While entering a new country sometimes requires authorization in the form of a visa, the specific visa requirements US citizens encounter in Southeast Asia can range from simple exemptions to digital pre-registrations or mandatory visas. As of 2026, even "visa-free" destinations like Thailand and Malaysia now require travelers to submit electronic arrival cards ahead of time to ensure entry.

To help you go through passport control without issue, we’ve compiled what you need to know about entering the various countries in Southeast Asia when you're traveling as a tourist.

Brunei

Although a visa is not needed for US citizens to travel to Brunei for 90 days or less, all travelers are required to fill out an E-Arrival Card registration and complete the Health Declaration before arrival. If you want to stay for more than 90 days, you must obtain a visa.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Embassy of Brunei.

Cambodia

US citizens need a visa to enter Cambodia, which is valid for one month from the date of entry. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. Alternatively, you can apply for an eVisa online or in-person at the Cambodian Embassy, located at 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 (202-726-7742).

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Indonesia

The Indonesia visa for US citizens can be applied for in advance online, called an eVisa on arrival, if you are entering Indonesia in Jakarta at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport or in Bali at Denpasar International Airport, and at certain seaports or land boarder crossings. It costs 500,000 rupiah fee (~$35) and is valid for 30 days. To apply, you'll also need to have a departure date from the country with a return or onward flight booking. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to apply for an eVisa here.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Embassy of Indonesia.

Laos

A Laos tourist visa is required for US citizens and allows a stay of 30 days (it can be extended up to an additional 60 days at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane). Depending on where you enter, you may be able to get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa you obtained in advance.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Malaysia

US citizens don't need a visa for stays of 90 days or less in Malaysia. Within three days of your arrival, you'll need to submit the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card. Upon arrival, you'll get a short-term social visit pass. It's valid for stays up to 90 days, including the day you arrive.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Malaysian Immigration Department.

Myanmar (Burma)

US citizens need a visa to enter Myanmar and can apply through an embassy or consulate in the US, abroad, or through the eVisa program before arriving. After applying for the eVisa, you should know within a few days whether you've been approved. An approved eVisa is valid for three months, and you must present the printed eVisa approval letter at immigration when you enter the country.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Embassy of Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Philippines

Good news: US citizens don't need a visa for stays under 30 days!

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines.

Singapore

While visas are not needed for US citizens for tourist travel of 90 days or less, visitors must complete the Singapore Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration no more than 3 days before arrival.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Embassy of Singapore.

Thailand

In Thailand, US citizens don't need a visa for tourist stays of 60 days or less. However, you must complete a pre-arrival registration online, called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, within 3 days of arrival. Keep your acknowledgement email to show the immigration officer.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the The Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau.

Timor-Leste

US citizens will need a visa to travel to Timor-Leste. If you fly in, you can get a visa on arrival for $30 that lasts 30 days. If you enter at a land crossing, you need to apply for a “Visa Application Authorization” in advance at the Timor-Leste Consulate in Kupang, Indonesia, and present the authorization to an immigration official at the border.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Embassy of Timor-Leste.

Vietnam

When traveling to Vietnam, US citizens will need a visa. You can apply online for an eVisa or at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The eVisa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and can be issued as either a single entry ($25) or multiple entries ($50). If you're not applying for an eVisa, Vietnam requires a "visa sponsor," which can be a local business or travel agent who will need to apply for a pre-approval letter on your behalf.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Embassy of Vietnam.

Final thoughts: Visa requirements US citizens

No matter what the visa requirements are for your destination(s), we recommend you check your passport's expiration date before booking flights, have proof of a return flight or onward travel (or proof of financial means to leave the country) when arriving at your first destination, and carry two recent passport photos in case they are needed for a visa on arrival. If you're traveling for any reason besides tourism, the information in this article may not be valid, so check requirements for your specific purpose of travel if that's the case to ensure compliancy.

As long as you check the necessary boxes, you should have a smooth entry and start enjoying your tropical vacation in no time!