Asia Visa and Travel News
China has announced the expansion of its visa-free policy to four member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), continuing its strategy of openness and strengthening international exchanges. Beijing is moving forward with its diplomatic opening by easing entry requirements for travelers from key regions. Following similar moves for Europe,
Japan has officially adopted the name “JESTA” (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for its upcoming electronic travel authorization system, which will apply to nationals from visa-exempt countries. Modeled after the U.S. “ESTA” system, JESTA is set to be launched by 2028.
After dropping this requirement in 2023, Thailand has reinstated the need to show proof of financial means for tourist visa applicants. As of May 2025, individuals applying for a tourist visa to Thailand must once again provide evidence of sufficient financial resources. This requirement was originally removed in November 2023
Starting June 1, 2025, citizens from five South American countries will be able to enter China without a visa for short stays. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on May 15, 2025, that nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry. This policy, effective
Originally slated for 2030, Japan’s electronic travel authorization system, temporarily named “JESTA”, is now expected to launch by fiscal year 2028. The program will apply to travelers who currently enjoy visa-free entry and is aimed at improving the management of incoming travel flows.
After several days of suspension following the devastating March 28 earthquake, Myanmar has announced that it will resume issuing tourist visas starting April 22, 2025. On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, resulting in over 3,000 deaths, more than 5,000 injuries, and widespread disruption to essential services.
Turkmenistan’s Parliament is currently reviewing a draft bill aimed at introducing an electronic visa system—a move that could signal a significant shift for a country known for having one of the most restrictive visa policies in the region. During the eighth session of the Mejlis‘ (the national Parliament) seventh convocation,
The Burmese government has announced the temporary suspension of tourist visa applications following the violent earthquake that struck the country on March 28. While humanitarian aid is struggling to reach the affected areas, the country is putting its fragile tourism recovery on hold. On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude
Thailand is moving away from the paper TM6 form. Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), within 72 hours before entering the country.
A measure under discussion, but nothing definite. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that no changes have yet been made to the possible reduction of visa-free stays in Thailand from 60 to 30 days. A review is certainly underway, but as part of the usual procedure. While the possibility of
Initially planned for the long term, electronic travel authorization for Japan may see the light of day sooner than expected. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his intention to accelerate the implementation of the Japanese version of ESTA, in order to better control the arrival of travelers. This is a
After extending visa-free stays to 60 days to attract tourists, Thailand may be backtracking. The reason? Abuses reported by the authorities. A measure yet to be confirmed, but one that could impact many travelers.
Travel freely through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, on a single visa? This is the proposal put forward by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. This project to unify the “Stans”, inspired by the Schengen model, could mark a key stage in the regional integration of Central Asia. Central Asia,
Iraq has abolished visas on arrival for 37 nationalities, including Europeans, Americans and Britons. Since March 1, 2025, travelers must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) before departure. Four years after implementing this solution, Iraq officially eliminated its visa-on-arrival option for citizens of 37 countries. In a statement, the Iraqi Ministry
Vietnam announces the renewal of its unilateral visa waiver policy for citizens of 12 countries until 2028. This measure is designed to boost the country’s tourist appeal and encourage international trade. In a strategic decision aimed at boosting its tourist appeal and diplomatic relations, the Vietnamese government has announced the
