old flexibility that allowed indefinite stays.
Singapore and Southeast Asian students continue pursuing US education despite stricter visa policies and security concerns, though families now scrutinise immigration timelines more carefully.
Human rights organizations have challenged FIFA's claim of hosting the most inclusive World Cup, pointing to restrictive US visa policies that prevented fans and workers from numerous countries from attending the tournament.
China reported record cross-border mobility in the first half of 2026, with nearly 46 million foreign arrivals and 77.7 percent entering visa-free. The surge reflects Beijing's strategic expansion of bilateral and transit visa-waiver agreements.