This article introduces the top 15 friendliest countries in Asia. Skip our in-depth analysis of countries that welcome tourists, expats, and immigrants with open arms and go straight to 5 of Asia’s friendliest countries.
Traveling abroad is a special experience, whether it’s for sightseeing or a new life. Tourists have different expectations associated with visiting a country, including architecture, landscape, culture, cuisine, and shopping, which often have a long-term impact on their perception of a place. What gives is an experience with the locals.
Asia is the fastest growing region in the world, with its GDP expected to account for more than 50% of global GDP by 2040. The continent has immense economic potential and is attracting a large influx of investors and job seekers to Asia. Take note of the lucrative opportunities available in these large and densely populated markets. Additionally, Asia is also famous for its unique landscapes, culture, and temperate climate, enhancing the region’s reputation as a growing tourist destination.
2023 was an exceptional year for tourism in Asia, particularly the UAE, with over 17 million tourists visiting. The UAE is also the second most immigrant-welcoming country in the world, with immigrants making up 88.1% of the population. Tens of thousands of people flock to this country every year to find work, seeking better wages and living standards than in their home countries.
Several large companies operate in this country and contribute to its economic success. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) expects its cloud portfolio to create 100,000 new jobs between 2022 and 2026 and contribute $39 billion to the Emirate’s economy. We expect to add. US technology companies are in talks with UAE authorities about the possibility of using cloud-based services in India. A highly regulated department of government. Additionally, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) plans to spend $3.4 billion to support local businesses and data centers in the UAE.
Real estate business is also thriving in the UAE. Dubai is the world’s most profitable city for Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) landlords, with homeowners paying an average of $1,150 a night for properties near Burj Khalifa, according to UK-based research is also charged. The study states that it takes landlords an average of 121 nights to break even and get their money back by renting out their properties on Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB). Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, was named the third most profitable city for Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) landlords.
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Another top destination for travelers is Turkiye, where the number of tourists surged by 10.4% in 2023, reaching nearly 50 million tourists. Last month, the Turkish government lifted the requirement for tourists from the United States, Canada and Mexico to obtain electronic visas for trips of less than 90 days. The move is likely to further boost tourism in the country. Turkiye’s appeal as a major tourist destination means a booming hotel industry, with major chains such as Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH) and Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) announcing expansions in the country. are doing.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH) is the largest international hotel company operating in Turkiye, with more than 100 hotels in operation and approximately 20 more under development. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH)’s recent hotel additions in Turkiye include Days Hotel by Wyndham Istanbul Esenyurt and Ramada by Wyndham Karapinar.
Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) announced the signing of 13 deals in September 2023, hinting at expansion in Turkiye. The company currently has his 8,000-room portfolio across 21 brands and 48 properties in the country. New projects, including the long-awaited Fairfield Inn by Marriott, will add another 2,000 rooms, according to Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR).
Top 15 friendliest countries in Asia
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methodology
Asia’s Friendliest Countries are Yahoo Finance and Insider Monkey’s 30 Most Friendly Countries in the World and 20 Most Immigrant-Friendly Countries in the World, articles for expats HSBC’s Expat Explorer ranking lists the top 46 destinations, ranked by considering four sources. Passport Index’s Welcoming Countries Ranking 2024 ranks countries that accept visa-free passports with a visa on arrival or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
We looked at where every country in Asia ranked on each of these lists and assigned a score by dividing each list’s position by the total number of countries ranked on those lists. The scores were then aggregated to determine each country’s overall score. The 15 friendliest countries in Asia are listed in ascending order of these scores. If two or more countries had the same score, we ranked one above the other by looking at the total number of travelers these countries received.
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Now let’s move on to the list of the friendliest Asian countries.
15. Sri Lanka
Score: 0.96
Sri Lanka is one of the friendliest countries in Asia. It ranks third in the Passport Index’s ranking of welcoming countries. The Sri Lankan government offers Visa on Arrival or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travelers from 196 countries.
14. Maldives
Score: 1.00
Approximately 1.8 million tourists visited the Maldives in 2023. The people of this country are very warm and welcoming and will go to great lengths to make your holiday enjoyable and unforgettable.
13. Cambodia
Score: 1.00
Next on our list is Cambodia, a Southeast Asian country known for its lowlands and mountainous regions. It is ranked number 1 along with the Maldives and several other countries offering visa-free entry via Visa on Arrival or eTA. Approximately 5.4 million tourists visited Cambodia in 2023.
12. India
Score: 1.18
India is the 18th most immigrant-friendly country in the world, with immigrants making up 0.4% of the population. Most of the immigrants to India come from neighboring countries, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. The country ranks 30th on HSBC’s Expat Explorer’s list of top countries for foreigners. India offers visa on arrival or eTA entry to travelers from 163 countries.
11. Bahrain
Score: 1.20
Bahrain was ranked 21st in Yahoo Finance and Insider Monkey’s ranking of the world’s 30 friendliest countries. This West Asian island nation is known for its inclusiveness and understanding of other cultures. Foreigners make up over 52% of Bahrain’s population. According to HSBC, it is ranked 8th as the best country for expats. All these factors combine to make Bahrain one of the friendliest countries in Asia.
10. Jordan
Score: 1.23
Jordan is one of the friendliest countries in Asia. It ranks 27th in the world for visa acceptance, offering visa-on-arrival or eTA entry to travelers from 141 countries. It is also a top destination for immigrants, with immigrants making up 33.9% of the population. Jordan is home to more than 675,000 Syrians and between 2 and 3 million Palestinian refugees.
9. Tolkier
Score: 1.24
In 2023, nearly 50 million tourists visited Turkiye. Turkiye is one of the friendliest countries in Asia and the world. The country offers visa-on-arrival or eTA entry to travelers from as many as 118 countries. Recently, the Turkish government waived the requirement for travelers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to obtain an electronic visa if their trip is less than 90 days. It also features on HSBC’s list of best destinations for expat living.
8. Thailand
Score: 1.32
Thailand will be one of the most visited countries in the world in 2023, with more than 27 million tourists visiting annually. It is one of the friendliest countries in Asia, and travelers can really experience the warm and welcoming nature of the locals when visiting major tourist destinations such as Phuket and Bangkok. Thailand is also ranked 40th on the HBSC’s list of top countries for foreigners.
7. Taiwan
Score: 1.36
It’s common in Taiwan for tourists to strike up friendly conversations with locals, and some may see it as an opportunity to improve their English. The people of this country are incredibly hospitable and welcoming to foreigners. Currently, travelers from 90 countries can travel to Taiwan and receive a visa on arrival. This Asian country is also known for its high quality of life for expats, ranking 15th in HSBC’s Expat Explorer rankings.
6. Saudi Arabia
Score: 1.41
Saudi Arabia ranks 6th on the list of the friendliest countries in Asia. It is the most immigrant-friendly country in the world, with 38.6% of the population being immigrants. HSBC ranks Saudi Arabia 39th as a destination for expatriates. In terms of ease of travel, Saudi Arabia offers visa on arrival or eTA entry to travelers from 71 countries, according to the Passport Index 2024. However, Saudi Arabia is very religiously conservative, so we recommend respecting local customs and traditions.
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Disclosure: None. “Asia’s 15 Friendliest Countries” was originally published on Insider Monkey.
