Do you know you are among a whole lot of people who have to pass through the stress of planning for an impending journey?
Traveling to Southeast Asia can be even more stressful if you do not know how to go about it.
Combined with that stress, you have to be on the lookout for whether the country you will require a visa or not visit. You also have to consider the cost of the visa. The application processes and a thousand and one other questions have to be factored into your planning too.
In this post, you will get satisfactory answers to all your questions concerning these Southeast Asia countries without paying a dime.
For a start, it is noteworthy that visa requirements for different countries sometimes depend on nationality. So, ensure to check each country’s embassy site before going on that trip.
The Southeastern subregion of Asia includes parts geographically south of China to the Eastern part of the Indian Subcontinent and North-West of Australia’s continent. They include:
- Brunei
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cambodia
- Timor-Leste
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- the Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand and
- Vietnam.
You wouldn’t want to miss the chance to go to this sub-region because it is one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing parts. Southeast Asia has a rich diversity in culture, beliefs, and religion that should not be missed.
Myanmar
News of Burma’s (Myanmar) military regime might have given it prominence, but that hides the beauty inherent.
To get into Myanmar, understand that all visas will be requested online. As such, preparation must be top-notch and total. It takes about five days to process a visa. Also, you cannot enter Myanmar on land, and you will have to fly into the country.
Nowadays, eVisas are valid for up to three months, and the number of countries qualified to apply is getting higher all the time.
While it is sometimes possible to get a visa on arrival at Yangon International Airport, it is not guaranteed and really not recommended!
12 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia
Cambodia
Cambodia boasts of having a hassle-free visa procedure. However, everyone requires a visa except if you are from SouthEast Asia.
Both Phnom Penh and Siem Real international airports provide an avenue for a one-month visa-on-arrival or for $20. Alternatively, you can apply online (http://evisa.mtaic.gov.kh) for a 1-month e-visa, which would cost $25.
The e-visa process is pretty straightforward. You just apply online, pay the 30 dollar fee, and your visa is emailed to you. You then print this out and give it to immigration on arrival.
In Phnom Penh, tourist visas can be extended only once, giving you an additional 30 days at the cost of around 30 dollars.
All visitors are required to carry a passport and visa.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s visa process is one of the best the region can boast of.
To get a visa, you need a passport and a sponsoring note for your trip. You then apply for it at the embassy and get the Indonesia Visa in about five days.
However, if a tourist spends more than the time-limit on the visa, they would pay $20 till the visa is renewed.
Why Southeast Asia is the best tourist destination?
Laos
Although a small place, Laos serves as a link to different countries and cultures.
Like many other countries, a 30-day visa-on-arrival can be obtained in Laos whether you get into the country by land or air.
Your nationality will determine how much you will pay for the visa. At this point, it is noteworthy that some nationalities pay higher than others for visas. However, the average cost is about $35.
If you have a passport that proves Japanese identity or that you are from one of the ASEAN member states, a visa wouldn’t be required on your entry to Laos.
As usual, you’ll need your passport to have at least six months validity, two passport photos, and the visa fee in cash (preferably U.S. dollars).
Visa extensions are fairly easy to obtain, but you’ll need to plan and visit the immigration office.
Note: A $10 penalty for any extra day you spend in the country is in force.
Malaysia
Malaysia in Southeast Asia is still considered a noteworthy tourist attraction.
Many nationalities (most European countries, North Americans, South Africans, Australians etc) do not require a visa to visit Malaysia. You are permitted to stay within Malaysia for 90 days (although this differs depending on nationality.)
After that, you need a Visa.
Philippines
Next up on the list of Southeast Asia countries is the Philippines. Here, A free visa on arrival is available if arriving in the country by air. It is valid for up to 30 days, and most nationalities (bar a small few) are eligible to apply. Essentially, the citizens of any country with good diplomatic relations with the Philippines are welcomed to the country without a visa! Tourists were previously only given a 21-day visa, but this was extended to 30 days in 2013.
Singapore
Singapore is regarded as a top-notch place for investment and connection. It boasts of the headquarters of major multi-national companies.
For entry into Singapore, a valid passport is required. Most nationalities, however, (North Americans, South Americans, most of Southern Africa, Europeans, and Australians) do not require a visa for Singapore for the first 30 days and sometimes 90 days.
You simply need proof of onward travel, proof that you have sufficient funds (print out a bank statement before you travel), and a passport valid for at least six months. If you are from North Africa, the Middle East, and few other destinations, you will probably need a visa.
What is the most beautiful country in Southeast Asia?
Thailand
Thailand’s monarchy and culture are a high basis for a lot of people to visit it. And you wouldn’t be disappointed when you visit.
Suppose you are just staying for 30 days as a citizen of the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the U.K. You don’t require a visa, but 3-month tourist visas can be arranged before arrival.
A stay in Thailand that ranges above 30 days requires a 60-day visa application in a Thai Embassy before arrival.
There is good news if you find yourself in Thailand when your visa expires. You can easily go to the nearest immigration office and pay the 1,900 baht fee, making your Thailand visa elongated for another 30 days in a matter of hours.
Vietnam
Vietnam is often seen as only a battleground of America bit now it is more than that. It is an industrial hub for massive innovations.
Vietnam DOES NOT issue a visa on arrival unless you have an invitation letter from a travel agency.
Suppose you would be coming from the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. It is necessary to have a passport and a valid visa to get into Vietnam. Note that a tourist visa is for 30 days and costs $65. And to complete your registration, you have to specify your date of entry and departure.
Also, Multiple-entry business visas can be gotten. They would serve you for about three months; however, you must have a Vietnam sponsoring agency. It takes longer to process it. For short business trips, a tourist visa would be the best option.
At any opportunity to fly into the Southeast Asia region, always recognize that the visa requirements are easy and quick to get. And any journey to a rare part of the world is never regretted.