Visas in Asia

Overview

Along with Africa and the Middle East, this is the continent where you’ll need visas the most, even if many can be obtained on arrival. Additionally, in several countries, access to certain regions may require a special permit, be regulated (through local agencies), or even be off-limits to foreigners.

East Asia

No visa required for stays under 3 months in Japan, South Korea (the North is closed to tourism except through a few very rare approved agencies), or in Hong Kong and Macau, which are not under Chinese legislation.

A visa is mandatory for 2 months in China and for 3 months in Mongolia (available on arrival).

As for Russia (both East and West), it requires a visa, an invitation, insurance, and registration upon arrival (except in transit, where the visa is sufficient).

Southeast Asia

A visa is required for Indonesia. It can be obtained on arrival but is limited to 30 non-extendable days (longer validity is possible if requested before departure). Additionally, special permits and on-site supervision are required for Borneo, Irian Jaya, and a few other areas.

In Malaysia, a permit is needed for Sarawak, while stays under 3 months in the country do not require a visa. In Singapore, a free stamp is issued on arrival.

No visa is needed for short stays in Brunei (14 days), Philippines (21 days), or Thailand (30 days). Beyond that, a visa is required, and it’s best to check the possibilities for obtaining one on-site.

In Cambodia, a visa (for 1 month) can be issued on arrival. The same applies to Laos, where different types of visas exist (transit, 15 days, extensions on-site). A visa is also required for Myanmar (the visa can now be obtained on arrival in Yangon) and for Vietnam for stays exceeding 15 days. For these four countries, Bangkok can be a place to obtain visas (and information) for those who prefer to get them at the last minute.

India and Neighbors

For India, the visa is now electronic for many nationalities, with a base stay of 60 days and double entry allowed. Special permits for certain regions, as well as longer stays, are also possible.

For Pakistan, a 1-month visa can now be obtained on arrival.

A visa (and special permits) is required for Nepal, which can in principle also be obtained on arrival. A visa, only through approved agencies, is required for Bhutan.

No visa is needed for Maldives for stays under a month. The same applies to Sri Lanka, which, however, requires "registration" online before arrival.

Central Asia

Things have eased over time. Thus, no visa is needed for stays under 30 days in Kazakhstan and 15 days in Kyrgyzstan. Elsewhere, a visa is required for Uzbekistan (on arrival), Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Note that access to certain regions in Central Asia may sometimes require a special permit, be regulated, or even be off-limits to foreigners.