FAQs on visas for travel to and within Asia, Southeast Asia and beyond for visitors – tourists, business, retirement or long term residence

SEE COUNTRY-SPECIFIC VISA/PASSPORT INFORMATION BELOW
including Business Visa for China

Questions such as "Do I need a visa for ... on a ... passport?" or "What's a Schengen Visa? (scroll to the end of the page for this single visa for multiple countries – updated April 2010) or "Do I need a passport to visit .... ?" are asked every day on the internet. The answer to the last is usually yes, as most people cannot travel overseas without a passport. Many other passport and visa issues are discussed on web sites and forums by people looking for advice about particular visa or travel document requirements. Nationals or citizens of over 200 countries in the world want to visit other countries. That's nearly 40,000 possible combinations, making it a vast topic of discussion.

Many enquiries come from African nationals, especially Nigeria, who have a particular problem in that virtually no countries let Nigerians in without a visa. One exception is Singapore, but a visa will be needed for the next country to be visited. Heavy penalties including death by hanging are in store for those who break Singapore's strict laws. Nigerian and other African scammers, drug dealers and couriers, fake gemstone peddlers and the like, seen in increasing numbers in SE Asian cities, are warned that the death penalty is mandatory for anyone caught in Singapore with more than 15g of drugs, or convicted of crimes involving the use of firearms. A Nigerian drug smuggler was executed recently. Amnesty International claims Singapore and China have the highest rate of executions per capita in the world. For normal law-abiding citizens and visitors Singapore is a great place to visit!

The difference between Passports and Visas

A passport is a booklet issued by the government of your own country of birth or long term residence. It identifies you with your photograph, date of birth and city. It enables you to travel to other countries, but a passport does not give you an automatic right to enter them. You may need a visum or visa too. By the way, an entry visa has nothing whatsoever to do with a VISA™ credit or debit card, although these can be very useful when travelling abroad!

A visa is an entry authorisation stamp or sticker which fills a whole passport page. Make sure you have enough blank pages left! It is issued by the governments of certain countries (usually through their Embassies in foreign capital cities). All countries have different requirements for visitors. Many will issue a visa or entry stamp free or for a fee when you arrive at a border crossing or airport. Others will require application and fee in advance – sometimes even requiring a personal interview at the Embassy, where documents may need to be provided to support the visa application. This may include proof of employment, bank account, property ownership, sponsorship or personal guarantee by a citizen and more. Most countries do not require this for short holiday or tourist visits, but it depends on both your own nationality and the country or countries you want to travel to.

Retire-Asia.com focuses mainly on Southeast Asia for travel, living, retiring and earning income including popular SE Asian countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia/Bali and Laos for which we have many pages of useful information and tips for travelers and retirees.

Click the name of any country to get TRAVEL information on: Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar), Brunei and East Timor (Timor Leste). Near SE Asia are China, Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan; further to the north are Mongolia, South Korea and Japan. See further down the page about VISAS for these various countries.

If you want to visit or live in another country and earn income while you are there, become a free subscriber by filling in the drop down form or visiting our contact page.

Different visas for different purposes

• Visa and entry requirements vary greatly between nations, and may depend on reciprocal diplomatic agreements between two or more countries for their own passport holders or citizens of different countries.

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  Tourists and visitors from some countries may need to apply in advance for a visa to enter another country in Asia or elsewhere.

• Some countries do not require a visa. They may give temporary entry with a free stamp or issue a visa on arrival for a fee to visitors from designated countries. See the country list for US passport holders.

• A Business or retirement visa will need to be applied for using the procedure laid down by each country, and different regulations may apply to passports from different countries too. Some countries like China require a local sponsor to provide a letter of invitation to a business visitor.

• Visas can usually be applied for at the nearest embassy or consulate for that country. For example, a British or other country Passport holder can get a visa for Thailand in London, Vientiane in Laos or any Thai Embassy.

• A Transit Visa may be issued to allow travellers to spend a limited amount of time in a country while on their way to another, if they have a visa (or free entry) for the next destination country.

• To save time and trouble, it's often better to get visas before you leave home. Applying to the Embassy or Consulate of each country will take time. However it's possible to use a service that will do all this for you. If you don't have much time before you leave then use an online visa service.

• Visas for work and immigration are handled differently by every country. Some are more difficult than others and sometimes an applicant will have to apply a long time in advance. As an example, here is a site for Canadian work and immigration visas:

  Visas to live and work in Canada. Risk-free visa eligibility assessment. Qualify for Canada Immigration. Free information on Canadian Citizenship and Immigration to Canada.

Lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed passports

If you are already travelling overseas you need as soon as possible to contact the nearest consulate or embassy for your own country. In some countries where there is no diplomatic representation, another country's embassy may offer assistance on your government's behalf. Theft should be reported to the police and a copy of the report shown to the embassy as proof. A new passport (or emergency travel document to get you home) can then be issued. The procedure and cost will depend on the nationality of the passport.

Any current visas in your passport will probably have be re-issued or re-applied for at the embassy or consulate of each country. Contact those embassies too, after reporting the loss to your embassy. Travellers to Europe with a single Schengen visa will probably have less difficulty replacing it. See below.

ALWAYS MAKE COPIES of your passport (ID and visa pages) and keep them in different places. If you can, leave your passport in a secure place like a hotel safe and carry a photocopy. This will probably satisfy anyone who asks and make less of a problem while you're out exploring.

PASSPORTS REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVEL TO ASIA

Passport Visas Express is where you can enquire about and apply for a passport and also visas for any country. Please also read the message on the right if you are an American already out of the country without a passport or used to going on vacation without one.

CHINA FOR BUSINESS VISITORS
Chinese Business Visa Invitation Letter / Visa Notification

In June 2008, the Chinese Government reinstated the need for applicants travelling to China for business purposes to present a Letter of Invitation (LOI) or Visa Notification along with the rest of the application documents when applying for a business visa.

Passport Visas Express has established a relationship with a Chinese Organization that can obtain a Letter of Invitation in 3 or 5 business days (in many cases faster). The organization is fully licensed and accredited by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is recognized by all Chinese Embassies and consulates around the world. Enquire here for a visa for China or Taiwan.

MONGOLIA FOR VISITORS
Mongolia requires a visa for citizens of all countries EXCEPT USA (90 days without visa) for tourist or business visits. Mongolia visa.

SINGAPORE FOR VISITORS         
As Singapore is an ASEAN member country, entry on arrival is automatically given to nationals of other ASEAN countries. Singapore also gives a certain number of days free entry to passport holders of many countries – even Nigeria. Apart from African member states of ECOWAS, only Singapore lets Nigerians in without a visa. This may be due in part to illegal Nigerian activities which you can learn more about on our Scams page. More visa information is available on the Singapore Immigration government site.

Foreigners holding passports (* except diplomatic or official) of the following countries need a visa to enter Singapore: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh*, China* (inc. Hong Kong, Macau Travel Permit), CIS states (excl. transit visitors) of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; Egypt, India*, Iran, Iraq, Jordan*, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Myanmar*, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia*, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

THAILAND FOR VISITORS
See our Visas for Thailand page for lists of countries and visa requirements. Passport holders of many countries (including other ASEAN member countries) do not need a visa to enter Thailand as a visitor; they receive an entry stamp on arrival for 30 days; this may be extended. ASEAN and other nationals may be given a 15 day entry stamp. Enquire here for a visa for Thailand.

Lao citizens without Passports can cross the border to Thailand for a few days using a one-year Border Pass Book issued in Vientiane and possibly other cities. Longer periods in Thailand require a Lao Passport (short river crossing visit only) otherwise a Thai tourist visa issued by the Thai Embassy in Vientiane. This will be valid for 60 days and can be extended for a further 30 days.

LAO PDR (LAOS) FOR VISITORS
Visit our Lao Visa page for much more information. Visas are issued by Lao Embassies or Consulates, but most travellers choose the 30 day Lao visa on arrival available for all nationalities at land borders, river crossings and international airports (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse). Cost varies between $30 and $42 depending on citizenship. Visas are best paid using US dollars. Thai baht is a more expensive option. There is no longer a 15-day arrival visa, except perhaps for ASEAN country passport holders.

Japanese passport holders no longer require visa for visits to Laos.

ASEAN country passport holders should be given 15-day free entry into Laos. However, apparently this is not always the case. Be prepared to pay, as arguing with an immigration official is not advisable!

Thai citizens without passports can visit Laos for short periods using a Border Pass paper issued in Thailand. Enquire here for about different types of visa for Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic).

Singapore Passport Holders: As Singapore is an ASEAN Member, citizens should be given 15 days free entry to the Lao PDR on arrival. For longer stays it would be a good idea to either bring at least US$40 in cash and a photo to get a 30 day visa on arrival at any point of entry. US dollars can be used freely in Lao for purchases.

The Lao Embassy in Singapore (Goldhill Centre, Thomson Road), is efficient and friendly, normally with 30-minute service. On request they will issue either a one or two month visa. Having a visa already will save time on arrival in Lao because you can go straight to Immigration without waiting 15 minutes (sometimes much more) for a visa on arrival to be issued. See our Lao Visa page for more.

PHILIPPINES FOR VISITORS
For stays of up to 21 days (three weeks) tourists and business travellers from 145 countries with a passport valid for 6 months beyond the period of stay and a return or onward ticket are given free entry into the Philippines. Visitors wishing to stay longer than 21 days need a visa. Here is the list from Philippines Foreign Affairs. Enquire here for a visa for the Philippines Visa.

Nationals of the following countries require a visa even if staying less than 7 days: Afghanistan*, Albania, Algeria*, Bangladesh, Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, China (PR), CIS, Croatia, Cuba, East Timor*, Egypt*, Estonia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, India*, Iran*, Iraq*, Jordan*, Korea (Dem Rep), Latvia, Lebanon*, Libya*, Lithuania, Nauru, Nigeria*, Pakistan*, Palestine*, Sierra Leone, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Sri Lanka*, Sudan*, Syria*, Tonga, Vanuatu and Yemen*.

* Nationals of these countries must apply for a Temporary Visitor Visa in their country of origin or place of legal residence.

MALAYSIA FOR VISITORS
Malaysia gives 30 days entry to citizens of many countries. Malaysia gives 30 days entry to passport holders of many countries. As it is a Member of ASEAN, Malaysia also gives entry on arrival to nationals of other member countries. See below. Enquire here for a visa for Malaysia.

INDONESIA & BALI FOR VISITORS
Visa-free entry for up to 30 days is available for passports of these countries:
Brunei, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. As Indonesia is a Member of ASEAN, it should give at least 15 days on arrival to nationals of other ASEAN countries. However, as Indonesians may be charged for entry into Laos, this could be a reciprocal arrangement. Be prepared to pay.

A 7 day ($10) or 30 day  visa on arrival ($25) is available at principal Indonesian ports of entry for visitors from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States; also Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Maldives, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. Enquire here for a visa for Indonesia.

US residents can save time and frustration at borders and airports by getting all their visas in advance by online application at PassportVisasExpress.

CAMBODIA FOR VISITORS
Cambodia is an ASEAN Member. Malaysian and Thai passport holders are given 30 days entry, Philippines citizens 21 days. Visa on arrival for US$20 is available at most ports of entry. Visitors to Cambodia arriving by air can get an E-Visa or visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days only at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap (Angkor) International Airports. Visas are also available from Immigration at the border posts of Bavet, Poi Pet and Koh Kong. Check before travelling. Enquire here for a visa for Cambodia.

VIETNAM FOR VISITORS
Vietnam is an ASEAN Member, therefore reciprocal arrangements should be in effect for all member country passports. Visitors from all other countries except Scandinavia, Japan and South Korea require a visa. 30 day visa on arrival available at Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City, Da Nang and Hanoi. Enquire here for a visa for Vietnam.

BURMA (MYANMAR) FOR VISITORS
Although Myanmar is an ASEAN Member and has signed the 2006 pact about reciprocal visa-free entry for other member country visitors, it is unclear whether this in actually in effect. Otherwise a visa must be applied for by all visitors to Myanmar at an embassy (such as in Bangkok). A visa on arrival may be applied for 2 weeks in advance from a licensed tour organisations in Burma. Enquire here for a visa for Myanmar (Burma).

OTHER SEA & ASIAN COUNTRIES FOR VISITORS (VISA INFORMATION)
Brunei Darussalam; Timor Leste. Near SE Asia are China, Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan; further to the north are Mongolia, South Korea and Japan.

PASSPORT HOLDERS OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES VISITING ASIA & BEYOND

BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS VISITING OTHER COUNTRIES
British-born persons applying for a first passport will require a copy of their birth certificate, which can be applied for at a local registry office, or online with a credit card. The government agency concerned is the General Registration Office (GRO). British Passports have different types of citizenship or nationality status. As will be seen below a British Citizen does not have the same visa requirements as a British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Subject, British National Overseas or British Protected Person. British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports were made available for life to Hong Kong citizens who had to register by 1 July 1997. Visa enquiries should be made to the embassy of the country you wish to visit or at the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.

CANADIANS TRAVELING TO ASIA
Holders of Canadian Passports need visas (*or visas on arrival) for the following Asian countries: Cambodia, China, Bangladesh, Brunei, Myanmar (Burma), India, Indonesia*, Lao PDR (Laos)*, Mongolia, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Vietnam*. Here is the Canadian Government site for all visa and travel enquiries.

Visitors wishing to travel to any of 24 European countries can apply for a single Schengen Visa. More details at the bottom of this page.

OTHER ASEAN MEMBER COUNTRY PASSPORTS
ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Member country passport holders do not need a visa for other ASEAN countries if they are staying 15 days or less. Some visitors are given up to 30 days. The ten ASEAN countries are: Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (and Bali), Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Myanmar (Burma).

THAILAND CITIZENS VISITING ASEAN COUNTRIES
Thailand is a Member of ASEAN, so the above applies.

THAI CITIZENS VISITING OTHER COUNTRIES
Thais travelling outside ASEAN member countries (no visa required) will probably require a visa for each country and also a Schengen Visa for Europe. Visa applications may involve sponsorship or other guarantee, personal interview, disclosure of assets such as bank accounts and property ownership, employment and other details.

UNITED STATES (USA CITIZEN, US PASSPORT)
Apart from the possible need for visas, US citizens first need a valid US passport. They will need a copy of their birth certificate before they can apply for a passport.

There are many countries that US passport holders can enter without applying for a visa.  For example, for Thailand, a Visa is not required (free entry stamp issued on arrival for 30 days by air or 14 days by road. For Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea they are given free entry for 90 days. Paid-for 30-day visa-on-arrival for the Lao PDR, Indonesia (includes Bali), Cambodia, Vietnam. A Visa in advance is required for Myanmar (Burma).

See the full list of countries for US travelers without visas.

Passport Visas Express is a USA-based service where you can apply for a passport and also enquire about and obtain visas for any country.

UNITED KINGDOM, BRITISH PASSPORT  – UK, GBR CITIZEN*
Visa not required: Thailand (30 days by air, 14 by road), Singapore (14-30 days), Malaysia (90 days), Hong Kong (180 days), Philippines 21 days.
Visa on arrival: Lao PDR (30 days), Indonesia, inc. Bali (30 days), Cambodia (30 days), Vietnam.
Visa in advance: Myanmar (Burma).
* As mentioned near the top of this page, other British Nationality Status passport holders should check whether visa requirements for a country are different from those for British Citizens, or visit the FCO website.

EUROPEAN UNION (OTHER EU COUNTRY PASSPORT)
Visa not required for Thailand (30 days), Singapore (14-30 days), Malaysia (90 days), Hong Kong (180 days), Philippines 21 days.
Visa on arrival for Lao PDR (30 days), Indonesia, inc. Bali (30 days), Cambodia (30 days), Vietnam. Dutch passports previously required a visa in advance, but are now included on the list for visa on arrival.
Visa in advance: Myanmar (Burma).

NON-EU (OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRY PASSPORT)
Current data not yet available.

AUSTRALIAN PASSPORT
Visa not required for Thailand (30 days), Singapore (14-30 days), Malaysia (90 days), Hong Kong (180 days), Philippines 21 days.
Visa on arrival for Lao PDR (30 days), Indonesia, inc. Bali (30 days), Cambodia (30 days), Vietnam.
Visa in advance: Myanmar (Burma).

CANADIAN PASSPORT

See above.

NEW ZEALAND PASSPORT
Visa not required for Thailand (30 days), Singapore (14-30 days), Malaysia (90 days), Hong Kong (180 days), Philippines 21 days.
Visa on arrival for Lao PDR (30 days), Indonesia, inc. Bali (30 days), Cambodia (30 days), Vietnam. Visa in advance needed for Myanmar (Burma).

Passport Visas Express is a USA-based services where you can apply for a passport and also enquire about and obtain visas for any country in the world.

VISITING AUSTRALIA?
Here is the Australian Government site to find visa requirements or locate the embassy nearest you. Intending visitors can also apply to the Australian Electronic Travel Authority in advance for an ETA which is equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your passport and there is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application. Applications for ETAs can be submitted through travel agents or airlines too.

VISITING CANADA – or want to live there?
Learn about applying for a Canadian Visa for work or immigration. Risk-free.

VISITING THE UNITED KINGDOM?
Whatever your nationality or passport, to save you searching further, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website to enquire about visiting the United Kingdom for any purpose.

VISITING EUROPE or EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES?

Schengen Visa – for travel to 25 countries in Europe

Note that not all Schengen Treaty countries are European Union members, and a Schengen Visa does not cover all 25 EU countries, but you can travel to many nations on a single visa:

The current Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands (Holland), Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Although Britain, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are EU members, they remain outside the Schengen zone.

Passport holders from red area countries require a Schengen Visa to enter Europe.

Click on the map to download the application form with detailed guide for Schengen visa requirements with NEW, EASIER procedures from April 2010, plus information for individual countries which are available in English, Spanish or Chinese languages.

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