Southeast Asia
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Vietnam raises tax deduction 41% to 15.5 million VND per month
Vietnam is overhauling its immigration framework with a new visa system and stricter health declaration requirements for all arrivals. The reforms also include updated tax regulations and cybersecurity laws that will impact foreign residents and long-term travelers.
14 day limit stays in place as Philippines extends Taiwan waiver through June
Effective July 1, Taiwan citizens can enter the Philippines for up to 14 days without a visa. This entry period is strictly non-extendible and cannot be converted to other visa categories while in the country.
Vietnam launches 5 year UĐ1 visa waiver for tech experts July 1
Vietnam will launch the UĐ1 visa for high-quality digital technology professionals and the UĐ2 visa for their dependents starting July 1, 2026. These new visa types offer up to five years of validity, providing a long-term residency option for specialized remote workers and tech expats.
A Reminder that Vietnam Raised Overstay Fines Under New 2025 Decree
As of December 15, 2025, Vietnam enforces steeper overstay penalties under Decree 282/2025, with the maximum fine doubling to VND 40,000,000 and the common 16 to 29 day bracket rising to VND 5,000,000 to 10,000,000. Beyond the higher fines, deportation can now be triggered at just 16 days, and serious overstays risk multi-year entry bans and a permanent immigration record.
Investigation targets Thailand immigration officers tied to $450 entry fees
Thai authorities are investigating 'bao guan' brokers who claim to guarantee entry for a fee following a surge in border denials. Travelers are warned that paying these unauthorized fees does not bypass intensified screening protocols that have already blocked 13,000 foreigners this year.
Singapore EP renewals face 40 point COMPASS minimum starting July 1
Starting July 1, all Employment Pass renewals must meet revised COMPASS salary benchmarks and updated shortage occupation lists. Expats and employers must review these new thresholds to ensure eligibility under the points-based assessment system.
Indonesia clears travelers in 20 seconds at 306 autogate entry points
Indonesia has expanded its automated immigration gate system to major airports and seaports nationwide. The 306 new autogates allow eligible foreign travelers to bypass manual queues, reducing processing times and minimizing face-to-face interactions with officials.
Record 10.6 million foreign visitors to Vietnam strain short-term rental market
Vietnam saw a record-breaking surge in international visitors through May, signaling a full recovery of the tourism sector. For digital nomads and expats, this increased demand is driving up short-term rental prices and reducing availability in popular hubs like Da Nang and Hoi An.
Thailand orders faster deportation for foreign criminal suspects
Thai authorities are updating the Immigration Act to streamline the removal of foreign nationals involved in transnational crime and visa fraud. The initiative includes enhanced data sharing with U.S. agencies like the FBI and ICE to identify and deport offenders more efficiently.
Philippines mandates in-person biometrics for 9(g) visa downgrades
The Bureau of Immigration now requires foreign nationals to undergo in-person biometric re-enrollment when downgrading work visas or applying for exit clearances. This new security measure is expected to increase processing times for expats transitioning to tourist status or leaving the country.
Cambodia caps T-class tourist visa stays at 60 days total
Cambodia continues to enforce a 30-day validity period for standard tourist visas with a single 30-day extension allowed. Long-stay visitors must transition to E-class ordinary visas to access 12-month extensions for business, retirement, or job-seeking purposes.
Thailand mandates TDAC filing for all non-Thai arrivals 3 days before entry
Thailand has launched the trial phase of the Thailand Immigration Management (THIM) app to centralize visa extensions and 90-day reporting. The platform will become mandatory for all long-term residents in Aug. 2026, increasing digital traceability for expats.
Chinese travelers can skip Cambodia visa fees and 14 day stay limits until Oct. 15
Cambodia has launched a four-month pilot program allowing Chinese nationals to enter the country multiple times for up to 14 days without visa fees or applications. The initiative runs through Oct. 15 and aims to boost regional tourism arrivals.
Malaysia refreshes entry rules for 90-day visa-free stays
The Malaysian Immigration Department has released an updated master list of visa requirements, exemptions, and health certificate mandates by nationality. These rules clarify entry durations and stay conditions for foreign tourists, digital nomads, and expats planning to enter the country.
Philippines mandates airline APIS data transmission by June 30
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has ordered all international airlines to integrate with the Advance Passenger Information System by June 30. This technical mandate is designed to support automated e-gate processing, potentially speeding up arrivals and departures for registered travelers.
Singapore adds 8 occupations to NTS Work Permit hiring on Sept. 1
Singapore will expand its Non-Traditional Sources framework to include workers from Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos starting June 2026. This policy change allows employers in specific sectors to hire nationals from these countries under the standard work permit regulations.
Philippines consolidates AEP processing in Manila Central Office
The Department of Labor and Employment has ended the authority of regional offices to issue work permits for foreign nationals. Effective June 9, all Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications must be processed through the central office, potentially impacting processing times for expats.
Non-citizens pay 6% service tax on private healthcare in Malaysia
Malaysia has confirmed that the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) on medical services will not apply to foreign patients traveling specifically for healthcare. This exemption maintains the country's price competitiveness for expats and medical tourists seeking specialized treatments.
Bangladeshi 9(a) applicants must now use Philippines e-Visa portal
The Philippine Embassy in Dhaka has transitioned to an electronic visa system for 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visas. Bangladeshi nationals can now apply online, eliminating the need for traditional sticker visas and physical embassy visits.
Vietnam sponsors face delays as Business VNeID becomes the sole login method
Companies in Vietnam must transition to the Business VNeID system for all immigration-related procedures, including visa pre-approvals and residence card applications. This change replaces previous e-signature login methods and affects expats whose sponsors handle their legal stay documentation.