Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Students: What You Need to Know

Priyanka Chandwani
October 1, 2025
6:27 pm
8 min Read

Summary

The article explores the concept of Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) for Indian students, highlighting that this facility allows students to obtain visas directly upon landing, instead of applying in advance. It emphasizes that VoA is usually intended for short stays like tourism, exploration, or initial visits, and not directly for long-term study purposes. Countries offering VoA or similar entry options to Indian travelers include Sri Lanka, Maldives, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand. For students, the article suggests using VoA for preliminary visits, while full study programs require a proper student visa. It advises checking country-specific rules before planning travel.

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Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity—but the visa process can often be one of the biggest hurdles. For Indian students, a visa application usually means gathering a lot of paperwork, waiting for approvals, sometimes attending interviews, and meeting strict deadlines. But there are some countries that offer Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) or very flexible entry options that make things much easier. In this blog, we break down what Visa-on-Arrival means, which countries offer it (or similar options) to Indian students, what the requirements are, and what you should watch out for. If you’re considering overseas study and want a smoother visa process, this guide is for you.

What is Visa-on-Arrival?

Free education typically refers to zero tuition or nominal fees at public universities, though students must cover living expenses, administrative fees, and sometimes health insurance or course materials. For conventional study destinations like Australia, USA, UK, and Canada, tuition fees generally range between ₹10 to ₹20 lakh per year, excluding living costs. By contrast, several European and Nordic countries waive or greatly reduce tuition fees for international students.

Top Low-Cost or Tuition-Free Destinations

Definition: Visa-on-Arrival is a facility allowing travellers to get a visa when they land in the destination country—either at an airport, sea port, or land border—rather than having to apply in advance at an embassy or consulate.
Difference from Other Visa Types: This is different from visa-free travel (where no visa is required in advance or on arrival), e-visa (visa obtained online before travel), or student visa (often requiring more documentation and approvals).
Advantages:
1. Less administrative burden and often faster processing.
2. Less need for interacting with embassies far away.
3. Useful in situations where timelines are tight.
Limitations / Risks:
1. Not all visa requirements can be satisfied on-arrival—sometimes you need pre-approval or special permits.
2. Entry may still be denied if you don’t carry required documents.
3. Costs (visa fees, any mandatory health/travel insurance, etc.) may still apply.
4. Duration and extension rights can be more limited compared to full student visas.

Countries Offering Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Students

1. Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the friendliest Southeast Asian countries for Indian passport holders. Indian students can obtain a Visa-on-Arrival at international airports and land borders, usually valid for 30 days. The process is simple—carry your passport, photographs, return ticket, and visa fee in cash. For students, Cambodia is especially popular for short-term exchange programs, cultural immersion, or English language courses. While a VoA is fine for short stays, those enrolling in full-time degree programs should convert it into a student visa through local immigration offices. Cambodia’s affordability, cultural diversity, and welcoming atmosphere make it an appealing option.

2. Maldives

The Maldives offers Indian travellers a 30-day Visa-on-Arrival, extendable up to 90 days. Students considering short courses, workshops, or exchange programs may find this option attractive. Requirements include a valid passport, return ticket, confirmed accommodation (such as a hotel or university hostel), and proof of sufficient funds. The Maldives is not a mainstream study destination for full degree courses, but it is suitable for niche areas such as marine biology, hospitality, or tourism studies. Students must note that VoA does not grant work rights, so it’s best suited for academic programs that don’t involve internships or employment.

3. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system that functions similarly to Visa-on-Arrival. Indian students can apply online or obtain entry clearance at the airport for short stays, usually up to 30 days. For academic purposes, Sri Lanka is emerging as a destination for cultural studies, Buddhist philosophy, and regional exchange programs. Students should carry acceptance letters, proof of funds, and return tickets to avoid issues at entry. For long-term study programs, students must convert to a proper student visa after arrival. With its proximity, affordability, and cultural similarity, Sri Lanka is a convenient choice for Indians.

4. Thailand

Thailand is a favourite destination for Indian travellers, and it provides Visa-on-Arrival for up to 15 days. While this is useful for short-term courses, internships, or study tours, students enrolling in degree programs will need to apply for a proper education visa in advance. The VoA requires documents such as a confirmed return ticket, accommodation proof, passport photographs, and sufficient funds (often around THB 10,000 per person). Thailand’s affordable education, especially in hospitality, business, and language courses, makes it attractive. However, students should plan carefully, as the VoA duration is not sufficient for longer academic stays.

5. Indonesia

Indonesia offers a Visa-on-Arrival to Indian citizens, generally valid for 30 days and extendable once. For students, this is ideal for short courses, cultural programs, or exchange semesters. Requirements include a valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. While VoA works for short-term academic activities, full-time students pursuing degrees in Indonesian universities must apply for a student permit in advance. Popular fields of study include arts, culture, and Islamic studies, given Indonesia’s strong academic networks in these areas. Students should also prepare for possible in-country conversions if their program extends beyond the VoA validity.

Conclusion

Visa-on-Arrival can be a useful option for Indian students planning short-term study abroad experiences such as exchange programs, summer schools, or cultural courses. Countries like Cambodia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia make the entry process simpler, saving time and reducing paperwork. However, VoA is not always suitable for full-time degrees, as it often comes with short validity and limited rights.

At PFEC India, we help students choose the right study destination and visa type based on their academic goals. If you’re exploring international education, consult our experts for guidance on the best visa pathway for your future.

FAQs

1. Can Indian students study abroad on a Visa-on-Arrival?

Yes, but mostly for short-term courses, exchange programs, summer schools, or language training. For full-time degree programs, most countries require you to convert your Visa-on-Arrival into a student visa or apply for a student visa in advance.

2. Which countries offer Visa-on-Arrival to Indian passport holders?

Popular countries that extend Visa-on-Arrival or similar facilities to Indians include Cambodia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia. However, each has specific conditions like duration of stay, proof of funds, and type of study program allowed.

3. What documents are needed for Visa-on-Arrival?

Generally, you’ll need:
Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Return/onward travel ticket
Proof of funds (bank statements or cash)
Accommodation confirmation (hotel or hostel booking)
Acceptance letter (if studying)
Visa fee (cash or card)
Recent passport photographs

4. Can I work on a Visa-on-Arrival while studying?

In most cases, no. Visa-on-Arrival usually does not grant work rights. If your study program includes internships or part-time work, you must apply for a proper student visa that allows such activities.

5. How long can I stay on a Visa-on-Arrival?

It varies by country:

Cambodia & Indonesia: 30 days (with possible extension)
Maldives: 30 days (extendable up to 90 days)
Sri Lanka: 30 days via ETA (extendable)
Thailand: 15 days (strict, not extendable in most cases)

6. Is Visa-on-Arrival suitable for degree programs?

No, Visa-on-Arrival is not recommended for full-time degree programs. Universities typically require a student visa for enrollment, residency, and compliance with local education laws. VoA is more useful for short stays or bridging until a student visa is granted.

7. Can I extend a Visa-on-Arrival to a student visa after arrival?

In some countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, it may be possible to extend or convert your Visa-on-Arrival into a student permit. However, this depends on local laws, and it’s always safer to check with the embassy or your university before travelling.

8. How much does a Visa-on-Arrival cost?

Fees vary by country:

Thailand: Around THB 2,000 (~₹4,500)
Cambodia: Around USD 30 (~₹2,500)
Indonesia: Around USD 35 (~₹3,000)
Maldives: Free for 30 days (fees apply for extensions)Always carry some local currency or USD cash for payment at the airport.

9. Do I need travel insurance for Visa-on-Arrival?

Some countries may ask for valid travel or health insurance before granting Visa-on-Arrival. Even if not mandatory, PFEC strongly recommends carrying insurance to cover medical emergencies, as international healthcare can be very costly.

10. Should I choose Visa-on-Arrival or apply for a student visa?

If you’re pursuing a short course, exchange semester, or workshop, Visa-on-Arrival can be convenient. But if you’re enrolling in a full-time degree program, applying for a student visa in advance is the best option to avoid legal or academic complications.