Did you know that the origin of travel documents started when Nehemiah, who was in the service of Persian King Artaxerxes I, asked for travel passage to a region in Jerusalem? Ever since then, travel documents have become a mandatory requirement for international travel, eventually leading to the birth of the visa!
With a visa, people can enter a foreign country for various purposes, from traveling, working, and studying, to seeking medical treatment – making a visa an essential tool for anyone who plans to travel abroad.
Today, our article will cover everything you need to know about visas, including their definition, importance, requirements, application procedures, and even a list of Asian destinations that allow visa-free visits – all of which is compiled in this comprehensive guide!
Key Questions to Know about Visas
What is a Visa?
Traditional visa.
A visa is an official document that grants the holder legal entry into their intended destination and provides them with various rights, depending on the country. It is typically stamped or glued into the passport, but there is also a digital version called an eVisa, which is stored in a database and linked to the passport number instead.
Why Do You Need a Visa?
Traveling abroad.
Having a visa is necessary if you plan to travel to a country that does not have a visa agreement with your home country. Many countries have visa policies and agreements that allow their citizens to travel freely between each other without requiring a visa.
For example, citizens of Thailand, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries do not need a visa to travel to each other’s countries due to their visa exemption policy. However, their citizens still need visas to visit countries that do not have visa agreements with them.
When Should You Apply for a Visa?
Apply for a visa.
Well, that depends! If you would like to visit a country that doesn’t have a visa agreement with your home country, you will need to apply for a visa before embarking on your travel. A pro tip: check the immigration portal of your home country to see if you need a visa to visit your intended destination.
What are Visa Requirements?
National ID.
Most countries have their own requirements for each type of visa. Typically, a visa application demands various documents, including a passport with specific validity, a national ID, identification photos, the visa application form, and other supporting documents required by the visa authorities.
Furthermore, particular visa types may need specialized documents, such as a job contract (for work visas) and proof of sufficient travel funds (for tourist visas). Nevertheless, these specific document requirements can differ between countries.
How to Apply for a Visa?
Visa on arrival.
The application procedure for a visa depends on your nationality and the destination country. However, the most common ways to apply for a visa are through one of the following methods:
- Apply at an Embassy: You can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of your destination country. This typically involves making an appointment, collecting a set of required documents, paying a visa processing fee, and sometimes, attending a visa interview.
- Apply Online: An electronic visa (eVisa) is obtained through an online application process. If your destination country issues electronic visas, you can visit the official application website to complete an online visa application form, attach electronic copies of your documents, and proceed to pay the visa fee.
- Apply at the Country’s Entry Point: Visa applications can also be submitted at the point of entry in your destination country. You will find visa counters at the country’s entry point, where you can apply, pay the fee, and wait for the official’s decision before being allowed to enter. This process is known as visa on arrival (VOA).
What is the Duration and Validity of Visas?
Visa duration.
The durations and validities of visas are commonly issued as follows:
- Short-stay: This type of visa is valid for a period ranging from a few days to several months. Short-stay visas are typically issued for tourists, business travelers, or individuals with short-term purposes, such as seeking medical treatment in a foreign country.
- Long-stay: A long-stay visa is valid for months to years. In many cases, residence permits are also referred to as long-stay visas.
- Single-entry: As the name implies, a single-entry visa is valid for entering a specific country or area only once during its period of validity. After you leave, you cannot return, even if you have remaining days. If you wish to revisit the same place, you will need to apply for a new single-entry visa.
- Multiple-entry: Multiple-entry visas allow the holder to enter a country or an area for multiple times, as long as the visa is valid.
The 5 Common Visa Categories
Every country around the globe has its own visa types for visitors. While there are numerous visa categories, they are generally divided based on their purposes. Here, we have compiled five common visa types for you to become familiar with!
1. Tourist Visa
Tourist visa.
The first, and probably the most familiar, type of visa to people is the tourist visa. A tourist visa is a short-term, usually three-month, valid entry permit issued to the holder for recreational and leisure purposes only. Tourist visas do not entitle the bearer to work or engage in any business activities in the host country.
2. Work Visa
Work visa application.
Do you wish to work abroad? A work visa (work permit) is your solution. This type of visa is intended for foreign workers and is typically issued for long-term durations, ranging from one to four years. However, the specific duration depends on the individual’s work contract. In many cases, a work visa can also serve as a pathway to obtaining a permanent residence permit in the host country!
3. Student Visa
Student visa. (via Al Jawaz)
A type of visa issued for educational purposes, the student visa allows the holder to enroll at an educational institution in the host country, usually at the post-secondary level. The student visa is valid for the duration of the holder’s study program, which can last between one and four years. However, the student visa does not permit the bearer to work in the host country unless the latter allows it.
4. Transit Visa
Schengen visa, a visa to transit in Europe.
Sometimes, traveling abroad may require you to transit through a country that is not your final destination. This is where you will need a transit visa. For example, if you are an Indian passport holder traveling to Canada and have a layover in a European country, you will need a Schengen visa to transit. Transit visas are typically issued for 24 to 96 hours, although they can also be issued for 10 to 14 days, depending on the transit country.
5. Business Visa
Business visa. (via Vietnam Visa)
Last but not least, a business visa is a type of visa that allows the holder to enter and engage in business activities in the host country without becoming a part of the country’s labor market. An example of using a business visa is when an individual travels to a foreign country to conduct business with another company. Typically, the holder of a business visa must demonstrate that they are not earning income from the host country.
Top Visa-Free Tourist Destinations in Asia
For avid travelers, Asian countries stand out as top destinations in their book of traveling. Beyond the continent’s rich cultural diversity, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality, another thing that attracts travelers is the visa-free policy for tourists across many Asian countries, each with varying durations. So, if you are planning to travel to Asia, make sure to check its list of top visa-free tourist destinations!
1. Thailand
Thailand.
Known for its ornate temples, sandy white beaches, and modern cityscapes, Thailand is a favorite Southeast Asia destination for tourists due to its visa-free policy. Here is a list of countries eligible for visa exemption in Thailand:
- Visa-free entry for up to 14 days: Myanmar and Cambodia.
- Visa-free entry for up to 30 days: A majority of Asian, European, and African countries, Australia, USA, Canada, and more.
- Visa-free entry for up to 90 days: South Korea, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Argentina.
To see if your nationality is eligible for visa exemption in Thailand, you can visit Thailand’s official immigration website!
2. Vietnam
Vietnam.
An increasingly popular tourist destination with rich culture and mesmerizing nature, Vietnam allows plenty of nationalities to visit the country without a visa for a specific period. See the list below:
- Visa-free entry up to 14-15 days for Brunei, French, Japan, the United Kingdom, and more;
- Visa-free entry up to 21-30 days for a majority of Southeast Asian countries;
- Visa-free entry up to 90 days for Chile.
You can check if your country qualifies for a visa exemption in Vietnam by visiting the country’s official immigration website!
3. The United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates is home to modern cities, iconic skyscrapers, and a rich cultural heritage that every tourist can experience across its emirates. Visiting the United Arab Emirates is visa-free for citizens of various countries, with some listed in the following list:
- Entry to the UAE with a passport or ID for GCC countries;
- Visa-free entry up to 30 days for China, Japan, Macau, and more;
- Visa-free entry up to 90 days for Maldives, Argentina, Brazil, and more.
For information on your country’s eligibility for a visa exemption in the UAE, visit the official immigration website of the UAE!
4. Indonesia
Indonesia.
A diversity of natural beauty, a rich tapestry of culture, and its warm hospitality make Indonesia one of the favorite tourist destinations in Asia! If you plan to travel to Indonesia, here are some countries that are eligible for visa exemption in Indonesia:
- Visa-free entry up to 30 days for various countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, and America.
Check the full list and your country’s eligibility for a visa exemption in Indonesia by visiting the official immigration website of Indonesia!
5. The Maldives
The Maldives.
Famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and international luxury resorts, the Maldives is an idyllic tropical paradise that offers a one-of-a-kind tourism experience. Travelers can enter the Maldives visa-free, as listed below:
- Visa-free entry for all nationalities and countries up to 30 days!
If you want to know other types of visa policies in the Maldives, make sure to visit the official immigration website of the country!
Wrapping Up
In addition to being an essential document for traveling to foreign countries, a visa also serves as a defensive measure, preventing security risks from entering a country. The availability of electronic visas in numerous countries has made traveling abroad much more accessible, and this is particularly beneficial when heading to Asia.
Speaking of traveling to Asia, you can even extend your stay and secure a job in an Asian country, regardless of your nationality. How is this possible? The answer lies in Cultural Exchange Programs by RMC Asia, which offer internships and management training focused on hospitality. These programs take place in top hotels and resorts across Asia’s enticing destinations.
Our programs go beyond providing you with the ideal internship or management training; we also assist you with visas, insurance, and more to ensure a seamless traveling and working experience in Asia.
Does this sound interesting to you? Join our successful participants by applying for your desired internship and management training positions here!
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