China, Japan, South Korea: our tips for traveling in East Asia

The ancestral cultures of the Far East always have that magical, disorientating effect. Just several hours by plane from Switzerland, you can discover incredible natural landscapes and enjoy a unique cultural experience. Which countries are worth visiting in this vast region of East Asia? And how can you best prepare for your stay there? Here's all the information you need to travel to East Asia with peace of mind.

Where to travel in East Asia?

This large region of the globe is made up of 6 countries: China, North and South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Mongolia. In this article, we take a closer look at three of them: China, South Korea and Japan.

Going to China

This immense territory offers a wide variety of landscapes: from lakes and mountains to deserts and modern metropolises, the Middle Kingdom will undoubtedly give you a change of scenery and reveal its rich and fascinating traditional culture. 

Travelling to China: VISA

Swiss nationals, like French and Belgians, need to apply for a VISA. You can find more information and the form to fill in on the Chinese Embassy website: Embassy (china-embassy.gov.cn).

Please note: this VISA does not allow you to go directly to Tibet, Hong Kong or Macau. There are special regulations for these territories, so be sure to find out about them before you leave.

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Going to South Korea

In recent years, Korean culture has become better known in Europe, particularly through the music and style of K-pop and the TV series K-Dramas. The country attracts more and more visitors every year, and when you're there, you'll be amazed by the breathtaking natural landscapes, the large metropolises and the richness of the ancestral culture. What a change of scenery!

Travelling to South Korea: VISA

You don't need a VISA to travel to South Korea if you're a Swiss, French or Belgian national (among other exempted nationalities) for a stay of less than 90 days. On the other hand, you need to apply for a K-ETA (Korean-Electronic Travel Authorization), the validity of which has been extended by 3 years to July 2023, and which will cost you 10,000 won per person (around CHF 8). It's all done online, and you can obtain it within 24 hours on this website: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do

Travelling to Japan

From the tranquility of Buddhist temples, castles and natural landscapes to the energy of megacities, the Land of the Rising Sun offers us interesting and above all exotic contrasts. You'll be amazed by the beauty of this unique country.

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Travelling to Japan: VISA

You don't need a VISA to visit Japan if your stay is less than 60 days (90 days for French or Belgian nationals, for example). If you wish to stay for up to 90 days, you must apply for an extension of stay from the Regional Immigration Office before the end of the initial 60 days. Make sure you have a valid passport (until your return date), your return ticket and proof of accommodation for your 1st night there.

When is the best time to travel in East Asia?

When to go to China: it's a huge territory with many different climates. Generally speaking, April-May and September-October are the most favorable months in China.

When to go to South Korea: spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are the mildest periods, with pleasant temperatures and outside the rainy season.

When to go to Japan: if you want to admire the cherry blossoms, April is the best time. Otherwise, autumn is also very pleasant, with fewer tourists and mild temperatures.

Are there any compulsory vaccinations for travel to East Asia?

There are no specific vaccinations required for the 3 countries mentioned, except for yellow fever, which will apply to travelers coming from high-risk areas.

However, we recommend that you check that your vaccinations are up to date, particularly DTP and MMR, and, depending on your travel conditions, we strongly advise you to be vaccinated against typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, and Japanese encephalitis. For trips to China, you can also be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis A+C+Y+W135. Don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice before you leave.

In addition to vaccinations, remember to protect yourself against mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit (dengue fever, malaria, Zika...). Wear clothing that covers your body as much as possible, and impregnate it with insecticide. See our recommendations for preventing tropical diseases.

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Emergency numbers in East Asia

Take note of and carry with you the emergency numbers in these countries:

China: 110 (police); 119 (fire department); 120 (ambulance)

South Korea: 112 (police); 119 (fire); 1339 (medical emergency)

Japan: 110 (police); 119 (fire)

What travel insurance should I take out for East Asia?

We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance if you're going to East Asia, to cover any emergency health expenses and unforeseen events. So you can leave with complete peace of mind and make the most of this incredible trip.

Medical expenses in East Asia

If you don't have health insurance and need treatment in China, South Korea or Japan, you'll have to pay your own medical expenses. In the event of an emergency, even a life-threatening one, you'll have to pay the full cost, otherwise you won't be treated. In the event of medical repatriation to Switzerland, you won't be covered either (sums can run into thousands of CHF).

With our Comfort travel insurances, you'll be covered in the event of a problem: medical expenses up to CHF 250,000, unlimited repatriation, emergency transport, etc. In addition to medical expenses and 24-hour medical assistance, our insurances offer you other guarantees such as trip cancellation, luggage insurance, dog & cat extension, etc. Discover all our Comfort guarantees here.

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