Definition
A visa issued at the airport or land border when you arrive, rather than applied for in advance. You usually pay a fee, show a return ticket, hotel booking and funds, and get a short tourist stay, often 14–30 days.
How visa on arrival works for Indians
You land, queue at the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration, pay the fee (cash or card, depending on the country) and get a sticker or stamp. Countries offering it to Indian passport holders at the time of review include Indonesia, the Maldives (free, 30 days), Cambodia, Laos and Jordan, among others. These lists change, so check before you book.
Example: Bali
Indonesia's visa on arrival costs IDR 500,000 (about ₹2,700) for 30 days, extendable once. You can also buy it online before you fly as an e-VOA, which lets you skip the payment queue at Denpasar, worth it when several wide-bodies land together at night.
What officers check
- Passport valid six months beyond arrival, with blank pages (see six-month validity)
- Confirmed return or onward ticket
- Hotel booking for your stay
- Proof of funds, such as a card or some US dollars
Conditional visas on arrival
Some countries offer it only to Indians who already hold another strong visa. The UAE, for example, gives a 14-day visa on arrival to Indians with a valid US visa, a US green card, or a UK or EU residence permit. Without one, you need a visa arranged in advance.
Practical advice
A visa on arrival is not a right; the officer can refuse entry. Families with infants, travellers on one-way tickets and anyone with a past overstay should apply in advance where an e-visa exists. Airlines also check eligibility at check-in in India, so keep printouts of your hotel and return bookings.
See country-by-country rules in our visa hub.