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Tengrinews.kz - Six Southeast Asian countries—Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar—are planning to introduce a unified visa system that will significantly simplify travel for tourists.
According to The Edge Malaysia, the idea of creating a single visa, similar to Europe’s Schengen system, was first proposed by former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in 2024. The new visa will allow tourists to visit all six countries—Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar—without the need for separate visas.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, stated that this initiative aligns with ASEAN’s core principles of integration and cooperation.
"Many tourists arrive in Malaysia and then wish to visit Singapore or Thailand, or vice versa—they come to Malaysia from Thailand. However, numerous administrative barriers stand in the way. The introduction of a single visa will remove these obstacles and boost tourism," Mohamad said.
The creation of an "Asian Schengen" aims to accelerate economic growth in the region, as tourism is one of the key industries for ASEAN countries. For example, Thailand is actively developing this sector, generating significant revenue from tourists who stay in the country for up to 90 days. Similarly, tourism plays a vital role in Malaysia’s economy, which, in addition to traditional tourism, is actively promoting medical tourism. The country attracts patients from around the world due to its high-quality medical services and competitive prices.
"We understand the importance of simplifying travel between countries in the region. This will have a positive impact on all participating nations," the minister emphasized.
The introduction of a unified visa will not only increase the region’s attractiveness to foreign tourists but also strengthen ties between the participating countries. The visa is expected to be valid for up to 90 days, allowing travelers to move freely between the six nations, marking a significant step toward economic and cultural integration.
Previously, the government of Thailand decided to ease the rules for obtaining long-term visas for foreign citizens.
