Experiencing the thrill of travel is unparalleled, providing a much-needed break from the routine of everyday life. Regrettably, international travel often encounters hurdles, with many countries necessitating a visa, a process that can be time-intensive. However, here’s an exciting revelation: some nations welcome Indian passport holders without the need for a visa! Yes, you heard it correctly.
Several countries facilitate a straightforward entry process for Indian citizens, opening up avenues for exploration and leisure. For those eager to delve deeper into this information, we’ve curated a list of countries where Indian passport holders can enjoy visa-free travel.
Visa: Visa on arrival
Requirements: Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months, a recent digital photo taken within the last 3 months, travel dates, airline confirmation, accommodation details, and a credit/debit card or PayPal account for payment.
Maldives
Situated in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of Sri Lanka, this cluster of islands lures a considerable number of visitors with its pristine white sandy beaches and impeccably clear ocean waters.
Visa: Visa on arrival
Terms: Valid for 30 days, with the option to extend to 90 days.
Malaysia
Malaysia epitomizes the essence of Asia with its remarkable diversity, effectively resembling two distinct nations bisected by the South China Sea. On one side lies the peninsular region, featuring vibrant cities, modern towns, colonial architecture, and sprawling tea plantations. On the flip side, vast jungles dominate the landscape. The common thread binding this dichotomy is Malaysia’s rich and varied cuisine.
Visa: E-Visa/eNTRI
Requirements: Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity, travel documents, travel itinerary, return flight ticket with E-Ticket number, hotel reservation, or an invitation letter from your host. A work or residence permit is necessary for those residing abroad.
Bhutan
Bhutan, a neighboring country of India with which we maintain strong diplomatic ties, stands out as the originator of the Gross National Happiness Index. Renowned for its captivating landscape and diverse wildlife, Bhutan actively promotes tourism while conscientiously addressing the environmental impact it may incur. Although a daily fee of USD 250 is imposed on foreign tourists, exempting Indians from this charge showcases the amicable relations between the two nations, and Indian travelers are not required to obtain a visa.
Access to Bhutan can be facilitated through its national airline, Druk Air, or by land. The Bhutanese government, mindful of its distinctive culture and environment, limits the number of tourists allowed into the country at any given time.
Visa: No Visa
Condition: Seven-day entry-cum-stay permit obtainable from border offices
Requirements: Valid Indian Passport with a minimum of 6-month validity
Two passport-sized photographs
Voter ID
Booking details for accommodation
Copy of the marriage certificate for couples
Nepal
Nepal, India’s northern neighbour, shares a ‘special relationship’ that facilitates unrestricted movement of citizens across the border. The absence of passport or visa requirements allows Indians to travel to Nepal, stay, and even work in the country. Renowned for hosting the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, Nepal attracts a significant number of tourists. The country boasts diverse landscapes and picturesque countryside, offering captivating sights and a rich cultural experience. As an Indian citizen, easy access to Nepal is available by air or road, making it an ideal destination for both cultural exploration and adventurous trekking. Thanks to its visa-free status for Indians, a road trip to this neighbouring country is also a viable option.
Visa: No Visa
Condition: Indian citizens enjoy the privilege to work and live in Nepal under the provisions of the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
Requirements: Indian nationals can enter Nepal with any of the following documents:
Passport
Voter ID
Driving License
Ration Card
An ID issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka unfolds as a realm of ancient ruins, sacred relics, palm-fringed beaches, vibrant reefs, tropical rainforests, and captivating local tales—a convergence where Southern India meets the essence of Buddhist Asia.
Visa: Visa on arrival
Conditions: Tourist visas for Sri Lanka are typically granted for a short stay, with a maximum duration of 30 days.
Requirements: ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
Confirmation of airside transit and exit from Sri Lanka.
Essential travel documents.
Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
Booking details for accommodation.
For Indian nationals, the added convenience of visa-free access is granted.
Qatar
In a mere four decades, this Gulf state has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from one of the least affluent nations in the Gulf to the wealthiest in the world. Fueled primarily by revenue from oil and natural gas, Qatar is experiencing rapid development, with a myriad of institutions, shopping complexes, luxurious hotels, and state-of-the-art football stadiums (in preparation for the 2022 World Cup) emerging across the desert landscape.
Visa: Visa on arrival
Conditions: Permits a 30-day stay
Requirements: Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and at least one blank visa page, evidence of return or onward tickets, hotel reservation, proof of travel purpose, and travel insurance.
Remember that visa policies can change, so it’s crucial to verify this information with the official embassy or consulate of the respective countries or consult official government travel advisories before planning your trip.