Understanding the issue of visa on arrival
AVISA on arrival (VOA), as the name suggests, is a type of visa that is issued at the entry point of a country. This could be an airport, a land checkpoint, or a sea-port. In contrast to an Embassy visa, to obtain a visa on arrival you do not need to apply for a visa before traveling, which allows for smoother travel. This type of visa is created by an agreement between countries.
However, to be eligible for a visa on arrival, you have to fulful the requirements set by the hosting country.
Each country has a specific visa policy that includes persons who are allowed to apply for a visa on arrival.
Note: If the country you are trying to visit is not on this list, please check with that country’s embassy and see if you are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival.
Reasons a VOA is issued
A visa on arrival is typically issued for short-term purposes such as:
⬤Tourism.
⬤Business meetings.
⬤Fami⬤y visits.
⬤Medica⬤ controls.
Keep in mind that with a visa on arrival, you can not:
⬤Reside in a foreign country for an extended period.
⬤Work in a foreign country. ⬤Register for different benefits that the government of that country issues.
How to Apply for a VOA?
As the name suggests, you apply for a visa on arrival once you arrive at the port of entry in the country you plan to travel to. The process is as follows:
Bring the required documents with you. Each country has its own checklist of documents which you must present to apply for a VOA.
Upon arrival, approach the designated area for the Visa on Arrival. Many countries will have a designated area to accept VOA application, such as a counter or a booth; others will issue the visa directly at the checkpoint. You have to submit the required documents to the immigration or visa officer.
Finish the requested fee payment for your visa application. The visa fee amount can change depending on the country you plan to visit. You may also be required to pay in cash (in that country’s currency), so make sure you check beforehand so you are prepared.
Wait until the border cross issues your visa. This can take from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the country.
Documents Required for a VOA
The documents required may change depending on the country you plan to visit. However, it usually includes the following:
⬤A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least one year; you must also include copies of your previous visas (if any).
⬤A passport-size photograph. The number of photographs may change depending on the country.
⬤A completed and signed application form. Check whether you must bring a printed copy of an application form. You can check the website of that country’s embassy or immigration authorities.
⬤A card or cash to pay the visa fee. If required to pay beforehand, you must have proof that you have finished your visa application fee payment. Also check whether you need cash in the currency of the country you will be visiting.
⬤A hotel reservation or a rental agreement document. This document is used as accommodation proof.
⬤A round-trip ticket.
⬤A valid travel health insurance certificate.
⬤A bank statement document.
Your bank must issue this document at least in the last three months.
Note: Your visa can be rejected if you do not fulfil the required conditions and if you do not submit the requested documents.
VOA processing time
You can obtain a visa on arrival in as quickly as 10 minutes or you may be required to wait for hours. The processing time for an arrival visa depends on several factors, such as: ⬤The numbers of the applicants. ⬤The working speed of the officer at the booth.
⬤If you have fulfilled all the requirements.
⬤If you have all the required documents.
What is the duration of a VOA?
The duration of a visa on arrival is usually between 14 to 30 days. However, since these countries have different visa policies, the duration of a visa on arrival can change. You will be told how many days your visa has been granted for upon the approval of the application.
Can I extend a VOA?
Yes, a visa on arrival may be extended if you fulfil the requirements. The extension depends on the country you are planning on going. Some countries will issue an extension easily, others can only extend your visa in emergencies. This is especially true because VOAs are usually issued for tourism, and tourist visas are not commonly extended.
If you want to apply for a visa extension, you likely have to submit a request with the immigration or tourism authorities of the country you will visit.
Difference between a VOA and an embassy visa
The difference between a VOA and an Embassy visa is that:
For a VOA, you do not need to apply before you travel. Instead, you will be issued a visa at the entry point of the country you will visit.
To apply for an Embassy Visa, you need to make a visa appointment at the embassy/consulate of the country in question and apply for a visa before travelling. You can not enter if you do not have a visa beforehand. —