Asia: travel guide by country, visas and health insurance
Asia brings together very different entry rules depending on the country and the traveler's passport: some destinations offer visa exemptions for short stays, others offer visa on arrival, and others require prior consular processing. There's no single rule for the whole continent, so each country in this guide details its own requirement.
On the health side, most Asian countries with strong tourism infrastructure (Japan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, China) have high-level private hospitals, but almost none offer free care to foreign visitors. International travel insurance is the most practical way to avoid high out-of-pocket payments in case of an accident or illness.
Visas: the rule varies by country and by passport
Unlike the Schengen Area in Europe, Asia has no single visa agreement among the countries in this guide. Japan and Thailand offer visa exemptions to many nationalities for short stays; the United Arab Emirates grants visa on arrival to many passports; China requires a visa for most nationalities, although it has expanded unilateral exemption and visa-free transit policies for some cases. Always verify the exact requirement for your passport before buying flights.
Travel medical insurance in Asia
Private hospitals in Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai or Shanghai operate to international standards, but many request proof of insurance or a deposit before admitting a foreign patient. Assist-365 covers 24-hour medical assistance, hospitalization and COVID-19 in more than 200 countries, including all of Asia; the code MEDALLOADV2023 applies a discount when you get a quote.
Countries covered in this guide
These are the four Asian destinations with a detailed guide on Viaje365, along with their currency and main emergency number.
Cultural differences and practices to consider
Each country has local rules relevant to travelers: in the United Arab Emirates there are strict laws on public conduct and alcohol consumption; in Japan punctuality and certain etiquette norms are expected; in Thailand there's mandatory respect toward the royal figure. Reviewing these customs before traveling avoids serious misunderstandings.
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Quick facts for the Asian destinations covered
| Country | Currency | Emergency |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Japanese yen (JPY) | 110 police / 119 ambulance and fire |
| Thailand | Thai baht (THB) | 191 general / 1155 tourist police |
| United Arab Emirates | Dirham (AED) | 999 police / 998 ambulance |
| China | Yuan/renminbi (CNY) | 110 police / 120 ambulance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Asian countries require a visa equally?
No. Each country sets its own visa policy based on the passport's nationality; there's no common rule for the whole continent.
Is there a single emergency number for all of Asia?
No. Unlike Europe's 112, each Asian country has its own number or combination of numbers for police, ambulance and fire services.
Do hospitals in Asia accept international travel insurance?
Private hospitals in tourist destinations like Bangkok, Tokyo or Dubai commonly accept certificates from international insurers like Assist-365 to speed up admission.
Do I need medical insurance if my passport doesn't require a visa to enter?
Yes. Visa exemption has nothing to do with health coverage; in most Asian countries, medical care for foreigners is paid for directly without insurance.