A visa on arrival (VOA) allows travellers to obtain their entry visa when they land at their destination, rather than applying at an embassy before departure. In 2026, dozens of countries offer this option, making international travel more accessible than ever.
What Is a Visa on Arrival?
A visa on arrival is a travel document that you obtain at the border when entering a foreign country. Instead of visiting an embassy or applying online before your trip, you complete the visa process at the airport immigration counter, seaport, or land border crossing.
The process typically takes 5-30 minutes and involves filling out a form, presenting your passport and supporting documents, paying a fee, and having the visa stamped or affixed to your passport.
How Visa on Arrival Works
- Board your flight: You do not need a visa before boarding. Airlines may ask for proof of return travel
- Complete arrival card: Fill out the immigration/arrival card (often given on the plane)
- Join the VOA queue: At immigration, look for the "Visa on Arrival" counter -- separate from the main passport control line
- Submit documents: Hand over your passport, completed form, photos, and visa fee
- Receive your visa: Once processed, your visa is stamped or affixed to your passport
- Proceed to immigration: With your new visa, go through standard passport control
Countries Offering Visa on Arrival by Region
Asia
Asia is the most popular region for VOA, with many countries actively encouraging tourism through easy entry:
| Country | Duration | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambodia | 30 days | $30 | Photo required; eVisa also available |
| Nepal | 15-90 days | $30-$100 | Free for SAARC nationals |
| Laos | 30 days | $30-$42 | Photo required; USD cash preferred |
| Indonesia | 30 days | $35 | Extendable once for 30 days; many nationalities visa-free for Bali |
| Maldives | 30 days | Free | Free VOA for all nationalities |
| Jordan | 30 days | 40 JOD (~$56) | Free with Jordan Pass; extendable |
| Qatar | 30 days | Free | Free VOA for 95+ nationalities |
| Iran | 30 days | $40-$100 | Varies by nationality; not available for US/UK/CA citizens |
Africa
Many African nations have expanded their VOA programs to boost tourism and business travel:
| Country | Duration | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 30 days | $25 | Available for many nationalities; eVisa also available |
| Kenya | 90 days | $50 | Transitioning to eVisa/ETA; check current policy |
| Tanzania | 90 days | $50 | Also available at land borders |
| Madagascar | 30-90 days | $27-$54 | Photo required |
| Mozambique | 30 days | $50 | At airports and main border crossings |
| Rwanda | 30 days | $30 | All African nationalities visa-free |
| Comoros | 45 days | $50 | Available to all nationalities |
Oceania & Caribbean
Several Pacific Island nations and Caribbean countries offer VOA:
- Samoa: 60-day entry permit on arrival for most nationalities (free)
- Tuvalu: 30-day VOA on arrival (free)
- Palau: 30-day VOA on arrival ($50)
- Haiti: 90-day VOA ($10)
- Timor-Leste: 30-day VOA ($30)
Common VOA Requirements
While requirements vary, most countries asking for visa on arrival need:
- Valid passport: At least 6 months validity remaining beyond your travel dates, with 1-2 blank pages
- Passport photos: 1-2 recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm). Bring these from home to avoid delays
- Completed form: An arrival/visa application form (usually provided at the counter or on the plane)
- Return/onward ticket: Proof that you will leave the country within the visa period
- Proof of funds: Bank statement or cash showing you can support yourself during your stay
- Accommodation proof: Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Visa fee: Usually in USD cash. Some countries accept local currency or credit cards
VOA Costs and Fees
Visa on arrival fees range from free to over $100 depending on the country and duration:
Maldives, Qatar, Samoa, Tuvalu, Georgia, Seychelles
Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia, Laos, Tanzania, Nepal (15 days)
Nepal (90 days), Jordan, Iran, some African nations
Tips for a Smooth VOA Experience
- Carry USD in small bills: Many VOA counters prefer exact change in US dollars. Bring $1, $5, $10, and $20 notes
- Bring passport photos from home: Airport photo booths can be expensive ($5-$15) or unavailable
- Fill out forms in advance: Download the form from the country's immigration website before departure
- Arrive early in your queue: VOA queues can be long, especially during peak arrival times
- Have all documents ready: Organise your passport, photos, forms, return ticket, and cash before joining the queue
- Know the fee amount: Some countries have reported unofficial "surcharges" at certain borders -- know the official fee and politely insist on it
- Consider eVisa instead: If available, an eVisa can save time at the border since you are pre-approved
VOA vs eVisa: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Applied for | At the border | Online before travel |
| Processing time | 5-30 mins at border | 1-5 days before travel |
| Queue time | Can be long | Skip the VOA queue |
| Risk of refusal | At the border (stranded) | Before travel (can adjust plans) |
| Documents needed | Physical photos, cash | Digital uploads, card payment |
| Cost | Often similar | Often similar or slightly cheaper |
| Best for | Last-minute travel | Planned trips |
When both options are available, we generally recommend the eVisa -- it is faster at the border, reduces the risk of being refused entry, and gives you confirmation before you fly.