Asia Visas
Table of Contents
Asia is one of the most exciting places in the world to visit. From ancient temples and modern cities to tropical beaches and mountain trails, there’s something for everyone. But before you go, make sure you know what kind of visa you need.
Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Asia?
Yes, you might need a visa to visit Asia. It depends on where you’re from and where you’re going. Some countries let you apply online, some give you a visa when you arrive, and others ask you to apply before your trip.
To visit a country in Asia for fun or business, you might need a visa. That could be an online visa, a visa you get at the airport, or special travel permission. What you need depends on your passport and the country you’re visiting. Below, you can see the visa rules for each country in Asia:
China Visas
The best time for applying for a visa is at least one month before your intended date of entry into China, but not before three months. A Chinese visa is usually valid for three months, and if you apply early…
Japan Visas
It takes five working days from the time you submit your application to the Japanese consulate or embassy until the final decision and visa issuance. In cases where you need to provide more documentation…
India Visas
India is an enormous, beautiful country full of cultural attractions, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions worldwide. The tourists, international students, and businessmen have added up to…
South Korea Visas
In 2018, an online system for applying for a South Korea visa was introduced. The South Korea visa application is not currently available online, and the list of eligible countries to apply for e-Visa has not…
Qatar Visas
Qatar is an attractive destination in Asia with many opportunities for foreign companies and tourists to invest in or have fun. Qatar’s oil industry is a significant factor that makes Qatar an ideal place for foreign…
Turkey Visas
Have you ever traveled to Turkey? This country annually hosts many foreign travelers who travel to this country for various purposes. If you need a Turkey visa, you need to know the answers to some questions in…
Israel visa
There are different requirements for an Israel visa. They differ according to the country you reside in and the type of visa you apply for. However, a few common requirements for an Israel visa are as follows…
Indonesia Visa
Indonesia, also known as the Republic of Indonesia, is a country filled with natural places to go, islands to visit, and jungles to see. One of the typical vacation destinations for international tourists…
Malaysia Visas
Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia that is divided into two noncontiguous regions. 1-Peninsular Malaysia, also known as West Malaysia, 2-East Malaysia…
UAE Visas
If you want to visit the United Arab Emirates, you might need a UAE visa. The country provides different types of visa waivers so to facilitate moving to…
Thailand Visas
Thailand, formally known as Siam until 1939, is a territory in the heart of continental Southeast Asia. The tropics totally surround it. You can find…
Iran Visas
Iran is a country with rich history, culture, and so many wonders to see and enjoy in the Middle East. From the Achaemenid Empire to Islamic…
Asia Visa on Arrival Countries
Country | Max Stay | Notes |
Bahrain | 14 days | VoA available to many nationalities |
Bangladesh | 30 days | VoA for business and tourism for select countries |
Cambodia | 30 days | Available at major entry points |
Indonesia | 30 days | VoA available to over 80 countries |
Iran | 30 days | Available at international airports |
Jordan | 30 days | VoA for most Western passport holders |
Laos | 30 days | VoA available at most borders and airports |
Lebanon | 30 days | VoA for select countries |
Maldives | 30 days | Free VoA for all nationalities |
Nepal | 15–90 days | VoA available for nearly all countries |
Sri Lanka | 30 days | ETA required, but issued on arrival |
Thailand | 15 days | VoA for select countries (tourism only) |
Timor-Leste | 30 days | VoA available at Dili Airport |
Tajikistan | 45 days | VoA for many countries; eVisa preferred |
Asia eVisa Countries
Country | Max Stay | Notes |
Armenia | 21–120 days | eVisa available for tourism and business |
Azerbaijan | 30 days | Fast eVisa system, usually approved in 3 business days |
Bahrain | 14–90 days | eVisa available to many nationalities |
Cambodia | 30 days | eVisa for tourism only |
Georgia | 90 days | eVisa for select countries; others can enter visa-free |
India | 30–90 days | eVisa for tourism, business, and medical purposes |
Indonesia | 30 days | eVisa available; also VoA for many countries |
Iran | 30 days | eVisa available; may still need embassy approval |
Kazakhstan | 30 days | eVisa for specific nationalities only |
Kuwait | 90 days | eVisa system open to several countries |
Kyrgyzstan | 60 days | Easy eVisa system for tourists |
Laos | 30 days | Available for tourism |
Malaysia | 30 days | eVisa and eNTRI for select nationalities |
Mongolia | 30 days | eVisa for tourism and short stays |
Myanmar | 28 days | eVisa system restarted for tourism |
Pakistan | 30 days | eVisa system open to most countries |
Saudi Arabia | 90 days | eVisa for tourism only |
Singapore | 30 days | eVisa needed for some nationalities only |
South Korea | 90 days | K-ETA required for visa-free countries |
Sri Lanka | 30 days | ETA system (Electronic Travel Authorization) in place |
Tajikistan | 45 days | eVisa for tourism available |
Thailand | 15–60 days | eVisa for select countries; VoA also available |
Turkey | 30–90 days | eVisa for tourism/business for many countries |
Uzbekistan | 30 days | eVisa system active for over 80 countries |
Vietnam | 30 days | eVisa expanded to all countries as of August 2023 |
Common Documents Needed for an Asian Visa
Visa requirements can change depending on the country you’re visiting and your nationality. However, these are the most common documents most travelers need when applying for a visa to countries in Asia:
- Valid passport (usually with at least 6 months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-size photo
- Proof of travel (flight ticket or itinerary)
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Bank statements or proof of enough funds
- Travel insurance (required in some countries)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Cover letter (optional in some cases)
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate (required in a few countries)
Facts About Asian Continent
- Total area: About 44.57 million km² (largest continent)
- Number of countries: 51 (49 are UN members)
- Population: Around 4.56 billion people
- Languages spoken: Over 2,300 across the continent
- Biggest country by area: China (around 9.6 million km²)
- Most populated country: China (about 1.4 billion people)
- Highest mountain: Mount Everest (between Nepal and China)
- Longest river: Yangtze River (in China)
- Largest lake: Lake Baikal (in Russia)
Countries in Asia
Country | Capital | Area (km²) |
Afghanistan | Kabul | 652,864 |
Armenia | Yerevan | 29,743 |
Azerbaijan | Baku | 86,600 |
Bahrain | Manama | 760 |
Bangladesh | Dhaka | 147,570 |
Bhutan | Thimphu | 38,394 |
Brunei | Bandar Seri Begawan | 5,765 |
Cambodia | Phnom Penh | 181,035 |
China | Beijing | 9,596,961 |
East Timor (Timor-Leste) | Dili | 14,874 |
Georgia | Tbilisi | 69,700 |
Hong Kong | City of Victoria | 2,755 |
India | New Delhi | 3,287,263 |
Indonesia | Jakarta | 1,904,569 |
Iran | Tehran | 1,648,195 |
Iraq | Baghdad | 438,317 |
Israel | Jerusalem (disputed) | 20,770 |
Japan | Tokyo | 377,915 |
Jordan | Amman | 89,342 |
Kazakhstan | Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan) | 2,724,900 |
Kuwait | Kuwait City | 17,818 |
Kyrgyzstan | Bishkek | 199,951 |
Laos | Vientiane | 236,800 |
Lebanon | Beirut | 10,400 |
Macau | Macau | 115 |
Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | 329,847 |
Maldives | Malé | 298 |
Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | 1,564,116 |
Myanmar | Naypyidaw | 676,578 |
Nepal | Kathmandu | 147,181 |
North Korea | Pyongyang | 120,538 |
Oman | Muscat | 309,500 |
Pakistan | Islamabad | 881,913 |
Palestine | Ramallah | 6,220 |
Qatar | Doha | 11,586 |
Russia | Moscow | 17,098,242 |
Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | 2,149,690 |
Singapore | Singapore | 697 |
South Korea | Seoul | 100,210 |
Sri Lanka | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | 65,610 |
Syria | Damascus | 185,180 |
Taiwan | Taipei | 36,193 |
Tajikistan | Dushanbe | 143,100 |
Thailand | Bangkok | 513,120 |
The Philippines | Manila | 343,448 |
Turkey | Ankara | 783,562 |
Turkmenistan | Ashgabat | 488,100 |
United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi | 83,600 |
Uzbekistan | Tashkent | 447,400 |
Vietnam | Hanoi | 331,212 |
Yemen | Sana’a | 527,968 |
Most Spoken Languages in Asia
Asia is home to over 2,000 languages. Here are some of the most widely spoken ones and the countries that use them:
- Chinese Mandarin: China, Singapore
- Hindi: India
- Russian: Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Abkhazia, South Ossetia
- Indonesian: Indonesia
- Arabic: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen, Kuwait
- Bengali: Bangladesh
- Persian (Farsi): Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan
- Japanese: Japan
- Punjabi: India, Pakistan
- Filipino (Tagalog): Philippines
Best Countries to Visit in Asia
Asia has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you love history, nature, food, or beaches, you’ll find it here:
- China welcomed over 65 million visitors in 2019. It’s known for its ancient history, the Great Wall, and famous sites like the Forbidden City and Terracotta Army. Visitors also enjoy its diverse landscapes and food.
- Thailand had nearly 40 million visitors in 2019. People visit for its temples, tropical beaches, street food, and busy nightlife. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are top spots.
- Japan saw over 32 million visitors in 2019. Tourists love the mix of old and new—temples, castles, cherry blossoms, and high-speed trains. Tokyo and Kyoto are must-see cities.
- Malaysia attracted about 26 million visitors in 2019. The country offers a mix of modern cities, rainforests, beaches, and national parks. Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi are popular stops.
- Hong Kong had over 23 million visitors in 2019. It’s known for tall buildings, local festivals, shopping, and street food. It blends tradition with modern life in a unique way.
Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Asia
Asia is full of famous landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural treasures. Here are some of the top places:
Paro Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan
Also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” this cliffside monastery is one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites. It’s only reachable by hiking, which makes the journey part of the experience.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the world. Built in the 12th century, it’s a symbol of Cambodia and is on the national flag. Its detailed stone carvings attract millions of visitors.
Pink Beach, Indonesia
Located on Komodo Island, the sand on this beach looks pink due to tiny red coral particles. The calm blue waters and soft-colored shore make it a favorite for photos and relaxing.
The Royal Grand Palace, Thailand
This palace in Bangkok was home to the Thai royal family for over a century. It’s a group of beautifully decorated buildings and one of Thailand’s most visited landmarks.
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
This large nature park in the heart of Singapore is famous for its “Supertree” structures and flower domes. It blends nature and modern design and has welcomed millions of visitors since opening.
Sakura Season, Japan
Cherry blossoms bloom across Japan in spring, turning cities and parks pink and white. It’s one of the most iconic sights in the country, drawing visitors from all over the world.
