Visa on Arrival (VOA)
A visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry (airport/border) when you land in the destination country, without prior application.
What It Means
Visa on Arrival (VOA) means you don't need to apply for a visa before you travel. Instead, you arrive at the destination airport or land border, fill out a form, pay the fee (if any), and receive a visa stamp right there. The immigration officer reviews your passport and documents on the spot. It's faster than a traditional visa but you should still carry all supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking, proof of funds) as immigration may check them. Not all Indian passport holders are eligible everywhere — VOA is specific to certain country agreements.
What This Means for Indian Travelers
For Indians, visa on arrival is available in several popular destinations. Dubai offers it to Indian passport holders with valid US/UK/EU visas — and since February 2025, this has expanded to include holders of Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada visas too. Thailand previously offered VOA but has since upgraded to visa-free for Indians (60 days). Countries like Indonesia, Laos, and several African and Caribbean nations also offer VOA to Indian travelers. Always verify the latest policy before travel, as VOA rules change frequently.
Examples
- 1Dubai — VOA for Indians with valid US/UK/EU/Japan/Singapore/Canada visa (14 days, AED 100)
- 2Indonesia — VOA for 30 days ($35 USD)
- 3Laos — VOA available at international airports
- 4Madagascar — VOA for up to 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Is visa on arrival guaranteed?
No. Immigration officers have the right to deny entry even with VOA eligibility. Having proper documents (return tickets, hotel bookings, sufficient funds) significantly helps.
Do I need to carry cash for visa on arrival fees?
Many VOA counters accept only cash in specific currencies (usually USD or local currency). Always carry the exact fee amount in cash as a backup, even if cards are theoretically accepted.
What's the difference between VOA and visa-free?
Visa-free means no visa at all — you just enter with your passport. VOA means you get a visa at the airport, which usually involves a form and a fee. Visa-free is always easier.
Pro Tips
- Carry the visa fee in exact cash (USD preferred) — ATMs or card machines at VOA counters can be unreliable
- Have all documents printed: return ticket, hotel booking, travel insurance
- VOA queues can be long during peak hours — factor in extra time for connections
- Some airlines may not board you without proof of visa eligibility — carry a printout of the official policy
Related Terms
eVisa (Electronic Visa)
An eVisa is a digital visa that you apply for and receive entirely online, without visiting an embassy or consulate.
Visa-Free Travel
Visa-free travel means you can enter a country with just your passport — no visa application, no fee, no stamp needed before arrival.
Visa Required (Sticker/Stamp Visa)
Visa required means you must apply for and receive a visa from the country's embassy or consulate before you travel.
Transit Visa
A transit visa allows you to pass through a country's airport or territory on your way to another destination, without entering that country for tourism.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you understand the terminology, check out our detailed visa guides for specific destinations.