Asian Countries eVisa: Application and Requirements
Asian countries have always been popular destinations for travelers. Fortunately, over the last years, more and more governments in this part of the world have implemented a facilitated way to travel – online visas.
Electronic visa applications are easy to complete, do not require in-person visits to the embassy, and take little time. The necessary documentation and processing time are also often reduced compared to traditional visas.
Get to know which Asian countries already have eVisas, how to apply, and what is required.
eTA Korea
The South Korean ETA, also known as K-ETA, is a multiple-entry visa that stays valid for three years from the date of issue. It allows eligible travelers to visit South Korea for short-term tourism or business. The permitted stay can be 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the visitor’s nationality.
The requirements are minimal: you just need to have a passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from arrival in Korea and a recent face photograph. Additionally, the procedure is entirely online, so you also need an active email address, a working electronic device, and a stable internet connection.
Provide the required information in the online form, upload the documentation, and pay the fees using available payment methods. The approved K-ETA will be delivered to your email address within approximately 3 business days.
Vietnam eVisa
Vietnam e-Visa was introduced in 2017 for foreigners who want to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It is issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry permit, allowing a visit for up to 90 days. The validity period is also 90 days and begins one day before the chosen date.
All applicants must prepare a recent face photo and a bio-data page of their valid passport. A photo must be from the last 6 months, with a neutral facial expression, and without glasses. Some nationalities might be asked to provide additional information or documents.
The online application procedure is similar. However, processing lasts longer – around 5 business days. Make sure to apply beforehand, or if it is too late, choose the rush visa service (2 business days) or the super rush visa service (1 business day).
Malaysia eVisa
Malaysia has its own online visa system, introduced in 2016. Malaysia electronic visa is designed for tourism and business-related stays for up to 30 days. The eVisa can be obtained in two types: as a single-entry type valid for 90 days or a multiple-entry type that remains effective for 3–6 months.
To apply without issues, you need to gather documents, such as a valid passport, your face photo, the return flight ticket, and hotel reservation. The application for a minor traveler must be supported by a copy of the birth certificate.
The processing may take around 3-5 business days. Most travelers will also need to have a Malaysian Digital Arrival Card - it is a separate document necessary for arrival into the country. The form is also completed online. If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need both a visa and a MDAC.
Japan eVisa
Japan eVisa is a convenient option for people who travel to Japan by air and intend to have a short stay in the country for tourism only. The visa permits its holders to enter Japan once and remain for up to 3 months to go sightseeing or visit family members and friends.
Travelers willing to apply online must collect a pack of documents, including a passport, immigration status proof, flight ticket, travel itinerary, document confirming current residential address, and proof of sufficient funds.
When filling out the form with the requested information, make sure all the details are accurate and correct. Mistakes or incomplete data may result in delays or even denial. Also, check your email regularly so that you do not miss any messages regarding your application.
Thailand eVisa
Travelers can choose between numerous Thai online visas. The most popular is a tourist one, allowing one to visit the country for leisure, business handling, undergoing medical treatment, training-related activities, and participation in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, & Exhibitions).
Moreover, there are other types of Thailand e-Visas, such as a business & investor visa (non-immigrant B/IB), a study visa (non-immigrant ED), a family visit visa (non-immigrant O), a transit visa, a long-stay visa, a SMART visa (for investors and entrepreneurs investing in one of the S-Curve industries in Thailand), a government/diplomatic mission visa (non-immigrant F), and a diplomatic/official visa.
The requirements, as well as validity and permitted stay, vary between different visa types. Usually, the application requires having a passport, face photo, return ticket, proof of residence in an approved country, and proof of accommodation in Thailand.
