When it comes to travelling, we want a hassle-free experience that allows us to fully enjoy our vacation. Whether we're planning a trip with friends or ourselves, the ease of obtaining a visa plays a crucial role in our decision-making process. The last thing we want is to be bogged down by endless documents and paperwork. That's why it's essential to choose destinations with easy visa policies that enable us to enter easily. Read on to discover the best countries in Asia that almost anyone can visit, regardless of their nationality. This list focuses on countries that offer great tourist experiences and is easy for citizens of most countries to visit.

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Visa-free vs Visa-on-arrival

When it comes to international travel, the ease of visiting a country largely depends on the visa requirements. Two common options that provide hassle-free entry for tourists are visa-free and visa-on-arrival arrangements.

Visa-free travel means that citizens of certain countries can enter another country without the need for a visa. This convenient option eliminates the time-consuming visa application process, allowing travellers to enter the country directly upon arrival. It is great for spontaneous trips or short visits as it saves both time and effort.

Many popular tourist destinations offer visa-free travel to attract more visitors and promote tourism. These countries often have well-developed infrastructure, streamlined immigration procedures, and a strong tourism industry to accommodate the influx of travellers without compromising security.

On the other hand, visa-on-arrival is an option that allows travellers to obtain a visa upon reaching their destination. Unlike visa-free travel, this option requires some paperwork and a fee, but it is typically a straightforward process that can be completed at the airport or border crossing.

Visa-on-arrival is beneficial for travellers who have limited options for visa-free travel or those who prefer to have their visa in hand before departure. It provides a sense of security and flexibility, as travellers can plan their trip with certainty regarding their entry to the country. This is ideal for short-term stays, such as tourism or business visits, and can be a convenient option for those who don't have the time or resources to obtain a visa in advance.

Cambodia

This year, Cambodia has opened its doors to tourists and does not currently have any specific testing or vaccination requirements for travellers. Visitors can enter the country without presenting proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccination status. However, it's important to note that the situation may evolve, so it's advisable to stay updated on any changes in travel requirements.

In general, most nationalities, including citizens of Australia, the European Union, the UK, and the US, require a visa to enter Cambodia. But if you are a citizen from a neighbouring ASEAN country like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, you can enjoy visa-free access.

Additionally, some other Asian nationalities such as Japan and South Korea can enter Cambodia without a visa in most cases.

However, citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Sudan, need to make advance arrangements for a Cambodian visa.

For tourist purposes, a 1-month visa costs $30 while business visas that can be easily extended cost $35. An online tourist e-visa option is available for US$36, which includes a $6 processing charge. This provides a convenient way to obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Click here to apply for a Cambodian eVisa

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Indonesia

The visit visa for Indonesia allows travellers to stay in the country for up to 30 days, with the option to extend their stay if needed. The cost for this visa is IDR500,000 or $33. It is intended for various purposes such as visiting family or friends, tourism, business activities, government business, purchasing goods, attending meetings, or transit.

To be eligible, visitors must have a clear intention of staying in Indonesia for visit purposes only and must demonstrate financial sufficiency for their stay. Compliance with all visa conditions and Indonesian laws is mandatory. It is crucial to adhere to these requirements, as any violations may result in fines, deportation, or other legal consequences.

The visa can be extended for an additional 30 days, granting a total stay of 60 days. However, it cannot be converted to another visa or stay permit. It is essential to possess the necessary documents upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint, including a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and an outbound transportation ticket.

The visa validity period begins from the date of issue and must be utilized within 90 days. It is recommended to carefully check the visa for the specific period of stay information. For the most up-to-date and accurate details regarding this visa and its requirements, it is advisable to consult the relevant Indonesian authorities or the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate.

Click here to apply for an Indoneisan eVisa

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Thailand

Thailand stands out as one of the most accessible countries in Asia, offering visa-free entry for citizens from numerous countries, allowing them to stay for up to 30 days. This visa-free policy makes it an ideal destination for spontaneous travellers, as the process of visiting is incredibly straightforward.

For those planning longer trips or visitors from countries not eligible for visa-free travel, obtaining a visa is a simple and affordable process, ensuring that travel to Thailand remains convenient and hassle-free.

Countries under the Visa exemption rule in Thailand

Andorra, Argentina (90 days), Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil (30 and 90 days), Brunei, Cambodia (14 days only), Canada, Chile (90 days), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (30 and 90 days), Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar (14 days only), Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru (30 and 90 days), Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.

For more information on getting a Thai visa, check the official link here

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Singapore

To enter Singapore, all visitors must fulfil certain requirements. These include holding a passport or travel document that is valid for more than 6 months from the date of departure.

Additionally, travellers must possess an onward or return ticket, demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their stay in Singapore, and possess entry documents (including a visa if applicable) for their next destination. If required, visitors must also have a visa and/or a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry into Singapore.

Before arriving in Singapore, all travellers, including Singapore citizens, are required to complete an SG Arrival Card online. This card collects personal information, trip details, and a health declaration, which must be submitted to Singapore immigration within three days prior to the date of arrival. This process helps expedite immigration clearance. Travellers can complete the SG Arrival Card through an official link or by using the "SG Arrival Card" mobile application, available on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). It is important to note that the SG Arrival Card is separate from a visa and is not a substitute for it.

Click here to apply for your Singapore eVisa

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Malaysia

Malaysia welcomes travelers from numerous countries without the need for a visa, making it convenient to explore its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant food markets.

The visa-free entry on arrival allows easy access to Malaysia and even offers the opportunity for detours to neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand. However, it's essential to stay informed about the latest Covid restrictions before planning your trip. Here is a comprehensive overview of Malaysia's visa requirements.

Under normal circumstances, citizens of most European countries, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others can visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 90 days. This applies to entry by air, land, and sea.

Usually, if you arrive in Malaysia by air, a default 90-day stay is granted, but if you enter by land or sea, you might receive a 30-day entry stamp unless you request a longer permit. It is advisable to request an extended stay at the point of entry, as obtaining an extension afterwards may not be possible once the stamp is issued.

Upon arrival, your passport will be stamped, and you'll need to complete an arrival/departure card. Just ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months from the date of entry. While authorities technically have the right to request proof of sufficient funds and an onward travel ticket, this is usually not required.

If your home country is not eligible for visa-free travel or you plan to stay for an extended period, you will need to apply for a visa. However, it's worth noting that visas valid for more than 90 days are typically reserved for business travelers and are referred to as multi-entry visas. Different rules and regulations apply to different countries.

Tourist E-Visas, which last up to 30 days, are available for citizens of certain countries, including Serbia & Montenegro, China, India, and many nations in South Asia and Africa. For more information and a comprehensive list of approved countries, it's recommended to visit the website of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

For other nationals, the traditional route of applying for a visa at a Malaysian embassy or consulate in their home country is necessary. The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs provides a complete list of Malaysian missions abroad, so it is advisable to contact your local embassy for guidance on the application process.

Click here to apply for your Malaysia eVisa

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India

For most nationalities, obtaining a tourist visa to visit India is a straightforward process. Tourists from 164 countries, including the EU, EEA, UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries, can conveniently apply for an e-Visa. The application can be completed easily through an online form, saving you time compared to in-person applications at embassies or visa offices.

Some embassies no longer issue visas directly, making the online e-Visa option even more convenient. Tourist e-Visas are available for durations of 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years, with the latter two allowing multiple entries. Depending on your nationality, there may be restrictions on continuous stays, typically 90 or 180 days.

The 30-day e-Visa is particularly useful if you plan to make a side trip to Nepal, as it allows for two entries into India. You can apply for the e-Visa up to 30 days in advance of your travel date, and it takes at least 72 hours to process.

To ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended to apply with a minimum of 4 days before your intended departure. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the visa process easily and prepare for your trip to India.

Click here to apply for your India eVisa.

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