Asia

The Asia Travel Information category provides up-to-date information on travel formalities in Asian countries such as China, Japan, India, Thailand, Malaysia and other popular destinations. This category is dedicated to publishing information on visas, passports, mandatory vaccinations, travel restrictions and customs regulations for travelers visiting various Asian countries. Articles published in this category will contain useful tips for travelers, information on precautions to take, recent changes in laws and regulations, as well as updates on known incidents that could affect the safety of travelers to Asian destinations.

Gulf States now eligible for Indian e-visa

Electronic visas (e-visa) are now available for several member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Kuwait and Qatar have been added to the list of eligible countries. This is an important step towards simplifying consular procedures and strengthening bilateral relations between India and the GCC countries. This initiative, ... Read the article

Hong Kong: visa fees to rise from September 2025

With effect from September 8, 2025, Hong Kong will be increasing fees for many immigration services, including visas, entry permits, passports and travel documents. This measure affects both travelers and foreign residents, with increases ranging from 3% to 51% depending on the service concerned. Why should you ... Read the article

Taiwan entry formalities: the electronic arrival card will become compulsory on October 01, 2025

From October 1, 2025, all international travelers arriving in Taiwan will be required to complete an electronic arrival card, which will permanently replace the traditional paper form. This move is designed to simplify procedures for entering the country and improve the efficiency of border control. Travelers have already been able to use the electronic version of the card since ... Read the article

Extend your stay in Indonesia by appointment only

Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration has announced an adjustment to its procedure for extending residence permits for foreign nationals. As of yesterday May 29, 2025, all visa extension applicants will have to physically present themselves at an Indonesian immigration office to finalize their application.

China grants visa exemption to 14 new nationalities

China recently announced a major extension of its visa waiver policy, facilitating access to its territory for travelers from many countries. This measure aims to boost tourism and international exchanges, while strengthening economic and cultural ties. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the new policy at the beginning of ... Read the article

Myanmar reactivates the issuance of tourist visas

Less than two weeks after suspending tourist visa applications, the government has announced the resumption of the eVisa service from April 22. This decision follows the resolution of technical problems caused by the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28. ... Read the article

Launch of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

As of today, a new travel formality is in force for entering Thailand. All travellers arriving by air, land or sea must complete the electronic form (Thailand Digital Arrival Card - TDAC). This new measure was announced at the beginning of April by the Thai Immigration Office, with the aim of replacing ... Read the article

Turkmenistan plans to introduce an electronic visa system

Turkmenistan's parliament is considering a major overhaul of the country's immigration policy, traditionally considered one of the most restrictive in Central Asia. The aim of this reform is to introduce a system of electronic visa issuance (e-Visa), marking a possible significant opening-up of Turkmenistan to the international market. Towards the modernization of entry procedures On April 12, the ... Read the article

Central Asia and a new single visa inspired by the Schengen visa

A single visa for free travel in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan? This is the proposal of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, an ambitious project inspired by the Schengen model that could transform Central Asia by facilitating travel and boosting tourism and the economy. Regional cooperation The idea of a single visa is not ... Read the article

New requirements for Chinese visa applications from March 31, 2025

From March 31, 2025, French citizens applying for a visa to China will have to familiarize themselves with a new procedure. The Chinese authorities are implementing a mandatory online verification stage, which represents a potential technological advance, but could also complicate administrative procedures. An official press release has been ... Read the article

Japan speeds up the launch of its electronic visa system

Japan is moving ahead ahead of schedule with the roll-out of its new electronic visa system, aimed at streamlining application processes for international travelers. The initiative is expected to significantly simplify visa procedures, making Japan more accessible to tourists and business travelers alike. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ... Read the article

Thailand: e-visa launched for Pakistani citizens

As of January 01, 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Pakistan has introduced the e-visa system for Pakistani citizens. This new policy will make it easier for these nationals to apply for a visa for Thailand online, without having to visit an embassy or consulate. To obtain ... Read the article

Bali tax: government pushes to impose boarding control

From April 1, 2025, international airlines operating flights from Bali will require passengers to show proof of payment of the tourist tax before boarding. This measure follows the Balinese government's decision to step up enforcement of this tax, introduced in February 2024. The tourist tax, amounting to ... Read the article

In India, certain connected terminals are not welcome

Several countries have strict regulations concerning the use of satellite communication devices, such as the Garmin inReach. These devices, which can send messages, issue SOS alerts, track a route and share one's position without requiring cellular service, may be illegal in some countries. The example of India In India, the use of ... Read the article

South Korea launches electronic arrival card

South Korea is set to modernize its immigration process with the introduction of the e-Arrival or Electronic Arrival Card, launched on February 24, 2025. This new digital system will replace traditional paper arrival forms, to simplify entry procedures for international travelers. The initiative is designed to improve efficiency at checkpoints ... Read the article