AsiaLIFE

Any delays while travelling can cause major hiccups. That’s why it’s important to know the visa requirements before setting out, or else you’ll find yourself donating to the “Uniform Fund” of the guards at the border. Craig Gerard looks inside the confusing world of visas.

The first thing you need to remember while applying for a visa is reciprocity. When Country A wants to raise its visa fees for travellers coming from Country B, then Country B will probably turn around and raise its fees for people coming from Country A. This can happen almost at any time, so always be ready with some extra dollars, baht, dong, shekels or whatever other currency you may need. Confused yet? You will be.

The internet can be both your best friend and worst enemy when searching for visa information. Some websites are chock full of good information on what you need to do to apply for a visa. Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship site (www.immi.gov.au) and the United States’ Department of State site (http://travel.state.gov) both have copious amounts of data on various visas offered, and online forms. So much information that it is slightly overwhelming. The Union of Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not so much. It is best to do a little research online before heading to the embassy of your destination country. At the very least you should find out the operating hours.

The good news for all citizens of ASEAN countries is that no visas are required for travel between the 10 member states, although there may be a limit on the number of days you can stay. For example, a Cambodian visiting Vietnam can stay for 14 days without a visa, but can stay 60 days in the Philippines. Longer stays require a visa obtained in advance of your travel. The exception to the ASEAN no visa rule is Cambodians going to Thailand, who have to acquire a free visa in advance from the Thai embassy.

For those of us who find ourselves outside of the ASEAN loop, here is a list of countries in the region and tourist visa requirements:

Australia: Visa is free, but a US$20 service charge may apply, depending on which visa you get. Must be done in advance, turnaround is less than one day.
China: US$130, takes five working days.
Myanmar: US$20, can take between two to four weeks.
Indonesia: US$40, can obtain visa in advance or upon entry.
Laos: can obtain in advance for US$40 or at the border for US$35, but you won’t get the fancy visa sticker, just a simple stamp.
United States: Applicants coming from Cambodia must make an appointment online (http://cambodia.usembassy.gov), and the non-refundable application fee is US$140. Some countries may have a higher fee if the visa is issued, based on the bilateral reciprocity agreement with that country. Decisions are made the same day.
Vietnam: US$35, plus a passport photo. Usually turns around in one day.
Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines do not require advanced visas.

These details are for single entry, tourist visas only. Most have a limit on the time you can stay in the country. Fees can change at any time. The best advice is to ask your travel agent what is required when you book your tickets. Most travel agents can also help you obtain your visas (for a small fee of course), which is a great way to avoid the hassle and avoid getting yourself too confused.