Visa-free travel for Indians| best countries to visit with an Indian passport
Praveen Maloo Comments 0 Comment
If you have an Indian passport and are like me, you probably get anxious by the very thought of having to apply for visas. I frequently come across Indian citizens who want to travel but get discouraged by visa applications. Fortunately, the bilateral relations with a lot of countries have been improving and things are getting better. Moreover, with increasing digitization, e-visa is becoming a common alternative . In this post, I break down some tips and tricks and countries you can visit visa-free, easily get an e-visa or a visa on arrival with an Indian passport
General tips and tricks for Indian passport holders
- Get a US travel/business visa if you can – it goes a long way in getting other visas on arrival or making it completely exempt in certain countries.
- Schengen visa gets you access to more than 25 countries in Europe, and makes travel visa exempt in several other countries. Try to get a multiple entry one or two years visa if you can.
- Travel in certain countries may lead you to be denied entry in others. Check the current geo-political situation. You can get around by having visas/entry stamps on different passports, but with increasing digitization, its getting harder to circumvent this.
- Log all your entry, exit dates, and keep a travel log – it will save you a lot of scrambling when asked for in certain situations
- Look up the latest e-visa options – it’s so much easier than trying to deal with airport queues and fees for visa on arrival
Visa-free travel for Indians
Now, let’s take a look at some amazing destinations that you can easily travel to without a whole lot of visa planning – starting closer to home, and all the way to Antarctica.
Visa-free or e-visa/visa on-arrival
countries
South East Asia
If you are based anywhere in Asia, here are some destinations that you can visit visa-free, get visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa.
If you are based anywhere in Asia, here are some destinations that you can visit visa-free, get visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa.
Nepal and Bhutan – Close to home, these beautiful Himalayan neighboring nations do not require any visas for Indians. Bear in mind that certain regions of Nepal and Bhutan need special permits, but those are easily obtainable if you plan ahead
Indonesia – Comprised of 17,000 islands, Indonesia’s geographical and cultural diversity is astounding. With visa-free access, Indonesia is waiting to be explored beyond the hotspots of Bali
Thailand – Perhaps the most popular destination with Indians, Thailand provides visa on arrival. Watch out for long queues if you are getting in at the Bangkok airport, but outside the holidays, it is not that bad.
Myanmar: Much of Myanmar is still opening up for tourism, so visit soon. Visa on arrival at the major airports, and e-visa as well.
Sri Lanka: A great relaxed destination for those looking for a tropical holiday closer to home, Sri Lanka supports both e-visa and visa on arrival for Indians, and is
Laos: The only land-locked country in SE Asia, Laos is often overlooked amongst other popular destinations like Vietnam and Thailand – take advantage of the e-visa and visa on arrival
Cambodia: More than just the world famous site of Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers both e-visa and visa on arrival
Malaysia: Home to vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur and beautiful mountains, beaches and tea gardens, Malaysia offers e-visa to Indians
Vietnam: Vietnam was my first backpacking destination outside India, and have returned multiple times ever since – Vietnam is a blast for food lovers, history connoisseurs and backpackers. Quick and easy e-visa option
Singapore: Singapore is a pretty boring travel destination, but there is plenty to do for a couple of days. If you hold a Schengen, UK/US/Australia visa, you can easily get an e-visa.
Hong Kong: Despite being tiny, Hong Kong packs a lot. Electronic Authorization for Indian passport holders.
Taiwan: The friendliest people you can find, some breathtaking landscape – Taiwan is one of my favorite places. If you have a valid US/UK/Schengen visa, you can get an e-visa approved fairly quickly and easily.
Philippines: Home to countless islands, Philippines offers visa on arrival for UK and US visa holders and residents.
Maldives: A honeymoon destination and more, Maldives provides visa-free access as well.
Middle East
Access to Mediterranean & Red Sea, amazing food and culture, middle-East has its troubles, but that shouldn’t deter you from exploring these peaceful destinations, all easily accessible from India.
Access to Mediterranean & Red Sea, amazing food and culture, middle-East has its troubles, but that shouldn’t deter you from exploring these peaceful destinations, all easily accessible from India.
Jordan: Synonymous to Petra for a lot of visitors, Jordan is one the most peaceful and safest countries to travel in this region. World-class diving in the Red Sea. Visa on arrival for Indians.
Oman: Another fascinating country – home to some beautiful desert fjords, lush green monsoon landscape, Oman offers e-visa for Indians with US/UK/Schengen residence permits or visas.
UAE: The melting pot of the middle-East, always a few steps ahead, UAE is a fascinating look into the future, while preserving its past. US visa holders can get visa on arrival.
Iran: Another country I haven’t been to yet, but can’t wait to get there. Visa on arrival as well e-visa options for Indians.
Bahrain: Increasingly less reliant on an oil economy, this Persian Gulf nation may be tiny, but boasts of some high profile crowd pullers such as the international F1 circuit as well as UNESCO heritage sites.
Qatar: Visa free access.
Central Asia
Mysterious, mostly landlocked, mountainous, connective tissue between the Far East and Europe, travel here is perhaps the most rewarding.
Mysterious, mostly landlocked, mountainous, connective tissue between the Far East and Europe, travel here is perhaps the most rewarding.
Uzbekistan: Home to some fascinating architectural gems from the Mughal era, Uzbeskitan offers both an e-visa as well as transit visas
Kyrgyzstan: One of the countries I haven’t been to yet, and very eager to get to. E-visa and visa on arrival if holding visas from certain countries.
Tajikistan: Another beautiful mountainous country, Tajiks are some of the friendliest people I have met. E-visa for Indians
Europe & Eurasia
Some of the my best travel experiences have been in Eastern Europe. Representing some of the more ancient cultures, great food, wine and landscapes, these countries close to home are a traveler’s dream.
Some of the my best travel experiences have been in Eastern Europe. Representing some of the more ancient cultures, great food, wine and landscapes, these countries close to home are a traveler’s dream.
Georgia: Some of the proudest people, fiercely passionate, landscape that knocks your socks off, and wine that’s like nowhere else, Georgia is a special destination. Visa on arrival – bear in mind that there have been some reports of Indians being denied visas and deported, but I have had no issues.
Armenia: Like Georgia, Armenia has a rich history, great food and culture. E-visa for Indians.
Azerbaijan: If you have an Armenian stamp on your passport, you may have to do some explanation, but should be able to get a visa on arrival under most circumstances:
Turkey: A perennial favorite amongst travelers, Turkey is a well-rounded destination. Visa on arrival for Indians with valid US/UK/Schengen visas.
Serbia: One of the surprise finds on my travel in the Balkans region, Serbia is a lovely low-key destination – from the pulsating city of Belgrade to the peaceful surroundings of Studenica monastery. Visa free access.
Albania: One of my favorite countries in Southern Europe, straddling the old Soviet rule and the new order, visa-free access if you have a US/UK/Schengen visa.
Africa
A massive content, with amazing diversity – the west and the east, the north and the south are nothing like each other. Tourism is getting easier with more infrastructure being built, but still remains challenging outside the hubs and resort areas.
A massive content, with amazing diversity – the west and the east, the north and the south are nothing like each other. Tourism is getting easier with more infrastructure being built, but still remains challenging outside the hubs and resort areas.
Ethiopia: One of the oldest civilizations, home to Christianity and coffee, there is nowhere else like Ethiopia. Both e-visa and visa on arrival for Indians.
Kenya & Tanzania: The best safaris in Africa, imposing peaks, and amazing beaches, Kenya and Tanzania are quintessential East Africa. Visa on arrival. If you have East Africa tourism visa you can get to both, as well as Uganda and Rwanda.
Uganda: Hidden gem, the pearl of Africa – the most surprising of all destinations. From silverback gorillas to equatorial snow and amazing game drives, Uganda is my favorite African destination. Visa on arrival.
Tunisia: Just south of Italy, with an impressive Mediterranean coastline, Tunisia is a gem. Visa free access for Indians.
Senegal: A cultural gem in West Africa, Senegal has put itself in the international arts scene. Visa free access for Indians.
Madagascar: Madagascar is exotic, offbeat and like nowhere else – like the tall boabab trees. Visa on arrival for Indians.
Mozambique: With decent beaches and several national parks, Mozambique is not your typical African holiday. Visa on arrival
Cape Verde: An island nation comprising of 10 diverse, volcanic islands west of the African mainland, Cape Verde has embraced tourism with open arms. Visa on arrival
Angola: Angola gifted Kizomba to the world. Dance your way to a visa-free stay.
Seychelles: An eclectic mix of French, African, Indian and British cultures, Seychelles is the smallest sovereign African nation. Visa/permit on arrival.
Caribbean and Central America
If you are based in the Americas, you have access to a lot of beautiful, small countries not too far from home. From the jungles of Costa Rica to the idyllic beaches of the Carribean islands.
If you are based in the Americas, you have access to a lot of beautiful, small countries not too far from home. From the jungles of Costa Rica to the idyllic beaches of the Carribean islands.
Cuba: If you are flying from Canada or Mexico, you should have no issues with US immigration. Indians can get into Cuba by getting a tourist card, their visa equivalent. Detailed blog post here.
El Salvador: Visa-free access to this beautiful country
Trinidad and Tobago: With strong connections back to India, finding Roti in just about every corner store would make you feel at home. Visa-free access.
Barbados:Outside the hurricane belt in the Atlantic, Barbados is another beautiful resort destination. Visa-free access.
Jamaica: With an economy heavily reliant on resort tourism, you will be at ease in Jamaica. Crime outside the resorts may be an issue. Visa-free access.
Haiti: There are obvious economic struggles that the country is going through, but if you are the adventurous kind, Haiti may just be your destination. Visa-free travel.
Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, Belize, Honduras: Each of these destinations requires multiple days to explore the treasure trove of natural wonders. Visa-free access if you have a US/UK/Schengen visa. Bear in mind that certain places in Nicaragua, Belize and Honduras can have safety issues.
Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenadines – these Caribbean cruise destinations don’t require any visa for Indians
Bahamas – Visa on arrival for Indias
Mexico: You will need to go back multiple times to truly explore this complex, fascinating country. Visa-free access if you have a US/UK/Schengen visa
Dominican Republic: Offering some of world’d best kitesurfing, it shares the island with Haiti. Visa-free access if you have a US/UK/Schengen visa
South America
The OG backpacking destination! Che Guevara’s motorcycle diaries first inspired me to travel to the continent and I keep going back
The OG backpacking destination! Che Guevara’s motorcycle diaries first inspired me to travel to the continent and I keep going back
Bolivia: From the high mountains of Lake Titicaca to the desert and salt flats, Bolivia is as sweet as it’s city Sucre. Visa on arrival for Indians.
Peru: Visa-free entry for Indians holding a valid US/UK/Schengen visa
Suriname: I haven’t yet been to Suriname, but Indians get visa free access
Colombia – from the wonders of the Lost City in the mountainous north to the hot Salsa scene in the south, Colombia offers a lot to the patient traveler. Visa-free access with a valid US/Schengen visa.
Chile: A fascinating country which runs an impressive 4,000 kms_+ along the western end of the continent – home to the wild Patagonian Andes, Atacama desert and numerous fjords, Chile is THE outdoor destination. Visa free access for Indians holding US B1/B2 visa as well as US permanent residents.
Oceania, Polynesia and Pacific
Tucked away in one end of the world.
Tucked away in one end of the world.
Australia: Australia introduced a quick and easy way get an online visa starting in 2017, and that has made travel a breeze. While you are there, check out Tasmania – my favorite place in Australia.
Vanuatu: You will not be the only one who hasn’t heard of this country before. Visa-free entry for Indians.
Fiji: A mix of great Polynesian food, culture, resort comforts, and unparalleled beauty. Visa free access for Indians.
About Praveen Maloo
Praveen is currently based out of Seattle, United States. He loves coffee, conversations, micro-brews, and intimate jazz music scenes. When its not raining in Seattle, he can be seen enjoying the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific North-West.- Wading through Oman’s incredible wadis - January 1, 2022
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