In this article, we look at the 5 friendliest countries in Asia. You can read about the economic impact of countries being welcoming towards tourists and expatriates by heading over to the 15 Friendliest Countries in Asia.
5. Singapore
Score: 1.51
Singapore is one of the friendliest countries in the Asia. It ranks 17th on Passport Index’s 2024 ranking for welcoming countries, with travelers from as many as 164 countries allowed to enter with visa on arrival, or eTA. 29% of Singapore’s population comprises expatriates. HSBC has listed Singapore as the ninth best country in the world for expatriate living.
4. Philippines
Score: 1.63
Next up is the Philippines, which has plenty of beautiful places to explore for travelers, and the locals are incredibly friendly and hospitable. Travelers from 159 countries can visit the country by receiving their visas on arrival, or through an eTA. Insider Monkey’s 2023 article listed Philippines as the fourth most friendly country in the world. You can see the full list here. Moreover, the Asian country is also known for its expat living. HSBC ranked Philippines 42nd in the world on its Expat Explorer List.
3. Vietnam
Score: 1.67
Vietnam is one of the friendliest countries in Asia. Its tourism industry is booming, with the country having received over 12.6 million tourists in 2023, which is a three-time higher number than in 2022. The Passport Index 2024 has listed Vietnam as the joint-first ranked welcoming country in the world due to its high visa acceptance rate. According to HSBC, the Asian country is 19th best in the world for expatriate living as well.
2. Malaysia
Score: 2.20
Malaysia is the second friendliest country in Asia, and the fifteenth friendliest in the world. Moreover, it ranks as the 16th most immigrant friendly country in the world as well, with a migrant stock in population of 10.7%. HSBC has listed Malaysia as the 25th best country for expat living. 26 millions tourists traveled to Malaysia in 2023, aided by a high visa acceptance rate. According to the Passport Index 2024, Malaysia is the fourth most welcoming country in the world in terms of visa on arrival and eTA entry offered to travelling passengers.
1. United Arab Emirates
Score: 2.52
The United Arab Emirates is the friendliest country in Asia. Local Emiratis only account for 11.48% of UAE’s population, with expatriates holding over 88% of the share. It is also the fourth best country for expatriates to migrate to, according to HSBC. The UAE welcomed over 17 million tourists from around the world in 2023. The processing time for a UAE visa is just three to four days, which makes it an easy destination to travel to. Moreover, its warmer climate has made the country the perfect spot for western tourists to spend their winters at.
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