Tourist visas and exemptions vary considerably from country to country in South East Asia
The following information is intended as a guide to planning a trip around South East Asia – this information is subject to change and all details should be double-checked with the appropriate embassy before traveling.
Unless otherwise stated, the information applies to citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and the UK.
| Country | Exemption | Other Tourist Visas |
| Thailand | 30 days if arriving by Air, 15 days if arriving overland. | A 60-day Visa can be applied for at a Thai Embassy prior to entry. More information available at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
| Vietnam | None | A Visa on Arrival is available at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang airports, however applicants must first obtain a letter of approval (hundreds of online agencies offer these). 30 day, 30 day multi-entry and 90 day VOAs are available for between $45 and $95 (payable in cash). The letter of approval will cost an additional $10 – $20. Visas can be applied for in advance from Vietnamese Consulates or Embassies. Cambodia seems to be the best and cheapest place to obtain a Visa before your arrival. |
| Malaysia | 90 day permit granted on arrival | Some extensions are available. More information on Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website. |
| Singapore | 30 days visa-free entry | Extensions can be applied for using the e-XTEND service. |
| Philippines | 21 days visa-free entry | A 59 day Temporary Visitor’s Visa for Pleasure or Tourism can be applied for ahead of visiting and extensions are available. |
| Indonesia | none | A 30 day Visa on Arrival is available for $25. Passports must have at least 2 blank pages and an onward flight ticket is also required. 60 day Tourist Visas can be obtained in advance of travel and both visas can be extended for a fee while in Indonesia. |
| Cambodia | none | A 30 day Visa on Arrival is available for $20 at the International Airports, Thai Border crossings and some of the crossings with Vietnam and Laos. An e-visa is available from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however this costs an additional $8 and is not accepted at all crossings. 30 day extensions are available for $15. |
| Laos | none | A 30 day Visa on Arrival is available at Airports and most Border crossings. Prices vary from $30 to $42 depending on nationality. 2 passport photos and a blank passport page are required. Extensions are available for $2 per day with a maximum extension of 60 days. Visas can be obtained in advance, however it is generally faster and cheaper to obtain the Visa on Arrival. |
| Myanmar | none | A 28 day Tourist Visa must be applied for in-person and in-advance at a Myanmar Embassy. The Visa costs around $25. Three passport-sized photos will be required and it is recommended that applicants do not list writer/journalist/photographer etc. as their profession if they wish to be granted the visa. The e-visa website was in test-mode at the time of writing. |
| Brunei | 90 days visa-free entry for US, UK and Irish citizens, 30 days for New Zealand citizens and 14 days for Canadians. | A 30 day Visa-on-arrival is available to Australians. South African citizens need to apply for a visa in a neighbouring country. |