Asia is a top destination for tourists, retirees, investors, and expats alike. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a long-term stay to work, invest, retire, or reside, it’s crucial to secure a visa that best suits your purpose and duration of stay.
Each country in Asia has its own immigration rules and visa options available. Note that your eligibility to apply for a visa can vary depending on your nationality, background, purpose of travel, and financial capacity. Being informed about visa policies, requirements, and application process can help you avoid complications and ensure a smooth journey.
In this blog, we explore the types of visas available in the Philippines and other Asian countries, helping you understand your options whether you’re visiting for a short-term or planning a long-term stay.
List of Asian Countries that Require Visa for Foreign Nationals
Unfortunately, not all Asian countries offer visa-free entry. Many still require foreign nationals to obtain a visa, especially if they come from countries without diplomatic agreements or visa exemption programs.
Here is a list of some Asian countries that require visas, and why they are popular destinations for travelers:
1.) Philippines
The Philippines is well-known for the warm hospitality of its citizens, low cost of living, and English-speaking population, making it a top choice for foreigners to travel and to settle in. It requires visas for citizens from certain countries that do not have visa-free entry or for someone who is planning to stay permanently in the country. It is advisable to check with the immigration to know which visa best suits your purpose of stay.
2.) Vietnam
Vietnam is famous for its rich history, street foods, and stunning landscapes. While citizens of some ASEAN countries are visa-exempt, most nationalities are required to have a visa for tourism and business purposes.
3.) Japan
Japan is admired for its blend of tradition and technology. It is a popular destination for avid anime lovers and foodies. However, you can’t just simply enter the country as it requires foreign nationals to acquire a visa that best suits the purpose of their stay.
4.) South Korea
South Korea has been a dream destination for avid K-pop and K-drama fans. Other than its well-known pop culture, it has been a popular destination for its dynamic city life, advanced technology, and cuisines. South Korea requires a visa for foreign nationals unless they are under K-ETA or visa exemption programs.
5.) Indonesia
Indonesia is famous for travelers due to its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and stunning beaches. It issues visas to foreign nationals, allowing them to stay in the country legally.
6.) China
China is a historic and economic country. It requires a visa for most nationalities, especially for tourism, business, or long-term stay.
7.) India
India is admired for its spiritual diversity, colorful culture, and lively festivals. It offers e-visas for many nationalities but still requires proper documentation and approval from the immigration before entry.
8.) Bangladesh
Bangladesh is known for its textile industries and architecture. It issues visas for most nationalities, though visas on arrival are available for select countries.
Types of Visas in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the most welcoming and affordable destinations for foreign nationals. It offers a variety of visa options tailored to travelers, professionals, retirees, and investors. These are generally categorized as short-term and long-term visas.
Short-Term Visas in the Philippines
If you are planning to stay in short-term in the Philippines, you might consider applying to any of the following:
- Temporary Visitor Visa or Tourist Visa (9A) is issued to foreign tourists, allowing them to stay in the country for seven (7) to fifty-nine (59) days, depending on the visa agreement with their home country.
- Pre-arranged Employment Visa or Work Visa (9G) is granted to foreign nationals working in the Philippines. Its validity usually depends on their employment contract, but may be renewed if still employed in the country.
- Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA 47) is given to foreign executives and workers of PEZA-registered companies, allowing them to stay in the country for one (1) year.
Long-Term Visas in the Philippines
If you are planning to stay in long-term in the Philippines, you might consider applying to any of the following:
- Spouse Visa (13A) is given to foreign nationals legally married to Filipino citizens, and their unmarried child/children under twenty-one (21) years old. It grants them to live permanently in the country without the need for periodic renewal.
- Chinese National Spouse Visa (MCL-07-210) is similar to the 13A but this visa is specifically for Chinese nationals married to a Filipino citizen. It is also eligible for their unmarried child/children who are under twenty-one (21) years old.
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is issued to foreign spouses of Filipino citizens from countries without a reciprocity agreement, and their unmarried child/children below twenty-one (21) years old. This visa allows you to stay in the country for five (5) years and can be renewed for another five (5) years.
- Non-Quota Immigrant (13G) is issued to natural-born Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship and wish to return to the country permanently.
- Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is available to foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens aged fifty (50) years old and above who wish to retire in the Philippines.
- Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) grants its holder to live in the country permanently, given that their investment requirements are maintained.
- Special Visa Employment Generation (SVEG) is issued to foreign nationals who are employed in a company with at least ten (10) Filipino employees.
- APECO Special Permanent Residency Visa (ASRV) allows its holders to reside within the Aurora Ecozone for a minimum of five (5) years, provided that they maintain ownership of their residential unit.
Types of Visas in Asian Countries
Similar to the Philippines, many Asian countries provide short-term and long-term visa options tailored to tourists, workers, investors, students, and retirees.
Short-Term Visas in Asian Countries
If you are planning to stay in short-term in an Asian country, one of the following visas may be issued to you, depending on the purpose of your travel:
- Tourist Visa is issued to individuals visiting the country for leisure or personal reasons. Note that the duration of stay may vary depending on the visa agreement with the holder’s home country.
- Business Visa allows foreign nationals to attend business meetings, conferences, or engage in other business activities.
- Student Visa is offered to individuals who are pursuing education in any universities in Asia. Its validity depends on the program duration.
Long-Term Visas in Asian Countries
If you are planning to stay in long-term in an Asian country, one of the following visas may be issued to you, depending on the purpose of your travel:
- Retirement Visa is issued to foreign nationals who wish to spend their retirement journey in Asia, provided that the age and financial requirements are met.
- Work Visa is given to foreign professionals who are employed in an Asian country. Its duration depends on their employment contract, and may be renewed if still employed in the country.
- Spouse Visa is issued to foreign nationals who are legally married to an Asian national, granting them to stay permanently in the country with their family.
- Invest Visa is offered to foreign nationals who want to invest in an Asian country, provided that their investment requirements are maintained.
Need further information and assistance regarding Philippine Visas? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
