Can I Work Remotely While on an eVisa?

Thinking of working remotely while traveling on an eVisa? You have to be careful, just because you’re allowed to enter a country doesn’t always mean you can work there, even if it’s online for a job back home. 

An eVisa typically covers entry and short-stay purposes like tourism or business meetings, but remote work, even if tied to your current job back home, can fall into a gray area. Since countries have different rules, it’s important to check what your eVisa allows before you log on abroad.

What is the eVisa exactly?

An eVisa is a digital travel permit. You apply online, get approval by email, and skip the embassy lines. It’s fast, paperless, and ideal for tourism, short business visits, or medical travel.

But here’s the thing: an eVisa is not a work visa. Even if you’re just replying to emails or hopping on Zoom from your hotel room, it still counts as work in many countries.

Can You Work Remotely on an eVisa?

That depends on where you’re going. Every country has its own visa rules. Some are flexible about remote work. Others are strict, and yes, even remote work for a foreign employer might be a violation.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect in popular eVisa destinations :

• Thailand eVisa: Tourism only. If you’re caught working even remotely, you could face penalties. Thailand now offers a separate Long-Term Resident Visa for eligible remote professionals.
  
• Malaysia eVisa: Perfect for sightseeing, not spreadsheets. The tourist eVisa doesn’t cover remote work. However, Malaysia is exploring digital nomad visa options.
  
• Singapore eVisa: You’re welcome to attend meetings or conferences. But working remotely from a beach bar? That’s a grey area. For anything long-term, Singapore offers employment and work passes.
  
• Indonesia eVisa: Bali is a remote work dream, but not on a tourist eVisa. Remote work isn’t officially allowed, though there are talks of a future digital nomad visa.
  
• UAE eVisa: Short-term eVisas don’t permit remote work. But good news: you can apply for the UAE’s Virtual Work Residency Visa if you want to live and work there legally.

Why Does It Matter?

Remote work may seem harmless, but immigration officers might feel differently. Engaging in any type of work on a tourist eVisa, even for a non-local company, could result in fines, denial of entry, or, worse, a ban from re-entering.

What You Should Check Before You Go

If combining travel and work abroad is part of the plan, here’s a quick checklist:

1. Look up the exact visa type: Is it an eVisa for tourism/business, or a digital nomad permit?
2. Read the fine print: Confirm whether remote work is explicitly allowed. Tourist-centric visas often forbid any income-generating activity on local soil.
3. Explore dedicated remote-work visas: Many countries now simplify the process for digital nomads. They include clearer terms and are built for remote professionals.
4. Prepare your documents: Nomad visas typically require proof of employment, bank statements, health insurance, and sometimes police clearance.
5. Know the tax rules: Some places may treat you as a tax resident after a certain days. Understand what that means for your filing obligations.

Conclusion

Traveling with your laptop sounds like a dream, but don’t let it turn into a nightmare. If you’re holding an eVisa, know what you’re allowed to do. Just because you’re not working for a local employer doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

Play it smart. Check the rules. And if in doubt, stick to sightseeing and leave the spreadsheets for later.