Visa-free travel implies entering a country without the need to obtain a visa in advance. It’s a relatively straightforward approach to traveling to countries without the hassle of visa procedures, and also saves on visa fees. Certain countries’ governments have an agreement with India that allows Indians to travel to their countries without any lengthy visa processes.
Regular visa-free travel allows you to freely travel to countries with just a passport. Generally, you don’t need anything but your passport to clear customs in most visa-free countries, but others might ask you to show documents such as proof of onward travel before entering the country. In some countries, you might need to pay airport or departure tax.
Let’s see the top countries where Indians can travel visa-free.
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List of Visa-free Countries for Indian Citizens
Many countries that appear on travel wish lists now offer visa-free travel to Indian citizens:
Kenya
- Visa-free days: 90 days
- Attractions: Great Rift Valley, Maasai Mara Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, Lake Turkana
- Must Try: Sukuma Wiki, Nyama Choma, Mutura, Madazi
Why we picked it
Kenya is the latest country to welcome Indians without a visa. Beginning January 1, 2024, Kenya is offering visa-free travel to any passport holder from across the world in a move to encourage tourism, through its electronic travel authorization programme.
Travel enthusiasts have a lot to do in the East African nation thanks to Kenya’s vibrant wildlife and marine reserves, with more than 50 national parks. The Kenyan Safari experience is world class and its landscape is breathtaking. The best weather to visit Kenya is between January and February and July to September.
Iran
- Visa-free days: 30 days
- Attractions: Persepolis, Golestan Palace, Naqsh-e Jahan Square
- Must Try: Kebab, Ghormeh Sabzi, Koofteh Tabrizi
Why we picked it
Iran is offering visa-free travel to the citizens of India. The application fee for a business visa is INR 5,200 and the tourist visa fee is INR 3,000.
Iran is a dazzling country for nature enthusiasts, who can experience the beauty of mountains, caves, lakes, rare plant and animal species, forests, beaches and mineral waters. Iran has four distinct seasons every year.
Indonesia
- Visa-free days: 30 days
- Attractions: Sumatra, Java, Bali and Ubud
- Must Try: Indonesian Satay
Why we picked it
Indonesia, one of the largest nations in the world, offers great diversity. The most popular destination in Indonesia is Bali, an island well known as a destination for newlywed couples or solo travelers.
Indonesia, if planned well, can be an exceptional experience for all age groups. The best time to visit Indonesia is from April to October.
Note: The visa-free program is temporarily suspended. Kindly check the site of the Indonesian embassy in India.
Thailand
- Visa-free days: 30 days
- Attractions: The Grand Palace, Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan and Khao Yai National Park
- Must Try: Guay Teow, Tom Yum Goong and Pad Thai
Why we picked it
Thailand is one of the top destinations in the world, from Bangkok and Pattaya to Phuket and Krabi. It’s a complete experience from beaches to temples to food, spas and shopping.
Thailand is a nature paradise where you can explore hidden lagoons, irresistible beaches and clear blue waters. And of course, this is the place to try the famous Thai cuisine. The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February.
Malaysia
- Visa-free days: 30 days
- Attractions: Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves and LEGOLAND Malaysia
- Must Try: Mee goreng mamak, Apam balik and Nasi kerabu
Why we picked it
Malaysia is a beautiful travel destination, a place where ancient rainforests coexist with a multicultural city life experience. The capital Kuala Lumpur is home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
You can experience thrilling whitewater rafting and the Sipadan dive site. The country has exceptional food, a historical vibe, beautiful beaches and wildlife-packed national parks. The best time to travel to Malaysia is December to March, especially if the West Coast is on your list.
Maldives
- Visa-free days: 30 days
- Attractions: Maafushi Beach
- Must Try: Garudhiya, Mas Huni and Masroshi
Why we picked it
The Maldives has become one of the most popular destinations among newlyweds. It counts among the dreamiest places to visit owing to its breathtaking scenery. The Indian Ocean nation offers mesmerizing views, the cool breeze of the seas, warm temperatures and pretty coral reefs.
The Maldives is known for its idyllic beaches with powdery white sands, turquoise oceans and blue lagoons. Use the visa-free opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of the country with your loved ones. The best time to visit Maldives is from December to April.
Mauritius
- Visa-free days: 90 days
- Attractions: Black River Gorges National Park, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden and Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark
- Must Try: Dimsums, Boulettes and Mine Frites
Why we picked it
Mauritius features of distinctive fusion of music, customs and food. This makes the country a place of cultural discovery. You can explore the local markets and festivals and you should definitely try their delicious Mauritian Cari.
Mauritius is beautiful with amazing beaches where you can experience watersports or enjoy idyllic relaxation. The best time to visit the country is from May to December.
Nepal
- Visa-free days: Indians are allowed to freely stay in Nepal
- Attractions: Buddha Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhu Mahachaitya
- Must Try: Dal Bhat, Momos and NewariKhaja
Why we picked it
India’s neighbour Nepal is a country filled with natural beauty, and does not require Indian citizens to have any visa at all. The beauty is simply breathtaking. You can explore the Himalayas, lush green forests and rolling hills.
Nepal is a delight for the eyes. The country is home to eight of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest. If you’re a trek or mountain lover, this is the place for you. The best time to visit the country is from October to December.
Qatar
- Visa-free days: 30 days
- Attractions: National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif and Museum of Islamic Art
- Must Try: Saloona, Warak enab and Majboos
Why we picked it
Qatar is a Middle East Arabic country. The country is well known for its infrastructure and the futuristic capital of Doha with its skyscrapers.
Qatar has also been on the world’s radar as one of the wealthiest countries, and lately for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022. The best time to visit the country is from October to March.
Seychelles
- Visa-free days: 30 days
- Attractions: Mahe, La Digue and Praslin
- Must Try: Seychellois Cuisine
Why we picked it
The Seychelles is best known for its waters. You can experience the exceptional beauty of coral reefs, sea turtles, and underwater rock formations teeming with beautiful fish, whale sharks and shipwrecks.
Some beaches in Seychelles offer a calm, peaceful and secluded environment. The best time to visit the country is October to November.
Sri Lanka
- Visa-free days: 30 days
- Attractions: Colombo, Arugam Bay and Kandy
- Must Try: Fish ambul thiyal, Kottu and Kukul mas curry
Why we picked it
Sri Lanka is the newest addition to the category of visa-free countries to visit for Indians. It is a South Asian island that is brimming with rich history, stunning landscapes, diverse culture and spectacular wildlife.
You can experience beautiful weather and incredible cuisine. The hospitality is great and the country has an amazing array of sweetmeats. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from November to April for the South West and February to September for the North East of the country.
Other Visa-free Countries for Indian Passport Holders
How To Plan Your Visa-free Travel
While planning a visa-free trip, the most important thing you need to ensure is the entry requirements of your destination for a trouble-free travel experience. Among the other things that you need to plan and check before your visa-free travel:
- Check your passport validity.
- Maximum stay duration.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Return/Onward travel ticket.
- Accommodation.
- Travel insurance.
- Customs regulations.
- Tourist spots.
- Currency exchange.
- Local transport in the country.
Should You Take Travel Insurance on an International Trip?
Travel can be an expensive activity. Insurance can help you avoid spending even more to deal with unforeseen events. Let us understand some advantages of travel insurance:
Medical Support: Having travel insurance can cover your medical emergencies in a foreign country. Availing medical treatment can be very expensive in a different country if you don’t have overseas travel insurance.
Rescheduling or Cancellations: You can reschedule or cancel your flight due to emergencies, and travel insurance can refund any cancellation fees or other charges.
Protection against personal liabilities: If you damage property or get injured in a foreign country or your kids damage a valuable item, travel insurance comes to your rescue, if any unanticipated scenarios come your way.
Replacement of lost/stolen luggage: Travel insurance covers any theft for small or big items on a trip as it is common to misplace your luggage or be a theft victim in a foreign country.
You can also check out our detailed guideline on taking out suitable travel insurance.
1
Visitors Coverage Insurance
Quick
Buy travel insurance in mere few minutes
Variety of products
Ranging from international travel insurance to trip insurance to student visa insurance
Great customer support
Customer success team of licensed travel insurance experts
Bottom Line
Visa-free travel can be a golden opportunity for people who want to travel abroad, can cut visa fee costs and make your travel experience much easier. Before you decide on a country to travel to, or if you already have a destination on your mind, make sure you check the entry requirements for that country.
Some countries need you to show some documentation even with a visa-free approach. So, do plan ahead, and have an amazing trip to the countries we mentioned above — and don’t forget to try their delicacies!
Disclaimer: An earlier version of this story categorized Vietnam to be visa-free, which is inaccurate.
Currently, Vietnam is considering a visa waiver for Indian citizens, but the Vietnamese government is yet to confirm if it would become a reality. Till then, Indian citizens need visas for both tourist and business purposes to enter Vietnam. As an Indian citizen, you can apply for an e-visa as well.
The requirements for applying for a visa to Vietnam are:
- Indian passport must be valid for the minimum of six months of your entry to Vietnam.
- An Indian passport should have at least two black pages.
- Soft copy in jpeg format of your passport personal detail page.
- Soft copy of your portrait again in jpeg format.
- Active email address to receive OTP.
- Credit/Debit card to make payments.
The visa fees:
- Single entry visa: US$25 ( around INR 2,080 )
- Multiple entry visa: US$50 ( around INR 4,161)
