Backpacker Visa Guide to Southeast Asia

As a backpacker in Southeast Asia, crossing borders becomes a regular undertaking! Each country has a different rule of entry and some countries will require you to apply for a visa before you travel. Visa requirements change often which makes it difficult for travellers in Southeast Asia to plan things like budget and duration of travel. We’ve done our very best to compile the latest visa information in Southeast Asia to make it easier for you to plan your trip.

This guide contains a short overview of the current rules and entry requirements for each country in Southeast Asia. After each of these overviews, there is a link to a more detailed guide to the rules for that specific country. Follow the links and read the in-depth guide for any country you plan to visit.

Disclaimer: The following information reflects South East Asia Backpacker’s understanding of the visa rules. While this article has been extensively researched and is updated regularly to ensure the information is as current as it can be, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. If you believe any of the information on this page to be out of date, please let us know in the comments.

🇧🇳 Visa Information for Brunei Darussalam:

Travelling to Brunei? – Read our travel guide to Brunei here.

Do I need a visa to enter Brunei? Visa exemption is offered to citizens of certain countries, including the EU, UK and US. Find out whether you need a visa here. Nationalities that are not visa-exempt will need to apply for a visa at the nearest Brunei consulate or office. Citizens of a few countries can apply for a Visa on Arrival.
What are the other requirements for entering Brunei? Travellers must complete an E-Arrival Card. This is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Brunei. Visitors also need to complete a health declaration before or on arrival. Visitors may be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from a transition-risk country .
Do I need proof of onward travel? Yes, visitors are required to have proof of onward travel when entering Brunei.
Do I need travel insurance? No, visitors are not required to show proof of travel insurance, however, holding a policy can offer peace of mind. See popular insurers here.

🇰🇭 Visa Information for Cambodia:

Travelling to Cambodia? – See our Cambodia Backpacking Guide here.

Do I need a visa to enter Cambodia? Almost everyone is required to apply for an eVisa or Visa on Arrival (VOA). Only very few nationalities are visa exempt.
What are the other requirements for entering Cambodia? All travellers need to submit an e-Arrival Card (this can be done up to 7 days before arrival).
Do I need proof of onward travel? Officially, yes, but this is rarely enforced at land borders.
Do I need travel insurance? No, but having a policy is strongly advised. Read about some of the most popular travel insurers here

🇹🇱 Visa Information to East Timor (Timor Leste):

Travelling to East Timor? – Read our travel guide to East Timor here.

Do I need a visa to enter Timor-Leste? Unless you are a Portuguese passport holder, you will need a visa. The majority of citizens can obtain a visa on arrival (30 days) if entering by sea or air, or a tourist visa online (90 days) if entering by land. More details can be found here.
What are the other requirements for entering Timor-Leste? Travellers are required to demonstrate proof of funds ($100USD for each entry & $50USD for each day you remain in the country). You may also be asked to show your accommodation booking.
Do I need proof of onward travel? Yes, you will be asked to show proof of onward travel, or that you have the necessary funds to cover your departure when you enter Timor-Leste.
Do I need travel insurance? No, visitors are not required to show proof of a travel insurance policy. If you wanted to take out cover anyway, you can see popular insurers here.

🇮🇩 Visa Information for Indonesia:

Travelling to Indonesia? – See our travel guide to Indonesia here.

Do I need a visa to enter Indonesia? Yes. Only passport holders from the majority of Southeast Asian countries are visa exempt, all other countries require a visa to enter Indonesia. Citizens from 87 countries can apply for a 30-day eVisa or Visa on Arrival.
What are the other requirements for entering Indonesia? All arrivals need to complete a health declaration. Visitors travelling from a yellow fever transition-risk country may be required to show a vaccination certificate.
Do I need proof of onward travel? Yes, you are required to provide an onward ticket out of Indonesia.
Do I need travel insurance? No, but visitors who have it can cover unexpected in-country medical treatment costs. Read about popular travel insurers here.

🇱🇦 Visa Information for Laos:

Travelling to Laos? – Read our travel guide to Laos here.

Do I need a visa to enter Laos? The majority of nationalities need to obtain an eVisa (eVOA) or Visa on Arrival (VOA). This list specifies the countries that can enter under visa exemption. If you see ‘not available’ written in the ‘Ordinary Passport’ section for your country, you need to get a visa.
What are the other requirements for entering Laos? Aside from a visa, there are no special requirements for entering Laos.
Do I need proof of onward travel? While not an official requirement, you may be asked to show it, especially if travelling by air.
Do I need travel insurance? No, but having a policy is strongly advised. Read about some of the most popular travel insurers here.

Read more about visas in Laos here.

🇲🇾 Visa Information for Malaysia:

Travelling to Malaysia? – See our travel guide to Malaysia here.

Do I need a visa to enter Malaysia? Most travellers to Malaysia are visa-exempt, with the exception of citizens from the 33 countries listed here.
What are the other requirements for entering Malaysia? All visitors must complete a digital arrival card within 72 hours before arriving in Malaysia. Travellers from some South American and African countries are required to present a yellow fever certificate. The full list can be viewed here.
Do I need proof of onward travel? While this is not a legal requirement, the immigration officer reserves the right to check. Read more about onward travel out of Malaysia here.
Do I need travel insurance? No, but visitors are strongly advised to have it. Read about popular travel insurers here.

🇲🇲 Visa Information for Myanmar:

Travelling to Myanmar? – See our travel guide to Myanmar here.

Do I need a visa to enter Myanmar? Most travellers require a visa to enter Myanmar. A single-entry eVisa (official website here) is now available online for most foreign nationals for a period of 28 days. Citizens from eight Southeast Asian countries can enter Myanmar on the visa exemption scheme for a period ranging from 15 to 30 days.
What are the other requirements for entering Myanmar? Visitors travelling from a yellow fever transition-risk country may be required to show a vaccination certificate.
Do I need proof of onward travel? Yes, you will be asked to show proof of onward travel when you enter Myanmar – prepare accordingly.
Do I need travel insurance? Proof of travel insurance is not required, but it is advisable to have. See popular insurers here.

🇵🇭 Visa Information for The Philippines:

Travelling to the Philippines? – See our travel guide to the Philippines here.

Do I need a visa to enter the Philippines? The majority of nationalities are visa exempt for 30 days. If you are a citizen of any of the countries NOT listed here, you require a visa.
What are the other requirements for entering the Philippines? All visitors are required to complete an electronic travel declaration no earlier than 72 hours before arrival. Visitors travelling from a polio or yellow fever transition-risk country may be required to show a vaccination certificate.
Do I need proof of onward travel? Yes, the Filipino authorities reserve the right to request proof of exiting the country. For more information, read about onward travel out of the Philippines here.
Do I need travel insurance? No. Read about some of the most popular travel insurers here.

🇸🇬 Visa Information for Singapore:

Travelling to Singapore? – Read our Singapore travel guide here.

Do I need a visa to enter Singapore? The majority of travellers can enter without the need for a visa. Citizens of the 34 countries listed here will need to apply for a visa.
What are the other requirements for entering Singapore? All travellers, regardless of their citizenship, are required to complete the SG Arrival Card three days before their intended arrival to receive a STVP (Short-Term-Visit-Pass).
Do I need proof of onward travel? Officially, yes, but it isn’t always checked.
Do I need travel insurance? No, but having a policy is strongly advised. Read about some of the most popular travel insurers here.

🇹🇭 Visa Information for Thailand:

Travelling to Thailand? Read our Thailand backpacking guide.

Do I need a visa to enter Thailand? Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to enter Thailand and will receive a 60-day visa waiver upon arrival (effective from 15th July 2024).
What are the other requirements for entering Thailand? Effective from 1 May 2025, all travellers need to complete a digital arrival card before entering Thailand. Travellers can register up to 72 hours before arrival.
Do I need proof of onward travel? Proof of onward travel is recommended because it is sometimes checked at various border crossings.
Do I need travel insurance? No, but having cover is recommended.

🇻🇳 Visa Information for Vietnam:

Travelling to Vietnam? – Read our Vietnam travel guide here.

Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam? Citizens from 30 countries can enter Vietnam via the visa exemption scheme for a period ranging from 14 to 90 days. A single-entry eVisa (official website here) is available online for most other foreign citizens for a period of 90 days. Countries eligible for eVisa can be found here and visa exempt here.
What are the other requirements for entering Vietnam? There are no special entry requirements for entering Vietnam (apart from obtaining a visa if applicable).
Do I need proof of onward travel? You could be asked to show proof of onward travel when you enter Vietnam, especially if you are entering on a visa exemption. If you have an eVisa, it’s unlikely you will be asked, however, there is always a chance.
Do I need travel insurance? No, but visitors may want travel insurance to cover unexpected in-country medical treatment costs. See popular insurers here.

If you are considering volunteering in Southeast Asia, read our visa guide for volunteers, WWOOFERs and HelpStayers.

P.S. If you have ANY updates or personal experiences of border crossings, please comment below so that other travellers can take advantage of your advice. Thanks a lot, and HAPPY BORDER CROSSINGS!

Nikki Scott - Founder South East Asia Backpacker

Nikki Scott | Founder & Editor

Nikki is the founding editor of South East Asia Backpacker and The Backpacker Network. In her early twenties, she left her home in the North of England on a solo backpacking adventure and never returned! After six months on the road, she founded a print magazine that became legendary on the Banana Pancake Trail. The rest is history.

Find me: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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