Want to travel to a visa-free country? Thailand is a good place to start! Credits: Photo by Darren Lawrence from Pexels
Ask anyone, and they will tell you that planning a trip isn’t a cakewalk; a lot of hassle comes while making preparations for any holiday. You have to keep in mind so many things, like dates, flight and hotel fares, seasonality, and most importantly, your visa! Thankfully, there are a lot of visa-free countries for Indians to travel to! Try planning a trip around these destinations to skip the visa application process.
We have hand-picked seven popular visa-free countries for Indian passports just for you. And yes, some of these visa-free countries are so budget-friendly that it’s easy to plan out your itinerary in a snap!
Thailand
Explore one of Thailand’s authentic shopping experiences—the Pattaya Floating Market! Credits: Klook
Ideal duration: 7D/6N
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Friendly and happening, cultured and historic, Thailand radiates a cool vibe, making it a must-visit place on your bucket list. There’s a lot to explore—from monasteries and temples to beaches and flea markets, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice.
- Visa Requirement: Indians can stay in Thailand without a visa for 30 days.
- Notable Destinations: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Krabi Islands, Chiang Mai
- What to Do in Thailand: SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, James Bond Island Speedboat Tour from Krabi, Pattaya Floating Market
- Known For: Honeymoons, Nightlife, Elephant Tourism, Beaches, Spas, Shopping
- Minimum Budget: INR 28,000 - 40,000
- Approximate Flight Charge Per Person: INR 10,000 per person
Hong Kong
Have a magical time with your family at Hong Kong Disneyland! Credits: Klook
Ideal Duration: 6D/5N
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Dubbed as the gastronomic capital of Asia, Hong Kong is known for its iconic buildings, world-class theme parks and vibrant culture that is noticeable at every nook and corner. Besides its cultural and architectural marvels, Hong Kong is another visa-free country for Indians that enables a 14-day stay, provided you complete their pre-arrival registration as per new rules.
- Visa Requirement: Hong Kong requires Indian citizens to sign up for a Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) document upon arrival before they enter the country. This document can be used for multiple entries within a 180-day period. wherein Indians can stay in Hong Kong for no more than 14 days at a time.
- Notable Destinations: Victoria Harbour, Kowloon
- Known For: Cuisine, Temples, Victoria’s Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shopping, Skyline and Architecture
- Minimum Budget: INR 25,000
- Approximate Flight Charge: INR 10,000-20,000 per person
Macau
Capture the authentic Venetian experience outside of Italy by going on a Gondola Ride at The Venetian Macau! Credits: Klook
Ideal Duration: 2D/1N (Short Weekend)
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Also known as the 'Vegas of Hong Kong', Macau is an exciting hub for gambling and its bustling nightlife. Apart from its colorful side, the country is also known for its rich cultural heritage sites, which is clearly seen in the buildings and ancient monuments in the area. Macau is easily accessible for all tourists—it’s a boat ride away from Hong Kong, but it is also another visa-free country for Indians to go to if you’re coming directly from India!
- Visa Requirement: Indians can stay in Macau without a visa for 30 days.
- Notable Destinations: Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square Must
- What to Do in Macau: The House of Dancing Water Show, Gondola Rides at the Venetian Macau, Golden Reel Ferris Wheel
- Known For: Gambling, Heritage Sites
- Minimum Budget: INR 70,000 - 80,000
- Approximate Flight Charge: INR 20,000 per person
Bhutan
Other than the magnificent view of the Himalayas, Bhutan is also blessed with beautiful greenery by touring the Druk Path! Credits: Klook
Ideal Duration: 6D/5N
Best Time to Visit: All year round Bhutan
Bhutan, also known as the land of the Thunder Dragon, is yet another visa-free country for those with an Indian passport. Blessed with beautiful snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a mystical land that possesses beauty that surpasses the ordinary. And what’s more exciting is the hospitable nature of the Bhutanese people, who are believed to be the happiest people in the world.
- Visa Requirement: Indians can stay in Bhutan without a visa for 30 days. However, before entering, you’ll need to fill out a Health Declaration provided by the Bhutan government.
- Notable Destinations: Thimphu, Paro
- What to Do in Bhutan: 6D5N Druk Path Trek
- Minimum Budget: INR 20,000 - 25,000
- Approximate Flight Charge: INR 10,000 per person
Nepal
Don’t forget to capture the scenery of the iconic Mount Everest when you’re in Nepal! Credits: Photo by Nanda Ram Gharti from Pexels
Ideal Duration: 6D/5N
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Home to the famous Mt. Everest Base Camp, Nepal is one of the few places on the planet where you can come ever so close to the highest peak in the world. It’s a paradise for people who are into hiking and trekking. Indian travelers also have an edge as this visa-free country is valid for Indian passports.
- Visa Requirement: Indians do not need a visa to enter Nepal and can stay up to six months in the country. However, when entering, you’ll need to show a valid government ID.
- Notable Destinations: Kathmandu, Pokhara
- Known For: Mount Everest, Himalayas, Trekking, Mountaineering, Rafting, Buddhist Culture, Food
- Minimum Budget: INR 12,000 - 15,000
- Approximate Flight Charge: INR 10,000 per person
Malaysia
Get a peek at Malaysia’s most iconic tower: the Petronas Twin Towers! Credits: Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
Ideal Duration: 7D/6N
Best Time to Visit: February to September
When you think of Malaysia, you immediately associate it with the stunning view of the Petronas Twin Towers. However, this country without visa for Indians is known for so much more. This country's lively cultural diversity—which can be seen in its cuisine, history, and other important cultural areas—makes it unique. Nature lovers will also have a treat traveling to Malaysia as it boasts lush forests, parks, and mountains to discover.
- Visa Requirement: Indians can visit Malaysia without a visa for 30 days, valid until December 31, 2024.
- Notable Destinations: Malacca City, George Town, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu
- Known For: Cuisine, Forests and National Parks, Beaches, Diving, Mountains, Nasi Kandar, Shopping
- Minimum Budget: INR 25,000
- Approximate Flight Charge: INR 22,000 - 30,000
Maldives
Have a relaxing beach vacation by traveling to the Maldives! Credits: Photo by Asad Photo Maldives from Pexels
Ideal Duration: 6D/5N
Best Time to Visit: November to April, especially March and April
The next exciting destination that is visa-free for Indians is Maldives. With the country’s beautiful clear waters and stunning views of the horizon, you will get that rest and relaxation trip you’ve hoped for. However, if you’re adventurous, these waters can also excite you! Explore its depths by going scuba-diving or even trying some extreme watersports. Once you stay in the Maldives, you won’t be bored during your stay there.
- Visa Requirement: Indians can visit Maldives without a visa for a maximum of 90 days.
- Notable Destinations: Male, Lhaviyani, Addu City
- What to Do in Maldives: Scuba Diving at Cinnamon Dhonveli, Dolphin Spotting at Cinnamon Hakurra
- Known For: Beaches, Water Sports, Relaxing and Honeymoons
- Minimum Budget: INR 16,000 - 25,000
- Approximate Flight Charge: INR 10,000 - 15,000
While most countries still require Indians to get a visa before traveling to their country, there are others that make it easier for them. Indian tourists either get a free tourist visa or a visa on arrival—which, as the name suggests, can be obtained as you enter your destination country. Here are three countries that offer other forms of visas for Indians:
Sri Lanka
Get to learn more about Sri Lanka’s rich culture by visiting one of its most famous cities: Nuwara Eliya! Credits: Klook
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 6D/5N
A breathtaking island located at the tip of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka presents a tropical buffet with its unbelievable cuisine, dazzling beaches, evergreen tea plantations, and much more. The amazing part about going to Sri Lanka is that Indians can travel the country visa-free!
- Visa Requirement: Sri Lanka will provide free tourist visas for Indians until March 31, 2024
- Notable Destinations: Colombo, Kandy, Galle
- Known For: Temples, Shopping, Food, Beaches, Tea Estates, Historical Places
- Minimum Budget: 50,00-75,000
- Approximate Flight Charge: INR 15,000 Per Person
Indonesia
Learn more about Indonesia’s vast wildlife by visiting the Bali Safari and Marine Park! Credits: Klook
Ideal Duration: 5D/4N
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Home to the renowned Tanah Lot temple and its famous sunset point, Indonesia surely cracks a lot of punches when it comes to interesting sights. The fresh rice terraces, volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and amazing people make Indonesia an interesting place to visit.
- Visa Requirement: Indians can get a visa on arrival upon landing in Indonesia that is valid for 30 days.
- What to Do in Indonesia: Tanah Lot Sunset Tour, Lembongan Reef Cruise, Ayung White Water Rafting, Bali Safari and Marine Park
- Known For: Beaches, Water Sports, Cultural Tourism, Street Shopping, Food etc.
- Minimum Budget: INR 50,00-70,000
- Approximate Flight Charge: INR 19,000 per person
Cambodia
Want to take in Cambodia’s intriguing history? Start by taking a tour through its most iconic temple, the Angkor Wat! Credits: Photo by allPhoto Bangkok from Pexels
Ideal Duration: 6D/5N
Best Time to Visit: November to February
With its interesting blend of old heritage and modern lifestyle, millions of travelers flock to Cambodia just to experience it. Apart from being known as the empire of temples, this amazing country can offer a lot more for you to explore. You can spend your trip in nature, lying on the beach, or even sightseeing—the endless possibilities!
- Visa Requirement: Indians can get a visa on arrival upon landing in Cambodia that is valid for 30 days.
- What to Do In Cambodia: Angkor Temples Tour
- Notable Destinations: Phnom Penh, Kompong Som Province, Sihanoukville, Koh Kong City
- Known For: Angkor Wat Temple, the Royal Palace, Museums, Food, and Culture
- Minimum Budget: INR 50,000-55,000
- Approximate Flight Charge: INR 20,000 per person
Getting a Visa is a long process, but with the right knowledge, you can still have a good time traveling knowing which countries are visa-free for Indians. With this list, take advantage of making your next travel destination worthwhile!
