In the excitement of travel planning, it’s possible to overlook if you need to organise a travel visa before you go, or if a visa on arrival is an option. If you’d rather not be refused entry to your flight, don’t leave it too late! Check out this handy guide for travel visa requirements to a selection of countries in Asia, plus visas for Australia and New Zealand.
Australia
With the exception of New Zealand citizens who can get a visa on arrival, all visitors to Australia require an eVisitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Both can be applied for online. An online ETA costs A$20 and extends to many passport holders, including those from Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Ireland, the USA, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Hong Kong. Applications for an ETA can be made via the Australian ETA app. For a list of countries and their eligibility for either a visa or an ETA, head here.
Cambodia
All foreign passport holders require a visa to enter Cambodia, except those from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Most visitors will require a tourist visa, which can be prearranged at a Cambodian embassy or online at evisa.gov.kh.
China
Citizens of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein and South Korea do not need a visa for a stay of less than 15 days. Tours groups are also sometimes exempted. All others require a visa – head here more for details.
India
With exception of the citizens of Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal, all nationalities require a visa to enter India. The official online portal for Indian visas is indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Indonesia
Most nationalities require a visa on arrival, the exceptions being citizens of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Colombia. immiportal.org/indonesia
Japan
Japan’s list of around 70 countries with visa exemptions includes Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and most of Europe. Stays are generally allowed for three months at a time. South Africans need to apply for a visa, as do citizens of most countries in Africa and South America. Find a complete list of exempted countries here.
Laos
A visa is required for Laos except for those from Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia and Japan. Visa on arrival is available at major points of entry (airports and certain land-border and ferry crossings). If you’ve obtained an eVisa beforehand, you can enter at additional locations. For visa on arrival, you’ll need two passport-size photographs, a passport valid for at least six months and US dollars to pay the fee, which typically ranges from US$30 to $50. Foreign tourists are generally admitted for 30 days. For eVisas, visit laoevisa.gov.la/index.
Maldives
All nationalities must obtain a tourist visa upon arrival for a stay up to 30 days. You can also make an extension request. immigration.gov.mv
Myanmar
All visitors to Myanmar, except those from Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam including infants and children travelling on a parent’s passport, must obtain visas. A tourist visa is US$50 and allows a stay of up to 28 days. Note that writers, journalists, editors, film producers and photographers may have trouble obtaining a visa. Moreover, if you state these occupations on your application, you may be declined. You can download forms at evisa.moip.gov.mm/home/noticetotourist.
New Zealand
Many nationalities do not require visas for visits of less than three months. However, if you’re from a country on the list of visa waiver countries and territories, you’ll still need to apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). This is an easy process. It costs NZ$17 if you do it via the free app, or $23 for online. immigration.govt.nz
Singapore
Most nationalities don’t require a visa for a short-term visit to Singapore – you just need to complete a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), which can be done online here. If you’re unsure of your country’s status, you can check this official list.
Sri Lanka
All visitors except citizens of Malaysia, Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia and Thailand must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Sri Lanka, which allows a stay of up to 30 days. The cost typically ranges from US$10 to US$50. eta.gov.lk/slvisa
Thailand
Citizens of Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, France, the UK, the US and Canada are not required to obtain a visa for stays not exceeding 30 days. For the full list (over 90 countries at the time of writing), visit thaievisa.go.th.
The Philippines
Most nationalities do not need a visa, provided you do not stay longer than 21 days, have return tickets and a passport valid for at least six months. This also applies to Malaysian citizens. Citizens of India, China and a select group of other countries are advised to secure visas. evisa.gov.ph
Vietnam
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. Exceptions are those from ASEAN nations – including Malaysia – plus Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. evisa.gov.vn
Doing some travel planning? Read our suggestions for a fabulous road trip in Australia.
