Instant Travel: Five Countries That Grant Visas Within 24 Hours

For many travellers, the excitement of planning a trip can quickly vanish under the burden of long visa waits. Endless paperwork, multiple embassy visits, and the uncertainty of approval often turn anticipation into frustration.

But for spontaneous explorers, there’s good news. A growing number of countries have streamlined their visa processes, offering approvals in mere hours, sometimes within a single day.

These destinations are ideal for last-minute adventures, urgent business trips, or unexpected getaways. Instead of waiting weeks, you could have your travel plans confirmed in a matter of hours.

Here are five destinations where visas are issued in 24 hours or less, making last-minute adventures a real possibility

Azerbaijan – Visa in as Little as 3 Hours

Azerbaijan leads the world in fast-tracking visa processing. Its ASAN Visa platform allows travellers to apply online and receive approval in as little as three hours. The system is designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal documentation. Whether it’s exploring the modern skyline of Baku, wandering the historic Old City, or enjoying the serene Caspian coastline, spontaneous trips to Azerbaijan have never been easier.

Why Visit:

• Baku’s Old City (Icherisheher) – a UNESCO World Heritage site blending medieval architecture with modern charm.
• Caspian Sea coastline – perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
• Gobustan National Park – famous for mud volcanoes and ancient rock carvings.

Visa Details:

• Apply online with minimal documents: a passport scan and a photo.
• Payment is made digitally, and approval is received within hours.
• Available for multiple nationalities, with short-term stays.

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Combine your visit to Baku with a road trip to Sheki or Gabala for scenic mountain landscapes.

Sri Lanka – ETA Within 24 Hours

Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system allows almost instant approval, making the island’s beauty more accessible.

Why Visit:

• Tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya – trek through rolling hills and experience colonial-era estates.
• Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa – ancient rock forts and city ruins.
• Beaches like Mirissa & Unawatuna – surf, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports.

Visa Details:

• The ETA online application takes minutes; approval is typically under 24 hours.
• The visa fee depends on nationality and length of stay.
• Single-entry tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days.

Apply ETA even if travelling spontaneously; avoid applying during peak tourist season for faster approval.

Pakistan – Visa in 24 Hours

Pakistan has digitized its visa system, offering approvals in just one day for multiple nationalities. With a 90-day stay option, travellers can explore both natural and cultural wonders.

Why Visit:

• Northern mountains – explore Hunza, Skardu, and Fairy Meadows.
• Historic cities – Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque, Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque, and Karachi’s coastline.
• Cultural experiences – bazaars, festivals, and traditional cuisine.

Visa Details:

• Digital application via the Pakistan Online Visa System.
• Required documents: passport scan, photo, and itinerary.
• Quick approvals make it ideal for adventure tourism and business trips.

Travellers planning treks in the north should apply a few hours ahead to coordinate permits for certain mountainous regions.

Turkey – e-Visa in 24 Hours

Turkey’s e-Visa platform is fully online, providing approvals within 24 hours for many nationalities. This allows travellers to explore the country without embassy visits.

Why Visit:

• Istanbul – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar.
• Cappadocia – hot-air balloon rides over fairy chimneys.
• Antalya & Bodrum – Mediterranean beaches with luxury resorts.

Visa Details:

• Online application only; payment via credit/debit card.
• Print or save the e-Visa to show on arrival.
• Single or multiple-entry options depending on nationality.

Check e-Visa validity for multiple entries if planning a multi-country trip, including Turkey’s neighboring nations.

Thailand – e-Visa on Arrival (eVOA) in 24 Hours

Thailand’s eVOA system lets visitors apply online and get approval in under 24 hours, perfect for last-minute beach trips or cultural explorations.

Why Visit:

• Bangkok – bustling street markets, vibrant nightlife, and historical temples.
• Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai – northern hill tribes, elephant sanctuaries, and scenic mountains.
• Phuket & Krabi – world-class beaches and island hopping.

Visa Details:

• eVOA valid for 15-day stay; application requires passport, photo, and flight details.
• Avoid long queues on arrival by pre-applying online.
• Certain nationalities may need proof of accommodation.

Thailand is ideal for spontaneous weekend escapes; combine cultural tours in Bangkok with a beach stay for a complete experience.

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In the age of digital travel, waiting weeks for a visa is no longer necessary. Countries like Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Turkey, and Thailand demonstrate how innovation is making tourism more flexible and accessible.

Pro Travel Advice:

• Always confirm visa requirements for your nationality.
• Keep digital and printed copies of documents.
• Be aware of peak seasons; processing times may vary slightly.
• Check travel insurance and accommodation requirements; some countries require proof.

Frequent travellers report that these fast visas are not just convenient but also a signal of countries prioritizing tourism growth. With these systems, even spontaneous weekend trips or sudden business travel are now a reality.