The ASEAN single visa would allow travelers to cross border between member states, same way Europe’s visa system works, saving time and resources.
To market the entire region as a tourist destination is the main idea behind this plan, which could be explored under a single visa, taking full advantage of the budget regional air travel network.
The boost in tourism will provide jobs, enable growth and reduce poverty. ASEAN nations are subject to their own immigration and visa policies as well as different approaches to security and screenings for inbound travelers thought the idea sounds practical on the surface.
There will undoubtedly be challenges from the diversity of political situations, opinions, and policies across ASEAN. Yet with closer cooperation among ASEAN members, every country can eventually enjoy the full scope of tourism economic benefits brought by the single visa system.
Tourism is one of the major revenue earners for ASEAN countries, accounting for 12.3 percent of the region’s GDP with more than 104 million international arrivals in 2015.