Southeast Asia Considers Visa-Free Travel Zone for Tourists.
One traveler said “While trying to leave Laos, I found myself overstaying my visa by one day. After nearly an hour of waiting and paying a $10 fine, I was finally stamped out. I was left with barely enough time to catch my bus to Thailand. This kind of hassle is something travelers would prefer to avoid.”
Visas often pose a significant challenge for those exploring Southeast Asia. However, several countries in the region are now considering ways to simplify travel by waiving visa requirements for certain nations.
Currently, citizens of ASEAN countries—Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei—can travel visa-free within the region for a limited period. Now, there is a push to create a visa-free zone similar to the Schengen Area for international tourists.
The idea of a Southeast Asian Schengen would allow travelers to visit multiple countries in the region without the need to apply for separate visas.
Thailand is leading this initiative as part of its strategy to boost tourism. The country has recently expanded its visa-free policy to include citizens from 93 countries, allowing stays of up to 60 days.
Vietnam is also considering extending its current 45-day visa waiver, which is currently available only to citizens of a few high-income countries. Vietnam’s visa system is known for being complex, requiring travelers to apply online and wait several days for approval. Visas for Vietnam are not issued upon arrival but are valid for stays of up to 90 days.
Laos, facing economic challenges and a depreciating currency, is hoping to attract more tourists. Until the end of the year, the country is offering visa-free stays of up to 15 days to citizens from Scandinavian countries, as well as Belgium, Spain, and Greece. This move is aimed at increasing tourism and bringing in much-needed foreign currency.
The proposed visa-free zone in Southeast Asia would resemble the Schengen Agreement, which facilitates free movement across EU member states. The Schengen Area is a cornerstone of European integration, allowing people and goods to move freely between member countries.
It remains uncertain when or if a similar agreement will be established in Southeast Asia. Such an initiative would aim to boost tourism while avoiding the political complexities associated with the Schengen Agreement in Europe.