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Asia Travel Tips

We are very excited to have you join us on what is sure to be an unforgettable trip through Asia very soon. Below are a few key bits of information you will want to know before departing on your Asian adventure.

Preparing For Your Trip

Visa requirements are subject to change, and it is your responsibility to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for the countries you plan to visit. APT is unable to assist in obtaining visas on your behalf. If you need additional help, please contact your local consulate prior to departure. For the latest visa and travel advice, please refer to relevant travel advisory websites such as Smart Traveller, contact your local consulate, or consult Visas Direct. No refund is offered for lost touring if you do not meet these visa requirements.

Australia - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia
New Zealand - www.safetravel.govt.nz

Vietnam

All Australian and New Zealand passport holders must obtain a Vietnam Visa. UK Passport Holders can enter Vietnam for up to 45 days for tourism and transit without needing to apply for a visa. We recommend obtaining an electronic visa (E-visa) at least 30 days before departure.

To apply for a visa prior to your arrival into Vietnam, please visit the following website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/home

You must check your details are correct when applying for a Vietnam visa. The visa details must match your full name and date of birth as per your passport. Any errors or name omissions may result in you being refused entry. You may be charged an additional fee on arrival to correct the visa error and to be issued an emergency visa.

PLEASE ENSURE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ALIGNS WITH YOUR VISA APPLCIATION AND PASSPORT:

  • Colour copy of passport and passport photo is uploaded
  • Name is as stated on your passport (ensure you have included your middle name/s with your Given name)
  • Passport details including, date of birth, Place of Birth and nationality
  • If you require a single entry or multi-entry visa\
  • Intended temporary residential address in Viet Nam. Please use the Name and address of the first nights accommodation you are staying at. If with APT then please use the APT listed hotel on your documentation.

Please Note: When entering Vietnam via the Mekong River please use your embarkation date on to your Mekong River cruise and not the actual border crossing date. This is to cover for any unforeseen circumstances where we may cross the border sooner than the date stated in the itinerary.

Please Note: If you have additional nights either end of your tour please ensure to provide your arrival and departure dates and the city in Vietnam.  

Download APT's Vietnam Visa Checklist

Cambodia

All Australian, New Zealand and UK passport holders must obtain a Cambodian Visa.

Please follow the below instructions if you are applying for an e-visa
Apply for a Cambodian e-Visa: www.evisa.gov.kh
The application is usually processed within 24 to 72 hours, and the e-visa is valid for 90 days after issue and you can stay a maximum of 30 days in Cambodia in a single entry.All Australian, New Zealand and UK passport holders must obtain a Cambodian Visa.

You must check your details are correct when applying for a Cambodia visa. The visa details must match your full name and date of birth as per your passport. Any errors or name omissions may result in you being refused entry. You may be charged an additional fee on arrival to correct the visa error and to be issued an emergency visa.

Download APT's Cambodia Visa Checklist

Please note: A Cambodian e-Visa is ONLY accepted when entering through a Cambodian Airport.

An exit point is not required for the Visa Application.

Hotel Documentation is not required for the e-Visa Application. Ship Information is not required.

To view the relevant entry and exit points/days required for visa application, please refer to the below information. The entry date we supply is the date you arrive in to Siem Reap Angkor Airport, Cambodia.

Please Note: If you have additional nights either end of your tour please ensure to provide your arrival and departure dates and the city in Cambodia.

Cambodian E-Arrival Customs Declaration

You are now required to submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card within 7 days before your arrival. The QR code is valid within 7 days to the arrival date only, so you should download the QR code in advance and keep your QR code (print or capture the screen shot). You will need to show your QR code at the immigration counter. Having the QR code in advance will avoid the long waiting at the airport as internet connection is not available all the time or may not have access to an electronic device.

Instructions

  1. Install the app and complete the steps on the app until the QR code is created or
  2. Visit the link: https://www.arrival.gov.kh/ and complete the steps until the QR code is created

Please Note: Only applicable if you are arriving into Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. If you are entering Cambodia via Mekong River Cruise this would not be required.

Japan

No Visa required for stays of up to 90 days
Please also refer to the Smart Traveller Website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan

South Korea

No Visa required for stays of up to 90 days.

You may be required to register on the Korean Q-code registration system(https://qcode.kdca.go.kr/qco/index.do?lang=en)  prior to arrival or to complete a health questionnaire on arrival. Further information is available on the Republic of Korea Embassy or Consulate for the latest requirements for Australians.

Please also refer to the Smart Traveller Website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/south-korea-republic-korea

India

All Australian, New Zealand and UK Passport holders is required to obtain an Indian Visa prior to departure. You must submit the e-Visa no less than 4 days and no more than 120 days prior to entry into India.

Please visit the official government website and fill in the application form: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa - follow the prompts on this website.

Sri Lanka

Important Notice 

As per the Interim Suspension Order issued by the Supreme Court on 02nd August 2024, the online visa application implemented through the visa web portal www.srilankaevisa.lk has been deactivated with immediate effect.

Until further notice, all applicants should follow the details below when applying for a visa: (You must hold a passport valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you arrive in Sri Lanka) 

Visit Visa (30 Days Single Entry) 

Available on arrival at the port of entry. 

Sri Lanka has introduced Digital Arrival & Departure Cards, which can be completed three days prior to travel.

For the most up to date visa and travel advice please make sure to check the relevant travel advice website - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/sri-lanka  

Singapore

You must complete a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) before arriving in Singapore. You may need to present your SGAC acknowledgment email with supporting documentation to the airlines at check-in.

Please also refer to the Smart Traveller Website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/singapore

Malaysia

From 1 January 2024, you'll be required to complete and submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days prior to arrival in Malaysia. In most circumstances, you can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. The MDAC must be submitted through the Malaysian Immigration website. Contact the nearest Malaysian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate for the latest details.

Please also refer to the Smart Traveller Website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/malaysia

 
It is important that you login to APT’s Tour Personaliser and complete the details required. We need this information to be able to supply your travel documentation.
Tour Personaliser
We highly recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover your entire time away from home. Be sure to pack your policy in case you need to make a claim while travelling. It is also worth adding your insurance policy details and flight numbers to your Tour Personaliser, so all your important travel information is in one place.

The majority of APT tours only allow 16kg to 20kg of luggage. When packing, consider the season of the destination you are travelling to, even in summer many destinations get cooler in the evenings, so it is a good idea to pack a jumper/jacket. We recommend packing light to medium weight clothing as well as rainwear in case of cooler or wet weather. Good walking shoes are must

While APT tours are not physically demanding, because of the nature of the sites you will be visiting, some tours required a good level of fitness and health to participate. You should be prepared that there will be some uneven ground, steep stair or inclines and times that you will be on your feet for extended periods of time.
Korean Food placed out on a table, Korea
Two Passengers holding umbrellas, Myanmar
Geisha Looking Down, Japan

While You Are Travelling With APT

Dining
World-class restaurants, market tours and wine tastings. Cooking classes in local homes and presentations by renowned chefs. There's nothing better than eating and drinking your way through a destination. You'll never go hungry - we're certain of that.

Dietary requirements can be catered for –please inform any special meal requirements prior to your departure. 

Dress Code
The dress code is casual and to suit changing weather conditions. It is also advisable to pack smart casual outfits for evenings and to wear at the Welcome and Farewell Dinners. There are no black tie or formal evenings, smart casual clothing is acceptable while touring. 

Currency
The recommended currency varies with which countries you are travelling to in Asia, we recommend carrying a small amount of local currency for markets, and a credit or debit card.

For a more extensive guide to your trip to you can read our Essential Information Guides: Vietnam & Cambodia or Japan & South Korea.