{
  "$schema": "https://schema.org/Dataset",
  "name": "The Visa Friction Index 2026",
  "description": "Tourist-entry friction scores (0-100, lower = easier) for 15 destinations — Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Mexico — computed for US, UK, EU-Schengen and Australian passports from visa-free days, entry-authorization cost, paperwork friction and extension ease.",
  "publisher": "Day Trips Vietnam",
  "publisher_url": "https://daytripsvietnam.com",
  "source_url": "https://daytripsvietnam.com/guides/visa-friction-index-2026/",
  "methodology_url": "https://daytripsvietnam.com/guides/visa-friction-index-2026/#methodology",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0",
  "license_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "temporal_coverage": "2026",
  "spatial_coverage": "Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Mexico",
  "updated": "2026-07-21",
  "version": "2026.1",
  "suggested_citation": "Day Trips Vietnam, \"The Visa Friction Index 2026\" (July 2026), https://daytripsvietnam.com/guides/visa-friction-index-2026/",
  "headline": {
    "passport": "us",
    "vietnam_rank": 10,
    "vietnam_score": 37.5,
    "easiest": "Mexico",
    "hardest": "India",
    "note": "Vietnam ranks 10th of 15 for a US passport but joint 6th for UK and most EU-Schengen passports, because the 45-day visa exemption covers 24 nationalities that do not include the US or Australia."
  },
  "methodology": {
    "scoring_date": "2026-07-10",
    "scale": "0-100 friction score, reported to two decimals; lower = easier entry",
    "formula": "friction = 0.40*A + 0.20*B + 0.25*C + 0.15*D",
    "components": {
      "A_days_granted": {
        "weight": 0.4,
        "definition": "Maximum initial stay (days) granted under the standard tourist route for that passport",
        "formula": "A = 100 * (1 - min(days, 120) / 120)",
        "examples": {
          "180_days": 0,
          "90_days": 25,
          "60_days": 50,
          "45_days": 62.5,
          "30_days": 75
        }
      },
      "B_entry_cost": {
        "weight": 0.2,
        "definition": "Official USD fee for the mandatory entry authorization (visa, e-visa, visa on arrival, or paid ETA); free digital arrival cards count as 0",
        "formula": "B = min(cost_usd, 80) / 80 * 100"
      },
      "C_paperwork_friction": {
        "weight": 0.25,
        "definition": "Pre-arrival processing burden",
        "rubric": {
          "0": "Passport only; no mandatory pre-arrival form",
          "15": "Mandatory free digital arrival card only",
          "40": "Paid ETA or e-visa with near-instant or same-day approval",
          "55": "Visa on arrival (airport queue, cash payment) or e-visa approved in 1-3 working days",
          "70": "E-visa with 3+ working-day processing and document uploads",
          "100": "Consular or embassy visa required"
        },
        "modifier": "+10 if a mandatory free pre-arrival form stacks on top of a paid authorization (capped at 100)"
      },
      "D_extension_ease": {
        "weight": 0.15,
        "definition": "In-country extension of the standard tourist stay",
        "rubric": {
          "0": "Routine in-country extension at roughly USD 60 or less",
          "25": "Extension available at moderate cost or typically agent-mediated (about USD 60-150 all-in)",
          "50": "Extension only at immigration discretion for documented reasons; not routine for tourism",
          "100": "No extension route for ordinary tourists"
        }
      }
    },
    "notes": [
      "Rules are scored as legally in force on the scoring date. Thailand's Cabinet approved reverting the 60-day exemption to 30 days on 2026-05-19, but the change had not been published in the Royal Gazette at scoring; Thailand is scored at 60 days.",
      "EU-Schengen is scored on a German passport as proxy. Some Schengen passports differ (for example, Portugal is not on Vietnam's 24-country exemption list and is not on South Korea's K-ETA waiver list).",
      "Laos visa-on-arrival fees vary by nationality (roughly USD 30-45); all four passports are scored at USD 40.",
      "Indonesia's IDR 500,000 visa on arrival is scored at USD 33; the USD equivalent moves with exchange rates.",
      "India's 30-day e-Tourist fee is USD 25 for July-March arrivals (USD 10 April-June); scored at USD 25 as of the July publication date, excluding the 2.5% bank charge.",
      "Vietnam's Digital Arrival Card (mandatory at Tan Son Nhat from 2026-04-15) is a single-airport pilot as of mid-2026 and is not scored as a nationwide mandatory pre-arrival form.",
      "Weighting is editorial. The index is a point-in-time snapshot; verify rules with official sources before travel."
    ]
  },
  "destinations": [
    {
      "destination": "Mexico",
      "iso": "MX",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa-free, digital FMM issued at the desk",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 180,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none pre-arrival",
          "extension": "no tourist extension; days granted at officer discretion",
          "components": {
            "A": 0,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 15.0,
          "rank": 1
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-free, digital FMM issued at the desk",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 180,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none pre-arrival",
          "extension": "no tourist extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 0,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 15.0,
          "rank": 2
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-free, digital FMM issued at the desk",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 180,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none pre-arrival",
          "extension": "no tourist extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 0,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 15.0,
          "rank": 2
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "visa-free, digital FMM issued at the desk",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 180,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none pre-arrival",
          "extension": "no tourist extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 0,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 15.0,
          "rank": 1
        }
      },
      "caveat": "Since 2022 the full 180 days is no longer automatic; officers grant days commensurate with the stated trip (Ley de Migracion art. 43).",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html",
        "https://www.mexperience.com/changes-to-time-allowed-in-mexico-using-a-visitor-permit/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Singapore",
      "iso": "SG",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa-free + SG Arrival Card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "SGAC, mandatory, within 3 days of arrival",
          "extension": "discretionary via ICA e-service",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 50
          },
          "score": 21.25,
          "rank": 2
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-free + SG Arrival Card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "SGAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "discretionary via ICA e-service",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 50
          },
          "score": 41.25,
          "rank": 10,
          "note": "Typically 30 days; officers may grant up to 90 at discretion (GOV.UK)"
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-free + SG Arrival Card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "SGAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "discretionary via ICA e-service",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 50
          },
          "score": 41.25,
          "rank": 10
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "visa-free + SG Arrival Card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "SGAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "discretionary via ICA e-service",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 50
          },
          "score": 41.25,
          "rank": 9
        }
      },
      "sources": [
        "https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore",
        "https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/singapore/entry-requirements"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "South Korea",
      "iso": "KR",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa-free (K-ETA waived through 2026-12-31) + e-Arrival Card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "e-Arrival Card, mandatory unless holding a K-ETA",
          "extension": "discretionary, documented reasons only",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 50
          },
          "score": 21.25,
          "rank": 2
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-free (K-ETA waived through 2026-12-31) + e-Arrival Card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "e-Arrival Card, mandatory",
          "extension": "discretionary",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 50
          },
          "score": 21.25,
          "rank": 3
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-free (K-ETA waived through 2026-12-31) + e-Arrival Card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "e-Arrival Card, mandatory",
          "extension": "discretionary",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 50
          },
          "score": 21.25,
          "rank": 3
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "visa-free (K-ETA waived through 2026-12-31) + e-Arrival Card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "e-Arrival Card, mandatory",
          "extension": "discretionary",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 50
          },
          "score": 21.25,
          "rank": 2
        }
      },
      "caveat": "The K-ETA waiver for 22 countries ends 2026-12-31; from 2027 a K-ETA (KRW 10,000) is scheduled to be required again.",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.k-eta.go.kr",
        "https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/01/02/south-korea-extends-k-eta-waiver-through-december-2026-for-select-nationals-of-22-countries/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Thailand",
      "iso": "TH",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa-free (60-day exemption) + TDAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 60,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "Thailand Digital Arrival Card, mandatory, within 72 hours of arrival",
          "extension": "routine 30-day extension, THB 1,900",
          "components": {
            "A": 50,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 23.75,
          "rank": 4
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-free (60-day exemption) + TDAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 60,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "TDAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "routine 30-day extension, THB 1,900",
          "components": {
            "A": 50,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 23.75,
          "rank": 4
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-free (60-day exemption) + TDAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 60,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "TDAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "routine 30-day extension, THB 1,900",
          "components": {
            "A": 50,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 23.75,
          "rank": 4
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "visa-free (60-day exemption) + TDAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 60,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "TDAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "routine 30-day extension, THB 1,900",
          "components": {
            "A": 50,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 23.75,
          "rank": 3
        }
      },
      "caveat": "Cabinet approved cutting the exemption to 30 days on 2026-05-19; not yet in the Royal Gazette at scoring. If enacted, Thailand's score worsens to 33.75.",
      "sources": [
        "https://tdac.immigration.go.th",
        "https://thethaiger.com/guides/visa-information/thailand-visa-exemption"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Japan",
      "iso": "JP",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa-free, passport only",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none mandatory (Visit Japan Web optional)",
          "extension": "no extension for US passports",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 25.0,
          "rank": 5
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-free, passport only",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none mandatory",
          "extension": "extendable to 180 days at a regional immigration bureau (bilateral treaty)",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 10.0,
          "rank": 1
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-free, passport only",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none mandatory",
          "extension": "German (also Austrian, Swiss) passports extendable to 180 days",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 10.0,
          "rank": 1
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "visa-free, passport only",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none mandatory",
          "extension": "no extension for Australian passports",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 25.0,
          "rank": 4
        }
      },
      "caveat": "JESTA pre-screening is planned for fiscal 2028; not required for 2026 trips.",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html",
        "https://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/index_000070.html"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Turkey",
      "iso": "TR",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa-free (90 days per 180), passport only",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none",
          "extension": "no tourist extension; touristic residence permits tightened in 2026",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 25.0,
          "rank": 5
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-free (90 days per 180), passport only",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none",
          "extension": "no tourist extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 25.0,
          "rank": 5
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-free (90 days per 180), passport only",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "none",
          "extension": "no tourist extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 25.0,
          "rank": 5
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "e-visa, multiple entry, 90 days per 180",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 60,
          "arrival_card": "none",
          "extension": "no tourist extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 75,
            "C": 40,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 50.0,
          "rank": 11
        }
      },
      "sources": [
        "https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa",
        "https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Malaysia",
      "iso": "MY",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa-free + MDAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, mandatory, within 3 days of arrival",
          "extension": "no extension of visa-free stay",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 7
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-free + MDAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "MDAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "no extension of visa-free stay",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 6
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-free + MDAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "MDAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "no extension of visa-free stay",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 6
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "visa-free + MDAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "MDAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "no extension of visa-free stay",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 5
        }
      },
      "sources": [
        "https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/pengumuman/malaysia-digital-arrival-card-mdac/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Taiwan",
      "iso": "TW",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa-exempt + TWAC online arrival card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "Taiwan online arrival card, mandatory, within 7 days of arrival",
          "extension": "visa-exempt stay not extendable",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 7
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-exempt + TWAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "TWAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "not extendable",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 6
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-exempt + TWAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "TWAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "not extendable",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 6
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "visa-exempt + TWAC (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "TWAC, mandatory",
          "extension": "not extendable",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 5
        }
      },
      "sources": [
        "https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-149-4486-7785a-2.html"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Philippines",
      "iso": "PH",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa-free + eTravel (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "eTravel QR, mandatory before arrival",
          "extension": "routine 29-day extension (~PHP 3,030), long-stay chain possible",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 33.75,
          "rank": 9
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-free + eTravel (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "eTravel, mandatory",
          "extension": "routine 29-day extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 33.75,
          "rank": 9
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-free + eTravel (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "eTravel, mandatory",
          "extension": "routine 29-day extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 33.75,
          "rank": 9
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "visa-free + eTravel (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "eTravel, mandatory",
          "extension": "routine 29-day extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 15,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 33.75,
          "rank": 7
        }
      },
      "sources": [
        "https://immigration.gov.ph/visas/visa-waiver/",
        "https://etravel.gov.ph"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Vietnam",
      "iso": "VN",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "e-visa (90 days, single or multiple entry)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 25,
          "arrival_card": "Digital Arrival Card mandatory only at Tan Son Nhat (pilot from 2026-04-15)",
          "extension": "possible, typically agent-mediated ($50-100 all-in)",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 31.25,
            "C": 70,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 37.5,
          "rank": 10
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa-free (45-day exemption, Resolutions 44 + 229)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 45,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "DAC mandatory only at Tan Son Nhat (pilot)",
          "extension": "possible, typically agent-mediated",
          "components": {
            "A": 62.5,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 6
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa-free (45-day exemption; Germany and 18 other European states listed)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 45,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "DAC mandatory only at Tan Son Nhat (pilot)",
          "extension": "possible, typically agent-mediated",
          "components": {
            "A": 62.5,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 0,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 28.75,
          "rank": 6,
          "note": "Not all Schengen passports qualify — Portugal, for example, is not on the 24-country list"
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "e-visa (90 days, single or multiple entry)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 90,
          "entry_cost_usd": 25,
          "arrival_card": "DAC mandatory only at Tan Son Nhat (pilot)",
          "extension": "possible, typically agent-mediated",
          "components": {
            "A": 25,
            "B": 31.25,
            "C": 70,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 37.5,
          "rank": 8
        }
      },
      "caveat": "E-visa: $25 single / $50 multiple entry, about 3 working days, thithucdientu.gov.vn. 45-day exemption covers 24 nationalities through 2028; the US and Australia are not on the list.",
      "sources": [
        "https://thithucdientu.gov.vn",
        "https://daytripsvietnam.com/guides/vietnam-visa-immigration-atlas-2026/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Sri Lanka",
      "iso": "LK",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "free ETA (30 days, double entry; fee waived for 40 nationalities from 2026-05-25)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "ETA application is the pre-arrival form",
          "extension": "paid extension available in-country",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 40,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 43.75,
          "rank": 11
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "free ETA (30 days, double entry)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "ETA mandatory",
          "extension": "paid extension available",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 40,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 43.75,
          "rank": 11
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "free ETA (30 days, double entry)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "ETA mandatory",
          "extension": "paid extension available",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 40,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 43.75,
          "rank": 11
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "free ETA (30 days, double entry)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 0,
          "arrival_card": "ETA mandatory",
          "extension": "paid extension available",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 0,
            "C": 40,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 43.75,
          "rank": 10
        }
      },
      "sources": [
        "https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/",
        "https://visasnews.com/en/sri-lanka-makes-tourist-eta-free-for-40-nationalities-from-may-25/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Laos",
      "iso": "LA",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa on arrival (30 days) or e-visa",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 40,
          "arrival_card": "none mandatory pre-arrival",
          "extension": "up to 60 additional days at the Department of Immigration (~$2/day)",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 50,
            "C": 55,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 53.75,
          "rank": 12
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "visa on arrival (30 days) or e-visa",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 40,
          "arrival_card": "none mandatory pre-arrival",
          "extension": "up to 60 additional days (~$2/day)",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 50,
            "C": 55,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 53.75,
          "rank": 12
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "visa on arrival (30 days) or e-visa",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 40,
          "arrival_card": "none mandatory pre-arrival",
          "extension": "up to 60 additional days (~$2/day)",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 50,
            "C": 55,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 53.75,
          "rank": 12
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "visa on arrival (30 days) or e-visa",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 40,
          "arrival_card": "none mandatory pre-arrival",
          "extension": "up to 60 additional days (~$2/day)",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 50,
            "C": 55,
            "D": 0
          },
          "score": 53.75,
          "rank": 12
        }
      },
      "caveat": "VOA fees vary by nationality (roughly USD 30-45); scored at USD 40 for all four passports. E-visa is USD 50 for most nationalities at laoevisa.gov.la.",
      "sources": [
        "https://laoevisa.gov.la/fee-calculator",
        "https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Laos.html"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Cambodia",
      "iso": "KH",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "e-visa ($30, cut from $36 on 2025-01-01) or VOA + e-Arrival card (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 30,
          "arrival_card": "Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA), mandatory for air arrivals, within 7 days",
          "extension": "single 30-day extension, typically via agents",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 37.5,
            "C": 65,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 57.5,
          "rank": 13
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "e-visa ($30) or VOA + CeA (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 30,
          "arrival_card": "CeA, mandatory for air arrivals",
          "extension": "single 30-day extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 37.5,
            "C": 65,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 57.5,
          "rank": 13
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "e-visa ($30) or VOA + CeA (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 30,
          "arrival_card": "CeA, mandatory for air arrivals",
          "extension": "single 30-day extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 37.5,
            "C": 65,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 57.5,
          "rank": 13
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "e-visa ($30) or VOA + CeA (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 30,
          "arrival_card": "CeA, mandatory for air arrivals",
          "extension": "single 30-day extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 37.5,
            "C": 65,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 57.5,
          "rank": 13
        }
      },
      "sources": [
        "https://www.evisa.gov.kh/",
        "https://visasnews.com/en/cambodia-lowers-electronic-visa-prices/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "Indonesia (Bali)",
      "iso": "ID",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "visa on arrival / e-VOA (IDR 500,000) + All Indonesia declaration (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 33,
          "arrival_card": "All Indonesia declaration, mandatory, within 3 days of arrival",
          "extension": "single 30-day extension (IDR 500,000), office visit or agent common",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 41.25,
            "C": 65,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 58.25,
          "rank": 14
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "VOA / e-VOA (IDR 500,000) + All Indonesia declaration (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 33,
          "arrival_card": "All Indonesia declaration, mandatory",
          "extension": "single 30-day extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 41.25,
            "C": 65,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 58.25,
          "rank": 14
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "VOA / e-VOA (IDR 500,000) + All Indonesia declaration (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 33,
          "arrival_card": "All Indonesia declaration, mandatory",
          "extension": "single 30-day extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 41.25,
            "C": 65,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 58.25,
          "rank": 14
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "VOA / e-VOA (IDR 500,000) + All Indonesia declaration (free)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 33,
          "arrival_card": "All Indonesia declaration, mandatory",
          "extension": "single 30-day extension",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 41.25,
            "C": 65,
            "D": 25
          },
          "score": 58.25,
          "rank": 14
        }
      },
      "caveat": "Bali also charges a separate IDR 150,000 tourist levy, not scored as an entry authorization. IDR 500,000 is roughly USD 31-35 depending on exchange rates; scored at USD 33.",
      "sources": [
        "https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/front/info/evoa",
        "https://bali.com/bali/bali-visa-indonesia-entry-regulations/visa-on-arrival-voa/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "destination": "India",
      "iso": "IN",
      "passports": {
        "us": {
          "route": "e-Tourist visa (30 days, double entry)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 25,
          "arrival_card": "none separate; e-visa application is the form",
          "extension": "e-Tourist visa not extendable",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 31.25,
            "C": 70,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 68.75,
          "rank": 15
        },
        "uk": {
          "route": "e-Tourist visa (30 days, double entry)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 25,
          "arrival_card": "none separate",
          "extension": "not extendable",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 31.25,
            "C": 70,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 68.75,
          "rank": 15
        },
        "eu_schengen": {
          "route": "e-Tourist visa (30 days, double entry)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 25,
          "arrival_card": "none separate",
          "extension": "not extendable",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 31.25,
            "C": 70,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 68.75,
          "rank": 15
        },
        "australia": {
          "route": "e-Tourist visa (30 days, double entry)",
          "max_initial_stay_days": 30,
          "entry_cost_usd": 25,
          "arrival_card": "none separate",
          "extension": "not extendable",
          "components": {
            "A": 75,
            "B": 31.25,
            "C": 70,
            "D": 100
          },
          "score": 68.75,
          "rank": 15
        }
      },
      "caveat": "USD 25 applies to July-March arrivals; USD 10 April-June. 1-year (USD 40) and 5-year (USD 80) e-Tourist visas also exist with 90-day-per-visit limits. A 2.5% bank charge applies.",
      "sources": [
        "https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html",
        "https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf"
      ]
    }
  ]
}