Issue No. 4 | Thursday 16 April 2026 | asiaunmasked.com Your insider guide to Southeast Asia Vietnam’s national tourism masterplan places eco-tourism and community-based experiences at its core. Demand at the country’s largest travel fair this month confirmed that visitors are catching up. Your Week in Southeast Asia This week, Southeast Asia made several decisions
From July 2026, Vietnam introduces two new long-stay visa categories for skilled professionals and their families. The headlines have been generous with the enthusiasm. I’ve read between the lines and here’s the honest version. Vietnam has been quietly rewriting its immigration story – and for those considering a longer stay, the latest chapter is worth
Two new residency pathways make Malaysia an increasingly practical option for investors, business professionals, and anyone seeking long-term stability without administrative headaches. Long-term residency in Southeast Asia has traditionally meant choosing between limited options: tourist visas with constant renewal cycles, employment visas tied to specific companies, or expensive premium schemes with unclear benefits. For investors,
From September 2025, all visitors to Indonesia’s most popular destination must complete a new digital entry form within 72 hours of arrival – here’s everything you need to know to avoid delays at immigration. Planning your next escape to Bali? There’s a crucial new requirement you must complete before boarding your flight. From 1st September
Tired of visa runs? Vietnam might have what you’re waiting for… Vietnam proposes groundbreaking five-year visa exemptions for global talent, influencers, and skilled professionals. Could this transform Southeast Asia’s immigration landscape? Vietnam is making headlines with a proposal that could change how skilled professionals, influencers, and global talent experience Southeast Asia. The Ministry of Public
Tired of the same four office walls? The Philippines has just thrown open its doors to remote workers with a brand new digital nomad visa. Imagine swapping your dreary commute for island-hopping adventures, your desk lunch for fresh seafood by the shore, and your office views for pristine beaches. With a generous one-year stay that’s
Have you ever fancied waking up to the smell of fresh pho in Vietnam, or perhaps sipping kopi in a swanky Singapore café while checking your investments? As someone who’s spent the better part of a decade bouncing around East Asia, I’ve watched the region transform from a traveller’s playground to a legitimate option for
Planning a Thai getaway in 2025? Don’t let paperwork spoil your arrival. Thailand’s new digital entry system is coming – here’s what you need to know before you go. There’s nothing quite like that moment when you step off the plane in Thailand – the wave of tropical warmth, the subtle fragrance of jasmine in
As regional rivals roll out attractive visa schemes, Vietnam plans to introduce long-term stay options to lure international visitors and investors Vietnam may soon join its Southeast Asian neighbours in offering a “golden visa” program as part of a strategic effort to boost tourism and foreign investment. The country’s Tourism Advisory Board has formally proposed
Thailand immigration revolutionises entry procedures: How the TDAC system will streamline your arrival experience and what you need to prepare before your next Thai holiday If you’re planning a trip to Thailand in 2025, there’s a critical update to the entry process you need to know about. From 1st May 2025, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau is
