If you’re working remotely while bouncing between countries, there’s one question you’ve probably asked yourself, maybe even a little nervously: “Can I actually work on a tourist visa?”
Let’s examine the rules, what remote workers are doing in practice, and how to navigate the blurred lines of digital nomad life without getting into legal trouble.
A tourist visa is typically meant for, well, tourism. That means sightseeing, visiting friends or family, and maybe short courses or conferences — but not working, at least not in the traditional sense.
Most tourist visas specifically prohibit “gainful employment” or “engaging in work.” But here’s where it gets tricky: working remotely for a company or clients outside the country you’re visiting isn’t always clearly addressed.
The truth? Many governments simply haven’t caught up with the remote work boom.
Also read: Visa 101: A comprehensive guide to different types of visas
Technically, in most cases, no. But enforcement and interpretation vary.
Let’s say you’re a Nigerian software developer employed by a UK company and you’re spending two months in Portugal on a tourist visa. You’re not working for a Portuguese client, you’re not taking a local job, and your income doesn’t flow into the country.
From a practical standpoint, you’re not competing in the local labour market, so many remote workers assume this is okay. And in most cases, immigration officials don’t check what you’re doing on your laptop at a co-working space.
But there are still risks.
Even if you’re not breaking local labour laws, working remotely on a tourist visa might still violate visa conditions. That can lead to:
It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. And it’s more likely if you overstay, draw attention, or try to enter countries with strict border rules multiple times in a short period.
Also read: Top countries for Latin America digital nomad visas
To keep up with the rise of remote workers, some countries now offer digital nomad visas, which are legal permits that let you live and work without a local employer.
Examples include:
These visas usually require:
While they take a bit more paperwork, they give you peace of mind and sometimes even perks like tax incentives or longer stays.
If you’re on a short trip, a tourist visa may be fine, especially if your work is low-profile and your stay is brief. But if you plan to stay in one country for months, or work with local clients, it’s worth looking into proper remote work or digital nomad visas.
The good news is that more countries are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, and the legal pathways are expanding fast.
Also read: The cheapest digital nomad visas in the world
Remote work allows you to work from anywhere, but before you go anywhere, research and know the visa terms.
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