Are you planning for your next trip in Asia or your first Asian country to visit? Well, we know that traveling around Asia can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming because of the complexity of the application process and gathering the required documents.
However, many Asian countries offer visa-free entry for tourists, making your travel experience simpler and more convenient. Knowing where you can go without the hassle of paperwork can save your time, money, and stress.
Whether you are a first-time traveler or an experienced traveler, this guide will walk you through the top visa-free destinations in Asia and how you can legally extend your stay in the Philippines beyond the standard visa-free period.
What is a Visa?
A visa is an official document stamped in your passport that allows you to legally enter and stay in a country for a certain period. In today’s digital age, some countries offer electronic visas (eVisas), which are stored in a database and linked to your passport number.
A visa is necessary if you plan to travel to a country that does not have a visa exemption agreement with your home country. To stay updated and avoid issues during your trip, always check with your country’s immigration authority or embassy of your intended destination to confirm if a visa is required.
List of Visa-Free Countries in Asia for Tourists
Asian countries are among the top destinations for avid tourists because of their rich cultural diversity, stunning natural landscapes, and the warm hospitality of their people. Beyond these reasons, many Asian countries offer visa-free entry to tourists, making it more appealing to tourists looking for convenient and affordable travel destinations.
If you are planning to explore Asia, here are some of the countries that offer visa-free entry for tourists:
1.) Philippines
The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant local festivals, and the hospitality of its people. It grants visa-free entry for up to thirty (30) days to citizens of countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, while Vietnamese passport holders may stay for up to twenty-one (21) days.
Additionally, the country has recently announced that Indian nationals may enter the country without a visa for up to fourteen (14) days. If you are a naturalized Filipino citizen, you are eligible for a visa-free entry for up to one (1) year.
2.) Thailand
With its fascinating mix of ancient temples, bustling street markets, and idyllic islands, Thailand is an ideal destination for both cultural explorers and beachgoers.
As of July 2024, travelers can stay in Thailand without a visa for up to sixty (60) days, which aims to boost tourism and give more time for the tourists to explore the country. Myanmar and Cambodian citizens are granted fourteen (14) days, while those from South Korea, Chile, Brazil, Peru, and Argentina can stay for up to ninety (90) days.
3.) Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its natural landscapes, rich historical heritage, and delicious street food. It allows tourists from Japan, Brunei, and other countries to enter the country without a visa ranging from fourteen (14) to fifteen (15) days, while twenty-one (21) to thirty (30) days for tourists from Southeast Asian countries, and up to ninety (90) days for tourists from Chile.
4.) Japan
Travelers are drawn to Japan for its seamless blend of futuristic cities, traditional temples, cherry blossom season, and meticulous attention to detail in everyday life.
Japan has reinstated its visa-free policy for numerous countries including the US, Canada, and members of the European Union, allowing tourists to stay up to ninety (90) days.
5.) Indonesia
Indonesia is known for the spiritual beauty of Bali, the exotic wildlife of Komodo Island, and the cultural depth of Java. It offers visa-free stays of thirty (30) to sixty (60) days for its tourists from numerous countries. It also has introduced an e-visa system to streamline the entry process.
6.) Malaysia
Malaysia has a multicultural identity with a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, which is reflected in their cuisines, festivals, and architecture. It allows the tourists to stay in the country without a visa ranging from thirty (30) to ninety (90) days.
7.) Maldives
Maldives is considered a tropical paradise due to its overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs. It offers visa-free entry for up to thirty (30) days for all tourists.
8.) Singapore
In Singapore, tourists can stay visa-free for up to ninety (90) days, depending on their nationality. Visit the nearest immigration office or their official immigration website to check if your country is eligible for visa exemption in Singapore.
9.) Cambodia
Cambodia is best known for the ancient temple, one of the largest religious monuments in the world, and rich culture. It offers a thirty (30) days visa-free entry to its tourists, depending on their nationality. To know if your country has a visa exemption in Cambodia, visit the nearest immigration office or their official immigration website.
10.) United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is famous for its traditional culture, luxury shopping malls, and desert. It allows tourists from China, Japan, and Macau to stay in the country without a visa for up to thirty (30) days, while up to ninety (90) days for tourists from Maldives, Argentina, Brazil, and other countries.
When Should You Apply for a Visa?
You must apply for a visa if you plan to travel to a country that doesn’t have a visa exemption agreement with your home country. Additionally, if your visa-free stay expires and you wish to remain in the country, you will be required to apply for a Tourist Visa Extension to continue staying legally.
Tourist Visa Extension Requirements in the Philippines
The following documents must be submitted when applying for a Tourist Visa extension in the Philippines:
- Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF)
- Valid passport or travel documents
- Photocopy of Downgrading Order, if applicable
- Notarized letter of explanation for overstaying with attached original copy of certified true copy of supporting documents
Tourist Visa Extension Application Process in the Philippines
To process a tourist visa extension in the Philippines, you must follow this procedure:
- Get Visa Assistance. Availing assistance from a visa service provider can help ease the application process. They can also assist you in gathering the required documents and monitor the status of your visa application. With their expertise, they can provide practical solutions when an issue arises along the way.
- Preparation and Submission of Documents. Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents to the Officer-in-Charge.
- Issuance of Certificate. If you do not have a derogatory record, the immigration officer will issue a BI Clearance Certificate (BICC) to you.
- Payment of Fees. Pay the necessary fees and get the Official Receipt to be submitted to the receiving Officer.
- Claim Your Passport. Once you have received your passport with a stamped Tourist Visa extension, you may now stay in the country within the given period. Note that you should apply for another Tourist Visa extension once your current visa expires.
Need further information and assistance regarding Temporary Visitor’s Visa or Tourist Visa Extension? 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.
