Visa Glossary/Visa on Arrival
Visa on Arrival
What is a visa on arrival (VoA)?
A 'Visa on Arrival' is a visa policy that allows travellers to obtain their visa upon entering the destination country at the border or port of entry. Unlike traditional visas, which require travellers to apply and get visa approval before their trip to an embassy or consulate, VOAs allow a traveller to apply and receive approval for tourism, business, or transit at the country's border.
Travellers must be eligible for a VOA, as it is not available for all nationalities. Eligibility for a VOA typically depends on the traveller's nationality and the bilateral agreements between the traveller's home country and the destination country. For example, only an eligible traveller flying to Thailand from a country with a VOA agreement can secure their entry permit directly at Bangkok airport.
Upon arrival at an airport, seaport, or land border, travellers are directed to a visa issuance counter, where they complete an application form, present necessary documents, and pay a visa fee. The validity period of a VOA is typically limited, offering short-term stay in the country.
Types of visa on arrival
Visa on arrivals are primarily issued for the following purposes to eligible nationalities:
- 1
Tourist Visas: For individuals visiting a country for leisure or sightseeing.
- 2
Business Visas: For short-term business activities such as meetings and conferences.
- 3
Transit Visas: For travellers passing through the country en route to another destination.
VOA application process:
- 1
Arrive at the designated entry point in the destination country that offers VOAs.
- 2
Complete the VOA application form, available at the visa issuance counter.
- 3
Provide required documentation, such as a valid passport, flight tickets, accommodation proof, and passport-sized photos.
- 4
Pay the visa fee, typically in the destination country's currency or sometimes in US dollars.
- 5
Receive the VOA stamp or sticker in your passport, granting entry into the country.
How long can I stay in the country with a VOA?
Stay duration varies by country, but typically, the length of stay ranges from 15 to 90 days.
Are there any restrictions on VOAs?
Yes, VOAs may have restrictions such as limited entry points, eligible nationalities, and sometimes the requirement of proof of onward travel.
Can a VOA be extended?
Extension policies vary; some countries allow it, while others require travelers to leave and re-enter.
Do I need to carry specific documents to be eligible for a Visa on Arrival?
Generally, you will need a valid passport with sufficient empty pages, passport-sized photos, and sometimes additional documents such as proof of accommodation, itinerary, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
In case of a denied Visa on Arrival, what are my options?
If a VOA application is denied, the traveller may be deported back to their home country. Depending on the reason for the denial, options may include applying for a visa through the embassy prior to travel. It's important to inquire about alternative visa application procedures with the immigration authorities.