Visa on arrival or e-visa: What really works best for Indian travellers

Indian travellers have more visa-on-arrival and e-visa options than ever, but recent cases show why checking rules in advance is essential for a smooth trip

Travelling abroad is exciting. But, knowing the visa rules of each country can help your trip stay enjoyable from take-off to touchdown. Travel vlogger Shenaz Treasury found that out recently when she was denied boarding at Dubai airport to Argentina because she did not carry a printed copy of her e-visa. Earlier this month, travel blogger Akash Chaudhary said, in a post on Instagram, he was stuck in China for several days after a visa processing firm did not issue his Mongolia e-visa on time. These situations show why preparation matters before heading to a foreign country.

 

According to the latest Henley Passport Index from London-based Henley & Partners, Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 57 countries. In 27 other countries, Indian travellers can get a visa after landing. Popular places with visa on arrival include Sri Lanka, Maldives, Jordan and Qatar. Travellers can apply for an e-visa to 44 countries including Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Vietnam.

 

 

Why this matters

 

With more international trips on the calendar, many destinations now offer visa-on-arrival and e-visa options. Knowing which one works better in different situations can save time at airports and avoid unpleasant surprises.

 

What is a visa on arrival

 

A visa on arrival lets you get your visa at the airport or border when you reach the country. There is no need to apply before you leave India, although some documents may still be checked at the counter.

 

What is an e-visa

 

An e-visa is obtained online before travel. It is digital and linked to your passport, so immigration officers can confirm it when you arrive.

 

Which is more convenient for Indian travellers

 

Both options can be useful. Many travellers prefer e-visas since they allow everything to be completed online before departure. That usually means less waiting at immigration and more certainty.

 

SimpleVisa, a French platform that helps travellers with e-visas, said there are small details that travellers must not ignore. “Missed connections due to long visa on arrival queues are not covered by most airlines,” said Arthur Mignet, chief executive of SimpleVisa. “Incomplete documents can also lead to refusal at the counter, while e-visa portals validate uploads before payment is taken.”

 

Key differences between e-visa and visa on arrival

 

When you apply

E-visa: Before leaving home

VOA: At arrival

 

Planning needed

E-visa: Advance preparation

VOA: Fewer steps before travel, but documents still checked at entry

 

Risk of delays

E-visa: Possible if application is incomplete

VOA: Long queues and extra questioning can cause delays

 

Certainty

E-visa: Approval known before travel

VOA: Decision happens at the airport

 

Convenience

E-visa: Fully online process

VOA: Can feel simpler, though arrival may take longer

 

Countries offering each option

 

Visa on arrival

Thailand

Maldives

Indonesia

Sri Lanka

Cambodia

Laos

Jordan

Vietnam

Bahrain

Bolivia

Saint Lucia

Zimbabwe

Samoa

 

E-visa

Australia

New Zealand

United Arab Emirates

Singapore

Malaysia

Türkiye

Russia

Kenya

Ethiopia

Colombia

Sri Lanka

 

Tips for Indian travellers

 

• Check eligibility for either VOA or e-visa before booking

• Keep a passport with enough validity and spare pages

• Carry hotel bookings and return flight tickets

• Apply for e-visas in advance rather than leaving it to the last moment