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We are committed to keeping our partners and clients informed of the latest travel developments in Southeast Asia. Please click on the date to view the updates. Any questions or concerns, please contact care@trailsofindochina.com
Updated in January 2025
Thailand will implement a new biometric identification system across its six major airports
Thailand will implement a new biometric identification system across its six major airports, starting in November for domestic passengers and expanding to international travelers in December. The system uses facial recognition to streamline the travel process, allowing passengers to bypass traditional document checks at key touchpoints such as baggage drop, security, and boarding. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and reduce wait times.
Thailand launched a global e-Visa system on 1 January 2025
Thailand launched a global e-Visa system on 1 January 2025, streamlining applications through 94 embassies worldwide. This initiative eliminates the need for in-person submissions and reduces paperwork, enabling travellers to apply online conveniently. The system complements Thailand’s advanced biometric identification technology at airports for seamless arrivals.
Cambodia reduces e-visa fees in 2025
Effective January 1, 2025, the Royal Government of Cambodia has reduced e-Visa fees to promote tourism and investment. The new fee structure includes a reduction in the cost of the Tourist e-Visa (Type T) from $36 to $30 and the Ordinary e-Visa (Type E) from $42 to $35, making travel to Cambodia more affordable for international visitors.
Vietnam bans vapes
Vietnam has banned e-cigarettes, effective January 1, 2025, prohibiting their production, sale, import, and use. Tourists face fines up to 2 million dong (~US$78.50) for possession or use, while traders and producers risk fines up to 3 billion dong or 15 years’ imprisonment. The move aligns Vietnam with other countries like Singapore and Thailand, citing health concerns over vaping. Travelers are advised to check local regulations to avoid penalties.
Updated in March 2025
Indonesia e-Visa on arrival available for 97 eligible countries
VFS Global’s new Indonesia Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) platform is now available for nationals of all the 97 countries eligible for e-VoA, including Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, Greater China (excluding Macau), Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, Vietnam, and New Zealand. Travellers can now enjoy a quicker and smoother visa application journey by completing the 10-minute process online and receiving a pre-approved e-VoA before departure. Application for a visa extension can be done on the same system, once, for a stay period of 30 days.
Vietnam extends visa waiver for citizens of 12 countries until 2028
The Vietnamese government has announced an extension of its visa exemption policy for citizens of 12 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. According to the resolution, travelers from these countries can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days from their arrival date. This policy will be in effect from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2028, with the possibility of extension based on Vietnam’s legal regulations.
Updated in May 2025
China’s visa-free entry policy for citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.
Effective from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, citizens of the above countries can enter China without a visa for purposes including business, tourism, visiting friends or family, cultural exchanges, or transit, for stays of up to 30 days.
New airport in Phnompenh, Phnom Penh Techo International Airport (KTI)
All Air Cambodia flights will be redirected to Phnom Penh Techo International Airport (KTI), with operations beginning there at 8:00 AM on September 9, 2025. To facilitate this transition, Air Cambodia inform that the sales system will be updated to reflect the new airport code KTI ( for Phnom Penh destination )Â for all bookings from Aug 1, 2025, specifically for travel scheduled on or after September 9, 2025.
HEALTH & SAFETY MEASURES
Our passion for discovering and introducing Southeast Asia is as strong as ever, and we remain committed to providing you experiences of a lifetime. The purpose of the following guidelines is to help mitigate the spread of contagious diseases on trip.
HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE
Trails of Indochina has appointed a health & safety committee to oversee and implement these new health & safety measure in all destinations. The committee will meet regularly to review the policies and vendors to ensure we are doing everything possible to achieve the necessary health & safety preparedness.
RESTAURANTS
Trails of Indochina will work with restaurants who have appropriate and strict health & safety guidelines including cleanliness & hygiene. Where possible, TOI will keep a copy of the hygiene certificate on file.
BOATS & HOTELS
Trails of Indochina will work with overnight boats and hotels who have appropriate and strict health & safety guidelines including cleanliness & hygiene. Where possible, TOI will keep a copy of the hygiene certificate on file.
DAILY HEALTH CHECKS FOR GUIDES & DRIVERS
Guides and Drivers will be required to take their temperature each morning and report to the operations manager before starting their day. If they have a fever, they cannot work and the company will find an alternative.
GUIDE & DRIVER HYGIENE
Guide and driver will wash their hands frequently throughout the day and use hand sanitizer each time they get in the vehicles with guests. Guides and rivers should do this in view of guests so guests will feel secure that hygiene is being taken seriously. Drivers should also wipe down and sanitize the hard surfaces in vehicles at each stop. This includes hard seats, arm rests, door handles, seat belt buckles, light and air controls, doors and windows, and grab handles.
Our team of Travel Experts are dedicated to responding to client's needs and requests in a timely manner. With our 24/7 Customer Care Hotline, travelers can be assured that assistance is available for any last minute requests and emergency