Written by Feel Free Travel Team
Posted, 21st January 2025
🗓️ Updated: October 2026
As the title of this blog suggests, the information below is ‘unofficial’ and should be used as a guide to help you and all your travel buddies navigate the world of visa requirements. It’s very important that you do your own research and validate the below information, as things can change.
If you do find any of the below information to be incorrect or confusing, please let us know, as we rely on our community to ensure that everyone has the easiest and most hassle-free experience while travelling with us 🙏🏼
At the bottom of this blog, you’ll find a list of important links to official websites to help!
Before You Travel: Visa & Passport Checklist ✈️
Before heading off on your adventure, it’s worth double-checking a few important things to avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport.
- Passport Validity & Condition: Many countries require at least 6 months’ validity on your passport from your arrival date, and some require blank pages for entry stamps. Your passport should be in immaculate condition, with no rips, tears, water damage, loose pages or damaged personal details. Even minor damage can result in denied boarding or refusal of entry, so if your passport is damaged, arrange a replacement well before travelling.
- Visa Requirements: Visa rules vary depending on your nationality, destination and length of stay. Always check whether you need to apply in advance, even if you’re only visiting for a short trip.
- Passport & Booking Details: Make sure the name and personal details on your flight bookings, visa applications and passport match exactly. Even small mistakes can cause problems when checking in or entering a country, so double-check everything before submitting applications.
- Visa Processing Times: Some visas are approved within days, while others can take weeks or longer. Apply early, particularly if you’re planning a Working Holiday in Australia.
- Official Visa Websites: Always use official government websites when applying for visas or completing arrival forms. Third-party websites can look convincing and often charge unnecessary fees for services that may be free or cheaper when applying directly. We’ve included official links throughout this guide to help you apply safely.
- Onward Travel: Some countries may ask for proof of onward or return travel, so make sure you have your flight or onward travel details handy.
- Arrival Forms: Several destinations require online arrival declarations, even if you don’t need a visa. These are often free and can usually be completed a few days before arrival.
- Transit Requirements: If you’re connecting through another country, check whether you need a transit visa, especially if you’re collecting baggage or leaving the airport.
Our advice: Don’t leave things until the last minute! Entry requirements can change, so always check official government guidance before departure. It’s your responsibility to make sure you have the correct documents for your trip.
Visas for Thailand 🇹🇭
Thailand is one of the easiest countries to visit, with many nationalities able to enter without applying for a visa in advance. This includes travellers from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and much of Europe.
Under Thailand’s Visa Exemption Scheme, eligible travellers can stay for up to 30 days for tourism. If you’re planning to stay longer or your nationality isn’t eligible, you may need to apply for a visa before travelling.
You can check your eligibility and apply for a visa through the official Thai e-Visa website.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
All international visitors entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days before arrival, including those travelling visa-free.
The form is completely free and can be completed online through the official TDAC website.
You’ll need your passport details, travel information and accommodation address in Thailand. Once submitted, keep a copy of your confirmation handy for arrival.
Make sure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity, have proof of onward or return travel and check the latest entry requirements before departure.
⚠️ Visa regulations can change suddenly, and it’s your responsibility to meet all entry requirements. We provide general guidance, but rules may change. Please check the latest information, as we cannot take responsibility for visa or entry issues. Visa fees may apply. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a confirmed onward or return flight before arriving at the airport ⚠️
Visas for Vietnam 🇻🇳
Vietnam offers visa-free entry to travellers from several countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and many other European nations.
If you’re eligible, you can visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without applying for a visa in advance. However, not all nationalities qualify, so it’s important to check the requirements for your passport before travelling.
Vietnam e-Visa
If you’re not eligible for visa-free entry or you’re planning to stay longer, you can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options.
You can apply online through the official Vietnam e-Visa website. We recommend applying well in advance of your trip to allow enough time for processing.
If you’re joining one of our Vietnam and Cambodia adventures, remember that Cambodia has separate visa requirements, which you’ll need to arrange depending on your nationality.
Make sure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity, have proof of onward or return travel and check the latest entry requirements before departure.
⚠️ Visa regulations can change suddenly, and it’s your responsibility to meet all entry requirements. We provide general guidance, but rules may change. Please check the latest information, as we cannot take responsibility for visa or entry issues. Visa fees may apply. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a confirmed onward or return flight before arriving at the airport ⚠️
Visas for Cambodia🇰🇭
Most travellers visiting Cambodia will need a tourist visa, including those from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and much of Europe.
The standard tourist visa allows you to stay for up to 30 days and can be arranged online before travelling or, for eligible nationalities, on arrival at certain entry points.
Cambodia e-Visa
The easiest option for most travellers is to apply for a Cambodia e-Visa before departure. The tourist e-Visa costs US$30, allows a single entry and is generally processed within 3 business days.
You can apply through the official Cambodia e-Visa website. We recommend applying well in advance of your trip.
If you’re joining our Vietnam and Cambodia adventure, you’ll travel overland from Ho Chi Minh City, crossing into Cambodia at the Moc Bai/Bavet Svay Border. Make sure you select this entry point when completing your e-Visa application.
When completing the e-Visa form, you’ll notice a section for Support Documents. These aren’t compulsory, but we recommend uploading your Flight Ticket Out if you have one and leaving the remaining fields blank. Based on our experience, our travellers haven’t encountered any issues with this approach, and we’re not aware of any applications being rejected because of it.
Cambodia e-Arrival Card
Cambodia also has an electronic arrival system, known as the Cambodia e-Arrival Card. This is primarily required for travellers arriving by air.
As our Vietnam and Cambodia trips enter Cambodia overland from Ho Chi Minh City, the airport e-Arrival requirement does not normally apply to our route.
This is completely free and can be completed through the official Cambodia e-Arrival website.
A few things to remember: Your passport should have at least 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages. If you’re travelling overland from Vietnam, check that your border crossing accepts your chosen visa type before applying.
⚠️ Visa regulations can change suddenly, and it’s your responsibility to meet all entry requirements. We provide general guidance, but rules may change. Please check the latest information, as we cannot take responsibility for visa or entry issues. Visa fees may apply. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a confirmed onward or return flight before arriving at the airport ⚠️
Visas for Bali 🇮🇩
Most travellers visiting Bali will need a tourist visa, including those from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and much of Europe.
Eligible travellers can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VoA) for IDR 500,000 (approximately £23). You can arrange this when you land in Bali or apply online before travelling through the electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) system.
We recommend applying online in advance to make your arrival a little smoother. You can do this through the official Indonesian e-Visa website.
If you’re planning to stay longer, the standard 30-day visa can usually be extended once for an additional 30 days.
All Indonesia Arrival Card & Customs Declaration
To speed up your arrival in Bali, we recommend completing the All Indonesia Arrival Card online before departure.
This free form combines your immigration, customs, health and quarantine declarations into one simple application, saving you time at the airport.
You can complete it within 3 days before arrival through the official All Indonesia website.
Once submitted, save your QR code on your phone so it’s ready to show when you arrive in Bali.
Bali Tourist Levy
Bali also charges international visitors a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately £7), which helps protect the island’s culture and natural environment.
This is separate from your visa fee and can be paid online before travelling through the official Love Bali website.
We recommend paying in advance and keeping a copy of your payment confirmation handy.
A few things to remember: Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date, and you should have proof of onward or return travel. Make sure you complete your arrival card and arrange your visa and tourist levy before departure where applicable.
⚠️ Visa regulations can change suddenly, and it’s your responsibility to meet all entry requirements. We provide general guidance, but rules may change. Please check the latest information, as we cannot take responsibility for visa or entry issues. Visa fees may apply. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a confirmed onward or return flight before arriving at the airport ⚠️
Visas for Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Most travellers visiting Sri Lanka will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival, including those from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and much of Europe.
The standard tourist ETA allows you to stay for up to 30 days, which is plenty of time for our Sri Lanka adventures.
As of May 2026, travellers from 40 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many European countries, can obtain their tourist ETA completely free of charge. Other nationalities may still need to pay a visa fee.
Sri Lanka ETA Application
You can apply online through the official Sri Lanka ETA website. The application is straightforward, and we recommend completing it well before departure to allow enough time for approval.
Once approved, keep a copy of your ETA confirmation handy for your arrival in Sri Lanka.
A few things to remember: Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date, and you should have proof of onward or return travel. If you’re planning to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for an extension through Sri Lanka’s immigration authorities.
⚠️ Visa regulations can change suddenly, and it’s your responsibility to meet all entry requirements. We provide general guidance, but rules may change. Please check the latest information, as we cannot take responsibility for visa or entry issues. Visa fees may apply. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a confirmed onward or return flight before arriving at the airport ⚠️
Visas for Japan 🇯🇵
Japan is one of the easiest countries to visit when it comes to visas, with travellers from many countries able to enter without applying for a visa in advance. This includes those from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and much of Europe.
Under Japan’s visa exemption scheme, eligible travellers can stay for up to 90 days for tourism, which is more than enough for our Japan adventures.
If your nationality isn’t eligible for visa-free entry, you’ll need to arrange a visa before travelling. You can check the latest requirements through the official Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Visit Japan Web
To make your arrival in Japan a little smoother, we recommend completing Visit Japan Web before departure.
This free online service allows you to register your immigration and customs information in advance, helping speed up the arrival process at the airport.
You can complete it through the official Visit Japan Web website. Once registered, you’ll receive QR codes that can be used during the arrival process.
A few things to remember: Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay in Japan, and you may be asked to provide proof of onward or return travel. We recommend completing Visit Japan Web before departure to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
⚠️ Visa regulations can change suddenly, and it’s your responsibility to meet all entry requirements. We provide general guidance, but rules may change. Please check the latest information, as we cannot take responsibility for visa or entry issues. Visa fees may apply. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a confirmed onward or return flight before arriving at the airport ⚠️
Visas for Australia 🇦🇺
All international travellers visiting Australia need an appropriate visa before arrival, including travellers from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada and much of Europe.
The visa you’ll need depends on your nationality, how long you’re planning to stay and whether you’re visiting purely for tourism or planning to work while travelling.
Australia eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)
Travellers from the UK, Ireland and many European countries can apply for a free eVisitor visa, which allows multiple visits to Australia over a 12-month period, with stays of up to 3 months at a time.
You can apply online through the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA — Subclass 601)
Travellers from countries including the USA, Canada, Japan and several other eligible nations can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
The ETA allows multiple visits over 12 months, with stays of up to 3 months per visit. There’s no visa application charge, although an AUD 20 service fee applies when using the Australian ETA app.
You can find more information through the official Australian ETA website.
Working Holiday Visa
f you’re planning to stay in Australia after your Feel Free Travel adventure and would like the option to work, a Working Holiday visa might be worth considering.
Eligible travellers can usually stay for up to 12 months and work during their visit, subject to visa conditions. Age limits, eligibility and application fees vary depending on your nationality.
You can explore your options through the official Australian Working Holiday visa website.
Working Holiday Visa Processing Times
If you’re planning to stay and work in Australia after your Feel Free Travel adventure, we strongly recommend applying for your Working Holiday visa well in advance.
Unlike standard tourist visas, Working Holiday visa applications can take several weeks or even months to process, particularly if additional documents, health examinations or background checks are required.
Our advice: Apply as early as possible, ideally several months before your planned departure. Don’t assume your visa will be approved quickly, even if friends or other travellers have received theirs within days.
You can check the latest estimated processing times through the official Australian visa processing times guide.
If you’re joining one of our Australia adventures before starting your working holiday, make sure you have the correct visa approved before travelling. You cannot work in Australia on a standard tourist visa.
When Should I Apply for My Australian Visa?
We strongly recommend applying for your Australian visa as soon as you’ve booked your trip, rather than leaving it until the last minute.
While many eVisitor and ETA applications are approved quickly, some can take considerably longer if additional information or checks are required. Processing times aren’t guaranteed, even for straightforward applications.
You can check the latest estimated processing times through the official Australian visa processing times guide.
Our advice: Don’t leave your visa application until the week before departure. Apply early, check your approval carefully and make sure your visa is granted before travelling to Australia.
A few things to remember: Make sure your passport is valid for your intended stay, apply for the correct visa well before departure and don’t book travel assuming your application will automatically be approved. If you’re planning to work in Australia, a standard tourist visa won’t allow this.
⚠️ Visa regulations can change suddenly, and it’s your responsibility to meet all entry requirements. We provide general guidance, but rules may change. Please check the latest information, as we cannot take responsibility for visa or entry issues. Visa fees may apply. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a confirmed onward or return flight before arriving at the airport ⚠️
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.
Here are a few useful links to help with that planning;
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