Countries Offering Visa on Arrival

Many countries offer VOA, and the rules vary depending on your nationality. Here’s an updated list of destinations that offer Visa on Arrival, Click on each country to learn more about the requirements, eligibility , and how to apply.

• 🇦🇲 Armenia
• 🇧🇩 Bangladesh
• 🇧🇴 Bolivia
• 🇰🇭 Cambodia
• 🇶🇦 Qatar
• 🇪🇬 Egypt
• 🇬🇦 Gabon
• 🇬🇪 Georgia
• 🇮🇳 India
• 🇮🇷 Iran
• 🇰🇼 Kuwait
• 🇱🇦 Laos
• 🇲🇳 Mongolia
• 🇲🇲 Myanmar
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia
• 🇳🇬 Nigeria
• 🇳🇵 Nepal
• 🇴🇲 Oman
• 🇵🇰 Pakistan
• 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea
• 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
• 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
• 🇹🇼 Taiwan
• 🇹🇷 Turkey
• 🇹🇭 Thailand
• 🇺🇬 Uganda
• 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Keep in mind that VOA policies can change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the destination country’s official government website for the latest information.

What is a Visa on Arrival?

A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a visa issued to travelers when they arrive at their destination country. Unlike traditional visas that require pre-approval from an embassy or consulate, a VOA can be obtained at the airport or other entry points. Travelers typically use VOAs for short stays, such as for tourism, business, or family visits, and they can range from 14 days to 90 days in length, depending on the country.

Countries offer VOA to make travel easier for visitors, particularly for short-term trips. It’s designed to streamline the visa process, allowing travelers to enjoy spontaneous travel or make quick business visits without waiting weeks for visa approvals.

How Does the Visa on Arrival Process Work?

Here’s how the Visa on Arrival process typically works:

1. Arrival at the Destination: Upon landing at the airport or arriving at the border, head to the designated Visa on Arrival counter.
2. Fill Out the Required Forms: You’ll need to complete a visa application form, providing your personal details, passport information, travel purpose, and length of stay.
3. Submit Required Documents: The required documents typically include your passport, passport-sized photos, proof of onward travel (such as a return flight ticket), and hotel reservations or other proof of accommodation.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: The visa fee will vary by country and can range from $20 to $100 or more. Some countries may prefer cash, while others accept credit or debit cards. Always check in advance.
5. Receive Your Visa: Once your documents and payment are processed, you’ll receive a visa stamp or sticker in your passport. This grants you permission to enter the country for a set period.

The process is usually straightforward and takes between 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the destination and how busy the immigration counters are.

What You Need for a Visa on Arrival

To ensure a smooth application process, you need to prepare the following documents:

• A valid passport: It should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
• Passport-sized photos: Some countries require you to bring recent passport-sized photos for your application.
• Proof of onward travel: This could be a return ticket or proof of onward travel to another country.
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservations or an address where you’ll be staying.
• Visa fee: The visa fee is typically paid in cash (local currency or US dollars), although some countries accept credit card payments.

Benefits of Visa on Arrival

Visa on Arrival is a great option for many travelers, offering several benefits:

• Convenience: You don’t need to apply in advance or visit an embassy, saving you time and effort.
• Flexibility: You can plan last-minute trips or change your travel plans without worrying about visa approvals.
• Fast Processing: Most VOA processes are completed within an hour of arrival, making it quick and efficient.
• Cost-Effective: In some cases, VOA fees are lower than traditional visa application fees, especially when considering the time saved.

Personal Traveler Experiences

Many travelers have shared positive experiences using Visa on Arrival. Here are a couple of personal stories that highlight the convenience and ease of using VOA:

Anna from Germany: “When I visited Thailand last year, I was unsure if I could get my visa in time. Fortunately, the Visa on Arrival option was perfect. I landed in Bangkok, filled out the form, and got my visa stamp in under 30 minutes. It was incredibly convenient, and I was able to enjoy my trip stress-free.”

David from Canada: “I planned a last-minute trip to Nepal, and the Visa on Arrival process was seamless. I brought my passport photos, paid the fee, and received my 90-day visa at the airport. It’s great for travelers who need flexibility in their plans.”

These personal testimonials reflect how VOA simplifies travel and offers a flexible option for both planned and spontaneous trips.

Visa on Arrival During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted international travel, including Visa on Arrival policies. Many countries temporarily suspended their VOA programs to control the spread of the virus. Now, as travel restrictions ease, some countries have resumed their VOA programs, but with additional health-related entry requirements such as:

• Proof of vaccination: Some countries may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination before allowing entry.
• Negative PCR test: A negative PCR test result taken within a specific timeframe before departure.
• Quarantine: In certain cases, travelers might need to quarantine upon arrival, depending on their vaccination status and the country’s current COVID-19 policies.

It’s important to research the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions and health requirements for your destination before booking your trip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Visa on Arrival

To avoid complications when applying for Visa on Arrival, travelers should avoid these common mistakes:

1. Not Checking Eligibility: Ensure that your nationality qualifies for a Visa on Arrival at your destination. Not all travelers are eligible for VOA in every country.
2. Missing Documents: Double-check that you have all required documents, including passport photos, proof of onward travel, and accommodation details.
3. Not Having the Right Currency: Bring the correct currency to pay the visa fee. Many countries prefer US dollars, but some require local currency.
4. Expecting Long Stays: Visa on Arrival is generally for short stays. Be sure to understand how long you’re allowed to stay to avoid overstaying, which can lead to fines or future travel restrictions.

Visa on Arrival vs. Traditional Visa

Both Visa on Arrival and traditional visas allow travelers to enter a country legally, but they differ in a few key ways:

• Application Timing: Traditional visas are obtained in advance through embassies or consulates, while VOA is applied for upon arrival at your destination.
• Processing Time: VOAs are usually processed within minutes to an hour, while traditional visas can take days or weeks for approval.
• Documentation: Traditional visas often require more extensive documentation and sometimes in-person interviews, while VOA requirements are simpler and processed at the border.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visa on Arrival

Can I extend my Visa on Arrival?

In some countries, yes. For example, Thailand and Nepal offer visa extensions for a fee. However, not all countries permit extensions, so it’s important to confirm this in advance.

How long does a Visa on Arrival take to process?

Processing times vary, but in most cases, it takes between 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how busy the immigration counter is and how many travelers are applying for VOA.

What should I do if my Visa on Arrival application is denied?

If your VOA application is denied, immigration authorities may deny you entry. To avoid this, ensure you have all the required documents, meet the eligibility criteria, and can pay the visa fee.

Is Visa on Arrival Right for You?

Visa on Arrival is an excellent option for travelers looking for a flexible and straightforward entry process. Whether you’re planning a last-minute trip or simply want to avoid embassy visits, VOA offers a quick and efficient way to enter many countries. Just be sure to check the specific requirements for your destination, bring the necessary documents, and enjoy a hassle-free trip.

Ready to travel? Check if your destination offers Visa on Arrival and start planning your next adventure today.