Visa-Free Countries for Indians: Indonesia has become one of the many visa-free countries for Indians. Indian travellers can now explore the sunny beaches, lush green rainforests and architectural marvels of Indonesia without the hassle of documentation. In a bid to boost international tourism and revitalise the economy, the Indonesian government has announced its plans to allow visa-free travel for citizens of India and 19 other countries before October.
Before the pandemic, a foreign visitor would spend approximately $900 (Rs 75,151) on average, which has shot up to $1,600 (Rs 133,601) per person. “So we’re looking at more quality tourist arrivals — people who stay longer and spend more on the local economy,” Indonesian Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno announced, according to The Business Standard.
Indonesia is the latest addition to a string of countries that are allowing visa-free travel to Indian citizens. In October, Sri Lanka made visas for India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand non-mandatory as part of its pilot project till 31 March 2024. Thailand lifted visa requirements for visitors from India and Taiwan starting 10 November, a move that will remain in effect till 11 November 2024.
Along with Indonesia, there are 13 other exotic overseas destinations where Indian passport holders don’t need a visa. Indonesia, Barbados, Thailand & 11 other countries where Indians can travel visa-free
Visa-Free Countries for Indians
1. Indonesia
From the party beaches of Kuta to the architectural marvels and rice gardens of Ubud, and the temples of Denpasar, Indonesia has enough to make you eat-pray-love your way through the South-East Asian nation. Along with India, the Indonesian government will offer visa-free travel to Australia, China (PRC), South Korea, USA, UK, France, Germany, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, The Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Italy, Spain and two unspecified Middle Eastern countries, before October this year.
2. Kenya
Kenya started its programme of visa-free travel to Indian passport holders from 1 January 2024. Considering the number of Indian tourists who flock to Maasai Mara, and other popular national parks in the country, the government decided to implement this new rule to promote tourism, especially through its electronic travel authorization programme. To this end, Indians can travel to Kenya for 90 days, visa-free.
3. Dominica
Indians can visit the stunning Caribbean island nation, known for its turquoise lagoons, natural hot springs, volcanoes and tropical rainforests, for an extended period of six months without having to worry about a visa. From the pristine Mero Beach to the 65-metre Trafalgar Falls, there’s plenty to see in Dominica.
4. Sri Lanka
Exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning locales — both beachy and mountainous — just got a whole lot easier. Before this new rule, Indians travelling to the island nation would have to procure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) document that was valid for 30 days and would cost Rs 2,080. Hiking through Ella, gorging on seafood in Colombo or taking in the sun in Mirissa, Sri Lanka has a little bit of everything for all kinds of travellers.
5. Thailand
Thailand welcomed over 1,302,483 Indian tourists between January and October 2023, The Economic Times reports. This marks an 86 per cent jump since 2022. The numbers aren’t surprising, considering Thailand remains a favoured international holiday destination for Indian tourists, with its exquisite islands and bustling city life. Considering the sheer volume of travellers from India, the Southeast Asian country has now allowed Indian citizens 30 days of visa-free stay starting 10 November.
6. Vietnam
Vietnam is another favourite travel destination for Indian tourists. According to the Vietnamese news agency VnExpress, Nguyen Van Hung, Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, has called for a short-term waiver of visas for major markets like India and China. The reason, reportedly listed during a 22 November conference presided over by the minister, is the country’s efforts to drive tourism recovery.
7. Mauritius
If you’re looking to embark on a tropical holiday with white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, Mauritius is the place for you. Like Sri Lanka, Mauritius is a picturesque island nation with beachy outer climes and mountainous interiors. Indian travellers can stay in Mauritius for 90 days without a visa.
8. Nepal
Visa-Free Countries for Indians
9. Maldives
Turns out Ranveer Singh IRL is as filmy as the characters he plays on screen. In a recent episode of Koffee With Karan, the actor revealed how he’d pulled off a dreamy, cinematic proposal to Deepika Padukone on the silvery beaches of Maldives back in 2015. The South Asian country features as a top getaway destination for many Bollywood stars, who favour its laid-back but luxurious island vibes. Maldives doesn’t require a visa from Indian passport holders, as long as their stay doesn’t go over 90 days.
10. Bhutan
The neighbouring country of Bhutan makes for a spiritual getaway, with its beautiful monasteries and serene landscapes. A visit to the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, with its Tashichho Dzong and Memorial Chorten, is a must. Indian nationals visiting the country do not require a visa, but they do need to procure an entry permit that is issued by the Department of Immigration.
11. Barbados
Some of the world’s most beautiful beaches are located in Barbados, monikered the “Jewel” of the Caribbean. Indian visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and long stretches of glimmering sandy beaches of the Caribbean without a visa for a period of 90 days.
12. Fiji
Fiji, an archipelago of more than 300 islands, is a beachy paradise with its warm, blue lagoons, coconut palms, coral reefs and welcoming locals. The South Pacific country allows Indian tourists to explore its landscapes for a period of 120 days without a visa.
13. Trinidad and Tobago
Did you know you didn’t need a visa to visit the dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago? With its stunning beaches, waterfalls, forts and sanctuaries, Trinidad and Tobago is also famous for its distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines. Indians visiting the dual-island nation for a period of 90 days or less do not require a visa for the same.
14. Seychelles
Home to mountain rainforests, nature reserves, plenty of beaches and the giant Aldabra tortoises, Seychelles makes for an exotic and eco-friendly international trip. An archipelago of 115 islands, the East African country does not require a visa from Indian passport holders. However, a permit, which is valid for 30 days, must be obtained on arrival from the Seychelles Immigration Department.
