Top 12 Countries Offering Work Visa on Arrival in 2024 – Complete List

Imagine this: You’ve been daydreaming of working overseas, seeing different cultures, and maybe settling down in a place where you feel at home. But then you face reality: a never-ending paperwork load, lengthy wait periods, and the doubt that your application for a work visa will ever be granted.

What if there was a way to avoid some of the hassles and have a sneak peek at the job market and way of life in a country before committing to a long-term work visa? You’re in luck, though! Visas on arrival (VOAs) are provided by certain nations, enabling you to enter, explore, and even dabble in the local labor market. What’s the best thing, then? If you find employment and choose to apply, you can frequently convert your VOA into a work visa.

This post will examine the topic of visa on arrival, identify the nations that provide this fantastic chance, and describe how to convert a quick trip into a long-term professional transfer. So let’s get started—pack your luggage and your resume!

Is it feasible to obtain a work visa on arrival?

A job offer is typically a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa, which you must have before entering the nation. On the other hand, the idea of a visa on arrival permits entry into a nation without the drawn-out application procedure associated with regular work visas. Usually, a VOA is used for tourism or transient business purposes, but it can also serve as a springboard for longer-term endeavors.

Even while a visa on arrival isn’t typically given specifically for employment, it’s still a great way to meet people, go to interviews, and get a sense of the labor market in the area. It’s an ideal starting point for your overseas career since many nations let you convert your visa upon arrival into a regular work visa once you’ve found employment.

Countries Offering Visa-On-Arrival for Work or Business Activities

The top 12 nations in 2024 where you can travel and get a visa upon arrival are as follows:

1. Qatar

Visa on Arrival: Most EU countries, as well as the citizens of the United States and the United Kingdom, can obtain a visa on arrival in Qatar. You can use this visa mainly for travel and brief business trips, which will allow you to look into employment opportunities in Qatar.

How to Convert: Your company can assist you in converting your VOA into a work visa if you find employment while on it. When you have a job offer, the process becomes easier. It entails medical exams, background checks, and the submission of numerous documents.

Apply here: https://e-visa-qatar.com/

2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Visa on Arrival: The UAE is a well-liked location for foreign visitors and grants inhabitants of specific nations a visa upon arrival. This visa enables you to attend business meetings and look into job opportunities even though it was originally intended for tourists.

How to Convert: Usually, your employer will sponsor you for a work visa once you’ve been hired. Obtaining a labor card, going through a medical examination, and applying for a resident visa are all part of the conversion procedure.

Apply here: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/do-you-need-an-entry-permit-or-a-visa-to-enter-the-uae/visa-on-arrival

3. Thailand

Visa on Arrival: Citizens of several nations are eligible for Thailand’s visa on arrival, which permits brief business visits. For people looking to investigate employment options in the thriving cities of Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Bangkok, it’s a great choice.

How to Convert: Obtaining a job offer is a must for switching to a work visa. After that, your employer will apply for a work permit on your behalf and then for a visa extension that will last for the duration of your job.

Apply here: https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/visa-exemption-and-visa-on-arrival-to-thailand

4. Malaysia

Visa on Arrival: Malaysia grants its citizens, primarily those traveling for business and tourism, a visa upon arrival. You can use this to network with possible companies and investigate the local job market.

How to Convert: Your employer can assist you in converting your VOA into an employment pass once you’ve received a job offer. This entails a more thorough application procedure that includes document verification and background checks.

Apply here: https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp

5. Indonesia

Visa on Arrival: Many nationalities are eligible for Indonesia’s visa on arrival, which permits brief business trips. Jakarta and Bali are well-liked locations for foreign workers, providing ample work prospects across several industries.

How to Convert: Your employer will sponsor you for a work visa if you are hired. To lawfully remain and work in Indonesia, you must first get a work permit and a KITAS (temporary stay permit).

Apply here: https://www.kemlu.go.id/oslo/en/pages/visa_kunjungan_saat_kedatangan/3241/etc-menu

6. Turkey

Visa on Arrival: Citizens of several nations are eligible for a visa on arrival to Turkey, which permits short-term business and tourism trips. Ankara and Istanbul, two thriving cities, are important business centers with lots of work prospects.

How to Convert: You can apply for a work permit after landing a job, frequently with your employer’s help. Background checks, an application for a residency permit, and work authorization are all part of the procedure.

Apply here: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

7. Georgia

Visa on Arrival: A growing number of entrepreneurs and digital nomads are choosing to travel to Georgia. Many nationalities citizens can enter without a visa or receive one upon arrival, enabling business travel.

How to Convert: You can apply for a work visa or residence permit if you want to work in Georgia. Usually, the procedure entails finding employment and requesting that your employer submit the required paperwork.

Apply here: https://www.evisa.gov.ge/

8. Armenia

Visa on Arrival: Travelers and business travelers from several nations are eligible for a visa on arrival to Armenia. The city, of Yerevan, is becoming known as a center for innovation and technology, drawing in specialists from all over the world.

How to Convert: You can apply for a work permit or residency visa if you are hired. Typically, your company will assist you with all aspects of the application process, such as submitting documents and doing background checks.

Apply here: https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/

9. Bahrain

Visa on Arrival: Bahrain grants nationals of several nations a visa upon arrival, permitting brief business visits. The nation is renowned for its business-friendly atmosphere and expanding technology and finance job markets.

How to Convert: Your company can assist you in converting your VOA into a work visa once you’ve found employment. This entails submitting an application for a residency visa and work permit, which usually includes background checks and medical exams.

Apply here: https://www.evisa.gov.bh/list-of-onarrival-visa-country.html

10. Sri Lanka

Visa on Arrival: Sri Lanka provides people from several nations with a visa upon arrival, mostly for travel and commercial purposes. The island nation’s economy is expanding, and there are chances in industries including manufacturing, IT, and tourism.

How to Convert: You can apply for a work visa through your employer if you can obtain employment while you are here. Getting a work permit and extending your visa for the length of your employment are the two steps in the process.

Apply here: https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=14

11. Singapore

Visa on Arrival: Citizens of several nations are eligible to enter Singapore without a visa or with one upon arrival. Even though this is usually done for short-term business or tourism, it offers an opportunity to look into work chances in one of Asia’s most active economies.

How to Convert: You can apply for an Employment Pass, usually sponsored by your employer, after landing a job. Meeting specific wage and educational requirements is part of the procedure, and background checks are also required.

Apply here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa_requirements

12. Australia

Visa on Arrival: For short-term trips for both business and tourism, Australia grants certain nationalities an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This offers a chance to look at employment options in Australia’s broad work market.

How to Convert: You can apply for a work visa, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, if you can obtain employment. You must be sponsored by your employer, and fulfilling certain health and skill standards is part of the process.

Apply here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia/can-i-go-to-australia

Conclusion

The procedure of applying for a regular work visa can be difficult and time-consuming. However, you can travel, sample the local way of life, and check out the employment market before committing to a long-term stay in another country with a visa on arrival. The aforementioned nations present excellent prospects for individuals wishing to venture into global employment.

You can not only land your ideal job but also start a new life abroad by converting your Visa-On-Arrival into a work visa. You might even consider taking your family on this exciting journey. Why then wait? Packing can help you choose the ideal location to launch your career and pursue your dreams.