WISTA International AGM & Conference 2026
Travel & Visa Checklist for Delegates
Hong Kong • Singapore • Kuala Lumpur | 21–30 October 2026
Prepared September 2026
Programme
Regional networking events + International AGM & Conference
Main Event
28–30 October 2026
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Purpose
Delegate travel preparation and visa guidance
1. Trip Overview
The WISTA 2026 programme includes activities in three destinations across Asia. Visa requirements for Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia depend on each delegate’s nationality and passport. There is no single visa rule applicable to all participants. This guide provides a general reference to help delegates identify requirements, prepare documents and complete necessary travel procedures.
| Leg | Destination | Date | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong SAR | 21 October 2026 | WISTA Hong Kong Regional Networking Event |
| 2 | Singapore | 23 October 2026 | WISTA Singapore Regional Networking Event |
| 3 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 28–30 October 2026 | WISTA International AGM & Conference (Main Event) |
2. Check Your Visa Requirement
Before booking flights, delegates should verify entry requirements using official government sources. Some nationalities may enter visa-free, while others may require an eVisa, electronic registration or traditional visa application.
| Destination | Official Requirement Check | Where to Apply if a Visa Is Required |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong Immigration Department | Hong Kong Immigration Department or the appropriate Chinese diplomatic/consular channel |
| Singapore | Singapore ICA visa requirement checker | Follow the application route specified by Singapore ICA |
| Malaysia | Malaysia Immigration Department | Official Malaysia eVisa portal |
3. Common Travel Requirements
The following items may apply depending on your nationality, destination and travel arrangements. Check the official requirements for each destination before travelling:
- Passport that meets the validity and blank-page requirements for each destination you will visit.
- Proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds, where required by the relevant immigration or visa authority.
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) — most foreign visitors must complete this before arriving in Malaysia. Submit it within the permitted 3-day window before arrival, including the day of arrival. Check the official Malaysia Immigration website for current exemptions and requirements. The official service is free; beware of paid third-party sites.
- Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration — required before arrival for travellers who are not exempt. Submit within 3 days (including the day of arrival) through ICA’s official e-Service or the MyICA app. The SGAC is free and is not a visa.
- Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) — applicable only to specific nationalities travelling visa-free; check the eligible nationality list on the Immigration Department website before departure.
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — required only for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk.
- Official WISTA 2026 invitation letter — request one from the organisers only if you need it as supporting documentation for a visa application.
4. Visa Application Guidance
Hong Kong SAR
Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry to Hong Kong for short visits. Delegates who require a visa must apply for a Visit Visa / Entry Permit through the appropriate Hong Kong Immigration channel, Chinese embassy, consulate or authorised visa service provider.
Typical Supporting Documents
- Passport copy
- Recent passport photograph (see Section 4a for photo specs)
- WISTA 2026 invitation / confirmation letter, if requested for the visa application
- Employment letter or company profile
- Bank statement or proof of financial capability
- Flight and accommodation details
Singapore
Singapore allows visa-free entry for many nationalities. Delegates requiring a visa should apply through an authorised Singapore visa agent before travelling.
Application Information
- Application submitted through authorised visa agent
- Standard visa fee: S$30 (non-refundable), where applicable
- Processing time: approximately 3 working days after submission
- Submit application according to ICA requirements
Malaysia
Many nationalities may enter Malaysia visa-free for short visits. Delegates who require a visa may apply through the official Malaysia eVisa system.
Typical Supporting Documents
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Recent photograph (see Section 4a for photo specs)
- Conference invitation letter, if requested for the visa application
- Flight itinerary
- Hotel confirmation
- Financial supporting documents
4a. Passport Photo Specifications
If a visa is required, the photograph is one of the most common reasons an application is rejected or delayed. Requirements below are drawn from official immigration/consulate sources — always confirm final specs with the visa centre or agent handling the application, since exact pixel/file-size rules can be updated without notice.
| Destination | Size | Background | Digital File Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong (via Chinese Consulate) | 33mm (W) x 48mm (H); head width 15–22mm, head height 20–33mm | White | Confirm with visa centre — varies slightly by consular post |
| Singapore (ICA) | 35mm x 45mm (print) | Plain, per ICAO/ISO standard | 400 x 514 pixels for online upload; JPG, JPEG, or PNG; max 8MB |
| Malaysia (eVisa) | 35mm x 50mm | Plain white, studio-quality | 10 KB to 350 KB (Max limit is usually 2 MB) on the eVisa portal at time of upload |
- Use a recent photo that accurately reflects your current appearance and meets the requirements for the destination.
- Full colour, neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed, facing forward.
- Avoid glare, tinted lenses and headwear unless specifically permitted by the destination’s current photo requirements.
- Do not assume a photo used for a previous visa application will be accepted; follow the current photo requirements for each application.
5. Suggested Travel Preparation Timeline
The timeline below provides a general guide. Delegates should adjust according to their nationality and visa processing requirements.
| Timing | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| As soon as possible | Register for WISTA 2026, verify visa requirements for Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, and request an official WISTA invitation letter only if it is needed for your visa application. |
| Before visa application window | Prepare passport copies, photographs (see Section 4a), supporting documents and travel arrangements. |
| 4–8 weeks before departure | Submit visa applications where required, allowing sufficient processing time. |
| 1–3 weeks before Kuala Lumpur arrival | Complete Malaysia visa/eVisa requirements if applicable. |
| Within 3 days before each arrival (including the day of arrival) | Submit Malaysia MDAC and Singapore SGAC within the permitted submission window. |
6. Delegate Self-Check Checklist
Use this checklist to confirm your travel preparation before departure.
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Before Applying | |
| Confirmed Hong Kong visa / entry requirement for my nationality | |
| Confirmed Singapore visa requirement for my nationality | |
| Confirmed Malaysia visa / eVisa requirement for my nationality | |
| Passport meets the validity and blank-page requirements for each destination I will visit | |
| Requested an official WISTA 2026 invitation letter, if needed for my visa application | |
| Preparing Documents | |
| Passport photos prepared to the current requirements for each destination where needed (Section 4a) | |
| Passport bio-data page copies made (digital + printed) | |
| Employment letter / company profile obtained (if required) | |
| Bank statement / proof of financial capability prepared (if required) | |
| Flight itinerary and accommodation confirmations saved digitally (and printed if required) | |
| Submitting Applications | |
| Hong Kong visa application completed (if required) | |
| Singapore visa application completed (if required) | |
| Malaysia eVisa application completed (if required) | |
| Visa fees paid and payment receipts saved, if a visa is required | |
| Approved visas / eVisa approval letters saved digitally (and printed if required) | |
| Just Before Departure | |
| Malaysia MDAC submitted within the permitted 3-day window before arrival | |
| Singapore SGAC (with health declaration) submitted within 3 days before arrival | |
| Hong Kong PAR completed, if applicable to my nationality | |
| Yellow Fever certificate prepared (if applicable) | |
| Travel insurance arranged for all destinations I will visit | |
| Local currency / cards arranged for HKD, SGD and MYR | |
| Emergency contacts and nearest embassy details saved (phone + digital copy) | |
| Digital copies of all required visas, invitation letters (if applicable) and itineraries saved securely | |
7. Important Notes
- Visa regulations are controlled by each government authority and may change without notice. Delegates should verify the latest requirements before travelling.
- This guideline provides general information only and does not replace official immigration advice.
- Each delegate is responsible for checking and fulfilling their own passport, visa, immigration and travel documentation requirements.
- Immigration officers may request additional supporting documents during assessment or arrival.
- WISTA International and the organising committee cannot guarantee visa approval, as decisions remain solely with the relevant authorities.
- MDAC and SGAC are free official arrival declarations, not visas — do not pay third-party sites for either. Both have a limited submission window before arrival; check the official portal for the current submission period.
Official Immigration References
Hong Kong Immigration Department
https://www.immd.gov.hkSingapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
https://www.ica.gov.sgMalaysia Immigration Department
https://www.imi.gov.myMalaysia eVisa Portal
https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.myMalaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/mainSingapore Arrival Card (SGAC)
https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/sg-arrival-cardCopyright WISTA International 2026. All Rights Reserved.
