An essential skill of any international travel is knowing how to get a visa. For some countries in Asia, you will need to secure your visa in advance—visas cannot be obtained at borders—but this means you will have to get involved in the tangled webs of bureaucracy. This may not be very fun, but being prevented from boarding a plane at your departure airport—or worse, getting detained at your destination and being put back on the first flight out—is even less enjoyable.
Do you need a visa to travel in Southeast Asia?
As a backpacker in Southeast Asia, crossing borders becomes a regular undertaking! Each country has a different rule of entry and some countries will require you to apply for a visa before you travel. As visa requirements often change, for travellers in South East Asia it can be difficult to plan things – like budget and duration of travel.
Which countries in ASEAN do not require visas?
Each of the ten ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) has its own individual visa policy. Currently, some nationalities can enter ASEAN countries without a visa for limited time periods.
Do I need a visa to travel to other countries?
Some stricter countries (i.e., Vietnam, China, and Myanmar) require that you apply for a visa outside of the country. If you arrive without a visa, you will not be allowed to leave the airport and will be put on the next flight out!
What are the best countries to visit in Asia?
Some popular routes are China–Japan, China–Thailand, Thailand–Vietnam–Cambodia, India–Bhutan–Nepal, and Singapore–Indonesia (Bali). If you are confused about the visa requirements of different countries in Asia, here you can get all the information you need regarding tourist visa requirements and restrictions for specific countries.
What is a travel visa?
How to apply for a visa before leaving home?
How long does it take to get a visa?
Can you get a visa in advance in Asia?
Do you need proof of adequate funds for a visa?
Can I travel to South Korea without a visa?
Do you have to dress nice to get a visa?
See 4 more
About this website
Do you need a visa to travel around Asia?
All travellers are required to hold a passport valid for at least six months after the return date of your trip. It should also be endorsed with all the visas required for your journey.
How long can I travel in Asia without a visa?
A sovereign city-state and island country where you don't need a visa to enter for stays of up to 90 days! This generous exemption applies to both tourism and business visits. If you need a student or work visa, you should contact your closest embassy.
Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Asia?
Citizens of the U.S. do not need visas for tourism and business visits. Citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. do not require a visa for tourism or business visits not exceeding 1 month. Singapore -- To enter Singapore, you'll need a valid passport.
What countries in Asia is visa free?
Here are some other countries in Asia where you can stay without a visa:Brunei – up to 14 days.Hong Kong – up to 14 days.Indonesia – up to 30 days.Israel.Kazakhstan.Laos – up to 30 days.Malaysia – up to 30 days.Mongolia – up to 21 days.More items...
Do I need visa to Thailand?
U.S. citizen tourists entering Thailand for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa. We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Thailand to avoid possible denied entry. Thai immigration officials or airline staff may ask for your onward/return ticket.
Do I need visa for Southeast Asia?
The majority of visas in Southeast Asia can be obtained on arrival or at the border, however, it is essential that you check the visa requirements of every country you will be visiting with the local embassy, consulate or a reputable visa handling company for the most up to date visa information before you travel.
What countries can US citizens go without visa?
Let's Look At The US Passport Visa-Free Countries OCEANIA: Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau Islands, and Vanuatu. MIDDLE EAST: Armenia, Israel, Oman, Palestinian Territory, and Qatar.
Where do US citizens need a visa?
What Are Countries That Require Visas for US Citizens?Brazil. Brazil visas must be obtained well in advance of departure from a Brazilian Consulate. ... China. Our friends at G3 Global Services tell us that they process more visas for China than for any other country. ... India. ... Indonesia. ... Kenya. ... Myanmar. ... Russia.
Do US citizens need Japan visa?
A passport and onward/return transportation ticket are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days.
Is Japan visa free?
All foreign nationals who wish to travel to Japan must obtain a visa before entering the country, except for those with re-entry permit.
Is Dubai a visa free country?
Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval. All visas are valid to enter Dubai for 60 days from the date of issue, except the 96‑hour and 48‑hour visas, which are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Do I need visa for Philippines?
No visa required for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days. Traveller must hold valid ticket for return journey to country of origin or next country of destination and a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in the Philippines. No visa required for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days.
How long can you stay in Southeast Asia?
Most of the Western world can enter without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. If you wish to stay in Thailand for MORE than 30 days, you can apply for a 60 day visa in a Thai embassy before you arrive.
Do Filipinos need visa to Malaysia?
Philippine citizens don't need a visa for travelling to Malaysia.
Is a visa required for Vietnam?
Entry Requirements: You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page. Visit the Embassy of Vietnam website for the most current information.
Which countries allow Indian without visa?
List of Countries where Visa is not Required for Indian CitizensBhutanNepalIndonesiaSeychelles (permit on arrival)JamaicaSenegalSerbiaTrinidad and TobagoHaiti (for up to 90 days)Micronesia6 more rows
Tourist Visa Requirements for Southeast Asia - TripSavvy
Planning a trip through the culturally rich and diverse countries of Southeast Asia also means familiarizing yourself with all of the different entry requirements and visa policies for each individual nation. For many travelers, the process is relatively painless regardless of where you're going.
How to get an ASEAN visa?
Applicants will need to complete the online form by answering a series of questions and entering a range of information including their name, address, date of birth, and passport details.
Do I need a tourist visa for ASEAN countries?
At the moment there is no single ASEAN tourist visa which grants entry to all ten member countries. Each of the ten ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) has its own individual visa policy.
How long is a visa required for Thailand?
Thailand: visa exemption for up to 30 days. Vietnam: visa required for visitors from most countries, and visa exemption for up to 15 days for some nationalities. Cambodia: visa on arrival for 30 days. Laos: visa on arrival for 30 days. Burma (Myanmar): visa required for up to 28 days. The Philippines: visa exemption for 30 days.
How many countries are there in Southeast Asia?
Southeast Asia is made up of 11 countries. Most of them allow easy visa-free entry or visa upon arrival for stays ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months for certain nationalities.
How long does it take to get a visa for Cambodia?
A visa on arrival or a VOA is valid for 30 days and costs US$30. If you are eligible, you can apply for an e-visa at the cost of US$37. The processing time is 1–3 days.
Where to apply for a visa for a longer stay?
If you plan to stay longer, it is better to apply for a longer visa at the embassy in your home country . To obtain your visa on arrival, you will be required to pay in cash in the local currency or US dollars. Make sure you have the correct amount in advance. Visa on arrival or e-visas are often valid for air travel.
Can US citizens travel to Indonesia?
All EU citizens, US citizens, and citizens of most other nations can visit Indonesia without a visa for up to 30 days. No extensions are allowed on visa-exempt entry. If you wish to stay longer in Indonesia, you can get a visa on arrival at the cost of US$35 for 30 days.
How many countries are exempt from paying visa fees for Thailand?
54 countries are exempt from paying the visa fee for Thailand (check yours here ). If you're crossing a land border, you will get a 15 day visa; if you fly into an international airport, you get 30days. So you just need to show up with your passport and you'll be granted your visa. Voila!
How long is a passport valid after returning?
Double triple check that your passport is valid for 6 months after you return from travelling.
Does Cambodia have an online visa system?
Good to know: Cambodia has an online visa system, however this border crossing does not have the capacity to process E-visas. If you arrive at this border with an E-Visa, you will be required to pay again. Sometimes a processing fee of $1-5USD is added to your visa price.
Is Vietnam suspending visas?
Update: Vietnam has temporarily suspended issuing visas to people from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain and may add other countries where COVID-19 is spreading.
Can I get a visa for Laos?
Visitors from most countries can get a visa on arrival at the Laos border. With Stray, you'll be coming from Thailand via the Houay Xai border crossing and you'll have your Guide with you to help you apply and pay for your visa. At the border you'll need your passport, a colour passport photo, and USD in cash. Your Guide will give you a visa application form to fill out.
BHUTAN
Visa-wise, touring Bhutan is the easiest country because the work is done for you by the tour operator organizing your trip. In fact, licensed Bhutanese tour operators are the only people who can get tourist visas for their travelers. You cannot visit Bhutan on your own. (The exceptions: people with an India, Bangladesh, or Maldives passport.)
NEPAL
You can get a Nepal visa prior to arrival, but often the online application is more of a headache than it’s worth. Therefore, Myths and Mountains strongly suggests just getting your visa on arrival in Nepal.
CHINA
Here is where travel gets complicated, which is why we recommend using a visa service (See box below). The charge will be well worth it to avoid delays. If you plan to get the visa yourself, you must apply for it at a China Embassy or Chinese Consulate in a city near you. You cannot get a visa for China online or by mail.
DO I NEED A VISA SERVICE?
There are at least three good reasons for using a travel service, such as Visa Central:
Ready to travel?
Now that you know what you need to get a visa, let Myths and Mountains guide you through the process. Have any other questions? Email us at [email protected] and we would love to help!
How many countries allow visa free entry?
Six of the 10 countries in the region allow for visa-free entry for tourists from the U.S. and many other countries, while the remaining four allow many visitors to apply for an e-visa online or pay for a visa on arrival.
How long does it take to get a visa for Vietnam?
Between 30–90 days. $40 for single entry. Vietnam. Most foreign nationals need a visa, but certain countries are exempt including the U.K., France, Spain, Germany, Chile, Japan, and others. For non-exempt travelers, you can apply for an e-visa or a visa on arrival. 30 days for e-visa; Up to 90 days for visa on arrival.
Is it bad to overstay a visa?
Although the exact consequences for overstaying your visa vary from country to country, it is uniformly a bad idea and should be avoided at all costs. Many of the countries officially charge a fee for each day you exceed the duration of your visa, which are relatively inexpensive (in Myanmar it's $3 per day for the first 30 days, while in Cambodia and Laos it's $10 per day ). If you just want to overstay by a few days, it may seem worth the extra cost.
How long is a visa free visa for Malaysia?
Malaysia has Malaysia grants a 14, 30 or 90-day visa-free entry to nationals of many countries across the world. This is known as a ‘Social Visit Pass’.
How long does it take to get a visa extension in Vietnam?
Visa extension: Once you are in Vietnam, 30-day (or a maximum of 90-day) extensions can be obtained from travel agents in most major tourist hubs and can take up to 7-10 working days to process. With other Southeast Asian countries, we suggest going to the embassy direct to extend your visa, but with the case of Vietnam, it is probably easier to get a travel agent to sort it out for you. Prices vary dramatically so shop around (we’ve seen $330 USD for three months quoted online!). Alternatively, you can leave Vietnam and re-enter the country with an eVisa to get another 30-days stay.
How much does it cost to overstay a visa in Yangon?
The costs (clearly stated at Yangon Airport) are $3 USD / day up to 90 days and then $5 USD after that. However, what is accepted as a valid number of days overstay will depend on the discretion of the Immigration Official who lets you out of the country. We usually strongly advise against overstaying your visa unofficially in all countries in Southeast Asia. Possible complications are the following:
How much does it cost to extend a visa in Timor Leste?
Fees are $35 USD for a 30-day extension and $75 USD for 30-60 day extension. Visit the official Immigration Service of Timor Leste for more info here.
How much does a 30 day visa cost?
Most nationalities are eligible for a 30-day tourist visa on arrival which costs $30 USD. (T Visa) Payments must be made in $USD. You must have two completely free pages in your passport, as well as 6-months validity. You must have two recent passport photos of yourself – and take your own pen – it avoids fights!
What happens if you overstay your visa?
Overstaying your visa: On the ICA website, it says: ‘Overstaying is an Immigration offence. If you overstay, you may be subjected to a composition fine or prosecution in Court.’ – Just don’t do it!
How long is Brunei visa free?
The government of Brunei allows visa-free entry for 90 days for nationals of the following countries: All EU countries, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the United States. Nationals of the following countries get 30 days visa-free: Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE.
How long is a passport valid in Southeast Asia?
Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months, from the date of entry into any country in Southeast Asia. If you have a passport due to expire within that timeframe, you may be turned away.
How to get a visa for Myanmar?
You can acquire a visa by applying to the Government of Myanmar’s e-visa program. Once approved, you’ll need to use your visa within three months and it will validate upon the date of entry. Bring your letter of visa approval to show to officials at border control.
How long is a visa exempt?
Visa exempt for up to 90 days.
How long does a tourist visa last?
Tourist visas can be granted upon arrival for 1 month from the date of entry. Tourist visas upon arrival cost $30, you can also get an e-visa online before you travel.
Where can I get a long stay visa in Laos?
If you are in the region, you can also enquire about long-stay visas from the Laos Embassies in Bangkok (Thailand) or Hanoi (Vietnam). When you enter Laos, make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport. Not having a legitimate entry stamp could lead to arrest or a large fine.
Do you have to have a passport to travel to Malaysia?
However, there are a few rules you’ll have to adhere to. If you enter or exit Sabah or Sarawak, you must have your passport with you, even when arriving on domestic flights within Malaysia. If you have dual citizenship in Malaysia and the United States, the border control may ask you to forfeit your U.S. Passport as they do not recognize dual nationality.
Is it illegal to travel to Laos from Thailand?
It is highly recommended to avoid entry to Laos by boat or ferry, it also illegal and dangerous to swim from Thailand to Laos (just in case anyone was crazy enough to consider it). On a serious note, make sure you enter and exit Laos from the official ports otherwise you will be at risk of fines and even imprisonment.
What is a project visa?
Project visa is very useful when it comes to information related to visa, embassies and consulates. You can find the addresses and contact details of the embassies and consulates of a country as well as those of other countries in that country.
What happens if you don't have a passport?
The truth is that if you don’t hold a fancy, powerful passport, you would be scratching your head while rummaging through tourist visa requirements. There is a lot of information on the internet, but scrubbing through all that could be a lot to take and often, you need to make decisions fast.
What is a travel visa?
A travel visa is a stamp or sticker placed in your passport that grants you permission to enter a particular country. Some countries use a large sticker which occupies an entire page in your passport, while others use stamps that only consume half a page of valuable passport real estate. Most countries have a number of visa types available, but unless you plan to seek employment, relocate, teach, or are a journalist, you will most likely want to apply for a typical "tourist visa."
How to apply for a visa before leaving home?
You can apply for a visa in one of two ways: either arrange it before you leave home by mailing your passport to your destination country's embassy, or you can apply in person at a country's embassy either at home or while already abroad.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Processing your visa could take a few days or much longer, so do your research and plan well in advance.
Can you get a visa in advance in Asia?
For some countries in Asia, you will need to secure your visa in advance—visas cannot be obtained at borders—but this means you will have to get involved in the tangled webs of bureaucracy. This may not be very fun, but being prevented from boarding a plane at your departure airport—or worse, getting detained at your destination ...
Do you need proof of adequate funds for a visa?
Proof of Adequate Funds: Some countries list showing proof of adequate funds as a visa requirement, however, it is rarely leveraged. The idea is to stop people from “bumming” around in their country and becoming a burden. Often a valid credit card, bank statement, or enough cash on hand will satisfy this requirement.
Can I travel to South Korea without a visa?
If you arrive without a visa, you will not be allowed to leave the airport and will be put on the next flight out!
Do you have to dress nice to get a visa?
If applying in person, dress nice, be courteous, and remember that the officials are not obligated whatsoever to grant your visa.
Tourist Visa Guide to Some Popular Destinations in Asia
Thailand Visa Requirements
Vietnam Visa Requirements
Cambodia Visa Requirements
Laos Visa Requirements
Myanmar Visa Requirements
Philippines Visa Requirements
Singapore Visa Requirements
Malaysia Visa Requirements
Indonesia Visa Requirements
- All EU citizens,US citizens, and citizens of most other nations can visit Indonesia without a visa for up to 30 days. No extensions are allowed on visa-exempt entry. If you wish to stay longer in Indonesia, you can get a visa on arrival at the cost of US$35 for 30 days, which can be extended.
Bhutan
Borneo
Cambodia
Laos
Thailand
- Cost: Free 54 countries are exempt from paying the visa fee for Thailand (check yours here). If you're crossing a land border, you will get a 15 day visa; if you fly into an international airport, you get 30days. So you just need to show up with your passport and you'll be granted your visa. Voila! Check your visa requirements here.
Vietnam
Hot Tips