Owais Crawford
Getting a visa can be a time-consuming process, and it is often required before entering a foreign country. Some countries, however, offer visas on arrival at the airport or other designated ports of entry. This allows travellers to obtain a visa upon arrival in the country, by presenting their valid passport and other necessary documents. Visa rules vary from country to country and can change at short notice, so it is important to check the specific requirements of your destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Visa on Arrival (VoA) |
| Who can get it? | Availability depends on the traveller's nationality and the destination country. For example, Indian citizens can get a VoA in Sri Lanka and the UAE. |
| Where to get it | At the airport or designated port of entry of the destination country. |
| Requirements | A valid passport, passport-sized photographs, completed arrival/departure forms, proof of purpose of visit (e.g. hotel reservations), proof of sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket. Some countries may require an application form to be filled out. |
| Limitations | VoA is usually granted for a specific duration and purpose of visit, such as tourism, business, or transit. |
| Cost | Visa fees vary from country to country and year by year. |
| Alternatives | Some countries have visa-free entry for certain nationalities, while others have visa waiver agreements. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa-on-Arrival requirements and eligibility
A visa on arrival is a document that allows you to enter a foreign country without having to go through a lengthy traditional visa application process in advance. It is called a border gate visa or a visa on arrival because it can be obtained at the borders of foreign countries. The visa is granted at the designated desk at the airport upon arrival.
The visa on arrival is flexible and can be used for different purposes depending on the destination. These include tourism, business, transit, visiting family, or attending short courses. It is important to note that travel visas generally do not entitle the holder to work or engage in any business activities in the host country. Work visas are required for such purposes.
The process of obtaining a visa on arrival may vary depending on the passenger traffic and the working speed of the officer at the booth. It is possible to obtain a visa within 10 minutes, but there may be waiting times in queues. The requested documents may vary from country to country, but it is always good to be prepared with the necessary documents. Some countries may require pre-registration, so it is advisable to have the confirmation or reference number on hand.
The cost of a visa on arrival can vary, ranging from free to substantial amounts, especially for longer stays or specific visa categories like business. Typically, the cost ranges from US$10 to US$30, depending on the destination. Some countries that offer visas on arrival include Indonesia, Nepal, India (for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE), Bahrain, East Timor, Cambodia, Kuwait, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Armenia.
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Visa fees and how to pay
Visa fees vary from country to country and year to year. For instance, the visa fee for a non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa (except E) to the US is $185.00, whereas a K – Fiancé(e) or Spouse of a US citizen visa costs $265.00. The visa fee for a Border crossing card for someone aged 15 and over (valid for 10 years) is $185.00, and for a child under 15, it is $15.00.
You can find out about the visa fee of the country you want to go to on the country's consular page. For example, the Visa-on-Arrival facility is available to citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE, but they will need to fill out an application form (Annexure I). It is advisable to download it, print it, fill it out, and present it, along with the visa fee, to the Visa Officer at the visa counter on arrival. Some countries can allow entry at borders for up to 30 days (e.g., the Dominican Republic), and countries such as Armenia can offer up to four months of stay.
Some countries, like the US, have an Affidavit of Support Fee, which is payable online. A small number of cases do not require payment of this fee. You will need a bank routing number and a checking or savings account number from a US-based bank.
In some cases, a friend or family member can pay the visa fee for you, and you can also pay the fee after you arrive in the country.
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Visa-free countries
A visa on arrival is available to citizens of certain countries, allowing them to obtain a visa at the border or airport of their destination country. This is often for touristic purposes and may be limited to a certain period. Visa fees vary depending on the country and year of travel.
As of 2025, Singapore passport holders can access a notable number of countries and territories (193) with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, ranking their passport first in the world according to the Henley Passport Index. Singapore citizens can travel to countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, and Barbados without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Additionally, Singapore passport holders can undertake legitimate business in APEC countries without applying for a visa, except in Canada and the United States.
Indian Visa on Arrival is available to citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE, provided they have previously obtained an e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India. This facility is not available to those with diplomatic or official passports or those with parents or grandparents who were born in or are permanent residents of Pakistan.
It is important to note that visa requirements and agreements vary among countries and are subject to change over time. Therefore, travelers should always check the latest information and requirements for their specific destination before assuming visa-free entry or visa on arrival.
While visa-free travel or visa on arrival options provide convenience and streamline the travel process, they do not eliminate the need to carry proper identification and comply with the entry and exit requirements of the countries being visited.
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Visa rules and restrictions
Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) is a type of visa that allows travellers to obtain a visa upon arrival at their destination country. This means that instead of applying for a visa in advance at an embassy or consulate, travellers can present their valid passport and other necessary documents at the designated entry point (usually an airport or border gate) and receive their visa on the spot. The Visa-on-Arrival facility is available to citizens of different countries depending on the agreements between nations. For example, India offers Visa-on-Arrival to citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE, while Indian citizens can obtain Visa-on-Arrival in Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
The specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and conditions for obtaining a Visa-on-Arrival can vary depending on the country and the traveller's nationality. Commonly required documents include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, completed arrival/departure forms, proof of purpose of visit (such as hotel reservations or invitation letters), proof of sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket. It is important to research and verify the specific requirements for your destination and nationality before travelling.
Visa fees can also vary from country to country and year by year. Information on visa fees can usually be found on the official website of the country's embassy or consulate. It is important to note that Visa-on-Arrival is typically granted for a specific duration and purpose of visit, such as tourism, business, or transit, and may be subject to certain limitations or restrictions.
Some countries, such as those in the Schengen area, have special visa rules that allow travellers to move freely between member countries without the need for separate visas. Other countries may have visa waiver agreements in place, allowing citizens of certain countries to enter without a visa for short visits as a tourist. It is important to be aware of the consequences of visa problems, such as getting the wrong visa or breaching visa conditions, as this can result in legal or travel difficulties.
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Where to get a visa at the airport
A visa on arrival can be obtained at the entry point of a country, which could be an airport, a land checkpoint, or a seaport. Many countries have a designated area to accept visa on arrival applications, such as a counter or a booth, while others will issue the visa directly at the checkpoint. These designated areas are usually located in the airport. For example, in India, you would need to present your application to the 'Visa Officer' at the visa counter on arrival.
The documents required may change depending on the country you plan to visit, but they usually include a valid passport, a passport-size photograph, a completed and signed application form, proof of payment of the visa fee, and accommodation proof. It is important to check the specific requirements of the country you are visiting, as some countries may require additional documents such as bank statements or copies of previous visas.
The visa fee amount can vary depending on the country and may need to be paid in cash in the local currency. It is recommended to check the visa fee and payment method beforehand to ensure you are prepared. The processing time for a visa on arrival can also vary, ranging from as little as 10 minutes to several hours, depending on factors such as the number of applicants and the efficiency of the processing officers.
It is worth noting that not all countries offer visas on arrival, and it is important to check the visa requirements of your destination country before assuming that you can obtain a visa at the airport. Some countries that do offer visas on arrival include India, the Dominican Republic, Armenia, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the country you are visiting and your nationality. Some countries offer visas on arrival at the airport or other designated ports of entry. However, this varies from country to country, and it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa before travelling.
A visa on arrival is a type of visa that allows travellers to obtain a visa upon arrival at their destination country. This eliminates the need to apply for a visa in advance at an embassy or consulate.
The requirements for a visa on arrival vary depending on the country. However, common requirements include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, completed arrival/departure forms, proof of purpose of visit, proof of sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket.
You can research the visa requirements for your destination country by checking the official website of the country's embassy or consulate. This will provide you with the most up-to-date information on visa policies and procedures.
The process of obtaining a visa on arrival is generally quicker and more streamlined compared to applying for a visa in advance. It also eliminates one of the most time-consuming procedures when travelling abroad.
