One ASEAN visa allows you to experience Thailand's beautiful beaches, explore Indonesian culture, and discover vibrant Singapore in a single journey. This online application eliminates the need to visit an embassy for your Southeast Asian travel. Read on to learn about the participating ASEAN countries and details about the ASEAN visa.

Understanding the ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has introduced an electronic visa, commonly referred to as the ASEAN Common Visa (ACV), which is set to be launched in the near future. This convenient online visa can be easily obtained through a straightforward application process.

Once this system is put into operation, it will enable visa holders to travel to any of the 10 member countries within ASEAN during the visa's validity period. Here, you can access all available information about this forthcoming online visa, the prerequisites that travellers must fulfil, and instructions on how to complete an application swiftly from the comfort of your own home.

Enhancing ASEAN Travel with the ASEAN Common Visa

The ASEAN Common Visa (ACV) is a single visa that allows visitors to enter and travel freely within all ten ASEAN member countries for a period of up to 30 days. The ACV is designed to facilitate both tourist and business travel among the ASEAN countries, and is expected to generate numerous benefits for the region, including:

• Increased tourist arrivals: The ASEAN Connectivity Vision is set to boost tourist arrivals by 6 to 10 million annually, spurring job opportunities in the tourism sector across member states, ultimately promoting economic growth and poverty reduction in the region.

• Simplified travel processes: The ACV will simplify travel processes for visitors, by eliminating the need to apply for separate visas for each ASEAN country they wish to visit. This will save visitors time and money, and make it easier for them to travel freely within the region.

• Enhanced border security: The ACV will implement pre-screening measures for tourist arrivals before they enter the ASEAN economic union. This will help to strengthen the borders of the region and reduce transnational crime and unauthorised migration.

• The ACV is also expected to promote regional cooperation and integration among the ASEAN member countries. By making it easier for people to travel within the region, the ACV will help to foster greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse cultures and traditions of the ASEAN countries.

ASEAN Visa Unification

The ASEAN Visa Unification program aims to address these challenges by creating a unified visa policy and application process. Once implemented, the program is expected to make it easier and more convenient for travellers to visit multiple ASEAN countries on a single trip.

Here are some of the key features of the ASEAN Visa Unification program:

• Unified visa policy: The program will create a single visa policy for all ten ASEAN member states. This means that travellers will only need to apply for one visa to visit all ASEAN countries.

• Common application process: The program will also implement a common application process for the ASEAN visa. This will make it easier for travellers to apply for the visa, regardless of which country they are from.

• Equal stay duration: Once the program is implemented, visa holders will be able to spend an equal amount of time in each of the ASEAN countries. This means that travellers will not be limited to spending a certain amount of time in each country.

• Single destination: The ASEAN Visa Unification program will treat all ten ASEAN countries as a single destination. This means that travellers will be able to move freely between ASEAN countries without having to go through immigration at each border.

ASEAN Membership and Visa-Free Travel

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises ten member countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In addition to the upcoming launch of a single visa for foreign travellers to visit ASEAN destinations, it's essential to note that existing measures are already in place to promote tourism within the region. Since the signing of the agreement in 2002, citizens of ASEAN member states have enjoyed visa exemptions when travelling to other member nations, mirroring a system akin to the European Union.

For residents of ASEAN member countries, crossing borders simply requires a passport issued by an ASEAN nation, valid for a minimum of six months from the entry date. The visa-free agreement permits travellers a maximum stay of 14 days, although member countries retain the flexibility to establish their individual visa policies for access. 

Documents Required For ASEAN Visa Application

The ACV (ASEAN Common Visa) offers a user-friendly online application process, allowing eligible citizens to apply from anywhere, eliminating the need to visit embassies for separate ASEAN member state visas. Quick processing times within a few business days and email delivery make it a convenient travel option.

The primary requirement for an ASEAN visa application will be access to an electronic device with an internet connection. Additionally, applicants should possess the following:

1. A valid passport issued by an eligible country.
2. A credit or debit card to cover the ASEAN eVisa fee.
3. A valid email address to receive the approved visa electronically.

It's worth noting that as the ASEAN visa has not yet been launched, there may be the possibility of additional requirements being introduced in the lead-up to its implementation. Therefore, it's advisable to periodically check this page for an updated list of requirements for the online visa as the launch date approaches.

Online Application Process for ASEAN e-Visa

The online application process for the ASEAN e-Visa is a simple and straightforward way to obtain a visa to visit any ASEAN country. The process typically involves the following steps:

• Visit the official ASEAN e-Visa website. The website is expected to be launched in 2025.

• Create an account and log in. You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, email address, and date of birth.

• Fill out the online application form. The form will ask for your personal information, passport information, and travel plans.

• Review and submit your application form. Be sure to carefully review your application before submitting it.

• Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card. The visa fee will vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay.

• Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email notification. The email will contain a link to download your e-Visa.

• Download and print a copy of your e-Visa. You will need to present your e-Visa to immigration officials when you enter an ASEAN country.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

ASEAN encompasses some of the world's fastest-growing economies, and its combined population of 600 million establishes it as the third-largest market on a global scale.

This Association was formed with the overarching goal of enhancing intergovernmental cooperation and is structured into three key branches:

1. The ASEAN Economic Community
2. The ASEAN Security Community
3. The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community

The organisation operates with a set of fundamental aims and objectives, including:

• Fostering economic growth, social advancement, and cultural development across all ASEAN member countries.

• Promoting regional peace, cooperation, and mutual support within the union.

• Collaborating among member states to drive progress in agriculture and various other industries.
• Encouraging the study of Southeast Asian subjects.

• Maintaining strong partnerships with international organisations that share similar objectives, such as the European Union.

The forthcoming introduction of the ASEAN visa is poised to reinforce economic and cultural ties within the union by further facilitating secure and straightforward movement of people among member states.

Evolution of ASEAN Membership

The origins of ASEAN trace back to the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA) in July 1961, comprising three nations:

1. Thailand
2. The Philippines
3. The Federation of Malaya

Subsequently, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations came into being in August 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration. This pivotal agreement was endorsed by the foreign ministers of five regional countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Over the ensuing decades, ASEAN expanded its membership by welcoming Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). The roster of current ASEAN member countries was finalised in 1999 when Cambodia joined the union.

Visa Exemption Agreement within ASEAN

The ASEAN Visa Exemption Agreement was signed in 2002 and came into effect in 2003.

The following ASEAN member countries currently offer visa-free stays of up to 30 days to citizens of certain third countries:

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

• Philippines

• Singapore

• Thailand

The ASEAN visa is expected to be launched in 2025. It will be a single visa that will allow travellers to visit all ASEAN countries for a period of up to 30 days.

Inquiries Regarding the Upcoming ASEAN Visa

For any inquiries about the forthcoming ASEAN visa or inquiries regarding visas for specific ASEAN member countries like Singapore or Thailand, please feel free to reach out to our team of expert customer service representatives. They are at your service around the clock, offering assistance through online chat or email.

FAQS

What is the ASEAN Visa?

The ASEAN Visa is an electronic visa introduced by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to facilitate travel within the member countries of this regional union.

Which countries are part of ASEAN and covered by the visa?

The ASEAN Visa covers all 10 member countries of ASEAN, which include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Who is eligible to apply for the ASEAN Visa?

Eligibility criteria will vary once the visa is officially launched, but typically, it will be available to citizens of certain countries who meet specific requirements.

What is the purpose of the ASEAN Visa?

The primary purpose of the ASEAN Visa is to promote tourism, business, and cultural exchange among member countries while simplifying the visa application process for travellers.

How can I apply for the ASEAN Visa?

To apply for the ASEAN Visa, you will most likely complete an online application form, submit the required documentation, and pay the associated fees. Details will be available once the visa is officially implemented.

Are there specific requirements for the ASEAN Visa application?

Requirements may include a valid passport from an eligible country, an internet connection, a credit or debit card for payment, and a valid email address to receive the approved visa.

What is the processing time for the ASEAN Visa?

Processing times can vary but are generally expected to be quick, with approval within a few business days.

How long is the ASEAN Visa valid, and what is the duration of stay allowed?

The validity and allowed stay duration may differ by country and the specific visa type. Typically, it is expected to permit travellers to visit member states for a specific duration, as determined by the visa type.