Asia-Pacific Visa Guide
The Asia-Pacific region offers everything from visa-free entry in Japan and Thailand to strict visa requirements for Australia and India. Below you'll find detailed requirements, costs, and official application links.
Japan
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Languages
Japanese
Health notes
No mandatory vaccinations
Short-Term Visa Exemption
Visa-freeJapan offers visa-free entry for tourism and business to citizens of 71 countries including the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and South Korea.
Stay limit
Up to 90 days (some nationalities limited to 15 or 30 days)
Cost
Free
Processing time
N/A
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Completed disembarkation card
- Customs declaration form
- Return or onward ticket
- Visit Japan Web registration (recommended for faster immigration processing)
Entry conditions
- No employment permitted during visa-free stays
- Extensions may be possible at local immigration offices for some nationalities
Important notes
- UK and Irish citizens receive 6 months visa-free
- Japanese immigration may ask about accommodation plans and financial means
Working Holiday Visa
Visa requiredAvailable to young adults (18-30, or 18-25 for some countries) from partner nations for up to 1 year.
Stay limit
Up to 12 months
Cost
Free (varies by nationality)
Processing time
1 to 3 weeks
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photograph
- Proof of sufficient funds (approximately JPY 200,000)
- Return flight or sufficient funds to purchase one
- Health certificate (in some cases)
Entry conditions
- Available to nationals of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and others
- Must be between 18-30 years old (some countries 18-25)
- Can only be used once
Important notes
- Work is permitted but should be supplementary to the holiday purpose
- Cannot extend beyond 12 months
Travel tips
- Japan Rail Pass offers excellent value for multi-city travel
- Cash is still widely used — not all places accept cards
- Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude
- Shoes must be removed when entering homes, temples, and some restaurants
Health information
- No mandatory vaccinations
- Japan has excellent healthcare but it can be expensive for visitors
- Travel insurance strongly recommended
Thailand
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Languages
Thai
Health notes
No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers
Visa Exemption
Visa-freeThailand allows visa-free entry for tourism for citizens of 57+ countries including the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Japan.
Stay limit
Up to 60 days (extendable by 30 days at local immigration)
Cost
Free
Processing time
N/A
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return or onward ticket within 60 days
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds (THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family)
Entry conditions
- Land border entries may have different limits (some allow only 30 days)
- Immigration may ask to see proof of funds and accommodation
Important notes
- Thailand extended the visa-free stay from 30 to 60 days in 2024
- Multiple re-entries reset the clock but frequent border runs may be questioned
Visa on Arrival
Visa requiredAvailable to citizens of 19 countries (including India, China, Saudi Arabia) arriving at international airports.
Stay limit
15 days (not extendable)
Cost
THB 2,000 (approximately USD 55)
Processing time
On arrival (allow 30-60 minutes at busy airports)
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with 1 blank page
- Completed arrival/departure form (TM.6)
- Visa on arrival application form
- Recent passport photograph (4x6cm)
- Return ticket within 15 days
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of funds (THB 10,000 per person)
Entry conditions
- Only available at designated international airports and land checkpoints
- Cannot be extended or converted to another visa type
Important notes
- Long queues are common at popular airports — arrive with documents ready
Travel tips
- The Thai Baht (THB) is the currency
- Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees)
- Bargaining is expected at markets but not in malls or restaurants
- The monarchy is deeply respected — lese-majeste laws are strictly enforced
Health information
- No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations recommended
- Dengue fever risk — use mosquito repellent
- Medical tourism is popular — excellent private hospitals in Bangkok
Australia
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Languages
English
Health notes
Reciprocal healthcare agreements exist with UK, Ireland, NZ, and some others
ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) - Subclass 601
Visa requiredFor citizens of eligible countries (US, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and select others) for short tourism or business visits.
Stay limit
Up to 3 months per visit
Cost
AUD 20 (service charge via the Australian ETA app)
Processing time
Usually within minutes to 12 hours via the app
Required documents
- Eligible passport
- Australian ETA smartphone app
- Facial photograph taken in-app
Entry conditions
- Valid for 12 months with multiple entries
- No employment permitted
- Must not have tuberculosis
Important notes
- The ETA replaces the old eVisitor (subclass 651) for non-EU passport holders
- EU/EEA citizens should apply for the eVisitor (subclass 651) instead
Visitor Visa - Subclass 600
Visa requiredFor travellers not eligible for an ETA, including Indian, Chinese, Pakistani, and many African and Middle Eastern nationals.
Stay limit
Up to 3, 6, or 12 months (as granted)
Cost
AUD 190 (from outside Australia)
Processing time
20 to 90 days depending on country and stream
Required documents
- Completed online application via ImmiAccount
- Valid passport
- Recent passport photograph
- Proof of financial capacity
- Health insurance
- Proof of ties to home country
- Travel itinerary
- Health and character documents may be requested
Entry conditions
- Biometrics may be required
- Health examinations required for stays over 6 months or from certain countries
Important notes
- Processing times vary significantly — apply well in advance
- Sponsored family visitor stream allows longer stays
Travel tips
- Australia has strict biosecurity laws — declare ALL food, plant, and animal products
- Driving is on the left-hand side
- Vast distances between cities — internal flights are common
- Sun protection is essential — Australia has very high UV levels
Health information
- Reciprocal healthcare agreements exist with UK, Ireland, NZ, and some others
- Travel insurance highly recommended for all other visitors
- No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers (yellow fever if arriving from affected areas)
India
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Languages
Hindi, English, 22 official regional languages
Health notes
No mandatory vaccinations but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus recommended
e-Visa (eTourist / eBusiness / eMedical)
Visa requiredIndia offers electronic visas for citizens of 150+ countries for tourism, business, and medical purposes.
Stay limit
30 days (eTourist short), 1 year or 5 years (eTourist long-term)
Cost
USD 10 to USD 80 depending on nationality and duration (USD 25 for most 30-day e-Tourist visas)
Processing time
3 to 5 business days (apply at least 4 days before travel)
Required documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Recent passport-sized photograph with white background
- Return ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Hotel booking or reference details in India
Entry conditions
- e-Visa is available at 28 designated airports and 5 seaports
- Maximum 2 e-Visas per calendar year (for some nationalities)
- e-Tourist visa allows double entry; e-Business allows multiple entries
Important notes
- Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and some other nationals must apply for a regular visa at the embassy
- 30-day e-Tourist visa is non-extendable
- 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist visas allow stays of up to 90 days per visit
Regular (Sticker) Visa
Visa requiredFor those not eligible for e-Visa or requiring longer stays, employment, studies, or other purposes.
Stay limit
Varies by visa type (up to 5 years for some categories)
Cost
Varies by nationality and type (USD 10 to USD 150+)
Processing time
5 to 15 working days (can be longer during peak periods)
Required documents
- Completed application via the Indian Mission/BLS/VFS website
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport photographs meeting Indian specifications
- Supporting documents based on visa category
- Proof of financial means
Entry conditions
- Apply at the Indian embassy or consulate in your country of residence
- Interview may be required
Important notes
- Business visas allow multiple entries for meetings, conferences, and trade fairs
- Student visas require a confirmed admission letter from a recognised Indian institution
Travel tips
- India uses the Indian Rupee (INR)
- Bargaining is expected in markets and with auto-rickshaws
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Tap water is not safe to drink — use bottled or purified water
Health information
- No mandatory vaccinations but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus recommended
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended for some regions
- Travel insurance essential — healthcare quality varies greatly
Malaysia
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Languages
Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil
Health notes
No mandatory vaccinations
Visa-Free Entry
Visa-freeMalaysia allows visa-free entry for citizens of most countries for tourism and short business visits.
Stay limit
14 to 90 days depending on nationality
Cost
Free
Processing time
N/A
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) completed online before arrival
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
Entry conditions
- Most Western and ASEAN nationals receive 90 days
- Indian, Chinese, and some other nationals receive 30 days
- Some nationals still require a visa (check with the Malaysian immigration website)
Important notes
- The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is mandatory for all foreign visitors
- Overstaying penalties are strict — fines and potential detention
Travel tips
- Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) is the currency
- Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil are widely spoken
- Dress modestly especially in conservative areas and at mosques
- Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country — be respectful of local customs
Health information
- No mandatory vaccinations
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from affected areas
- Dengue fever risk — use mosquito repellent
Explore other regions
Visa requirements change frequently. The information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before making travel arrangements.
Last reviewed: March 2026