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 Southeast Asia it can be difficult to plan things – like budget and duration of travel.
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.
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 happens if you arrive in Asia 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! Caution: Although you'll find lots of information out there about how to get a visa for countries in Asia, the requirements can change—literally overnight—and make third-party websites suddenly out of date.
What countries in Asia do you need a visa for?
Tourist Visa Guide to Some Popular Destinations in AsiaDestinationsVisaVietnamE-visaCambodiaE-visaIndonesia (Bali)Visa-free entry for at least 30 daysSingaporeVisa-free entry for at least 30 days3 more rows•Aug 4, 2022
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.
How much do visas cost in Asia?
Nowadays, the government of each Southeast Asia countries prefer to charge for a visa fee instead of giving it for free. There are still visa-free possibilities but they are often limited (only a few days or with only single entry) which will require you to extend your stay – this one costs between $30-$80 or more.
Do I need visa to go to Japan?
You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
Do US citizens need a visa for Japan?
A passport and onward/return transportation ticket are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days.
Where can Americans travel without a visa?
The following countries do not require that US citizens traveling for tourist purposes have a visa....North America and Central America.CountryLength of Stay without Tourist VisaBelize1 monthCosta Rica90 daysEl Salvador3 monthsGuatemala90 days5 more rows
What countries can a U.S. passport not go to?
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the only nation in the world that US citizens are banned from visiting by the American government because of “serious and mounting risk of arrest and long-term detention.”
Do U.S. citizens need visa for Thailand?
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements 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.
Which country has free visa?
Foreign Countries which allow:e-Visa FacilityVisa free Facility1.ArmeniaBarbados2.AzerbaijanBhutan3.BahrainDominica4.BarbadosGrenada36 more rows
Which country visa is most difficult to get?
What are the Hardest Countries to Get a Visa To?Russia.Cuba.Iran.Turkmenistan.Chad.Bhutan.Saudi Arabia.Afghanistan.More items...
Does American need visa to visit China?
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit China? Yes. U.S. citizens planning to visit China's mainland must apply for an entry visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General.
How long can you stay in Southeast Asia?
Most countries are granted a 60-day visa on arrival upon entry to Thailand, which can be extended for a further 30 days. Applying for a new VoA is as simple as hopping over the border to Cambodia, Malaysia, or Laos, although Cambodia is the most popular route of the three.
Do you need visas for Vietnam?
Tourists to Vietnam can only apply for 30-day tourist visa. Tourist visas currently cannot be extended. Paid or volunteer work, missionary work, or other activities not related to tourism are not allowed under tourist visas.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
When will India start granting visas?
India will begin granting of fresh Tourist Visas for foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15, 2021. Foreign tourists entering into India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be able to do so only with effect from November 15, 2021 on fresh Tourist Visas.
When will Taiwan allow non-Taiwanese to travel?
From May 4, 2021, all non-Taiwanese residents are prohibited from entering Taiwan except for persons holding an "Alien Residential Certificate" (ARC), persons traveling for diplomatic or official business, persons traveling to fulfill contractual obligations, and persons traveling for special humanitarian reasons.
What countries can I travel to with an ATP?
The “Air Travel Pass” (ATP) Travelers departing from Australia, Brunei, Mainland China, New Zealand, and Taiwan can apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) to enter Singapore for short-term visits including for tourism.
How long can you stay in Phuket?
Once obtaining a negative result, travellers can free to explore the island of Phuket. Travellers can leave for other areas of Thailand after 14 days have passed, but there is no minimum stay if travellers wish to leave Phuket in under 14 days.
Do foreigners need a visa?
Foreign nationals need to apply for a tourist visa or eTA (electronic Travel Authorization).
Is Phuket open to international tourists?
Thai land — Phuket Reopens to International Tourists. From 1st July, fully-vaccinated travelers can visit the island of Phuket without any quarantine requirements under the "Phuket Sandbox" program. Contact us to book a trip.
Can foreigners travel to Maldives?
Foreign tourists can travel to the Maldives without quarantine.
What Can I Do If I Need to Apply for a Visa to Taiwan?
If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you may apply for a Taiwan visa at a Taiwan diplomatic mission abroad. The application process is as follows:
What Documents Do I Need if I am Visa Exempt?
If you are from a visa-exempt country, when you enter Taiwan you must have the following documents with you:
Can I get a Taiwan Visa On Arrival (Taiwan Landing Visa)?
You are eligible to obtain a Taiwan Visa On Arrival, also known as a Taiwan Landing Visa, if you fulfill one of the following conditions:
Who is Eligible for a Taiwan eVisa?
Only nationals of the following countries can apply for a Taiwan eVisa:
How long do you have to live outside China to enter Taiwan?
They need an Exit and Entry Permit to enter Taiwan if they have lived outside China for less than 4 years
Can I extend my Taiwan visa to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka. The Taiwan eVisa is only for short-term stays (tourism, business, visits, etc) and only for up to 90 days. You cannot apply to extend it or convert it into a long-stay visa. You may apply here, and don’t have to appear in person at any Taiwan consulate or embassy.
Can Chinese citizens travel to Taiwan?
Citizens of the People’s Republic of China have to get an Entry and Exit Permit but they are also subject to a daily quota of visitors to Taiwan (14,600 persons per day, where half of the quota should go to individual tour applicants). If Chinese citizens have obtained another nationality, they must follow the Taiwan visa requirements of their current nationality. Even so, even former citizens of the PRC still face some restrictions when they travel to Taiwan, such as:
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
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