As an Indian passport holder, you can travel to a number of countries visa-free, with visa-on-arrival, or with an electronic visa (e-Visa). While the list of such countries can vary based on bilateral agreements and policies, here is a general overview of the travel privileges Indian passport holders currently enjoy and the basic requirements you may encounter.
Countries Where Indian Passport Holders Can Travel Without a Visa, Visa on Arrival, or with an e-Visa
1. Visa-Free Countries for Indian Passport Holders
These countries allow Indian citizens to enter without needing a visa before arrival. However, there are usually limits on the length of stay.
| Country | Duration of Stay | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Bhutan | Unlimited (as a neighbor) | Valid Indian passport or voter ID card. |
| Nepal | Unlimited (as a neighbor) | Valid Indian passport or voter ID card. |
| Barbados | Up to 90 days | Proof of sufficient funds and onward/return ticket. |
| Dominica | Up to 6 months | Proof of onward travel and accommodation. |
| Haiti | Up to 90 days | Onward/return ticket and proof of accommodation. |
| Maldives | Up to 90 days | Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. |
| Mauritius | Up to 90 days | Onward/return ticket, proof of accommodation. |
| Senegal | Up to 90 days | Onward ticket and sufficient funds for the stay. |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Up to 90 days | Proof of sufficient funds and onward/return ticket. |
| Jamaica | Up to 90 days | Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. |
2. Visa on Arrival Countries for Indian Passport Holders
These countries allow you to obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or border checkpoint.
| Country | Duration of Stay | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cambodia | Up to 30 days | Passport photos, visa fee, onward/return ticket. |
| Indonesia | Up to 30 days | Passport valid for 6 months, onward/return ticket. |
| Jordan | Up to 30 days | Onward/return ticket, sufficient funds. |
| Laos | Up to 30 days | Passport photos, visa fee, onward/return ticket. |
| Malawi | Up to 30 days | Onward/return ticket and visa fee. |
| Seychelles | Up to 90 days | Proof of accommodation, onward/return ticket, no fee. |
| Thailand | Up to 15 days | Visa fee, onward/return ticket, proof of funds. |
| Zimbabwe | Up to 30 days | Onward/return ticket, visa fee, sufficient funds. |
3. e-Visa Countries for Indian Passport Holders
These countries require you to apply for a visa online before you travel. The process is usually quick and straightforward.
| Country | Duration of Stay | Basic Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Depends on visa type | e-Visa application, passport, proof of funds, return ticket. |
| Sri Lanka | Up to 30 days | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), passport, funds. |
| Malaysia | Up to 30 days | e-Visa, onward/return ticket, proof of funds. |
| Turkey | Up to 30 days | e-Visa, valid passport, onward/return ticket. |
| Vietnam | Up to 30 days | e-Visa, passport, accommodation details. |
| UAE | Up to 30 days | e-Visa, valid passport, onward/return ticket. |
| Kenya | Up to 90 days | e-Visa, passport, onward/return ticket, sufficient funds. |
| Myanmar | Up to 28 days | e-Visa, passport, accommodation details. |
Basic Requirements for Visa-Free, Visa on Arrival, or e-Visa Entry
Before traveling, regardless of the visa policy, you will typically need to provide the following documents or information:
Valid Passport:
- Your passport should generally be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Always check the specific requirements of each country.
Proof of Sufficient Funds:
- Some countries may require proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. This can be in the form of bank statements, credit card statements, or cash.
Onward/Return Travel Ticket:
- Many countries will ask for proof of an onward or return ticket to ensure that you don't intend to overstay. This is particularly common for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entries.
Proof of Accommodation:
- Hotel booking confirmation, a letter of invitation from a host, or other evidence of where you will be staying.
Travel Insurance:
- Some countries (especially in Europe) may ask for travel insurance that covers health expenses or emergencies.
Visa Fee (for Visa on Arrival):
- If you are entering a country with a visa on arrival, you'll typically need to pay a visa fee. Make sure you have enough local currency (or sometimes USD) for this fee.
Key Points to Consider:
- Stay Duration: Be aware of the maximum number of days you can stay in a country. Overstaying can lead to penalties or being banned from future visits.
- Visa Fees: Visa on arrival and e-Visas often come with fees. It’s helpful to carry cash in the local currency or USD for this.
- Visa Extension: Some countries allow you to extend your visa or stay beyond the initial period, but it usually requires an application with the local immigration office.
Final Thoughts: Should You Have a Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Plan?
- For short trips or vacations, traveling to visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries can make your trip much easier and faster to plan.
- If you are visiting multiple countries: Make sure to research visa policies for each destination ahead of time. Some countries may share agreements for visa-free travel (e.g., within the Caribbean), while others might have very specific entry requirements.
The flexibility of visa-free and visa-on-arrival travel can save you time and effort, but it’s always best to double-check the latest requirements before planning your trip, as immigration policies can change.