If you’re looking to travel without the hassle of applying for a visa before your trip, some countries make it easy with their Visa on Arrival (VOA) options.
A visa on arrival allows you to get your travel visa at the airport or border when you arrive in a foreign country.
It’s a convenient option, especially for spontaneous trips or last-minute plans. Here’s a look at seven countries where you can get a visa on arrival, saving you time and effort.
1. Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious food. For travelers from many nationalities, Thailand offers a visa on arrival for up to 15 days.
This is great for short vacations, especially for those looking to explore the country’s world-famous attractions like Bangkok’s Grand Palace, the floating markets, or the serene islands of Phuket and Koh Samui.
To get a visa on arrival in Thailand, you’ll need a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and proof of your return ticket. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds to cover your stay.
The visa on arrival fee can be paid in Thai Baht, so having some local currency ready is a good idea. If you want to stay longer than 15 days, you’ll need to apply for an extension or look into other types of visas beforehand.
Thailand’s VOA system is available at major international airports like Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and Phuket International Airport. This makes the whole process quick and easy for tourists arriving by air.
2. Indonesia
Indonesia, especially the island of Bali, is a hotspot for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. The country offers a 30-day visa on arrival for many nationalities, which can be extended for another 30 days if you wish to prolong your stay.
Travelers love Indonesia for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and famous spots like the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, or the beaches of Bali.
To get a visa on arrival, you’ll need to show your passport, pay a small fee (usually around $35 USD), and have proof of onward travel. If you’re planning a longer stay, the visa extension process is straightforward and can be done at local immigration offices.
Indonesia’s VOA is available at major entry points, including Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
The flexibility of Indonesia’s VOA makes it an attractive destination for travelers, whether you’re planning a short beach holiday or a longer exploration of its islands and rainforests.
3. Nepal
Nepal is a dream destination for trekkers, nature lovers, and adventurers. It’s home to eight of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, which draws visitors from all around the world. For most nationalities, Nepal offers a visa on arrival at the international airport in Kathmandu or at various land border crossings.
You can choose between a 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day visa, depending on how long you plan to stay. The VOA fee varies depending on the length of your stay but is generally affordable.
To get the visa, you’ll need a passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and cash for the visa fee, which can be paid in various currencies. You may also need to fill out a simple application form on arrival.
Nepal’s visa on arrival system is particularly useful for those planning to explore the country’s many trekking routes, like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. The convenience of this visa process allows you to focus on your adventure without worrying too much about pre-arrival formalities.
4. Jordan
Jordan is a land of ancient wonders and modern hospitality. Its most famous attraction, Petra, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But beyond Petra, Jordan offers a wide range of experiences, from the vast desert landscapes of Wadi Rum to the relaxing waters of the Dead Sea.
For many travelers, Jordan offers a visa on arrival that allows you to stay for up to 30 days. The visa fee is typically around 40 JOD (Jordanian Dinar), which you can pay upon arrival at airports or border crossings. You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months, a recent photo, and sufficient funds for your stay.
Jordan’s VOA makes it an attractive destination for history buffs, adventure travelers, and those seeking a unique blend of old and new. Visitors can easily start their journey in Amman, the capital, and explore nearby historical sites like Jerash or head to the Red Sea town of Aqaba for some diving.
5. Maldives
If you’re dreaming of a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters, luxurious resorts, and white sandy beaches, the Maldives is a must-visit destination. The country offers a free 30-day visa on arrival for travelers from almost every country in the world, making it one of the easiest places to visit in terms of entry requirements.
To obtain the visa, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds or a hotel reservation. There’s no fee for the visa on arrival, making the Maldives a perfect option for a hassle-free vacation. The visa can be extended to 90 days if you’re planning a longer stay.
While the Maldives is famous for its overwater bungalows and honeymoon resorts, it’s also a fantastic destination for water sports enthusiasts, with activities like snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing readily available.
6. Cambodia
Cambodia, with its rich cultural heritage and ancient temples, is another great destination where you can get a visa on arrival. The country’s most iconic site, Angkor Wat, draws millions of visitors each year, and the visa on arrival makes it easy for travelers to explore this and other attractions.
Cambodia offers a 30-day visa on arrival, available at major airports and land border crossings. To get your visa, you’ll need to fill out an application form, present a passport-sized photo, and pay the visa fee, which is usually around $30 USD.
It’s a simple and straightforward process, allowing you to focus on enjoying Cambodia’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
Cambodia’s VOA system is a great option for those who want to combine a cultural trip to Angkor Wat with a visit to the country’s beaches or nature reserves. It’s also a convenient entry point for travelers doing a multi-country trip through Southeast Asia.
7. Kenya
For those who dream of going on safari and seeing Africa’s iconic wildlife, Kenya is a top destination. The country offers a visa on arrival for most travelers, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days.
This gives you plenty of time to explore Kenya’s famous national parks, including the Maasai Mara, where you can witness the Great Migration, and Amboseli, known for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
To get a visa on arrival in Kenya, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport-sized photo, and enough funds to cover the visa fee, which is around $50 USD. The process is quick and easy at airports like Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Kenya’s wildlife, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities make it a fantastic destination for nature lovers and adventure travelers alike. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five on safari or exploring the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya’s visa on arrival option makes travel simple and stress-free.
Tips for a Smooth Visa on Arrival Process
While getting a visa on arrival is generally easy, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Here are a few tips to ensure the process goes smoothly:
- Carry Cash: Most countries require payment in cash for visa fees, so it’s a good idea to carry some local currency or US dollars. Credit cards are not always accepted.
- Check Your Passport’s Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date, as many countries have this requirement.
- Prepare Documents in Advance: Some countries ask for additional documents, such as a recent passport-sized photo, proof of onward travel, or proof of accommodation. Have these ready to avoid delays at the immigration counter.
- Know the Visa Requirements: While visas on arrival are available, the requirements may vary slightly depending on your nationality. Always check the country’s official government or embassy website before you travel to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria.
In conclusion, getting a visa on arrival can save you a lot of time and hassle, making your
travel experience smoother and more spontaneous. These seven countries offer easy visa-on-arrival options, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your trip and less on paperwork.
Whether you’re trekking in Nepal, relaxing on the beaches of the Maldives, or going on safari in Kenya, having the option to get your visa upon arrival adds flexibility and convenience to your travels.
Which of these visa-on-arrival countries is on your bucket list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!