Let’s say you’ve always wanted to work abroad, learn about other cultures, and maybe even find a place where you feel like you fit. But then you realize how much paperwork you have to do, how long you have to wait, and how uncertain it is that you’ll even be accepted for a work visa.
What if there was a way to avoid some of that trouble and get a feel for a country’s job market and way of life before getting a full-on work visa? You’re in luck! You can get a visa on arrival (VOA) in some countries, which lets you enter, look around, and even look for work. The best part? If you find a job and decide to stay, you can often turn that VOA into a work visa.
This article will be an introduction to visas on arrival. It will talk about which countries offer this great chance and how to turn a short visit into a long-term job move. Get your bags (and CV) ready, and let’s go!
Is It Possible to Get a Work Visa on Arrival?
For the most part, you need a job offer before you even enter a country to get a work visa. A visa on arrival, on the other hand, lets you enter a country without having to go through the long application process that is needed for most work visas. Most of the time, a VOA is used for short-term work or tourism, but it can also be the start of something more permanent.
A visa on arrival isn’t usually given for work purposes, but it can help you meet people, go to job interviews, and get a feel for the job market in the country. You can change your visa on arrival into a regular work visa in many countries once you have a job. This is a great way to start your career abroad.
Countries Offering VOA for Work or Business Activities
In 2024, these are the top 12 countries where you can fly and get a visa when you get there:
Qatar
Visa on Arrival (VOA):
- Eligibility: Citizens from many countries, including the U.S., U.K., and most EU nations, can obtain a visa on arrival for Qatar.
- Purpose: The VOA is primarily for tourism and short-term business activities.
- Duration: Typically valid for up to 30 days, though it can vary.
Converting VOA to a Work Visa:
- Secure a Job: Obtain a job offer from a Qatari employer.
- Employer’s Role: Your employer will initiate the process of converting your VOA into a work visa.
- Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents, including:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity.
- A job offer letter from the employer.
- Medical examination results from an authorized health center.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country.
- Proof of educational qualifications and work experience, if required.
- Application Process: Send the necessary paperwork to the right Qatari officials. Your boss will help you with the application and papers.
- Visa Issuance: You will get a work visa that lets you live and work in Qatar once it is accepted.
- Apply here: https://e-visa-qatar.com/
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Visa on Arrival: The UAE is a famous place for expats to live, and people from some countries can get in without a visa. This visa was originally made for tourists, but it also lets you go to business talks and look for work.
- How to Convert: When you get a job, your boss will usually help you get a work visa. In order to convert, you need to apply for a residency visa, get a physical exam, and get a work permit.
- Apply here: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/
Thailand
- Visa on Arrival: People from a number of countries can get a visa on arrival in Thailand, which lets them do short-term business. This is a great choice for people who want to look for work in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, which are all very busy places.
- How to Convert: You must first get a job offer in order to change your visa to a work visa. After this, your boss will apply for a work permit and then an extension on your visa to cover the length of your job.
- Apply here: https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org
Malaysia
- Visa on Arrival: People from a number of countries can enter Malaysia without a visa if they are there for work or pleasure. This lets you look into the job market in your area and make connections with possible companies.
- How to Convert: If you have a job offer, your boss can help you change your VOA into a work pass. This has a more thorough application process that includes checking your past and making sure you have all the right paperwork.
- Apply here: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/
Indonesia
- Visa on Arrival: Many countries can get a visa on arrival in Indonesia, which lets them do short-term business. Jakarta and Bali are popular places for expats to live because they have lots of jobs in many fields.
- How to Convert: You will be able to get a work permit through your company if you find work. You need to get a KITAS (temporary stay permit) and a work permit. These will let you officially stay and work in Indonesia.
- Apply here: https://www.kemlu.go.id/
Turkey
- Visa on Arrival: Turkey offers a visa on arrival to citizens of several countries, allowing for tourism and short-term business activities. The bustling cities of Istanbul and Ankara are key business hubs with numerous job opportunities.
- How to Convert: After finding a job, you can apply for a work permit, often with the assistance of your employer. The process includes background checks, a residence permit application, and work authorization.
- Apply here: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
Georgia
- Visa on Arrival: Georgia is an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Citizens of many countries can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, allowing for business activities.
- How to Convert: If you decide to work in Georgia, you can apply for a work visa or residence permit. The process typically involves securing a job and having your employer submit the necessary documentation.
- Apply here: https://www.evisa.gov.ge/
Armenia
- Visa on Arrival: Armenia offers a visa on arrival to citizens of various countries, which can be used for tourism and business purposes. Yerevan, the capital, is emerging as a hub for tech and innovation, attracting professionals from around the world.
- How to Convert: If you find employment, you can apply for a work permit or residence visa. Your employer will usually guide you through the application process, including document submission and background checks.
- Apply here: https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/
Bahrain
- Visa on Arrival: Bahrain lets people from a number of countries enter the country without a visa, which lets them do short-term business. People know the country for being good for business and for having a growing job market in technology and banking.
- How to Convert: Your company can help you change your VOA into a work visa once you have a job. To do this, you need to apply for a work pass and a residence visa, which usually includes medical tests and background checks.
- Apply here: https://www.evisa.gov.bh/list-of-onarrival-visa-country.html
Sri Lanka
- Visa on Arrival: Sri Lanka lets people from a number of countries enter the country without a visa, mostly for business and tourists. The economy of the island country is growing, and there are jobs available in business, industry, and tourism.
- How to Convert: You can apply for a work visa through your workplace if you find work while you’re there. Getting a work permit and extending your visa for the length of your job are both parts of the process.
- Apply here: https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=14
Singapore
- Visa on Arrival: Singapore lets people from a number of countries enter without a visa or with a visa when they arrive. People usually do this for vacation or short-term business, but it can also be used to look for work in one of Asia’s most dynamic countries.
- How to Convert: Once you have a job, you can apply for an Employment Pass, which is usually paid for by your company. As part of the process, you have to meet certain school and salary requirements and have your background checked.
- Apply here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa_requirements
Australia
- Visa on Arrival: Some nationalities can get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) from Australia, which lets them visit for work or pleasure for short periods of time. This gives you a chance to look for work in Australia’s wide range of job markets.
- How to Convert: You can get a work visa like the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa if you find a job. Your boss has to sponsor you, and there are certain health and skill standards that you have to meet.
- Apply here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia/can-i-go-to-australia
Conclusion
It can be hard and take a lot of time to apply for a normal work visa. A visa on arrival, on the other hand, lets you see a new country, learn about its culture, and look for work before deciding to stay for a long time. There are great job chances in the above countries for people who want to start working abroad.
You can get your dream job and start a new life abroad by turning your VOA into a work visa. You might even be able to bring your family with you on the journey. Why wait then? Get your things ready to move. You might find the right place to build your career and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a visa on arrival (VOA)?
With a visa on arrival (VOA), you can enter a country without getting a visa first. This type of visa is usually given for short stays for business or tourists. In some cases, it can be used to look for work and then turned into a work visa if you find a job.
What documents are required to convert a VOA to a work visa?
A valid passport, a job offer letter from a local employer, medical test results, a police clearance certificate, proof of educational qualifications, and any other documents needed by the country are some of the most common ones.
