Asian Countries That Can Enter Schengen Area Without a Visa, 2025

Europe has always been a dream destination for travelers, and for some Asian passport holders, that dream just got a lot easier. According to the 2025 VisaGuide Passport Index, citizens from a select group of Asian countries can now enter the Schengen Area without needing a visa—making travel across 27 European nations more seamless than ever.

These visa exemptions are granted based on factors like passport strength, diplomatic trust, and security cooperation, reflecting positive bilateral relationships with the European Union.

Who’s In? The Visa-Free Asian List

The list includes a mix of full countries and special administrative regions, showcasing diverse geopolitical connections:

• Southeast Asia:

  • Brunei Darussalam

  • Malaysia

  • Singapore

  • Timor-Leste

• East & Northeast Asia:

  • Japan

  • South Korea

  • Taiwan

  • Hong Kong

  • Macao

• West & Central Asia:

  • U.A.E.

  • Georgia

  • Cyprus

These countries have been granted visa-free access for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Southeast Asia Holds Strong

Notably, four Southeast Asian nations made the cut: Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste. Their inclusion underscores growing regional influence and effective foreign diplomacy. These countries consistently score high in passport mobility indexes, giving their citizens greater access to global destinations.

A Win for Travel, Business, and Soft Power

For travelers from these Asian countries, Schengen access means:

• No more embassy appointments

• Easier business trips and conference travel

• Hassle-free multi-country European tours

• Strengthened international cultural and economic exchange

This development is not just about tourism — it represents a shift in global passport power and regional diplomacy.