Volunteer Visa: What It Is, How It Works, and Who Can Apply for It

The first time I went for volunteer work outside the country, it was through an NGO, and we had to apply for a volunteer visa.

If you want to know more about this visa, here’s what a volunteer visa is, how to apply for one, its requirements, countries that offer the visa, and when you need a volunteer visa.

What is a Volunteer Visa?

A volunteer visa is a kind of visa that allows you to enter another country to engage in unpaid volunteer work.

This visa (like I said in my case) is issued to people who want to work with non-profit organisations, charities, religious groups, or humanitarian missions.

Unlike other visas, volunteer visas come with a specific condition, which is that you must not engage in paid work.

If the visa is issued to you, you can use it to participate in non-paid roles while residing temporarily in the host country.

In some countries, you won’t see the name volunteer visa, you will hear names like Special Volunteer Visa,” “Charitable Activities Visa,” or “Non-Profit Volunteer Entry Permit.

While these names are not the same, they all share a common goal: to help foreign nationals who wish to contribute their time and skills to a good cause abroad.

This visa is perfect for:

• Young people on a gap year
• Recent graduates looking for experience
• Retirees wanting to give back
• Professionals with a passion for service
• Students seeking international exposure

Why would you need a Volunteer Visa?

Many people mistakenly assume you can travel on a tourist visa and volunteer casually, but that is not allowed.

You will be in big trouble if you do such. Most countries do not allow foreigners to do any form of unpaid work, even if it’s for charity, unless you have the correct visa.

They do this because volunteer work is still seen as a form of labour, and according to immigration laws in most countries, you need specific authorisation for such activities.

With a volunteer visa, you will be legally permitted to:

• Stay in a country for weeks or months while serving
• Work with registered NGOs or charitable organisations
• Volunteer with a registered charity or organisation.
• Live with host families or in volunteer accommodations.
• Be covered under the legal and insurance frameworks of the country.

If you don’t get this visa and you do volunteer work, you can be fined, deported, or banned from the country for violating immigration rules.

Notable features of a Volunteer Visa

Just like every other visa, do not expect volunteer visas to be the same in every country.

You will find differences, however, most volunteer visas include:

• A fixed duration (ranging from a few weeks to 1–2 years).
• Restriction against earning a salary.
• The requirement is to be affiliated with a recognised volunteer program or NGO.
• Background checks and proof of good character.
• Medical clearance and valid health insurance.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

Who can apply for a Volunteer Visa?

Anybody can apply, provided they:

• Have a valid passport.
• Meet the age requirement (some countries set a minimum age of 18).
• Pass security and health screenings.
• Have an official offer or letter of invitation from a volunteer organisation.
• Are not seeking paid employment or permanent residence.

What type of work can you do on a Volunteer Visa?

Frankly, there is no specific work you must do when you are issued a volunteer visa, except that it must be unpaid work.

The kind of work you’ll do depends on the project and the organisation you join.

You can do work like:

• Teaching: Helping children or adults learn English, math, or other subjects
• Healthcare: Helping in clinics or health outreach programs (non-medical roles)
• Construction: Building schools, homes, or community centres
• Agriculture: Working on eco-farms or sustainable farming projects
• Environmental work: Beach clean-ups, wildlife rescue, reforestation
• Community development: Organising events, supporting NGOs, or helping with local business training

For example, if you’re a university graduate from Kenya and you want to teach in a rural community in Nepal for three months, you can get a volunteer visa, which will allow you to enter Nepal and work legally while living with a host family.

Top countries that offer Volunteer Visas

Many countries welcome international volunteers. Here are some of them:

Note: Even though these are all volunteer visas, their requirements differ.

What are the requirements for a Volunteer Visa?

While the specific documents for each country differ, some requirements are consistent in all volunteer visas:

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining)
• A letter of invitation from the volunteer organisation
• Proof of accommodation or host address
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself (bank statement) or proof of sponsorship by the organisation you are working for.
• Travel insurance (with medical coverage) – it can also come from the organisation you are working for.
• Round-trip flight ticket
• A clear background or police report
• Medical tests (in some countries).

Some countries will also ask for visa fees and a completed visa application form.

How to apply for a Volunteer Visa

To get a volunteer visa, you need to:

• Find a registered organisation: The first thing you need to do is look for international NGOs, religious missions, conservation projects, or humanitarian aid agencies that accept foreign volunteers. If you don’t know where to find one, you can use platforms like Workaway, GoAbroad, Idealist, or WWOOF to find them. When you find one, apply to be a volunteer.

• Apply for a Volunteer position: After submitting your application to be a volunteer, they will review it. If you qualify, they will accept you as a volunteer. Once you’re accepted, ask them to send you a formal invitation letter or volunteer contract – you’ll need this for your visa.

• Get all the documents you need for your visa application: As we said, to apply for a volunteer visa, you need to submit some documents (we listed them above). Documents like: your passport, bank statements, health certificate, insurance, etc.

• Apply for your visa: Go to the embassy website or immigration portal of the country you want to enter and fill out the volunteer visa application form. You can submit your application (after filling it out) through an embassy, a visa centre, or an online portal.

• Wait for your visa to be approved: With the invitation letter (which makes your application stronger), it won’t take long for your visa to be approved. Possibly, within 4 weeks.

• Get your visa: Once approved, you’ll either receive a visa stamp on your passport or an electronic visa in your email. With your visa now approved, you can travel for your volunteer work.

Trusted volunteer organisations that can help

Below are globally respected platforms and organisations that are known for facilitating volunteer opportunities:

• Peace Corps (USA)
• Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)
• United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
• Projects Abroad
• GoAbroad.com
• Worldpackers
• Workaway
• AIESEC (for students and graduates)

Is a volunteer visa free?

Not all the time. In most countries, you will pay a small token (usually between $25 to $200) to get a volunteer visa.

However, if you are working with an NGO, they usually cover the cost – that is, your visa and travel are usually fully sponsored, meaning you don’t pay for a visa or accommodation.

This usually happens with long-term or skilled volunteers.

What you can’t do on a volunteer visa

• You can’t take a paid job or freelance.
• You can’t switch to a work visa directly (in most cases).
• You can’t stay longer than you are allowed to stay without permission.
• You can’t volunteer for profit-making businesses.

Doing any of the above will get you deported or banned from applying for a visa to the country again.

Can I be paid while on a volunteer visa?

No. A volunteer visa is for unpaid work only. Receiving a payment for the work you are doing is not allowed when you are on a volunteer visa.

Can I switch to a work visa later?

In some countries, yes – but it’s under specific conditions. However, you’ll usually leave the country, and then apply for the visa you want before coming back.

Benefits of volunteering abroad on a visa

When you volunteer, you will gain:

• Get international experience
• Learn new cultures and languages
• Build your CV and network
• Make a lasting impact on people’s lives

Many past volunteers say it was a life-changing experience. If you get the opportunity to volunteer for a cause you believe in, go for it.

Volunteering is a way of helping others, no matter how little. If you are interested in volunteering, remember to always choose an organisation with a good reputation.

Also, don’t forget to ask what’s included in the volunteering program (housing, meals, support).