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Although incredibly popular, Digital nomadism is a concept that many national governments are still skeptical about. As immigration regulations have traditionally been strict, nomads and long-term travelers are campaigning for these barriers to be lifted Travel rules simplified. Happily, Airbnb supports themEngage in conversations with diverse leaders around the world to encourage remote work and collaborate with as many as possible 20 destinations to support the movement.
Digital nomad visas are a novelty and in terms of availability and accessibility Nomads are far from where they want to be. Although the number of countries offering these visas has increased recently, especially after the pandemic has subsided and borders have reopened, they remain a minority and/or have difficult criteria to be met.
On the plus side, as AirBnB puts it, there are some “remote worker-friendly destinations” around the world. There, nomads are not only welcome, but also have the opportunity to grow and expand their business:
Airbnb wants digital nomad visas to be less bureaucratic
Various digital nomad visas already released have a lot in common, but at the same time they can differ drastically when it comes to financial requirements or just bureaucracy in general. The Colombia visa, for example, is one of the easiest to obtain: applicants simply need to show that they are earning at least US$684 per month.
The total is well below the average national wage rate in the US, Canada, and most European countries, making Colombia an attractive destination for nomads, especially those who are younger and traveling on a budget. On the other hand, nations like Malta and Montserrat have significantly higher fees – the latter expects nomadic residents to demonstrate financial resources of at least $70,000 per year.
Furthermore, Costa Rica has introduced an extremely easy visa process that is almost entirely digital. It doesn’t subject applicants to thorough background checks – in contrast, the Eastern European nation of Latvia has a more extensive list of requirements that must be met, including being classified as a ‘highly qualified’ professional.
As you can see, there is little consensus when it comes to making these rules, and there is currently one no guidelines countries must follow. Airbnb is without question the strongest ally for digital nomads. Just last week, the vacation rental platform released a white paper proposing a number of policy changes that would benefit the category.
In essence, Airbnb is asking countries and some of the leading cities to do so “Customize” and “enhance” the remote work experience. In addition to adapting to the new travel trend, she wants governments to:
- Facilitate the visa application process
- Encourage visitors to support local economies
- Optimize tax compliance
- Invest in “essential amenities”*
*This includes internet connectivity and community support for workers and their families, where applicable
These 20 destinations are AirBnB’s official partners in promoting telecommuting
According to Airbnb, these are the 20 destinations they will work with to support remote workers:
- Baja California Sur (state), Mexico
- Bali, Indonesia
- Brindisi, Puglia, Italy
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Caribbean*
- Canary Islands (autonomous community), Spain
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Colombia (country)
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Malta (country)
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Palm Springs, California, United States
- Queensland (state), Australia
- Rural France**
- Salzkammergut, Austria
- Tampa Bay, Fla., USA
- Thailand (country)
- Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
*Refers to numerous countries belonging to the geopolitical group
** AirBnB does not specify which parts of “rural” France
Airbnb has actively worked with the destinations listed above to improve the nomadic experience. This close partnership will see the creation of “tailor-made hubs” for each countryas well as disclosing important information regarding entry requirements, other visa requirements that may apply and, of course, taxation.
It is known that nomads prefer travel destinations with looser tax rules and where they are not faced with a crippling financial burden, like Bali. When applying for the nomadic visa for Indonesia where Bali is located, Americans and other travelers may be eligible to live in the province 5 years without paying a local tax.
Airbnb also stated that they will work together with these partners to promote “responsible hosting” and the acceptance of telecommuters and long-term travel. These so-called “hubs” will open later this year. The hubs will include all types of destinations, from entire countries like Colombia and Malta off the beaten path, smaller towns in Italy and France.
Not all partners have a digital nomad visa
Of the 20 listed, sThe following six countries have not introduced a special visa for nomads or announced to do so. And that despite being popular nomadic hotspots and/or having other immigration routes for long-term travelers:
- Australia
- Austria
- France
- Mexico
- Portugal
- United States
Mentioning Bali specifically, Airbnb claims this partnership will “revitalize” Indonesia’s tourism industry., which offers a “fresh focus on longer stays with higher quality.” The platform also praises the Indonesian province for its “comprehensive amenities, infrastructure and a lifestyle that is connected to nature and the local community”.
AirBnB co-founder Nathan Blecharczyk says the company doesn’t want to pretend it has all the answers now. However, they believe they are “well suited” for “information sharing” given their “large footprint” when traveling. Blecharczyk was still transparent, saying “this stuff isn’t necessarily easy”.
In the post-Covid world, there may be a surge in digital nomad conversions. However, not all destinations have recipients showns. Many just don’t trust the process enough to open their doors to long-term travelers. After all, it is almost always about changing laws and relaxing migration restrictions. This is something that Western nations, mainly Europe, have been reluctant to do.
Even then, digital nomadism slowly created its own niche on the old continent. Croatia, Albania and the like are leading the movement. Airbnb continues to push for broader global adoption. The company is leading by example by allowing its own employees to work up to 90 days a year from any of their 170 countries.
For more information on all of these Airbnb initiatives, visit the official news site.
Continue reading:
Travel insurance covering Covid-19 for 2022
The ultimate cheat sheet to become a digital nomad
The 5 cheapest travel destinations for digital nomads in the USA
South America’s first digital nomad village opens in Brazil
4 destinations affected by mass tourism that travelers need to know
This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest news related to your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com
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