I am curious about the visa challenges that the western monks face when ordaining abroad and what are the common and uncommon ways of dealing with them?
Thanks
How do the western monks handle the Visa policies in Asia?
Re: How do the western monks handle the Visa policies in Asia?
Your query may need to be more specific. Many countries like Myanmar and Thailand have special visas for those going for retreats at meditation centres or those intending to ordain.
Re: How do the western monks handle the Visa policies in Asia?
Thank you for answering. As i understand it as a general rule the western monks not allowed to stay in countries like Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand or Malaysia for very long, so i wondered how this is resolved and how much of a nuisance it is practically.
Re: How do the western monks handle the Visa policies in Asia?
Burma - this is probably the latest info
http://burmadhamma.blogspot.com.au/search?q=visa
Thailand
Has been discussed before here. Search the forum. eg
viewtopic.php?t=7378
Malaysia
AFAIK, one comes in on a tourist visa which is valid for 3 months. That would mean one has to make regular trips to Thailand or Singapore.
Sri Lanka
I remember there are special visas for meditation or ordination, but don't have the info.
http://burmadhamma.blogspot.com.au/search?q=visa
Thailand
Has been discussed before here. Search the forum. eg
viewtopic.php?t=7378
Malaysia
AFAIK, one comes in on a tourist visa which is valid for 3 months. That would mean one has to make regular trips to Thailand or Singapore.
Sri Lanka
I remember there are special visas for meditation or ordination, but don't have the info.