Have you ever asked yourself, “Can I get a visa at the airport without applying in advance? If yes, then you have reached the right place. You do not necessarily fill out any forms online or even visit one of the consulates in your motherland, but simply prepare the documents needed and present them to the immigration officer, who gets to stamp them immediately with a visa. It is fast, convenient, and in most cases, it does not require payments.
My name is Ali Al-Mansoor. I have helped my clients get into Dubai. Not a visit to one embassy. No documents to carry before boarding. They just landed, presented their papers, and got a free pass through immigration. Such a straightforward procedure taught me how convenient such kind of visa can be used by a great number of people like you.
In this blog, I am going to tell you what you need to know about Visa on Arrival, such as what it implies, who qualifies, eligibility provisions, how it is carried out, the documents required, and the complete list of countries that offer this facility in the year 2025.
What is a Visa on Arrival?
Type of visa that enables you to come to the country without actually applying in advance. You will not need to visit an embassy and fill out a form online a few weeks before you are going to travel, instead, you will be given the visa on arrival and get off the plane or cross the border. It is printed right there, most frequently following a concise version, a pair of documents, and a quick money transaction.
It is a perfect form of visa for your type of traveling, which is freer and more open.
Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival?
In most countries, a Visa on Arrival is given, though not to everybody. As my client was a British citizen, he did not encounter any problems during his arrival in Dubai, as it was relatively easy, which depends on the country of origin, the strength of one’s passport, and the occurrence of the policy of a certain country that is being visited.
Countries Usually Eligible for a Visa on Arrival
In most cases, it is possible to obtain the Visa on Arrival provided that a person falls within one of the categories:
- Passport-giving countries of high rank (UK, USA, EU, etc.).
- All the citizens of the countries that share diplomatic or mutual relations
- Short-term tourists (those tourists who visit temporarily and no more than 30 days)
- Business travelers who are attending a meeting, an exhibition, or a conference
It is better to visit and revisit the destination home site via the official immigration site in the concerned country. Each country has specific eligibility laws.
How Does Visa on Arrival Work?
Step 1: Arrive at the Airport
After landing, ask them whether signs/ special counters are indicating Visa on Arrival. It is easily accessible in most airports.
Step 2: Fill Out a Short Form
A brief survey document to be filled in, including your name, the purpose of your visit, and the date of your stay, will be completed.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Be ready to show:
- A valid passport
- Your travel itinerary
- Onward or a return ticket
- Information on accommodation or hotel booking information
- Supply of financial records of your lodging
Read Also: Saudi Business Visa 2025: Easy Application Guide + MOFA Rule
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
There is no fixed fee amount. It normally ranges between 10 dollars to 100 dollars although you might be required to part with some fee, depending on the country. There are other free as in Dubai for UK travelers.
Step 5: Get Your Visa Stamp
When everything is alright, your passport is stamped.
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival
This would be slightly different according to the country you are traveling but the following are the things that you have to keep with you wherever you move:
Must-Have Documents
- Valid passport (6 months minimum)
- One-way or round-trip ticket
- Hotel booking or address
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Local currencies or payments
Popular Countries That Offer a Visa on Arrival (2025)
Those are some of the general destinations in which people are allowed to obtain a visa on arrival:
| GCC Country | Eligible Nationalities | VOA Duration | Visa Fee | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Citizens of GCC countries, 70+ countries incl. US, UK, EU, AUS, JPN, MYS, CAN | 30, 90, or 180 days (based on nationality) | Free for most; AED 100 (for some Indian passport holders with valid US/UK/EU visas) | VOA is available at the airport; for longer stay via eVisa |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | GCC citizens only (visa-free); others need eVisa | N/A (no VOA for tourists) | N/A | Tourist eVisa available online for many nationalities |
| 🇧🇭 Bahrain | GCC nationals, 100+ countries (VOA or eVisa) | 14 days (single), 30 days (multiple) | BHD 5–12 (~USD 13–32) | GCC residents of approved professions are eligible |
| 🇴🇲 Oman | GCC nationals & GCC residents (with valid profession) | 14 days | Free (land border); ~5 OMR (~USD 13) if online | VOA is available only at the airport; land entries often require advance visa |
| 🇰🇼 Kuwait | GCC nationals, 50+ countries (mostly EU/US) | 90 days | ~3–10 KWD (~USD 10–33) | Indians with US/UK/Schengen visas get a 14-day VOA (AED 100) |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | GCC nationals, 90+ nationalities (UK, US, EU, etc.) | 30 days (extendable) | Free for most; QAR 100 (~USD 27) for GCC residents via Hayya platform | VOA is available at the airport; for a longer stay via eVisa |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Visa on Arrival?
A visa that you can get upon entry, usually either at the border or the airport, without being asked to apply somewhere first, and/or being forced to go to an embassy.
Who can get a Visa on Arrival?
The number of nationalities that can apply is huge, not just the UK, the US, the EU, etc. You must make sure that you are qualified in terms of your passport and your host nation.
Do I need to apply for a Visa on Arrival before I travel?
No. It is something that is presented to you when you land. Just make sure that you bring the required documents and make sure the place you want to visit provides for it.
What documents should I carry for a Visa on Arrival?
There will be a requirement to have an authentic passport, a passport out or onward ticket, a hotel booking, and a demonstration of funds. Other people may need a passport photo or travel insurance as well.
How much does a Visa on Arrival cost?
It varies by country. Some are free, like Dubai to UK citizens, and there are also some that cost 10-100 dollars.
Can I extend a Visa on Arrival?
Yes, in certain nations. One must first check the local laws before making arrangements to spend a long time in the place.
Read Also: 10-Year Saudi Visa for US Citizens: Apply Online Now
Final Words
Visa on Arrival will make you travel in the GCC, in a totally different manner since you will understand that life got even faster, simpler, and much less stressful.
