Indian passport holders can travel to 57+ countries either completely visa-free or with a simple visa on arrival. While the Indian passport does not rank in the global top 50 for visa-free access, the options that are available include some of the world's most exciting travel destinations — Thailand, Bali, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Mauritius, Kenya, and more. This is the complete, updated 2025 list.
Conditions change frequently. Always verify entry requirements on the official embassy website or MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) of the destination country before booking. The information below is accurate as of mid-2025.
Planning a Bali trip? We have a complete 7-day Bali itinerary for Indian tourists with costs in INR.
Read moreAsia — Visa-Free & Visa on Arrival
| Country | Entry Type | Duration | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Visa-Free | 30 days | No fee, return ticket required |
| Indonesia (Bali) | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | USD 35 cash at airport |
| Nepal | Visa-Free | Unlimited | Any Indian ID (no passport needed) |
| Bhutan | e-Permit | Flexible | Sustainable Development Fee: USD 100/day |
| Sri Lanka | Free e-Visa (ETA) | 30 days | Apply at eta.gov.lk before travel |
| Maldives | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Free, proof of accommodation needed |
| Macau | Visa-Free | 30 days | Separate from mainland China |
| Cambodia | Visa on Arrival / e-Visa | 30 days | USD 30 at airport or online |
| Laos | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | USD 30–42 depending on nationality |
| Myanmar | e-Visa | 28 days | Check current advisories before visiting |
| Philippines | Visa-Free | 30 days | Return ticket required |
| Iran | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Check current travel advisories |
| Jordan | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | JOD 40 at Amman airport |
Africa — Strong Access for Indian Passport
| Country | Entry Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | e-Visa (ETA) | 90 days | USD 30, apply at etakenya.go.ke |
| Tanzania | Visa on Arrival | 90 days | USD 50 at airport |
| Rwanda | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Free, extendable |
| Uganda | e-Visa | 90 days | USD 50, apply online |
| Ethiopia | e-Visa | 90 days | USD 82 online application |
| Mauritius | Visa-Free | 90 days | One of India's best visa-free access points |
| Seychelles | Visitor's Permit on Arrival | 30 days | Free, extendable |
| Zimbabwe | Visa on Arrival | 90 days | USD 75 at airport |
| Zambia | Visa on Arrival | 90 days | USD 50 single, USD 80 multi-entry |
| Madagascar | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | EUR 35 equivalent |
Americas & Caribbean — Accessible Islands
The USA, Canada, and most of South America require a formal visa application for Indian passport holders. However, several Caribbean and Latin American countries offer easy entry. Jamaica, El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, and Ecuador are visa-free for Indians. Bolivia, Haiti, and Dominica offer visa on arrival. For those who already hold a valid US visa, Argentina, Costa Rica, Panama, and several others open up as visa-free destinations — always check the specific US visa validity requirements.
Europe — Schengen Is the Challenge
The Schengen zone (26 European countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy) requires a formal visa application for Indian nationals — one of the biggest obstacles for Indian travellers. However, some European countries are accessible: Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia, North Macedonia, and Serbia are visa-free for Indians. Georgia (officially in the Caucasus region) is visa-free for up to 365 days. Turkey (a Schengen neighbour) requires an e-Visa (USD 50) available online. Once you hold a valid Schengen visa, the UK also becomes more accessible via a separate UK visitor visa.
Pro tip: A valid US, UK, EU Schengen, or Australian visa unlocks additional visa-free or visa-on-arrival access in many countries. For example, Indians with a valid US visa can enter Singapore visa-free for 96 hours in transit.
Tips for Maximising Visa-Free Travel as an Indian
- ›Apply for a US B1/B2 visa: it unlocks additional access in Singapore, Argentina, Costa Rica, Panama, and several other countries that respect valid US visa holders.
- ›Nepal and Bhutan: completely hassle-free as an Indian — no visa, no passport needed for Nepal. These should be your first "international" trips for the experience.
- ›Sri Lanka ETA: apply online at eta.gov.lk at least 3 days before your trip. It is free and takes 24–48 hours. Do not use third-party sites that charge a fee for this free service.
- ›Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles: three Indian Ocean island paradises that are either visa-free or visa-on-arrival. All three are ideal for honeymoons and beach holidays.
- ›Keep a clean travel record: previous visa rejections, overstays, or immigration issues significantly affect your ability to get future visas. Always enter and exit legally within the granted period.
Countries Opening Up for Indians in 2025
Thailand remains one of the easiest short-haul international trips for Indian travellers, although its visa-exemption duration should be checked against official updates before travel. Malaysia has simplified access for Indian visitors, and Vietnam's e-visa allows longer, more flexible stays than before. The general trend for Indian passport access is improving, but entry rules still change often.
Torn between Bali and Thailand? Read our comparison guide for Indian travellers.
Read more
