Many Asian countries are changing entry rules. Here’s what you need to know

3 months ago 7

November 10, 2025 — 5:00am

The rules for crossing international borders are changing fast. Europe’s Schengen zone countries will soon join the US, the UK and many other countries that require Australian tourists to apply (and pay) for a visa waiver.

Across Asia, host to more Australian visitors than any other continent, the requirements are also evolving quickly as countries embrace enhanced visitor monitoring that tells them who is coming to their country, for what purpose and how long they stay. If you’re planning to visit an Asian country, it’s easy to get caught out, but if you want your travels to run smoothly it’s vital to keep abreast of the changes.

China has just extended visa-free entry for Australians to the end of 2026.iStock

Whether you need a visa or a visa waiver, as a general rule, your passport needs at least two blank pages and an expiry date of six months or more from the date you plan to leave whichever country you’re visiting. If you have a connecting flight in an Asian city that requires you to collect your baggage and check in for another flight, you will need to pass through immigration. If that country does not offer visa-free entry for Australian passport holders, you need to obtain a visa, even though you will not be leaving the airport.

For countries that require an e-visa or any pre-notification of entry, failure to comply could result in a turnback at the check-in desk before leaving Australia. “I didn’t know” is not going to fly. Requirements for visas or visa waivers are a golden opportunity for third-party agencies posing as official websites, or offering to expedite the process while charging a hefty fee for their so-called service. If you need a visa or a visa waiver, be sure you’re on the official government website, usually linked to from Australia’s Smartraveller website from the relevant country’s page.

Here’s a round-up of the current requirements for key Asian destinations:

Cambodia

A Cambodian visa is required for all Australian passport holders, available either online as an e-visa or as a tourist visa on arrival.

China

China has just announced an extension of its visa-free entry arrangements, which allow Australian passport holders to enter the country for up to 30 days without a visa. Until the announcement earlier this month, the visa-free entry provision for Australians was scheduled to end on December 31. The change means another year of visa-free entry for business, tourism, family or friend reunions or student exchanges. The move comes as further evidence of China’s efforts to boost inbound travel and international engagement. Along with Australians, more than 40 other nationalities will be allowed to enter China without a visa until the end of 2026. Most of the nationalities included are in Europe and Asia, but citizens of the US are excluded.

India

Australians need a visa to enter India.iStock

Australian passport holders need a visa to enter India. The simplest is an e-Visa, which comes in several subcategories – e-Tourist Visa, e-Medical Visa and e-Business Visa. Most travellers will be applying for an e-Tourist visa, with a typical response time usually within two working days. The e-Visa application process through the official Indian government portal is frustrating and time-consuming, with photo requirements and payment as frequent stumbling blocks. There are multiple agencies that will help with the visa application process for an additional fee. Although such agencies should be avoided in normal circumstances, this is one case where you might consider one as an easier and less exasperating option. Turnaround via agency applications is usually within five working days.

Indonesia

Australians now need a visa to enter Indonesia, and the simplest way is through the government’s official e-visa portal. An e-Visa on Arrival (eVOA) is also available at major entry points, such as Bali’s Denpasar Airport. All travellers must submit an arrival card within 72 hours before arrival in Indonesia.

Japan

Australian passport holders can enter for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without a visa.

Malaysia

Australians can enter Malaysia and remain for up to 90 days without a visa.

Nepal

Australians need a visa to enter Nepal for tourism purposes. While a visa on arrival is available at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport it can be a lengthy process. Avoid the queue and speed through immigration processing by applying for a Nepalese E-VISA from either the embassy in Canberra or one of the consulates in Melbourne, Sydney or Perth. Multiple entry visas are valid for 13, 30 or 90 days, at a cost of $60-$240.

Singapore

Australians need to fill out a digital arrival card before entering Singapore.

Although Australian visitors to Singapore do not require a visa, they must complete the SG Arrival Card online within 72 hours before their arrival. Anyone transiting does not need to complete the arrival card, providing they are not collecting checked baggage and checking in for a connecting flight

South Korea

The current exemption allowing free entry for Australian passport holders is set to end on December 31. After that date, a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) will be required, with a fee of 10,000 won ($10.60). The K-ETA is a visa waiver, enabling stays of up to 90 days.

Sri Lanka

An Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for Australian travellers, valid for a 30-day stay with double entry.

Thailand

Australians can enter and remain in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, but they must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival. For stays longer than 60 days or for purposes such as work or study, a Thai visa is required.

Uzbekistan

Australians can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for tourism and other purposes. All visitors must be registered with local authorities within their first three days, and hotels provide automatic registration. Visitors staying elsewhere must ensure their host registers them online or at a local office.

Vietnam

Australian passport holders require a visa to visit Vietnam, regardless of the purpose of travel. The e-visa can be obtained online, and usually takes three to four 4 business days to process. When it is granted, check the e-visa carefully. Several Traveller readers have reported mistakes on the visa, such as misspelled names or wrong entry dates. If the error is not picked up before you get to the airline check-in desk, you may be refused a boarding pass without a replacement visa, which involves a fee of several hundred dollars.

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Michael Gebicki is a Sydney-based travel writer, best known for his Tripologist column published for more than 15 years in Traveller. With four decades of experience, his specialty is practical advice, destination insights and problem-solving for travellers. He also designs and leads slow, immersive tours to some of his favourite places. Connect via Instagram @michael_gebickiConnect via email.