Asian visas
Do I need a visa to go to Asia?
Each of the countries in Asia have different rules for entry. For UK citizens, some Asian countries require you to get a visa, and some don’t. Some Asian visas are difficult to obtain, and some countries may refuse you entry.
The table below shows whether Asian visas are required for short term visits via vehicle (not via airport), to all of the countries in Asia.
How do I obtain an Asian visa?
Some countries in Asia will issue you a visa when you arrive at the border, whereas others require you to obtain a visa in advance. There are even some countries that may require you to obtain the visa in your country of residence.
Some countries also require you to use the services of a registered travel agent from within the country, which may be difficult or expensive to obtain.
When overlanding through Asia, you should plan in advance where you will need a visa for, and where you can obtain one from. You may not be able to obtain a visa for your country of interest in every country that you’re travelling through.
The table below provides an indication of where you can obtain one from and some of the preferred countries.
Can I get an Asian visa online?
You can obtain visas for some Asian countries online, whereas for other countries you may have obtain the visa in person.
The method for obtaining the visa, the cost and the time to get one are shown in the table below. The information in the table below is relevant for UK citizens.
You may also find it useful to refer to our other information on driving abroad.
Visa requirements, methods of obtaining the visa, cost and time to obtain the visa by Asian country
| Country | Visa Required | Cost | Time to obtain Visa |
| Afghanistan | Yes, from diplomatic mission | £200 | same day |
| Armenia | No, for up to 180 days | – | |
| Azerbaijan | Yes, online eVisa Also register with authorities (police) if staying longer than 15 days | $20 | 3 days |
| Bahrain | Yes, on arrival OR online | £60 | 5 days |
| Bangladesh | Yes, on arrival OR from diplomatic mission | $50 | 14 days |
| Bhutan | Yes, though tour operator only. Can only enter via Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar if coming by land. | $40 + $200 per day | 5 days |
| Brunei | No, for up to 90 days | – | |
| Cambodia | Yes, on arrival OR online. If online, can only enter via – Cham Yeam (Koh Kong Province) (from Thailand); Poipet (Banteay Meanchey Province) (from Thailand); Bavet (Svay Rieng Province) (from Vietnam); Trapeang Kriel (Stung Treng Province) (from Laos). | $30 | 3 days |
| China | Yes, from diplomatic mission | £150 | 7 days |
| Cyprus | No, for up to 90 days | – | |
| Georgia | No, for up to 1 year | – | |
| India | Yes, online OR from diplomatic mission. You need a permit to travel to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Apply at least 3 months in advance. In India, apply at the liaison office of the state for which you need a permit, or the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. | £50 | 30 days |
| Indonesia | Yes on arrival | 500,000 rupiah [£27] | |
| Iran | Yes, though tour operator only. | £129 | 2 months |
| Iraq | Yes, on arrival | £50 | |
| Israel | No, for up to 3 months. Restrictions at most land borders. Enter/exit via: Sheikh Hussein/North Border to Jordan Taba to Sinai and Egypt | – | |
| Japan | No, for up to 6 months | – | |
| Jordan | Yes, on arrival | 40 dinars [£45] entry + 10 dinars exit | |
| Kazakhstan | No, for up to 30 days | – | |
| Kuwait | Yes, on arrival or online | £129 | |
| Kyrgyzstan | No, for up to 60 days | – | |
| Laos | Yes, on arrival OR online | $35 | |
| Lebanon | No, for up to 30 days | – | |
| Malaysia | No, for up to 90 days | – | |
| Maldives | No, for up to 30 days | – | |
| Mongolia | No, for up to 30 days | – | |
| Myanmar | Yes, online. Only enter via: Tachileik Land Border Checkpoint Kawthaung Land Border Checkpoint | $50 | 3 days |
| Nepal | Yes, on arrival. Only enter via: Birganj (India border) Bheemdatta (India border) Dhangadhi (India border) Nepalgunj (India border) Kakarbhitta (India border) Kodari (China side: Zhangmu Port, currently available for cargo transaction only) Siddharthanagar (India border) | $50 | |
| North Korea | Yes, from diplomatic mission through tour operator only. | €60 | |
| Oman | No, for up to 14 days | – | |
| Pakistan | Yes, online | $60 | 10 days |
| Palestine | Entry to Palestinian Territories is controlled by Israeli authorities | – | |
| Philippines | No, for up to 30 days | – | |
| Qatar | No, for up to 30 days | – | |
| Russia | Yes, apply in person only | €75 | 2 – 12 days |
| Saudi Arabia | Yes, online | £95 | 5 – 14 days |
| Singapore | No. Vehicle entry permit may be required | – | |
| South Korea | No, for up to 90 days | – | |
| Sri Lanka | Yes, online | £50 | 5 days |
| Syria | Yes, via a tour operator and from diplomatic mission | $140 | 14 days |
| Taiwan | No, for up to 90 days | – | |
| Tajikistan | Yes, online | $50 | 5 days |
| Thailand | No, for up to 30 days | – | |
| Timor-Leste | Yes, on arrival. For entry via Indonesia (West Timor) land border crossing at Atambua/Batugade – apply in Kupang in advance | $30 | |
| Turkey | No, for up to 90 days | – | |
| Turkmenistan | Yes, via tour operator OR agency | £125 + $150 for vehicle | 7 days |
| United Arab Emirates | No, for up to 40 days | – | |
| Uzbekistan | No, for up to 30 days | – | |
| Vietnam | No, for up to 15 days. For longer, online | – | |
| Yemen | Yes, from diplomatic mission | £30 | 14 days |