The rise of digital nomad visas has made headlines worldwide, but not every country has jumped on the bandwagon. The good news? Some destinations don’t have a specific digital nomad visa yet still welcome remote workers with open arms. Thanks to lenient entry rules, generous tourist stays, or easy visa extensions, these places are hidden gems for location-independent professionals.
🇲🇽 Mexico
Mexico is one of the most nomad-friendly countries without an official digital nomad visa. Travelers from many countries can stay up to 180 days on a tourist visa, which is longer than most short-term entry permits worldwide. Popular hotspots like Mexico City, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum make it easy to enjoy vibrant culture and strong expat communities while working remotely.
🇬🇪 Georgia
Georgia has become a darling of the nomad world, even before visas were trendy. Many nationalities can stay for up to one year visa-free. Add in low living costs, breathtaking landscapes, and the buzzing city of Tbilisi, and you’ll understand why it’s high on nomad lists. The government’s openness to long-term tourists is practically tailor-made for remote workers.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia doesn’t have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but it offers 90 days visa-free to many passport holders. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi are favorites for their mix of modern infrastructure and tropical living. With excellent Wi-Fi, affordable living, and diverse cuisine, Malaysia is both practical and enjoyable for nomads.
🇹🇠Thailand
While Thailand has experimented with various long-term visas, its tourist entry rules remain attractive. Many travelers get 30 days visa-free, extendable to 60 days, and in some cases, can apply for longer stays. With coworking hubs in Chiang Mai and beach escapes in Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand is a paradise for remote workers who value both community and lifestyle.
🇵🇹 Portugal
Portugal doesn’t officially call its programs “digital nomad visas” for short stays, but its 90-day Schengen tourist entry (with possible extensions) is often enough for many nomads. Lisbon and Porto are buzzing hubs for remote professionals, while Madeira and the Algarve offer sun, surf, and affordable living. Even without a nomad visa, the country has become a hotspot thanks to its laid-back vibe and thriving expat community.
🇹🇷 Turkey
Turkey allows many nationalities to enter with an e-visa valid for 90 days within a 180-day window. With Istanbul’s bustling energy and Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, Turkey offers rich history alongside modern work-friendly amenities. Affordable living costs make it an underrated base for nomads exploring Europe and Asia.
🇨🇴 Colombia
Colombia doesn’t currently offer a digital nomad visa, but its 90-day tourist visa (extendable to 180 days per year) keeps the door open for remote workers. MedellĂn, with its spring-like weather and thriving coworking culture, is a top choice. The country’s friendly locals and affordable lifestyle make it a long-standing nomad favorite.
🇷🇸 Serbia
Serbia offers visa-free entry for many passports, often up to 90 days, and is not part of the Schengen Zone. This makes it a strategic choice for nomads wanting to reset their Schengen days. Belgrade and Novi Sad offer vibrant city life, affordable living, and plenty of coworking spaces, all without the hassle of complex visa paperwork.
✨ The Takeaway
Not having a digital nomad visa doesn’t mean a country isn’t nomad-friendly. From generous tourist stays to simple extensions, these destinations prove that remote work life is possible without official visa titles. For nomads seeking flexibility, affordability, and culture, these countries remain some of the most attractive options on the map.