Visa and e-visa friction for US travelers

Southeast Asia entry rules change more often than hotel cancellation policies. US passport holders still need to verify e-visa portals, arrival-card apps, proof-of-onward-travel requirements, and processing times before locking non-refundable hotels.

Friction is not only "do I need a visa." It is how long approval takes, whether your airline checks documents at departure, and whether a connection country requires transit authorization you forgot to research.

Use official immigration and embassy sources only. Third-party visa services can help, but they are not authoritative when rules shift mid-month.