The ABCs of Visas: From Application to Visa-Free Destinations in Asia!

Key Questions to Know about Visas

What is a Visa?

A visa is an official document that grants the holder legal entry into their intended destination and provides them with various rights, depending on the country. It is typically stamped or glued into the passport, but there is also a digital version called an eVisa, which is stored in a database and linked to the passport number instead.

Why Do You Need a Visa?

Having a visa is necessary if you plan to travel to a country that does not have a visa agreement with your home country. Many countries have visa policies and agreements that allow their citizens to travel freely between each other without requiring a visa.

For example, citizens of Thailand, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries do not need a visa to travel to each other’s countries due to their visa exemption policy. However, their citizens still need visas to visit countries that do not have visa agreements with them.

When Should You Apply for a Visa?

Well, that depends! If you would like to visit a country that doesn’t have a visa agreement with your home country, you will need to apply for a visa before embarking on your travel. A tip: check the immigration portal of your home country to see if you need a visa to visit your intended destination.

What are Visa Requirements?

Typically, a visa application demands various documents, including a passport with specific validity, a national ID, identification photos, the visa application form, and other supporting documents required by the visa authorities.

Furthermore, particular visa types may need specialized documents, such as a job contract (for work visas) and proof of sufficient travel funds (for tourist visas).

How to Apply for a Visa?

The application procedure for a visa depends on your nationality and the destination country. However, the most common ways to apply for a visa are through one of the following methods:

• Apply at an Embassy: You can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
• Apply Online: You can visit the official application website to complete an online visa application form.
• Apply at the Country’s Entry Point: Visa applications can also be submitted at the point of entry in your destination country. This process is known as visa on arrival (VOA).

What is the Duration and Validity of Visas?

The durations and validities of visas are commonly issued as follows:

• Short-stay: This type of visa is valid for a period ranging from a few days to several months, typically issued for tourists, business travelers, or individuals with short-term purposes.
• Long-stay: A long-stay visa is valid for months to years. In many cases, residence permits are also referred to as long-stay visas.
• Single-entry: A single-entry visa is valid for entering a specific country or area only once during its period of validity.
• Multiple-entry: Multiple-entry visas allow the holder to enter a country or an area for multiple times, as long as the visa is valid.

The 5 Common Visa Categories

Every country around the globe has its own visa types for visitors. While there are numerous visa categories, they are generally divided based on their purposes. Here, we have compiled five common visa types for you to become familiar with!

• Tourist Visa: A short-term, valid entry permit issued to the holder for recreational and leisure purposes only.
• Work Visa: This type of visa is intended for foreign workers and is typically issued for long-term durations, ranging from one to four years.
• Student Visa: Issued for educational purposes, the student visa allows the holder to enroll at an educational institution in the host country, usually at the post-secondary level.
• Transit Visa: A transit visa is issued for travelers who have a layover in a country that is not their final destination. This visa is typically issued for 24 to 96 hours.
• Business Visa: A business visa allows the holder to enter and engage in business activities in the host country without becoming a part of the country’s labor market.

Top Visa-Free Tourist Destinations in Asia

For avid travelers, Asian countries stand out as top destinations in their book of traveling. Beyond the continent’s rich cultural diversity, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality, another thing that attracts travelers is the visa-free policy for tourists across many Asian countries, each with varying durations. So, if you are planning to travel to Asia, make sure to check its list of top visa-free tourist destinations!

1. Thailand

Known for its ornate temples, sandy white beaches, and modern cityscapes, Thailand is a favorite Southeast Asia destination for tourists due to its visa-free policy. Here is a list of countries eligible for visa exemption in Thailand:

• Visa-free entry for up to 14 days: Myanmar and Cambodia.
• Visa-free entry for up to 30 days: A majority of Asian, European, and African countries, Australia, USA, Canada, and more.
• Visa-free entry for up to 90 days: South Korea, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Argentina.

To see if your nationality is eligible for visa exemption in Thailand, you can visit Thailand’s official immigration website!

2. Vietnam

An increasingly popular tourist destination with rich culture and mesmerizing nature, Vietnam allows plenty of nationalities to visit the country without a visa for a specific period. See the list below:

• Visa-free entry up to 14-15 days for Brunei, French, Japan, the United Kingdom, and more;
• Visa-free entry up to 21-30 days for a majority of Southeast Asian countries;
• Visa-free entry up to 90 days for Chile.

You can check if your country qualifies for a visa exemption in Vietnam by visiting the country’s official immigration website!

3. The United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is home to modern cities, iconic skyscrapers, and a rich cultural heritage that every tourist can experience across its emirates. Visiting the United Arab Emirates is visa-free for citizens of various countries, with some listed in the following list:

• Entry to the UAE with a passport or ID for GCC countries;
• Visa-free entry up to 30 days for China, Japan, Macau, and more;
• Visa-free entry up to 90 days for Maldives, Argentina, Brazil, and more.

For information on your country’s eligibility for a visa exemption in the UAE, visit the official immigration website of the UAE!

4. Indonesia

A diversity of natural beauty, a rich tapestry of culture, and its warm hospitality make Indonesia one of the favorite tourist destinations in Asia! If you plan to travel to Indonesia, here are some countries that are eligible for visa exemption in Indonesia:

• Visa-free entry up to 30 days for various countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, and America.

Check the full list and your country’s eligibility for a visa exemption in Indonesia by visiting the official immigration website of Indonesia!

5. The Maldives

Famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and international luxury resorts, the Maldives is an idyllic tropical paradise that offers a one-of-a-kind tourism experience. Travelers can enter the Maldives visa-free, as listed below:

• Visa-free entry for all nationalities and countries up to 30 days!

If you want to know other types of visa policies in the Maldives, make sure to visit the official immigration website of the country!

Wrapping Up

In addition to being an essential document for traveling to foreign countries, a visa also serves as a defensive measure, preventing security risks from entering a country. The availability of electronic visas in numerous countries has made traveling abroad much more accessible, and this is particularly beneficial when heading to Asia.

Speaking of traveling to Asia, you can even extend your stay and secure a job in an Asian country, regardless of your nationality. How is this possible? The answer lies in Cultural Exchange Programs by RMC Asia, which offer internships and management training focused on hospitality. These programs take place in top hotels and resorts across Asia’s enticing destinations.

Our programs go beyond providing you with the ideal internship or management training; we also assist you with visas, insurance, and more to ensure a seamless traveling and working experience in Asia.

Does this sound interesting to you? Join our successful participants by applying for your desired internship and management training positions here!

Recommended: Voyaging Around Hong Kong Through the Lens of Popular Media