East Asia & Pacific eVisa Site Guide 2026-27

Planning a trip to East Asia or the Pacific in 2027 can involve different online visa systems. Some countries offer an eVisa, while others use an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) or require travellers to complete part of the visa process after arrival.

This guide covers Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Visa requirements can change, so check the latest rules with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration authority before you travel.

How to Start?

Start by checking your passport and nationality, as visa rules are different for each country. You may be able to enter one country without a visa but still need one for another.

Apply early whenever possible. For most destinations, applying 2 to 4 weeks before your trip gives you more time to deal with delays or extra document requests.

Avoid booking non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.

Keep digital copies of your main travel documents. Some may need to be uploaded during the application, while others may be checked when you travel.

Southeast Asia

Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos are popular destinations for travellers visiting Southeast Asia. Although each country offers an online visa system, the application process and entry rules can differ.

Philippines

The Philippines is a common first stop for travellers heading to the beaches of Palawan, the rice terraces of Banaue, or the vibrant capital of Manila. The country offers visa-free entry to many nationalities, but requirements vary significantly.

To begin, all eligible applicants must go to the Philippines e-visa portal. Determining the entry category is the first step. Many travellers receive 30-day visa-free entry, but all visitors must register with the eTravel system before departure.

Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination for travellers visiting places such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the Andaman islands. Many nationalities can enter without a visa for a limited stay, while others may need an eVisa depending on their nationality and travel plans.

To start the process, eligible applicants must visit Thailand's e-visa application. Processing can take several working days, so it is best to apply well before your planned trip. This also gives you time to correct any errors or provide extra information if requested.

Cambodia

Cambodia attracts visitors with the temples of Angkor, the beaches of Sihanoukville and the capital, Phnom Penh.

• Cambodia's e-visa application allows eligible applicants to apply online before their trip. Visa on arrival is also available to some nationalities, depending on their eligibility and entry point.
• Eligible travellers should check Cambodia e-visa requirements before they submit their documents for current eligibility, passport rules and supporting documents.

Laos

Laos is known for its temples, markets, waterfalls and traditional villages. Popular places include Vientiane and Luang Prabang. For many eligible travellers,the Laos e-visa is a convenient way to enter the country. 

The eVisa is only accepted at certain entry points. If you are travelling by land from Thailand or Vietnam, check that your chosen border crossing accepts eVisas before you travel.

East Asia

Japan and Mongolia are located in East Asia. Both countries offer an online travel authorisation or visa system. Processing times can vary, so travellers should apply well before their planned trip.

Japan

Japan is known for its temples, modern cities and food. Many travellers can visit for short stays without a visa, while others may need to apply online before travelling.

Eligible applicants can use Japan's e-visa system to complete the application online. Once approved, they receive a Visa Issuance Notice, which must be shown when required during travel.

Mongolia

Mongolia is known for its open landscapes, nomadic traditions and the Gobi Desert. Eligible travellers can apply for an eVisa online before travelling.

Before applying, travellers can check the Mongolia e-visa rules to confirm the requirements for your trip. The eVisa is generally for tourism, while other travel purposes may require a different visa type.

The Pacific

New Zealand sits in the Pacific. It uses an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) rather than an eVisa for visa-exempt travellers.

New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its vast and lush landscapes, national parks, and intricate Maori culture. Its eTA system allows eligible travellers to apply online before their trip.

To follow New Zealand's NZeTA, eligible applicants complete an online form. Once approved, the eTA should be printed and presented on arrival. Some travellers may also need to provide biometric data.

Understanding the Difference: eTA vs. eVisa

This distinction causes plenty of frequent confusion for applicants at airports. Understanding it before you travel prevents unnecessary delays.

eTA

• Definition: A digital pre-screening for visa-exempt travellers
• Who needs it: Travellers from countries that do not require a visa but need advance authorization
• Application process: Complete a short form with passport details, flight information, and basic security questions
• Review level: Low. Largely automated.
• Purpose: Security clearance before boarding

eVisa

• Definition: A digital version of a traditional visa
• Who needs it: Travellers who require a visa to enter the country
• Application process: Submit supporting documents such as bank statements, hotel bookings, and flight itineraries
• Review level: Moderate to high. Applications are assessed individually.
• Purpose: Formal permission to enter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying too late. Two weeks is the minimum for most of these countries. One month is safer while Japan and New Zealand eVisa sites can take longer.

Ignoring passport validity. Several of these countries require at least 6 months validity from your date of entry, not departure. Check your passport now.

Not checking your nationality. The rules in this guide are general. Your passport decides the details. A visa-free traveller from one country may need a visa if they hold a different passport. Always check the specific rules for your nationality.

Simple Application Process for East Asia and Pacific eVisa applicants

• STEP 1: Start by applying and filling up the e-visa application form with accurate travel and passport details and select the eVisa type and processing time based on your preference.
• STEP 2: Double check to confirm whether all the information is correct and upload scanned copies of the required documents for the e-visa application.
• STEP 3: Pay for the e-visa using a credit/debit card, PayPal, Cryptocurrency, or a bank transfer, and submit the e-visa application form for processing.
• STEP 4: Once approval has been given, it is sent directly to an applicant’s personal email address, where they can then download and print it for travel to any East Asian or Pacific Country.

Related Guides

If you are planning a longer trip, you may also need information on other regions. Our West Africa e-visa guide covers Benin, Cameroon, Togo, and the DRC while our Southern Africa guide covers South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

Conclusion

An East Asia e-visa or Pacific eTA does not have to be stressful. The key is to start early, use the right link, and keep your documents organised.

The Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Japan, Mongolia, and New Zealand all have online systems. They are not the same. But they are manageable if you take them one step at a time.