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📡 Asia Travel Intelligence

Live updates on visa rules, scam alerts, customs changes, and safety notices. Updated as news breaks.

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Update 🛂 Visa & Entry Vietnam ✓ Verified Jul 4, 2026

Vietnam launches new visa categories for tech talent from July 1, 2026

Vietnam introduced two new visa types — UĐ1 for high-skilled digital technology professionals and UĐ2 for their spouses and children under 18 — as part of a push to attract global tech talent.

Source: Vietnam Immigration Department

Update 🛂 Visa & Entry China ✓ Verified Jun 24, 2026

China's 30-day visa-free list now covers 50 countries, running through end of 2026

China's unilateral 30-day visa-free entry policy has expanded to 50 countries as of mid-2026 following the addition of the UK and Canada in February, with the whole scheme confirmed to run through December 31, 2026.

Source: National Immigration Administration of China

Critical 🛂 Visa & Entry Indonesia ✓ Verified Jun 5, 2026

Bali steps up e-visa fraud and "workation" enforcement through mid-2026

Indonesian immigration in Bali launched a dedicated task force targeting fake e-visa/TDAC-style scam sites and tourists who use tourist visas to do paid influencer or remote-work activity, with dozens of foreigners already detained.

Source: Directorate General of Immigration, Indonesia

Critical 🛂 Visa & Entry Thailand ✓ Verified May 25, 2026

Thailand reduces visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days (May 2026)

Effective May 19, 2026, most Western passport holders now receive 30 days visa-free instead of 60. The change applies to air arrivals. Land border stays were already capped at 30 days.

Source: Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Warning 🛂 Visa & Entry Thailand ✓ Verified May 22, 2026

TDAC digital arrival card now mandatory for ALL travelers to Thailand

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) replaced the paper TM.6 form and is now mandatory for all foreigners entering Thailand by any means — air, land, or sea.

Source: Thai Immigration Bureau

Warning 🛂 Visa & Entry Thailand ✓ Verified May 20, 2026

Proof of funds now actively enforced at Thai airports

Thai immigration is now actively checking the long-standing funds requirement: 20,000 THB per person (~$550) or 40,000 THB per family.

Source: Traveler reports + Thai immigration

Update 🛂 Visa & Entry Japan ✓ Verified May 19, 2026

Japan eVisa system launched for 30+ new nationalities (Sep 2025)

Japan's online visa application system expanded in September 2025 to cover nationalities that previously had to visit embassies in person.

Source: Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Warning 🛂 Visa & Entry Malaysia ✓ Verified May 18, 2026

Malaysia MDAC digital arrival card — fines now being issued for non-compliance

Malaysia's mandatory Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is now being enforced with fines at certain entry points. Complete it before travel.

Source: Malaysia Immigration Department

Update 🛂 Visa & Entry Vietnam ✓ Verified May 15, 2026

Vietnam e-Visa now 90 days multiple-entry, processed within 24 hours

Vietnam upgraded its e-Visa to 90-day multiple-entry in 2023 and the system now processes applications in under 24 hours for most nationalities.

Source: Vietnam Immigration Department

Update 🛂 Visa & Entry Singapore ✓ Verified May 13, 2026

Singapore: Mandatory SG Arrival Card for all visitors

All travelers must complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within 3 days before arrival. The digital form replaces the old paper disembarkation card.

Source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

Update 🛂 Visa & Entry India ✓ Verified May 9, 2026

India e-Visa processing time reduced to under 24 hours for most nationalities

India's e-Visa system has been upgraded and most applications from Western countries are now approved within 4-24 hours rather than the previous 3-5 days.

Source: India Bureau of Immigration

Update 🛂 Visa & Entry Vietnam ✓ Verified May 7, 2026

Phu Quoc Island: 30-day visa-free for ALL nationalities

Phu Quoc maintains its special status: all nationalities get 30 days visa-free when arriving directly to the island — no e-Visa needed.

Source: Vietnam Tourism Authority

Updates added as news breaks. Report a scam or rule change →