One Visa for Six Countries: Will Southeast Asia’s Tourism Vision Become Reality? – Thailand Business News

In early 2024, Thailand suggested the idea of a visa common to six ASEAN countries, aiming to attract more tourists and to simplify formalities for travelers in Southeast Asia. Although this initiative could generate significant benefits for all parties, its implementation seems to remain at a standstill. 

A bold initiative to streamline travel processes for tourists

From February 23 to 25, during an official visit to the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Thai Business Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in economics and tourism. Both leaders expressed their willingness to strengthen their collaboration in these fields by once again discussing the “Six Countries, One Destination” project. 

Originally proposed by Thailand in early 2024, this endeavor aims to introduce a common visa for six ASEAN countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos and Burma (Myanmar). Discussions are also underway to include Singapore to the list.

Simpler administrative formalities would make for a smoother process, encouraging travelers to visit several countries in one trip, and thus representing a major opportunity for regional tourism. 

The goal is to make Southeast Asia more accessible and promote an ongoing flow of visitors between neighboring countries. This initiative would be rounded off by the creation of itineraries enabling all UNESCO sites to be visited in one go, renewing international interest in Asian cultures. 

Governments participating in the project are also talking about synchronizing traditional celebrations such as Thai-Lao-Khmer New Year and Chinese New Year. This calendar of festivals would be topped off by deals on accommodations, in the scope of further incentivizing tourists to take part in it. 

A sluggish beginning

This kind of project is not the first to be discussed. Since the 1990s, when South Asia experienced a sudden rise in tourism, similar measures have emerged, but they have all remained at the draft stage. 

In 2010, Vietnamese proposed to unify tourism in the Mekong countries, but this idea never saw the light of day. 

The region, which has now become a must-see destination for international tourists, has failed to capitalize fully on its upturn by implementing a sustainable collaboration.

Potential benefits for Thai tourism

A Schengen-like collaboration would be a real boon for intra-regional economic growth and tourism. 

Since the end of the pandemic, tourist demand in countries such as Thailand and Vietnam has surged significantly. In addition to the loyal Asian clientele that accounts for nearly 80% of arrivals, these top destinations have seen a huge influx of backpackers and digital nomads flocking to their borders. 

According to the World Bank, Thailand has successfully overcome the impact of Covid on tourism and, with a forecast of around 39 million visitors in 2025, should surpass its pre-pandemic level.

Thanks to its streamlined visa procedures, Thailand received nearly 35 million travelers in 2023, representing half of the 70 million tourists who visited Southeast Asia. The Kingdom exempts 93 countries from visa requirements – including the very strategic China and India – while Vietnam exempts only 26. 

The “Six Countries, One Destination” enterprise would thus be a further boost to Thailand’s tourism industry, as it accounts for around 12% of the country’s GDP, and remains one of the key sectors that can revive the Thai economy – while others remain constrained by the aftereffects of the pandemic. 

Some are looking forward to seeing the project implemented, in the hope that the bureaucratic simplification will go beyond tourism, and eventually lead to student visas or work permits for locals that are easier to obtain.

Why the project is stalling

If the benefits of “Six Countries, One Destination” appear to be mutually beneficial for all parties, why do the leaders seem so reluctant to put it into action?

First, it is difficult to find common ground. When Myanmar was added to the project’s list of member countries, several other parties involved backpedaled. 

Because of the 2021 coup d’état and the political situation that ensued, Myanmar currently reflects an image that frightens tourists and with which its neighbors do not necessarily want to be associated. Myanmar was then replaced by Brunei. 

Other diplomatic hesitations also hampered negotiations, such as when Thailand stated that Cambodia supported the project and Phnom Penh refused to confirm whether it was true. 

The high level of financial commitment also represents a potential hindrance. In order to welcome massive waves of tourists and ensure an untrammelled trip, governments must adapt their bureaucracies and modernize their infrastructures. Improving customs and facilities or creating air, water and road connectivity comes at a cost that can be off-putting. 

Finally, for many destinations, the project may have a counterproductive effect that needs to be considered. If borders open up, countries will most likely compete for tourists’ favor, potentially creating shortfalls or losses for the neglected destinations. 

Some people are even failing to see the benefits that Thailand would derive from a common visa, and fear that it could become a mere transit point through which tourists pass without really stopping. 

Should this project remain a mere draft?

Despite the obvious advantages of “Six Countries, One Destination”, there is cause for concern about the impact that a massive influx of visitors will have on already vulnerable locations.

Should visas be simplified, it is likely that locals would play on the singularities of their country in order to remain competitive and attractive – an overcommercialization of traditions  that may be detrimental to their authenticity. 

Moreover, overtourism brings its share of ecological consequences: natural areas being marketed as tourist hotspots, degradation of biodiversity and ecosystems, pollution… 

The majority of today’s travellers are looking for authentic and sustainable experiences. If the governments involved are to meet these expectations, they must strive for responsible tourism that respects local communities and preserves cultural integrity. 

For the time being, “Six Countries, One Destination” is still under discussion. Several spokespersons have said that their country is open to the idea, but needs more clarification before fully committing – which, in diplomatic language, means that it can be a while before the project finally gets off the ground. 

Meanwhile, Thailand remains the undisputed leader and, thanks to its well-established tourism facilities, has everything it takes to rally its neighbors and turn this goal into reality.