Lots of people want to travel abroad on their vacations. The Indian outbound market is especially booming. However, getting a visa to these places, especially for Indian passport holders can become a long and arduous process, not to mention an expensive one. Many countries around the world offer visa-free entry for those who hold the passports of specific countries. There are several visa-free countries for Indians but it’s important to know distinctions in various types of visa first.
Numerous headlines stating that “Indian passport holders can travel to 58 countries without a visa” can thus be misleading, as many of these destinations require visas on arrival, or eVisas (see below). As the titles themselves suggest there is a difference between ‘visa-free’, ‘visa-on-arrival’, ‘E-visa’ and ‘Permits’.
NOTE: This article was first published on 26 Feb 2019, but has since been updated
Different types of visas
Let’s first understand what the different types of visa are so as to avoid all future confusion. Impatient readers can scroll on down to the list of the countries.
Visa-Free Entry
It’s all in the name – visa-free means no-visa. You do not need any kind of a visa to enter a country that says it’s visa-free for the passport you hold. Countries with higher economic power enjoy this privilege. But that doesn’t mean other countries don’t have these options, they are just limited. As of February 2020, Indian passport holders can travel to 20 countries without a visa.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The visa on arrival facility allows you to get a visa instantaneously at the visa counter in the country of arrival. Visa on arrival can be accessed at the airport or land borders, as applicable. Documentation such as passport photos, ticket confirmation etc might be required. Some will simply require you to have a passport with minimum 6-month validity and 2 blank pages. These documents will differ from country to country so check what you need to take with you.
The procedure here is usually to stand in a queue at the visa counter, fill a form (if applicable), present the necessary documents and your passport, pay the visa on arrival fee and then wait to get your passport stamped. Once stamped, you can make your way to immigration or into the country, as applicable.
E-Visa
An E-visa is a visa you apply for beforehand but electronically. You do not need to go to an embassy or give any interviews or present documents in person. You fill the application online at the official site, upload any documents as requested and make a payment. The visa, if granted, is then sent to your email ID.
The time taken to receive your E-visa depends on the issuing country. So ensure that you apply well in advance. Also ensure you apply at an official website, usually provided by the tourism department or embassy of the issuing country. There will be plenty of ‘scam’ websites that offer E-visas, do not fall for them. In some cases, there are agent sites that will apply for the E-visa for you. In such cases, the visa application is legit, however, the visa fees will be slightly higher than the official fees, as the agent will add in their commission.
Permits
This is an official document that allows you to visit the country but isn’t exactly a visa. It’s basically a document that states that you ‘may do something’ in the country. Obtaining permits are usually easier and require less documentation. This, again, depends on the issuing country and what the permit is for (work permits will involve more processes than a mere entry permit, for example).
Knowing the above types of visas will make it easier for you to know how to plan for your trip.
Long story short
Visa-free = no visa, no hassle
Visa on arrival = keep necessary documents ready on arrival
E-visa = apply in advance online, keep visa issue duration in mind
Permit = keep necessary documents ready on arrival
Please note: Visa requirements keep changing for each country. At the time of publishing this post, the countries listed below offer visa-free entry for Indians. For all other countries, look for visas here.
Also Read: Did you know these 11 unusual passport facts?
Visa-Free Countries For Indians
If you’re planning on going on holiday, but don’t want to deal with the long queues and interviews that come with applying for a visa, why not try these visa-free countries for Indians?
1Nepal
Nestled in the Himalayas between India and Tibet, Nepal is known for its many Hindu and Buddhist temples and shrines. In the mountains, you will find white-water rafting trips and treks of varying difficulties, as well as views of the famous Mt. Everest.
- Visa Duration: Freedom of Movement
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport or other valid proof of nationality such as driving license or voters ID. Indian citizens can live and work freely in Nepal
2Bhutan
Bhutan, the Kingdom of Clouds and Happiness, is known for its breath-taking and unspoilt views, majestic monasteries, and sheer remoteness. It also has delicious food and a rich and fascinating culture.
Bhutan is amongst the visa-free countries for Indians that requires you to get a permit at the border town of Phuentsholing or at Paro airport. It’s a short, hassle-free process. You get an initial permit to two cities – Paro and Thimphu. To visit other parts of Bhutan, you will have to get an additional permit at Thimphu. You will also need to pay a daily ₹1,200 ($17) fee.
- Visa Duration: 14 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport or other valid proof of nationality such as driving license or voters ID.
3Barbados
Barbados is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, as well as its exciting nightlife. The garden-filled capital, Bridgetown, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since May 17, 2019, the country has announced visa-free tourist and business visa for Indian nationals
- Visa Duration: 90 days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
4Dominica
This mountainous Caribbean island nation is full of natural hot springs and tropical rainforests. Apart from its National Parks and waterfalls, you can visit colourful towns and take part in some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving.
- Visa Duration: 6 Months
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
5El Salvador
The Central American country of El Salvador is small but surprisingly diverse. From sandy beaches with excellent surfing sites to dramatic volcanoes, hiking trails through the rainforest, delicious food, ancient Mayan ruins, and vast coffee farms, El Salvador has it all.
- Visa Duration: 90 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
6Grenada
Grenada is a country in the Caribbean Sea made up of the island of Grenada itself plus six smaller islands to its north. The main island (also Dubbed the “Spice Isle”) is known for its nutmeg plantations, as well as its colourful Georgian buildings and tranquil beaches.
- Visa Duration: 3 Months
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
7Haiti
Another Caribbean country, Haiti may still be recovering from the 2010 earthquake but is still full of wonderful sights, such as mountain fortresses and palaces, sugar plantations, coastal resorts, and diverse wildlife. Its capital, Port-au-Prince, is also known for its colourfully painted houses.
- Visa Duration: 3 Months
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
8Indonesia
Located in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is made up of thousands of volcanic islands and is known for its beaches as much as it is for its jungles and its rich culture. Popular destinations include the islands of Java and Bali, as well as the rainforests of Sumatra (home to orangutans and tigers).
- Visa Duration: 30 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
9Jamaica
Jamaica, a Caribbean island nation, has a diverse landscape of mountains, rainforests and reef-lined beaches. It is a popular destination for cruise ships and is also known for its many large resorts, its exciting water sports. delicious food, and vibrant nightlife.
- Visa Duration: 6 Months
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
10Maldives
Known for its shimmering white sand beaches, and the stunning turquoise lagoons, and extensive reefs, the Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean. Located to the south of Sri Lanka, it is the perfect destination for snorkelling and diving due to the warm water and diverse marine life and is full of luxury resorts.
- Visa Duration: 90 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport, confirmed hotel books or a sum of at least $30 per person
11Mauritius
Also in the Indian Ocean is the island nation of Mauritius. With its rainforests, beaches, lagoons and reefs, the country is an excellent destination for all kinds of adventure activities, such as hiking, snorkelling, scuba diving and game fishing.
- Visa Duration: 90 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
12Micronesia
Officially known as the Federated States of Micronesia, this country is located in the western Pacific Ocean. Its 600 islands are divided into 4 states, all known for their serene beaches, wreck-filled dives and ancient ruins. The area around the islands is also known for its diverse marine life, making snorkelling and scuba diving especially rewarding.
- Visa Duration: 30 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
13Qatar
This Middle-Eastern country is set along the long Persian Gulf shoreline. Beyond the capital city of Doha, with its futuristic skyscrapers and ultramodern waterfront promenade lies the arid desert, filled with sand dunes and small towns.
- Visa Duration: 30 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
14Saint Kitts and Nevis
A dual-island nation situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Saint Kitts and Nevis is known for its tall mountains, its rainforests, and its calm beaches. Once full of sugar plantations, they have now been converted into inns or atmospheric ruins.
- Visa Duration: 3 Months
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
15Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The southern Caribbean nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is made up of one main island (Saint Vincent) and a chain of smaller islands (the Grenadines). Its volcanic landscapes provide unique black sand beaches, and the luxurious villas, chic private isles, yacht-filled harbours, and secluded beaches indicate its upscale clientele.
- Visa Duration: 1 Month
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
16Senegal
Set on the west coast of Africa, Senegal has a rich French colonial heritage and many natural attractions. You can spend time at the country’s beach resorts, or explore its many wonderful national parks, full of diverse wildlife and the curiously pink-hued Lake Retba.
- Visa Duration: 90 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
17Serbia
Located in Europe’s Balkan peninsula, Serbia is known for its mountains and its ski resorts as well as its vibrant nightlife. The old cities of Belgrade and Stari Grad are full of historic buildings, and you can also visit the national parks with their hiking trails and Orthodox monasteries.
- Visa Duration: 30 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
18Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island nation in the Caribbean which is famous for its boisterous carnival and its distinctive Creole traditions and cuisine. The islands are also full of long beaches and sea gardens teeming with marine life. You can also explore the many charming towns and villages as well as the sanctuaries and parks that are famed for their numerous bird species.
- Visa Duration: 90 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
19Tunisia
The north African country of Tunisia is popular among tourists for both its stunning beaches and its many ancient wonders. Bordering both the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, you can find numerous whitewashed coastal communities with beach resorts, as well as imposing mosques, Roman ruins and the remains of ancient Carthage.
- Visa Duration: 90 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
20Vanuatu
This country in the South Pacific is made up of over 80 islands spread across 1,300 kilometres. It is an excellent destination for scuba diving, as it is full of coral reefs, underwater caverns and wrecks. The volcanic islands are also known for their white sand beaches, lush rainforests and their unique Melanesian culture.
- Visa Duration: 30 Days
- Documents Needed: A valid Indian Passport
So if you’re an Indian tourist, take advantage of these visa-free countries for Indians and enjoy a stress-free holiday.
Other Easy Trips For Indian Passport Holders
There are also countries that offer visa on arrival for Indians, the difference being that you need a visa to enter, but can receive the visa upon arrival. You will have to queue at a visa counter, and apply and pay for a visa, which gets added to your passport before immigration. You can also check out these countries which offer visa on arrival for Indians:
Bolivia (90 days)
Botswana (14 days)
Cape Verde (30 days)
Comoros (45 days)
East Timor (30 days)
Fiji (4 months)
Iran (30 days)
Jordan (30 days)
Laos (30 days, up to 60 days)
Madagascar (30 days)
Marshall Islands (90 days)
Mauritania (30 days)
Mozambique (30 days)
Palau (30 days)
Saint Lucia (6 weeks)
Sierra Leone
Somalia (30 days)
Thailand (15 days)
Timor-Leste (30 days)
Togo (7 days)
Tuvalu (1 month)
Samoa (60 days)
Seychelles (3 months)
There are also countries that offer both visas on arrival and online (eVisas). An eVisa is just an alternative to a paper visa, which you can apply and pay for on the internet. Once approved, it can be printed out and presented at the immigration checkpoint for verification upon your arrival. Destinations that offer both options include:
Benin (30 days/8 days)
Cambodia (30 days)
Ethiopia (up to 90 days)
Gabon (1 month)
Guinea-Bissau (90 days)
Kenya (3 months)
Myanmar (28 days)
Rwanda (30 days)
Sri Lanka (30 days)
Tanzania (3 months)
Uganda (3 months)
Zimbabwe (up to 3 months)
Finally, these countries also offer eVisas to Indian passport holders:
Antigua and Barbuda (30 days)
Angola (30 days)
Armenia (120 days)
Azerbaijan (30 days)
Bahrain (90 days)
Côte d’Ivoire (3 months)
Djibouti (31 days)
Georgia (30 days)
Guinea (90 days)
Kyrgyzstan (30 days)
Kazakhstan
Lesotho (30 days)
Malawi (90 days)
Malaysia (30 days)
Moldova
Papua New Guinea
São Tome and Principe
Singapore
Tajikistan
Uzbekistan (30 days)
Vietnam (30 days)
Zambia (30 days)
