Traveling Visa-Free in ASEAN Member Countries

Having a Philippine Passport, one of the things that makes us difficult to travel aside from purchasing costly airfares is the mandatory application for tourist visas to most of the countries. Based on Passport Index, currently our national passport is only ranked 63 by the number of visa-free countries where we can enter (which is 62), that is a long way down from Germany and Sweden with 158.

Thankfully, our neighbours will always welcome us. Last 2006, there was a signed agreement between the ten ASEAN member countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) that grants the passport holders of these nations to move freely around the region and enter each country without applying for a visa for a stay of up to 30 days, depending on the regulations of each one of them. It means worry-free travel to those who wish to explore the culture around us!

Here is the list of the ASEAN Countries with their corresponding number of visa-free days:

• Brunei Darussalam – 14 days

Sultan Omar Ali Saiffudien Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan (Source: cntravelre.com)

• Cambodia – 21 days

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

• Indonesia – 30 days

Borobudur Temple, Central Java

• Laos – 30 days

Patuxai Monument, Vientiane (Source: visit-laos.com)

• Malaysia – 30 days

KLCC, Kuala Lumpur

• Myanmar – 14 days

Temples of Bagan (Source: backyardtravel.com)

• Singapore – 30 days

Merlion Park, Singapore

• Thailand – 30 days

Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok

• Vietnam – 21 days

The Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City

Having lots of seat sales around this region, you can easily travel as much as you can and enjoy different culture and traditions, as Southeast Asia is notorious for being cheap and one of the backpackers’ haven. So get your passports now and book your next flight immediately. 🙂