Taking the Confusion out of Asian Visa Regulations

While Asia is an appealing travel destination for many people, the complex visa regulations can be a stumbling block for travelers to realize their travel dreams. Asia Transpacific Journeys strives to make all facets of travel seamless and simple—visas included. Start here to understand the regulations. Please note that the guidelines below only apply to US citizens. Travelers of other nationalities should consult with their local embassy, consulate or a reputable visa service for applicable information. For countries requiring a visa, we highly recommend using our longtime partner visa service G3 Global Services.

For all travel to Asia: 

All countries require you to have a full blank page in your passport, and that your passport expires no earlier than six months after you exit the country.

Just show up! US Citizens do not require a Visa for these countries:

• Thailand: Stays of less then 30 days do not require a visa.
• Fiji: Stays of less then four months do not require a visa.
• Hong Kong: Stays of less then 90 days do not require a visa.
• Japan: Stays of less then 90 days do not require a visa.
• Kyrgyzstan: Stays of less then 60 days do not require a visa.
• Malaysia: Stays of less then 90 days do not require a visa.
• Maldives: Stays of less then 30 days do not require a visa.
• Micronesia Stays of less then 30 days do not require a visa.
• Mongolia: Stays of less then 90 days do not require a visa.
• New Zealand: Stays of less then 90 days do not require a visa.
• Singapore: Stays of less then 90 days do not require a visa.
• Taiwan: Stays of less then 30 days do not require a visa.

Quick and simple E-Visa required: 

• Cambodia: Before traveling, apply for your E-Visa here. Note that E-Visas are only valid for a single entry into the country through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey) or Bavet (Svay Rieng).

• India: Good news! As of a few months ago, India has begun an E-Visa scheme allowing visitors to avoid the formerly lengthy application process and obtain an E-Visa online . Note that E-Visas are only valid for a single entry into India through Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai or Trivandrum and for a stay of less than 30 days.

• Myanmar: Apply for your Myanmar E-Visa here. Please note that your Myanmar E-Visa is only applicable for visitors entering the country once through Yangon.

• Turkey: To visit Turkey, obtain your E-Visa here. Please keep in mind that this electronic application does not offer the ability to reconfirm your details before submission. Carefully double-check all fields before submitting your application to avoid having to repeat the process and incur an additional fee.

Visa-on-Arrival:  

• Indonesia: Proceed to the “Visas on Arrival” desk and present your passport, your completed Indonesian Visa Application (available in the immigration area) and your embarkation card (handed out on your flight). Pay the fee of $35 USD per person and your visa will be issued on the spot.

• Laos: Proceed to the “Visas on Arrival” desk and present your passport, one passport photo, your completed Laos Visa Application (available in the immigration area) and your embarkation card (handed out on your flight). Pay the fee of $35 USD per person and you’ll be welcomed to Laos.

• Nepal: All Nepal visas are multiple entry and their costs vary between $5 and $100 based on how many days you will be in country. At the “Visas on Arrival” desk at your port of entry, simply present your passport, one passport photo, your completed Nepal Visa Application (select the correct application for the number of days you will be in country) and your embarkation card. Pay the designated fee and you are free to begin exploring Nepal.

• Papua New Guinea: Enter the immigration area and look for the booth for “Visas on Arrival.” Present your passport, your embarkation card, one passport photo and a copy of your return airline tickets. This visa is free for US citizens.

Visa-on-Arrival with Pre-Authorization:

• Australia: An electronic pre-authorization is required for entry into Australia. Asia Transpacific Journeys travelers don’t have to lift a finger—we’ll process your pre-authorization for you and include your authorization document with your Final Travel Documents.

• Bhutan: Asia Transpacific Journeys’ staff pre-arranges Visas-on-Arrival for all of our travelers to Bhutan. At the airport, simply present your passport and embarkation card (the immigration staff will have already received your authorization documents) and you’re ready to begin your Journey Beyond the Ordinary™.

• Sri Lanka: In order to obtain a Visa-on-Arrival, travelers must already have in their possession an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)—this document costs $30 USD and no passport copies, documents or photographs are required. Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, give your passport and ETA approval notice to the immigration officer at your port of entry to obtain your 30-day Short Visit Visa.

• Vietnam: Prior to boarding your flight to Vietnam, you will need to present a copy of your Visa Clearance Letter (provided to you by Asia Transpacific Journeys). Then, upon your arrival in Vietnam, proceed to the “Landing Visa” booth desk (not the regular visa line) and present your passport, one passport photo, your completed Vietnam Visa Application, a second copy of your Visa Clearance Letter, your embarkation card and $45 USD in cash (exact change only). After obtaining your Visa-on-Arrival, proceed through immigration, where your visa will be stamped and validated.

Visa Must Be Acquired Ahead of Time:

The countries below require your visa be obtained before traveling. You can do so directly through the country’s local embassy or consulate, but we highly recommend using our partner visa service, G3 Global Services, for assistance.

• China: Foresee traveling to China more than once? Recent administrative changes have authorized 10-year tourist visas to be granted. Helpful tip: Do not list Hong Kong, Macao or Tibet on your application to avoid complications or rejection.

• Kazakhstan: A visa for Kazakhstan requires two blank visa pages facing each other in your passport, a completed Visa Application, one passport photo, a copy of your flight itinerary and a letter addressed to “Embassy of Kazakhstan, Washington, DC” describing your trip (Asia Transpacific Journeys provides this document to all our travelers). Note: From July 15, 2014 to July 15, 2015, US citizens may travel in Kazakhstan for up to 15 days without a visa.

• Uzbekistan: Single, double or triple-entry visas are available—all must be acquired ahead of time. Present your passport with two blank visa pages facing each other, your completed Visa Application form (this must be completed online, printed out and signed, handwritten applications will not be accepted), one passport photo, a copy of your flight itinerary and a full itinerary from your tour operator (Asia Transpacific Journeys will provide this document to you).

• Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan wins the prize for most difficult visa to acquire in Asia, requiring travelers to obtain a personal invitation before being permitting to submit their Visa Application. Luckily, with Asia Transpacific Journeys’ guidance, it’s not complicated—just follow this procedure:

1. Send a color copy of the photo/information page of your passport to Asia Transpacific Journeys (an emailed color scan is fine).
2. Upon receipt, we will send this copy of your passport to our partners in Turkmenistan. They will then secure you an invitation to visit.
3. Include this invitation with your Visa Application as you use G3 Global Services, or another reputable, service to obtain your visa.

As you can see, there are numerous requirements for Visas, but with a little guidance, your Visa application process can be as seamless as planning the rest of your Journey Beyond the Ordinary™. All of us at Asia Transpacific Journeys are happy to help direct you to resources you’ll need. Call us today at 800-642-2742 with your Visa questions or to begin planning your unique Journey Beyond the Ordinary™.