Southeast Asia
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Thailand land border runs now limited to 2 entries as stays drop to 30 days
Thailand reduced visa-exempt stays to 30 days for 60 countries and enforced a two-entry annual cap at land borders for digital nomads and travelers.
Thailand launches THIM app for mandatory 72 hour digital arrival filings Sept. 25
Thailand launched the THIM app on Sept. 25 for travelers to file mandatory digital arrival cards up to 72 hours before entry using NFC and biometric tools.
No review option remains for unsuccessful Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass files
MDEC has ended the appeal process for Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass rejections. Digital nomads must now submit a new application and pay non-refundable fees again.
Singapore blocks SG Arrival Card for cars without valid permits Oct. 6
Starting Oct. 6 travelers entering Singapore in foreign cars must have a valid Vehicle Entry Permit to submit the mandatory SG Arrival Card for border clearance.
Laos issues Tourist Visa T-B3 approvals with 180 day entry window
Lao authorities are issuing tourist e-Visas with a 180 day entry window. Digital nomads and travelers gain more flexibility but the stay remains capped at 30 days.
Indonesia waives Rp 1,000,000 daily overstay fines for stranded travelers
Indonesia is issuing 30-day extendable Force Majeure Stay Permits (ITKT) at zero cost and waiving daily overstay fines for foreign nationals stranded by the Anak Krakatau eruption. The emergency measure protects visitors whose departures were canceled or rerouted from immigration penalties. Eligible travelers can secure the permit at local immigration offices with proof of flight disruptions.
Malaysia limits multiple-entry visas to 31 nationalities and ends them for leisure trips
Effective Sept. 1, Malaysia restricted multiple-entry visas to citizens of 31 approved countries and removed general tourism from eligible travel purposes. Travelers can now only obtain multiple-entry visas for business, medical, wedding, or cruise-related activities. Nomads and frequent visitors must now rely on single-entry tourist visas or specialized long-term passes.
Vietnam orders remote worker visa pilots and mandatory travel insurance
A new Politburo resolution directs Vietnam to introduce preferential visa policies for high-spending visitors and pilot dedicated remote-work entry routes. The directive also calls for mandatory medical and travel insurance for all foreign arrivals.
Thailand rejects 29,490 travelers as immigration ramps up visa runner checks
Thai authorities have announced a stricter enforcement policy warning that foreigners who violate local laws or cause public disturbances risk immediate visa revocation and deportation. Digital nomads and long-stay travelers should ensure strict adherence to local regulations to avoid jeopardizing their stay status.
Cambodia allows online visa fee prepayment for e-Arrival users starting Sept. 1
Cambodia is introducing digital v-Pass arrival documents and enabling online prepayment for visa-on-arrival fees starting Sept. 1. Travelers entering overland from Thailand should also verify temporary border restrictions affecting select e-Visa holders.
Vietnam issues 90-day multiple-entry e-visas and 45-day waivers
Vietnam has updated administrative regulations governing entry, exit, visas, and temporary residence cards for foreign nationals. The revised framework broadens electronic processing options and establishes streamlined procedures for long-term residents and visitors.
Malaysia activates automated photo screening for Employment Pass on Aug. 21
Malaysia's Expatriate Services Division has upgraded photo-verification requirements for Visa With Reference and Electronic Visa Approval Letter applications submitted via ESD Online. Foreign professionals and expatriates must ensure submitted digital photos meet stricter biometric criteria to avoid application rejections or processing delays.
Philippines adds 4 dollar ticket fee for 11 airport biometric border system
Philippine tourism authorities are advocating for modernized border clearance facilities to accommodate a rapid increase in foreign retirees. The planned improvements aim to streamline airport entry processes for long-stay expats and Special Resident Retiree's Visa holders.
Thailand expands Suvarnabhumi e-gates to 31 new nationalities by Aug. 31
Thailand is expanding automated passport-control e-gates to passport holders from 31 additional nationalities by late August. The government is also testing a new entry registration app and reviewing a proposed tourist entry fee. These updates will speed up airport processing while introducing new digital arrival steps for foreign travelers.
Singapore adds passport autofill and 7 languages to SGAC on Aug. 26
Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority updated the SGAC system with a refreshed interface and passport data autofill via the MyICA app. The digital arrival card now supports seven additional languages, simplifying the mandatory entry process for international travelers and expats.
Vietnam opens VNeID registration to all legal entrants Sept. 28
Vietnam is expanding its VNeID electronic identification system to include all foreign visa holders, moving beyond the previous restriction to temporary residence card holders. Starting Sept. 28, travelers and expats can use the digital platform to manage residency registrations and access government services via a mobile app.
Indonesia proposes 100% Visa on Arrival fee hike to Rp1 million
Indonesia's immigration chief has proposed increasing the Visa on Arrival fee from 500,000 rupiah to 750,000 rupiah for electronic applications and 1 million rupiah for airport purchases. While no implementation date is set, the change would significantly increase entry costs for digital nomads and short-stay travelers.
Indonesia deports 342 foreigners as Bali enforces C5A Content Creator Visit Visa
Bali immigration has launched a dedicated task force to crack down on foreigners performing commercial work while on tourist visas. Authorities emphasized that influencers and content creators must obtain a specific C5A visa to legally film for commercial purposes.
Malaysia detains 81 foreigners as Sabah intensifies Social Visit Pass enforcement
Malaysian authorities have launched an enforcement crackdown in the Semporna region targeting foreign nationals working or running businesses on social visit passes. Travelers found violating their visa conditions face immediate prosecution under the Immigration Act.
UK travel warnings affect Thailand border runs within 20 kilometers of Cambodia
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Thailand, maintaining warnings for areas within 20km of the Cambodian border and provinces near the Malaysian border. Travelers and nomads planning overland border runs or stays in these southern regions should exercise increased caution due to security risks.