Indian Passport Power: Visa-Free Countries To Visit Now

Indian citizens can travel to a number of countries that offer visas on arrival, meaning they can obtain a visa upon arrival at their destination. This is a convenient option for Indian travellers as it eliminates the need to go through the often time-consuming traditional visa application process. As of 2024, there are around 60 countries that offer this option to Indian citizens, according to the Henley Passport Index. Popular destinations that provide visas on arrival for Indian citizens include Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Each country has its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining a visa on arrival, so it is important for travellers to research the necessary documents and procedures before their trip.

Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean and a popular international tourist destination, known for its scenic beaches and private resorts. It is a preferred travel spot for Indian nationals due to its proximity to India.

The good news for Indian citizens is that the Maldives offers a visa on arrival for tourism purposes. This means that Indian citizens do not need to pre-arrange a visa and can obtain it upon arrival at the port of entry, such as an international airport. The visa on arrival is typically valid for a maximum of 30 days and can be extended for up to 90 days. It is also free of cost for Indian citizens.

To obtain a visa on arrival in the Maldives, Indian citizens must satisfy the basic entry requirements, which include:

• A valid passport with at least one month of validity remaining and machine-readable.
• A confirmed hotel booking for the entire stay in a registered tourist facility.
• Confirmed return tickets.
• Sufficient funds to cover their stay (at least USD 100 per person per day).
• A passport-sized photograph with a white background.
• A vaccination certificate for COVID-19.
• A travel declaration form filled within 96 hours of travelling, submitted electronically via the IMUGA website.

Please note that minors must have their own passport to enter the Maldives. Additionally, passengers with extended validity in their passports will not be allowed entry.

Indonesia

Indian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Indonesia for a maximum stay of 14 to 30 days, with the option to extend their stay for an additional 30 days. The visa on arrival is available at 16 airports, 6 land borders, and 95 seaports. The visa fee is 35 US dollars, which is approximately Rs.2,517.

• Fill out the passenger arrival card provided during the flight or at the airport's arrival area.
• Before passing through Customs Passport Control, ensure the card is properly filled out.
• Retrieve your luggage and go through biosecurity and customs inspections.
• Proceed to the designated counter and pay the visa fee of 35 US dollars.
• Get an entry stamp on your passport once the payment is confirmed.
• Go to another counter to obtain the counterfoil visa.
• Proceed to the Immigration checkpoint for official entry into Indonesia.

It is important to note that the visa on arrival is only valid for 30 days, and Indian nationals intending to stay longer than 60 days should apply for a different type of visa. While the visa on arrival can be extended for an additional 30 days, it cannot be converted into another type of visa.

In addition to the visa on arrival, Indonesia offers an electronic visa (eVisa) for tourists. The eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days and can be used for tourism, business, transit, or conference purposes. The application process is entirely online, and the approved eVisa is sent via email. The processing time for the eVisa is typically within 3 days, but it is recommended to apply as early as possible as governments do not guarantee processing times.

Sri Lanka

Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens Visiting Sri Lanka

ETA Requirements

To enter Sri Lanka, Indian citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This can be obtained by submitting an application online. The ETA is electronically linked to the traveller's passport and is valid for up to 30 days. It is important to note that if a new passport is obtained, a new ETA must be applied for.

ETA Application Process

The ETA application can be submitted online. Once approved, travellers will receive their ETA confirmation electronically.

ETA Validity

The ETA allows for a short stay in Sri Lanka for the following purposes:

• Sightseeing or holidaying
• Visiting friends and relatives
• Medical treatment, including Ayurvedic and yoga
• Participating in sporting events, cultural performances, business meetings, conferences, workshops, and seminars
• Short-term training programs (less than one month)
• Art, music, and dance events
• Religious events
• Symposium
• Transiting through Sri Lanka

ETA Fees

For citizens of SAARC member nations, including Indian nationals, there is a fee of $25 for a double-entry short-visit visa, valid for 30 days. This visa is issued on arrival at a port of entry in Sri Lanka.

Important Considerations

• It is recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Sri Lanka.
• Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka.
• Check the latest travel advice and entry requirements from official government sources before travelling.

Thailand

Indian passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa. This is a pilot project by the Thai government to boost tourism. The visa-free entry for Indians is valid until 10 May 2024, for a stay of up to 30 days. After this date, Indians will need to apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival to enter Thailand.

• Type of Visa: Visa on arrival, Visa-free e-visa
• Duration: Up to 30 days
• Cost: THB 2,000 (INR 2500)
• Travel Insurance Cost: A Thailand Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000

The Thai government has introduced an online system called Thailand Pass to protect its people and visitors. It is a free online registration system where Indians travelling to Thailand can provide basic health information and be approved to visit the country.

Vaccinated

• Indians who are fully vaccinated no longer need to complete any mandatory quarantine when they arrive.
• Required documents: Travel insurance with COVID coverage and vaccination certificate

Unvaccinated

• Travellers will need to complete an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test within 72 hours before departure from India and before they apply for a Thailand Pass.
• Required documents: Travel insurance with COVID coverage and a pre-departure RT-PCR/Pro-ATK test result no older than 72 hours before travelling

How to Apply for Thailand Pass

• Go to the Thailand Pass web portal: https://tp.consular.go.th/
• Choose whether you will enter Thailand by Air or Land.
• Input your personal details, including your country of departure, arriving flight number, and address of where you will stay on your first night.
• Upload your passport, flight itinerary, insurance policy, and vaccination certificate or RT-PCR/Pro-ATK test result.
• Submit and receive a confirmation email after registration.
• Check your email for the instant Thailand Pass approval, which will include your QR Entry Code and Thai Pass ID.

Visa on Arrival

Indian citizens can spend 15 days in Thailand without needing to apply for a visa beforehand. You can get a Visa on Arrival at the airport of arrival in Thailand for a fee of 2,000 THB, filling out the TM88 application form.

Seychelles

• The passport must be valid for the period of the intended stay and until the holder's return to their country of origin or residence.
• A visitor's permit is issued on arrival to travellers visiting for holiday, business, or to visit friends or family.
• The permit is valid for up to 30 days and can be extended in 3-month increments up to an aggregate stay of 1 year.
• Travellers must meet certain criteria to obtain a visitor's permit, including not being a prohibited immigrant, having a valid return ticket, confirmed accommodation, and sufficient funds for their stay.
• It is recommended to purchase travel insurance to secure your trip in case of unexpected events such as medical emergencies or flight cancellations.
• The Seychelles Department of Immigration maintains effective border control and is responsible for issuing passports and permits.

Frequently asked questions