China Tightens Visa Requirements for Indian Travellers, Rejection Rates Near 40 %
Air China Scraps Tokyo–Chengdu Service Amid Wider Capacity Pull-Back on Japan Routes
China Southern to Reopen Beijing–Helsinki Link, Reviving North-Europe Connectivity
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Malaysia Adds Daily Jinan–Kuala Lumpur Flight, Deepening China–Malaysia Air Links Ahead of VM2026
Shandong Airlines has begun daily Jinan–Kuala Lumpur flights, strengthening Malaysia’s connectivity with China’s Shandong province ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism drive. The new service cuts travel time for tourists and business travellers, supports bilateral trade, and reflects MAHB’s strategy of offering incentives to rebuild pre-pandemic Chinese traffic.
Trump Sets April Trip to China as Leaders Plan Four Summits in 2026
Donald Trump will visit China in April, with Xi Jinping to travel to the United States later in 2026, creating a busy year of high-level summits. Such visits historically bring both facilitation (e.g., temporary visa perks) and disruption (security lockdowns, scarce hotel rooms). Corporations should begin travel and compliance planning now to navigate the expected surge in demand and regulatory changes.
Philippines Launches One-Year Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Citizens
From 16 January 2026 until 15 January 2027, Chinese citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days via Manila or Cebu for tourism or business. The pilot, confirmed by China’s embassy on 22 January, aims to revive Chinese arrivals and cut red tape for short-term business trips. Companies should factor in the shorter stay limit and airport restrictions but can expect faster deployments and lower travel costs.
Local Authorities Across China Begin Collecting Passports From Ordinary Citizens, Tightening Exit Controls
Investigative reports dated 22 January indicate that several mainland jurisdictions have started requiring ordinary residents—not just officials—to surrender their passports and obtain permission before leaving China. The ad-hoc measures could delay international business trips and complicate mobility planning for companies with China-based staff.
UK Raises English-Language Bar and Confirms February Launch of Mandatory ETA—Chinese Applicants Must Prepare
A Home Office update on 22 January confirms that UK Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up visa applicants must now meet higher B2 English-language proficiency, and that all visa-exempt travellers—including Chinese dual-passport holders—will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before entering from 25 February 2026. Businesses should adjust recruitment timetables and travel checklists to account for the stricter requirements.