Have you ever dreamed of living in another country, meeting new people, and experiencing a different way of life—all while being able to work and fund your travels?
If so, a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) might be exactly what you're looking for.
A Perfect Mix of Travel and Work
A working holiday visa is a special type of visa that allows young people (usually aged 18 to 30 or 35, depending on the country) to travel and work in a foreign country for a set period—typically 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer.
It’s designed to promote cultural exchange and help travelers support themselves financially during their stay.
Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, Japan, and many European nations offer working holiday programs through bilateral agreements.
What Countries Offer Working Holiday Visas?
Working holiday visas are available thanks to bilateral agreements between countries, and your eligibility depends on your nationality.
Here are some of the main countries that offer WHV programs:
Oceania
- Australia
- New Zealand
→ Two of the most popular and backpacker-friendly destinations.
Europe
- United Kingdom, Ireland
- France, Germany, Spain, Italy
- Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium
Plus others like Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and more.
Asia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- Singapore (limited agreements)
North America
- Canada (through the IEC – International Experience Canada)
South America
- Argentina
- Chile
- Uruguay
Africa
- South Africa (limited to certain countries)
💡 Note: Most agreements are bilateral. For example, Japanese and Australian citizens have access to many options, while U.S. citizens have fewer choices like Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Korea.
What Can You Do on a WHV?
With a working holiday visa, you’re usually allowed to:
- Work part-time or full-time (some restrictions may apply)
- Take short courses (language school, cooking class, etc.)
- Travel freely within the country
- Sometimes even extend your visa under certain conditions (like doing farm work in Australia)
Popular jobs include:
- Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, bars)
- Farm work (fruit picking, packing)
- Retail and customer service
- Seasonal tourism jobs (ski resorts, beachside hostels)
- Au pair or childcare work
Why Choose a Working Holiday?
People choose working holidays for all kinds of reasons:
- To improve language skills
- To experience local culture on a deeper level than just traveling
- To take a break from study or work
- To explore career options or new lifestyles
- To meet friends from around the world
It’s a great way to step out of your comfort zone and grow as a person while having the time of your life.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before applying, you should:
- Check age limits and nationality requirements
- Make sure you have enough savings (most countries require proof of funds)
- Understand visa conditions (work limitations, insurance requirements, etc.)
- Apply early, as spots can be limited for some nationalities
Learn More on Vocation Abroad 🌍
Want to know the details about who can apply, how long you can stay, how much it costs to apply, and what kind of work you can do in each country?
At Vocation Abroad, we’ve put together easy-to-read guides on working holiday visas for Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the UK.
https://www.vocationabroad.com/blog/iec-working-holiday-visa-overview
Related blogs:
📄[Australia] First Working Holiday Visa - Overview
📄[Canada] IEC Working Holiday Visa - Overview
📄[Japan] Working Holiday Visa - Overview
📄[NZ] Working Holiday Visa - Overview
📄[UK] Youth Mobility Scheme Visa - Overview
Written by the Vocation Abroad team
Helping working holidaymakers and backpackers find jobs, useful information, and community around the world 🌏💼