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Visa on Arrival process with Required Documents

  • Samiksha Bagal
  • Dec 18, 2025
  • 5 min read

Table of Contents

  1. Visa on Arrival process

  2. What Is a Visa on Arrival?

  3. Who Can Apply for Visa on Arrival?

  4. Required Documents for Visa on Arrival

  5. Step-by-Step Process at the Airport

  6. Fees & Validity

  7. Common Reasons for Rejection

  8. Countries Offering Visa on Arrival for Indians

  9. Tips for a Smooth Arrival Experience

  10. FAQs


Documents and passports in a folder against a blue gradient background. Text reads "Visa on Arrival process with Required Documents."

Visa on Arrival Process 


The Visa on Arrival process remains one of the easiest methods for Indian population to go to particular countries with the benefit of getting the visa at the destination airport instead of prior embassy visits. The visa on arrival process grants access to the travellers to bring in a travel visa right away in the destination airport, provided all visa requirements are fulfilled.


Even though the Visa on Arrival process is easy, it is necessary for the travellers to prepare the documents very carefully. This guide explains about the Visa on Arrival process, eligibility, documents required, and countries permitting visa on arrival for Indians.


What Is a Visa on Arrival?


A visa on arrival is a type of travel visa granted at the airport instead of through a consulate. The Visa on Arrival process allows immigration officers to verify visa requirements upon entry.

Key features of a visa on arrival:


  • No advance embassy application

  • Issued at airport immigration counters

  • Short-term tourism or business travel

  • Part of simplified travel visa systems


Understanding the Visa on Arrival process helps avoid confusion at immigration checkpoints.


Who Can Apply for Visa on Arrival?


Eligibility for the Visa on Arrival process depends on:

  • Indian passport validity

  • Destination country rules

  • Purpose of travel

  • Compliance with visa requirements


Some countries offering visa on arrival for Indians impose additional conditions such as:

  • Holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen travel visa

  • Confirmed hotel bookings

  • Minimum financial proof


Always verify eligibility before relying on the Visa on Arrival process.


Required Documents for Visa on Arrival


Proper paperwork is essential for a smooth Visa on Arrival process


Mandatory documents

  • Valid passport (6-month validity)

  • Return or onward tickets

  • Hotel or accommodation proof

  • Passport-size photographs

  • Proof of funds

  • Travel insurance (if required)

These are standard visa on arrival documents for Indian travellers.


Additional documents (country-specific)

  • Vaccination certificates

  • Invitation letters

  • Travel itinerary

Missing visa on arrival documents for Indian travellers can result in rejection.


Step-by-Step Process at the Airport


The step by step visa on arrival guide below explains the airport experience clearly.


  1. Arrival at destination Follow signs for visa on arrival counters.

  2. Document submission Immigration verifies passport and visa requirements.

  3. Fee payment Fees vary; cash or card accepted.

  4. Biometric capture (if applicable)

  5. Visa issuance Stamp or sticker added to passport.

  6. Final immigration clearance


This step by step visa on arrival guide ensures clarity at every stage.


Fees & Validity


The Visa on Arrival process includes payment at arrival.


Typical fees:

  • USD 10 – USD 100


Validity periods:

  • 14 days

  • 30 days

  • 60 days


Validity depends on destination and travel visa rules.


Common Reasons for Rejection


Despite a simple Visa on Arrival process, rejection may occur due to:


  • Inadequate funds

  • Invalid passport

  • Missing accommodation proof

  • Failure to meet visa requirements

  • No return ticket


Meeting all visa on arrival documents for Indian travellers prevents issues.


Countries Offering Visa on Arrival for Indians


Popular countries offering visa on arrival for Indians include:


  • Thailand

  • Indonesia

  • Maldives

  • Cambodia

  • Laos

  • Jordan

  • Mauritius

  • Seychelles

  • Sri Lanka (specific schemes)


Rules change frequently—confirm current travel visa policies before travel.


Tips for a Smooth Arrival Experience


To avoid delays in the Visa on Arrival process:


  • Keep all documents printed

  • Carry extra photos

  • Retain local currency

  • Answer immigration questions clearly

  • Follow country-specific visa requirements


Preparation ensures a stress-free visa on arrival experience.

The Visa on Arrival process gives a stress-free choice for Indian visitors to get a travel visa in a conventional manner. However the efficacy of this procedure will still depend on the applicant meeting the visa requirements, possessing the proper visa on arrival documents for Indian travellers and understanding the detailed step by step visa on arrival guide.


Before departing it is advisable to verify the current regulations with the respective authorities for the countries offering visa on arrival for Indians


FAQs


1. Do all airports offer the Visa on Arrival process?

No, the Visa on Arrival process is accessible only at a limited number of international airports and certain border points. Moreover, in countries offering visa on arrival for Indians, still some airports do not facilitate this scheme. Thus, passengers should ascertain airport authorization beforehand so that they do not depend on a visa on arrival which is less secure than a pre-approved travel visa.

Key points to remember:

  • VoA available only at designated airports

  • Airline staff may deny boarding if airport is not approved

  • Always verify airport-specific visa requirements

  • Check official immigration or airline advisories

2. Can the Visa on Arrival be extended after entry?

In most cases, a visa on arrival cannot be extended because it is issued for short stays only. The Visa on Arrival process is designed for temporary tourism or business visits, not long-term travel. Some countries may allow limited extensions, but rules vary under local visa requirements

Important considerations:

  • Extensions are rare and country-specific

  • Overstaying violates travel visa rules

  • Always check validity at entry stamp

  • Plan exit dates carefully

3. Do children also need a Visa on Arrival?

Yes, children require a visa on arrival just like adults unless specifically exempted. The Visa on Arrival process applies individually, meaning minors must meet the same visa requirements and carry proper visa on arrival documents for Indian travellers.

Documents usually required:

  • Child’s passport with 6-month validity

  • Return tickets

  • Accommodation proof

  • Parent/guardian details

  • Consent letter (if applicable)

4. Is online pre-registration required for Visa on Arrival?

Some countries offering visa on arrival for Indians require partial online registration before arrival. Although still classified under the Visa on Arrival process, this step is part of a hybrid step by step visa on arrival guide to speed up immigration clearance.

Common online requirements include:

  • Online application or arrival card

  • Uploading passport details

  • Pre-payment of VoA fee

  • Confirmation receipt for immigration

5. What happens if I don’t meet Visa on Arrival requirements?

If a traveller fails to meet visa requirements, immigration officers can deny entry even under the Visa on Arrival process. A missing document, insufficient funds, or unclear travel purpose can lead to refusal despite arriving at a VoA-eligible airport.

Possible consequences include:

  • Entry denial at immigration

  • Return flight at traveller’s expense

  • Cancellation of onward plans

  • Loss of visa fee (non-refundable)


Proper preparation of visa on arrival documents for Indian travellers is essential for smooth entry



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