There are several countries worldwide where Indian passport holders can visit without a visa, or where travelers can get a visa on arrival, or apply for an e-visa. With the cost of international travel becoming more extensive, some might want to know which foreign countries allow Indians to travel without undergoing the tedious process of getting pre-approved visas.
Visa-Free Travel for Indian Passport Holders
Visa-free means that the Indian passport holder doesn’t need a visa before landing in a particular country. They can just book a ticket, pack their bags, and go — no previous visa application is required.
List of Visa-Free Countries for Indian Citizens
- Barbados – Up to 90 days
- Bhutan – Unlimited stay
- Dominica – Up to 180 days
- Grenada – Up to 90 days
- Haiti – Up to 90 days
- Hong Kong – Up to 14 days
- Maldives – Up to 90 days
- Mauritius – Up to 90 days
- Montserrat – Up to 6 months
- Nepal – Unlimited stay
- Niue – No specific limit
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 30 days
- Samoa – Up to 60 days
- Senegal – Up to 90 days
- Serbia – Up to 30 days
- Trinidad and Tobago — No entry permitted for up to 90 days
These are countries, where Indian travellers can simplify and get in without the need to obtain a visa before departure. Most of these countries are visa-free as long you have a passport, roundtrip tickets, and sufficient money for the duration of your stay.
Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) for Indians
Visa-on-arrival refers to the fact that Indian passport holders can receive a visa at the airport or border checkpoint of the destination country. This drastically simplifies pre-travel visa applications.
Countries Offering Visa-on-Arrival for Indians:
- Angola – Up to 30 days
- Bolivia – Up to 90 days
- Cabo Verde – VoA available
- Cameroon Union Republic – VoA available
- Cook Islands – VoA available
- Fiji – Up to 120 days
- Guinea-Bissau – Up to 90 days
- Indonesia – Up to 30 days
- Iran – Up to 30 days
- Jamaica – VoA available
- Jordan – Up to 30 days
- Kiribati – VoA available
- Laos – Up to 30 days
- Madagascar – Up to 90 days
- Mauritania – VoA available
- Nigeria – VoA available
- Republic of Marshall Islands – VoA available
- Reunion Island – VoA available
- Rwanda – Up to 30 days
- Seychelles – Up to 90 days
- Somalia – Up to 30 days
- Tunisia – VoA available
- Tuvalu – Up to 30 days
- Vanuatu – Up to 30 days
- Zimbabwe – VoA available
Indian travellers can now visit these places more easily owing to visa-on-arrival which makes things hassle-free for the tourists without the long visa processing times.
Countries Offering e-Visas to Indian Travelers
Many of the world’s nations now issue electronic visas (e-Visas) that travellers can apply for before leaving home. It also saves you the hassle of visiting the embassy.
Countries that provide Indian e-Visa Facility:
- Argentina – e-Visa available
- Armenia – e-Visa available
- Azerbaijan – e-Visa available
- Bahrain – e-Visa available
- Benin – e-Visa available
- Colombia – e-Visa available
- Cote D’Ivoire – e-Visa on arrival
- Djibouti – e-Visa available
- Georgia – e-Visa available
- Kazakhstan – e-Visa available
- Kyrgyzstan Republic — e-Visa
- Lesotho – e-Visa available
- Malaysia – e-Visa available
- Moldova – e-Visa available
- New Zealand — e-Visa
- Russia – e-Visa available
- Saudi Arabia – e-Visa available
- Singapore – e-Visa available
- South Africa – Entry using an e-visa
- Tajikistan – e-Visa available
- Turkey – e-Visa available
- Ukraine – e-Visa available
- Uzbekistan – e-Visa available
To obtain an e-Visa, travellers must visit the official website of the government of the country, fill out an application, provide the required documents, and pay online. It takes generally a few days to get approval.
Key Benefits of Traveling to Visa-Free & Visa-on-Arrival Countries
- Time-Saving: No need for embassy visits or lengthy processing.
- Cost-Effective: Saves money spent on visa applications and approvals.
- Flexibility: Travelers can make spontaneous travel plans without visa worries.
- Easy Process: Minimal paperwork and requirements.
Documents Required for Visa-Free & VoA Travel
While these destinations allow visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, travelers may still need to carry certain documents:
- Valid Passport – Must have at least six months’ validity.
- Return Ticket – To confirm departure within the permitted duration.
- Proof of Accommodation – Hotel bookings or invitation letters.
- Sufficient Funds – Bank statements to prove financial capability.
- Travel Insurance – Recommended for emergencies.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is a visa-on-arrival (VoA)?
Visa-on-arrival means Indian travelers can obtain a visa at the airport or border checkpoint of the destination country upon arrival, without needing prior approval.
2. Do I need any additional documents for visa-free travel?
- Yes, travelers may still need:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity).
- A return ticket to prove they will leave before the permitted stay expires.
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds to cover expenses.
3. How many countries can Indian passport holders visit visa-free?
Indian passport holders can travel to around 16 countries without needing a visa. The duration of stay varies depending on the country.
4. How do I apply for an e-visa?
- To apply for an e-Visa:
- Visit the official website of the destination country’s immigration department.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Receive the e-visa via email.
5. What should I check before traveling to a visa-free or visa-on-arrival country?
- Entry requirements (some countries require specific vaccinations or insurance).
- Maximum duration of stay.
- Local laws and travel advisories.
6. Can I extend my stay in a visa-free or visa-on-arrival country?
Yes, some countries allow extensions, but the process and conditions vary. You should check with the local immigration office of the country you are visiting.
7. What happens if I overstay my visa-free or visa-on-arrival period?
Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, or even travel bans for future visits. It’s important to leave before your permitted stay expires or apply for an extension if necessary.
8. Are there any restrictions for visa-free or VoA entry?
Yes, some countries may impose restrictions, such as banning travelers with prior criminal records or requiring proof of vaccinations. Always check the specific entry requirements before traveling
9. Can I work in a country if I enter visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival?
No, visa-free and visa-on-arrival entries are generally for tourism and short-term visits only. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, you must apply for the appropriate visa.
 10. Do I still need travel insurance for visa-free or VoA travel?
While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. It can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected expenses during your trip.
