Immigration Rules Deter 43% of Asia-Pacific Travellers, IATA Survey Finds

Immigration requirements have discouraged 43 per cent of respondents from visiting certain destinations, according to the International Air Transport Association’s annual Global Passenger Survey.

The share is up from 33 per cent last year, pointing to a growing impact from immigration and visa processes on travel decisions.

Safety concerns linked to geopolitical tensions

The survey also found that geopolitical tensions are influencing travel decisions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Among those deterred by geopolitical conflicts, 72 per cent cited safety concerns as their main reason.

The findings place immigration requirements and geopolitical conflicts among the factors shaping whether air travellers choose particular destinations.

IATA, an airline industry body, said the results came from its annual Global Passenger Survey.

“Passengers are embracing technology to make travel easier. Yet many travellers continue to face barriers from complex immigration and visa processes,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice-president for operations, safety and security.

The survey’s findings underline the contrast between travellers’ use of technology and the continued difficulty many face with immigration and visa procedures.

The results also show that safety concerns remain the main reason cited by respondents who were put off visiting destinations because of geopolitical conflicts.

Source: South China Morning Post