Travel is Back and the world is Open says UNWTO
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the global tourism industry to a grinding halt, with borders slamming shut and travel grinding down to a trickle. However, a new report from the UN World Tourism Organization reveals that tourism visa openness has rebounded and is now back to pre-pandemic levels worldwide. But just how open is the world for travellers? The findings may surprise you.
According to the UNWTO Tourism Visa Openness Report 2023, the percentage of the world’s population requiring a traditional visa to travel internationally has dropped from 77% in 2008 to just 47% this year. This transition away from traditional visas has been driven by an increase in visa exemptions, visas on arrival, and e-visas across many destinations.
Main finding:-
a. The Rise of Visa Facilitation
A major trend highlighted in the report is the growth of facilitated visa policies aimed at attracting more international visitors. 21% of the global population now enjoys visa-free travel, up from 17% in 2008. Furthermore, 14% can obtain a visa on arrival at their destination, a significant jump from just 6% in 2008.
Perhaps the most remarkable statistic is the surge in e-visa implementation. While only 3% of the world’s population could apply for an e-visa in 2013, that figure has skyrocketed to 18% in 2023. E-visas are seen as a key tool for destinations to enhance travel facilitation while maintaining security through advanced screening.
b. Regional Variations Remain
However, the openness of destinations varies significantly by world region. The Americas lead with the highest Tourism Visa Openness score of 27 out of 100, followed closely by Europe at 26. In contrast, Africa and Asia and the Pacific lag behind at 19 and 15 respectively, indicating more restrictive visa policies overall.
According to UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, “As the world reopened after the pandemic, safe and seamless travel is essential for rebounding Tourism. This latest Visa Openness Report shows that while visa facilitation has continued growing, uneven distribution persists.”
c. Benefits for All
While promoting travel facilitation can provide an economic boost through increased tourism, the benefits extend beyond the visitor economy. The report demonstrates that openness and visa facilitation also foster closer ties between countries through enhanced people-to-people connections.
As travel continues its revival, the UNWTO Visa Openness Report provides a comprehensive global overview to guide governments in adopting visa policies that balance security, economic, and social development goals. The findings make one thing clear – an open world is ultimately a more connected, prosperous world.
