Visa on arrival makes travelling faster and easier because you get permission at the airport instead of waiting for a consulate decision. But this convenience does not mean the rules are the same everywhere. Some countries may require additional documents, and a few may also require proof of travel insurance upon arrival.
In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know about insurance for visa-on-arrival destinations, so your journey starts smoothly from check-in to arrival.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary For Visa-On-Arrival Destinations?
The requirement for travel insurance varies depending on the country and the rules established by airlines or immigration authorities. When you purchase travel insurance, you’re essentially buying a policy. Within that policy, you can select from various plans tailored to your specific needs. For example, someone making a one-time trip abroad might opt for a single-trip travel insurance plan, whereas a frequent flyer might choose a multi-trip option.
Some destinations require travel insurance for entry or for specific visa categories. Others only recommend coverage or ask travellers to prove they can meet medical costs in an emergency. Airlines and agents check requirements in the Timatic database, so lacking the correct policy certificate can still mean being denied boarding.
At immigration, officers typically verify key details, including the insured’s name matching the passport, the policy number, coverage dates that span the visit, territorial validity in the host country and clear medical and repatriation benefits. Some countries even specify minimum coverage limits, making incomplete certificates unacceptable.
Which Countries Need Travel Insurance From Indian Tourists?
The following are definite examples where official regulations or commonly accepted entry guidance describe insurance as part of the visa or entry process:
- Cuba: Medical insurance covering your stay in Cuba is mandatory. Airlines flying to Cuba often include or request proof of insurance. If you cannot produce recognised coverage, you may be offered local insurance upon arrival.
- Belarus: Entry regimes and visa-free schemes require a travel medical insurance certificate, usually with a specified minimum coverage. Visitors are asked to present the original certificate during their stay.
- Russia (unified e-visa holders): Foreigners entering Russia on a unified e-visa must have medical insurance valid for the entire duration of their stay. This requirement is strictly enforced for e-visa entries.
- Schengen area (visa applicants): Travel medical insurance is mandatory for visa applicants, meeting the minimum standards outlined in the Schengen Visa Code. While Schengen is generally not a visa-on-arrival destination, this requirement illustrates that visa regulations can specify exact insurance standards.
- Galápagos Islands (Ecuador): Travel medical insurance has been required for many years. Local authorities or tour operators may request proof before boarding boats or participating in organised visits.
- Qatar: All foreign visitors are required to have travel medical insurance. For stays longer than 30 days, insurance must cover emergency medical care and repatriation. Policies must be purchased from companies approved by the Qatari government.
- Jordan: Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all international visitors, regardless of nationality. Proof of insurance must be presented upon arrival.
Conclusion
Travel insurance may not always be compulsory for visa-on-arrival destinations, but it remains one of the smartest safeguards you can carry. Beyond fulfilling entry rules, it protects you from expensive medical bills, emergencies and unexpected travel disruptions.
Before departure, always check the latest embassy and airline requirements and carry both digital and printed copies of your policy. You can search for travel insurance online and opt for a coverage plan that matches your trip needs, ensuring a smooth entry, peace of mind and reliable protection wherever you go.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.