Traveling the world while earning money sounds like a dream come true for many people. If you’re someone who loves to explore new places but also needs to make a living while doing so, you’re in luck. Several countries around the world allow visitors on a travel visa to engage in specific activities that can help you earn money. While most travel visas don’t allow you to work like a full-time employee, there are various ways to make money legally, depending on the country and your activities.
In this article, we will explore how you can make money while traveling on a visit visa, the types of jobs that are allowed in different countries, and how to ensure you stay within the legal requirements.
Understanding Travel Visas and Earning Opportunities
First, let’s clarify the difference between a travel visa (visit visa) and work visas:
- Travel or Visit Visa: A short-term visa typically granted for tourism or business purposes. It allows you to stay in the country for a limited time (usually between 30-90 days) but does not automatically grant permission to work.
- Work Visa: A visa that specifically allows you to work in a country. This is different from a visit visa and usually requires a job offer from a company in the destination country.
While most travel visas restrict working activities, there are ways you can still make money legally by doing certain activities that are permitted under the visit visa’s terms. The key is understanding the regulations of each destination and staying within the law.
Top Countries Where You Can Make Money on a Visit Visa
Here’s a look at some popular countries where travelers can make money while visiting:
1. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations for digital nomads and tourists. While a tourist visa doesn’t allow you to work full-time, there are several opportunities to earn money legally during your visit.
Ways to Earn Money in Thailand:
- Freelance Work: If you have a skill like writing, graphic design, web development, or marketing, you can easily find freelance gigs online and work remotely from Thailand. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make it easy to connect with clients.
- Teach English: Many tourists travel to Thailand on a tourist visa and teach English for short-term periods. Some private tutoring jobs or language schools may allow you to teach on a visit visa, as long as you don’t sign a formal long-term contract.
- Sell Products Online: If you’re in Thailand for a while, you could start selling local products online, such as handmade crafts, clothing, or souvenirs, through platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon.
Things to Note: Always check with local regulations to ensure you don’t violate the terms of your visa. Teaching English on a tourist visa is usually only permitted for informal or short-term roles.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia, has become a haven for digital nomads and remote workers due to its affordable cost of living, beautiful scenery, and vibrant expat community. While a tourist visa doesn’t permit you to take up a full-time job, you can make money by working remotely or by running an online business.
Ways to Earn Money in Bali:
- Freelancing and Remote Work: Many people who visit Bali on a tourist visa work online, offering services such as writing, digital marketing, software development, or graphic design.
- Blogging or Vlogging: Bali is a popular place for influencers, bloggers, and YouTubers. If you’re into travel, lifestyle, or food blogging, you could earn money through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, or YouTube ads.
- Online Teaching: If you have teaching experience or expertise in a subject, you can offer tutoring services or teach English online through platforms like VIPKid, Cambly, or iTalki.
Things to Note: As long as you’re not formally employed by a company within Bali, freelancing and remote work are typically allowed. It’s important to keep in mind that Indonesia is strict about the type of work you do while on a tourist visa.
3. Portugal
Portugal is another fantastic destination for digital nomads and remote workers. The country offers a relatively easy process for visitors to stay for long periods, especially with the growing popularity of the Digital Nomad visa program (although a digital nomad visa is different from a tourist visa, some workarounds exist for earning while on a tourist visa).
Ways to Earn Money in Portugal:
- Freelance Jobs: As in many countries, you can find remote freelance work or start your own online business while living in Portugal.
- Blogging and Influencing: Portugal, especially Lisbon and Porto, is a hub for content creators. If you have a blog, Instagram, or YouTube channel, you can partner with local businesses or international brands for sponsored posts or affiliate marketing.
- Online Courses and Coaching: Many digital nomads and expats make money by offering online courses, coaching services, or consultancy in their area of expertise.
Things to Note: Portugal offers a relatively easy-going approach to freelancers working remotely, as long as you don’t work for a local employer while on a tourist visa.
4. Mexico
Mexico is a well-known destination for travelers and digital nomads due to its proximity to the United States, low cost of living, and visa policies. Most tourists can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days without needing a visa, and remote work is largely allowed while visiting.
Ways to Earn Money in Mexico:
- Freelancing and Remote Work: You can work from home as a freelancer or remote employee for companies that are based outside of Mexico.
- Tourism-Related Jobs: While you can’t take a formal job in Mexico as a tourist, some informal work, such as working in a local café, tour guiding, or performing arts, can be an option.
- Sell Products: If you’re an artist, you could sell handmade goods or artwork online or at local markets.
Things to Note: Mexico has a relatively flexible policy for tourists, but make sure you aren’t taking up employment with a local Mexican company. Remote work or freelance gigs are the most common ways to make money on a visit visa.
5. Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a popular destination for tourists and business professionals alike. The UAE has strict visa and work regulations, but tourists can engage in certain activities that will allow them to earn money legally.
Ways to Earn Money in Dubai:
- Freelance Work: If you’re a freelancer, you can work remotely for clients outside the UAE while living in Dubai.
- Social Media and Content Creation: Dubai is home to many influencers, especially in the fashion, lifestyle, and travel niches. You can make money through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, or brand partnerships on platforms like Instagram or YouTube.
- Tourism-Related Jobs: Some temporary or casual jobs like event hosting, tour guiding, or working in the hospitality industry may be available to tourists, as long as they are within the law.
Things to Note: Although Dubai is strict about work regulations, it’s still possible to make money as a freelancer or remote worker. Be sure to understand the rules surrounding work on a tourist visa to avoid fines.
6. Canada (Via Workaway and WWOOF)
While Canada requires a work permit for employment, visitors on a tourist visa can take part in cultural exchange programs like Workaway or WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) where you work in exchange for accommodation and food. This allows you to earn while experiencing Canadian culture.
Ways to Earn Money in Canada:
- Work Exchange Programs: Programs like Workaway and WWOOF offer opportunities to work on farms, at hostels, or with local families in exchange for food, accommodation, and sometimes a small stipend.
Things to Note: You cannot engage in regular paid employment on a tourist visa, but the work exchange programs offer an alternative to explore and work temporarily while learning about Canadian culture.
Conclusion: Legally Earning While Traveling
While earning money on a travel visa can seem complicated, many countries offer opportunities for tourists to earn income without violating their visa terms. Whether you’re freelancing, teaching English online, running an online business, or participating in work exchange programs, there are various ways to fund your travels and enjoy a new lifestyle.
Before pursuing any of these opportunities, it’s crucial to research the visa requirements for your destination country. Make sure the activities you engage in comply with the visa rules to avoid legal issues. With the right approach, you can make money on your travels, experience new cultures, and live the dream of working while exploring the world!
