Visa renewals can be a hassle in many countries. Sometimes delays can be the difference between missing a potential investor and job opportunities. To reduce delays, immigration services have introduced e-visas, allowing travelers to apply online and cut down the wait.
In South Asia, some countries have made the process quick and straightforward, letting you get your travel documents in a fraction of the time.
Here are eight countries in the region with the shortest e-visa processing times.
/1. Sri Lanka
Application Fee: The standard, non-resident Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) fee is $20 to $55, depending on the nature of the trip.
Processing Timeline: Usually within 24–48 hours, but can take up to 4 days if additional verification is needed.
Applicable Visa: This applies to tourists, digital nomads, business, and transit visas.
Visa Validity: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival, which can be extended for up to six months.
Application Method: Fully online via the official Sri Lanka eTA Portal
Proof of Fund: At least $1,000–$2,000 to cover expenses for the short stay.
Family Inclusion: While applying for an E Visa, families can be included, but each person needs a separate application, often managed within a group application process.
/2. Malaysia
Application Fee: RM 105 ($ 25).
Processing Timeline: Typically, 48 hours on working days.
Applicable Visa: Applicable for short-term tourism, business, or social visits.
Visa Validity: Valid for 3 months, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days.
Application Method: Fully online via Malaysia Visa portal.
Proof of Fund: Around $2,000 to cover expenses for the period of stay.
Family Inclusion: Allows dependents, but each person needs a separate application, often managed within a group application process.
/3. Singapore
Application Fee: Fee is around SGD 30 ($25).
Processing Timeline: Can take 3 to 5 working days, though some may take longer.
Applicable Visa: Applicable to tourist, remote workers, social visit, and short-term business visas for citizens of Assessment Level I and II countries
Visa Validity: Valid for 9 weeks to 1 year, depending on the issuance, and allows for multiple entries.
Application Method: Fully online via the Submission of Application for Visa Electronically (SAVE)
Proof of Fund: At least SGD 100–150 ($80 to $118) per day to cover expenses for the period of stay.
Family Inclusion: Allows dependents, but each person needs a separate application, often managed within a group application process.
/4. Thailand
Application Fee: $169 to $299, depending on entries.
Processing Timeline: Takes 5–10 working days.
Applicable Visa: Applicable to short-term tourism, business, digital nomads or social visits.
Visa Validity: Valid for 180 days, allowing a maximum stay of 60 days.
Application Method: Fully online via Thailand eVisa portal.
Proof of Fund: Minimum of 20,000 THB ($700) for the period of stay.
Family Inclusion: Allows dependents, but under the Non-Immigrant O (Family) category or by adding dependents to a primary applicant's account.
/5. Vietnam
Application Fee: $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
Processing Timeline: Processing takes 3-5 working days.
Applicable Visa: Applicable to short-term tourism, business, or social visits.
Visa Validity: Valid for a maximum of 90 days, allowing single or multiple entries.
Application Method: Fully online via Vietnam E-Visa portal.
Proof of Fund: Around $1,000 to $2,000 to cover expenses for the period of stay.
Family Inclusion: Every traveler visiting Vietnam, including children of any age, must have their own individual Vietnam e-visa and separate passport.
/6. Indonesia
Application Fee: IDR 500,000 ($30).
Processing Timeline: Ranges from 2 to 7 working days
Applicable Visa: Applicable to tourism, work, business, or social visits.
Visa Validity: Valid for a maximum of 90 days, with a stay duration of 30 or 60 days, depending on the type.
Application Method: Fully online via Indonesia E-Visa portal.
Proof of Fund: Minimum of $2,000 to cover expenses for the period of stay.
Family Inclusion: It allows you to manage applications for your spouse and children within a single session.
/7. India
Application Fee: $10 to $80, depending on visa type and duration.
Processing Timeline: Processing takes 3-4 working days.
Applicable Visa: Applicable to tourism, work, business, and social visits, among others.
Visa Validity: Ranges from 30 days to 5 years, with stays permitted for 30, 90, or 180 days depending on visa type.
Application Method: Fully online via Indian E-Visa portal.
Proof of Fund: Around $1,000 to $2,000 to cover expenses for the period of stay.
Family Inclusion: Does not allow family inclusion, as each family member, including minor children and infants, must submit a separate Indian e-Visa application
/8. Maldives
Application Fee: Free for an initial 30 days, after which 750 MVR ($50) applies.
Processing Timeline: Within 48 hours of submission
Applicable Visa: Applicable to tourism, expatriate workers, business, or social visits.
Visa Validity: Standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days, while business and work visas can be valid for up to 90 days in a 12-month period.
Application Method: Fully online via Maldives E-Visa portal.
Proof of Fund: Minimum of $100 plus $50 per day to cover expenses for the period of stay.
Family Inclusion: Allows family inclusion for expatriates working in the country through a dedicated Dependent Visa for spouses and children under 18.
David Adubiina
