Southeast Asia
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Thailand Proposes Changes to Visa Exemptions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is proposing to roll back the current 60-day visa-exempt stay to 30 days starting March 2026. This change would significantly impact slow travelers and nomads who currently rely on the extended 60-day entry for long-term stays without a formal visa.
Malaysia Updates Employment Pass Salary and Tenure Rules
Starting June 2026, Malaysia will raise the Category I salary threshold to RM20,000 and limit employment durations to 5-10 years. These changes aim to reduce the foreign workforce to 5% by 2035, potentially impacting long-term residency prospects for skilled professionals.
Inside Brunei's Long-Term Pass for Professionals and Investors
Brunei has introduced a new Long-Term Pass (LTP) allowing eligible foreigners to reside in the country for up to five years with multiple-entry privileges. The pass targets skilled professionals, business visitors, and social categories to streamline residency for those contributing to the local economy.
Understanding Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card and Entry Rules
Thailand is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt travelers and tightening enforcement on entry limits. These changes aim to streamline border security while potentially limiting the ability of nomads and travelers to perform frequent 'border runs' to extend their stay.
Malaysia Streamlines Visas with MIDA Expatriate System
The new MIDA Expatriate System (MES) is a one-stop digital platform designed to streamline visa applications for the manufacturing and services sectors. This update aims to reduce administrative complexity and increase transparency for foreign professionals moving to Malaysia.
Understanding Thailand's 60-Day Entry and DTV Options
Thailand has introduced a 60-day visa exemption for 93 nationalities and the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers. The DTV offers up to five years of validity, significantly easing long-term stays for digital nomads and freelancers.
Vietnam Tightens Passport Validity Rules for All Arrivals
Beginning March 1, 2026, Vietnam will strictly require all foreign arrivals to hold a passport valid for at least six months. This enforcement applies to all entry methods, including e-visas and visa-exempt entries, necessitating advance renewal planning for long-term expats and frequent travelers.
Myanmar Updates Passport Laws and Biometric Requirements
Myanmar's junta has introduced a new law mandating e-passports and establishing a new issuing body with the power to deny or revoke travel documents. While primarily targeting citizens, the increased surveillance and biometric data collection may impact long-term residents and immigration processing for foreigners.
Philippines Updates Overstay Rules Amid Travel Disruptions
The Bureau of Immigration has announced a grace period for foreign nationals whose legal stay expires on or after February 28, 2026. Affected individuals can remain in the country without incurring fines or overstaying penalties until April 1, 2026, due to regional instability.
Vietnam Updates Deportation Procedures for Foreign Residents
Decree No. 59/2026/ND-CP introduces updated enforcement measures and rights for foreign nationals facing deportation, effective April 1, 2026. The new rules clarify the legal process and obligations for expatriates and investors, ensuring more structured administrative procedures.
How Indonesia’s Family KITAS Works for Remote Workers
Indonesia has overhauled its Family (Dependent) KITAS framework, introducing tighter synchronization between family permits and the primary sponsor's employment status. The update integrates family visas into the national digital system and reinforces strict prohibitions on employment for dependents.
Vietnam’s Expanded E-Visa and Upcoming Talent Visas
Starting July 2026, Vietnam will introduce UD1 and UD2 visas for high-quality talent and their families, offering up to five years of residency. The country will also expand e-visa acceptance to 41 additional border gates and maintain 90-day multiple-entry options for all nationalities.
Vietnam Updates E-visa Document and Printing Standards
Vietnam has confirmed updated e-visa rules effective March 15, 2026, maintaining the 90-day multiple-entry option for eligible nationalities including Czech citizens. Travelers must now adhere to stricter document standards, including specific passport scan formats and mandatory printed QR codes for entry at designated airports.
Inside Vietnam's Simplified Work Permit Rules
Vietnam is introducing a major work permit overhaul that eases qualification requirements for tech workers and experts while adding new exemptions for spouses of citizens and short-term consultants. The update also introduces a single permit valid for multiple work locations, significantly reducing bureaucracy for foreign professionals.
Understanding Thailand's Current Policy Shifts for Expats
The Anutin administration has introduced five major policy changes, including stricter enforcement of foreign income tax and updated immigration requirements. These shifts represent a significant change in how long-term residents and remote workers manage their financial and legal status in Thailand.
Thailand Issues Emergency Visa Relief Following Airspace Closures
Thai authorities have suspended overstay fines and are granting automatic 30-day visa extensions to tourists unable to depart due to Middle East airspace closures. This emergency measure ensures that travelers and nomads impacted by flight cancellations remain in legal standing without additional costs.
Singapore Updates Salary Thresholds for Employment Passes
Starting in 2025 and extending through 2028, Singapore will increase the minimum qualifying salaries for Employment Pass and S Pass applicants. These changes will make it more difficult for mid-to-junior level foreign professionals to secure or renew work visas as the government prioritizes higher-skilled talent.
Managing Immigration Compliance as a Nomad in Brunei
Brunei authorities are conducting targeted 'Operasi Kakas' inspections to identify immigration violations in rented accommodations and workplaces. Expats and foreign residents should ensure their visas are valid and carry proper documentation at all times to avoid detention during these routine checks.
Vietnam Rolls Out Long Term Visas for Tech Professionals
Effective July 1, 2026, Vietnam will launch the UĐ1 visa for high-quality digital technology professionals and the UĐ2 visa for their immediate families. These visas offer a significant stay period of up to five years, providing a more stable long-term residency option for specialized remote workers and tech experts.
Singapore Rolls Out ONE Pass AI Track and Work Pass Updates
Singapore is introducing a specialized ONE Pass track for AI and Tech talent starting January 2027. The updates also include an expanded occupation list for work permits and streamlined levy structures to be implemented by 2028.