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.

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

Yes, you can return to India overland with an e-Visa

India, a country with a thousand facets, attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. To facilitate access to this vast territory, the Indian government has introduced the e-Visa system, a practical solution for many travelers. However, it's important to understand the limitations of this electronic visa, particularly as regards ... Read the article

New price cut for Cambodian electronic visa

Cambodia is reducing its e-Visa tariffs from January 1, 2025, making the country more accessible to international travelers. The electronic tourist visa (e-Visa T) will be reduced from US$36 to US$30, while the electronic business visa (e-Visa E) will be lowered from US$42 to US$35. This initiative is designed to stimulate ... Read the article

South Korea reimposes K-ETA from January 1, 2025

From January 1, 2025, South Korea will re-impose the Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) requirement for travelers from 67 currently exempt countries and territories. This temporary exemption, introduced on April 1, 2023 as part of the "Visit Korea Year 2023-2024" program, was aimed at boosting tourism ... Read the article

China waffles on its visa waiver strategy

China is redrawing the contours of its policy for welcoming foreign visitors. Gone are the days when the Middle Kingdom barricaded itself behind an administrative wall. Now, the country is rolling out the red carpet to a growing number of nationalities, offering them simplified access to its thousand-year-old treasures and futuristic megacities. The Chinese government ... Read the article

Kazakhstan introduces a visa for digital nomads

The world has changed radically in recent years, with the rise of digital technologies enabling new forms of remote working. Kazakhstan is no exception to this trend, and recently announced an initiative that could revolutionize the way digital workers think about their business. By introducing a visa for ... Read the article

India updates the content of issued e-Visas

As India continues its quest for modernization, a subtle but significant change has just been made to its e-Visa system. Contrary to rumors, this is not a complete overhaul of the application process. The core of this update concerns only the rendering of the documents issued, more specifically the PDF files ... Read the article

India offers 100,000 visas to boost tourism

India is pulling out all the stops to boost tourism. The government has just announced a shock measure: 100,000 free visas for foreign tourists. The initiative, dubbed "Chalo India" (Let's go to India), is designed to give the country's tourism sector a serious boost. A tempting offer, but not a first This is the ... Read the article