Bali offers a visa-on-arrival to Indians for 30 days, which can be extended for a further period of 30 days, for approximately USD 35. Bali is still one of the most-photographed places on the Indian tourist's bucket list from the spiritual rice terraces of Ubud to the surf beaches of Canggu and the romantic cliffs at Uluwatu.
01Introduction
Visa free countries for Indians
Travel to and from any country is now more exciting for Indians than ever before. The Indian passport has made a continuous rise in the rankings of the world passport and has brought dozens of destinations, which you can visit without the hassle of long visa applications. From Maldives beaches to Thai street food, Himalayan hikes to Caribbean getaways, this new guide will guide you through the visa-free and visa-on-arrival options for the Indian passport and how to navigate each with ease.
In what condition will the Indian Passport be ?
India made a significant leap on the Henley Passport Index , moving up from 85th position to approximately 80th this year. Indian citizens have access to approximately 55-57 countries where they can enter the country without a visa or visa-free entry or ETA. The improvement is largely due to the new bilateral trade agreements with countries such as Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Thailand, as well as more favourable trade conditions in Africa and the Caribbean.
Visa Types
Before booking your ticket, know what class your flight will be in:
Visa-Free
You have arrived, you present your Indian passport and you are let in. No fee, no form.
Visa on arrival (VoA)
You apply for the visa on arrival at the airport a fee will be charged, a short form will be filled and in some cases, a photo will be taken.
ETA / e-Visa
of online authorisation required, prior to boarding. Fast and Fast Digital but not optional.
Visa-Free Countries
Below are the top visa-free countries for Indians.
Nepal
Nepal is the most convenient International destination for Indians. It does not require a visa and entry permit and has no fixed limit for stay. At the border, no passport is necessary, a voter ID card is sufficient. Nepal boasts mountains, temples, adventure activities and Buddhist heritage in one trip all the way from the chaotic charm of Kathmandu's Thamel district to the Himalayan beauty of Pokhara and the spiritual calm of Lumbini. The Indian rupee is accepted all over, which makes it very affordable.
Bhutan
The Land of the Thunder Dragon has opened up its borders for Indians, but they must obtain an entry permit upon arrival at the Phuentsholing land border or Paro Airport. There is a Sustainable Development Fee (approx Rs. 1,200 per day for Indians). It is a place you can visit only once in a lifetime, its dzongs that stand on the edge of cliffs, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, the wild Himalayan scenery and one of the world's happiest cultures.
Thailand
Thailand has decided to continue granting visas to Indians for a period of 60 days without any restriction, however, a pre-arrival visa (Thailand Digital Arrival Card / ETA) must be applied online before travelling to Thailand from 2026 onwards. Thailand is the most popular international holiday destination for Indians, as they enjoy eating their way through Bangkok's street food, visiting the temples, soaking up the sun at Phuket's beaches, trekking up the mountains in Chiang Mai and spending time on Thailand's limestone islands in Krabi. Easy on the wallet, dazzling to the eye and full of activities.
Malaysia
Indian nationals are allowed to obtain visa-free entry to Malaysia for 30 days, until 21 December 2026. The arrival card is electronic and must be presented prior to landing. Malaysia is a wonderfully diverse country, with the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the beaches of Langkawi, colonial Penang and the rainforests of Borneo all presenting a picture of a wonderfully diverse country. It is also one of the most affordable Southeast Asian holidays.
Maldives
The Indians receive a free 30-day visa-on-arrival in Maldives (that is, in practice, visa-free). These floating water villas, turquoise lagoon, white sand beaches, and more are the perfect dream honeymoon and luxury getaway. Resorts make all the transfers by speedboat or seaplane, and direct flights from its major cities make it extremely convenient.
Mauritius
Indians are allowed to stay in Mauritius visa-free for a period of up to 90 days. Volcanic landscapes, coral lagoons, sugarcane plantations and a distinct Indian-origin culture (you can find temples all over, biryani and Bollywood music everywhere) all make Mauritius feel familiar and yet exotic. Ideal for family, honeymoons and water sports lovers.
Fiji
Once again Indians can enjoy up to 4 months visa-free to a South Pacific paradise for long beach holidays. Fiji is renowned for its multitude of islands, its excellent diving, its friendly people and its relaxed island way of life. Also, there is a big Indian population here, which makes it easy for you to have a cultural experience here.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is included in the list of countries that provide 14 days visa-free entry to India in 2026. It is fast becoming a Central Asian favourite thanks to its snow-covered mountains in Almaty, futuristic skyscrapers in Astana, the Charyn Canyon and Big Almaty Lake. It is affordable because of direct flights from Delhi.
Caribbean Gems
There are many other Caribbean gems that are worth exploring, such as Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Visa-on-Arrival Countries
Here are the top countries that accept visas-on-arrival for Indians
Indonesia (Bali)
Sri Lanka
The country now has a simplified ETA system (around USD 50) with 30-day visas. A short flight from South India, Sri Lanka is full of ancient ruins (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa), tea plantations (Ella, Nuwara Eliya), beaches (Mirissa, Unawatuna), and wildlife safaris (Yala National Park).
Jordan
Jordan provides Visa on arrival for Indians which can be obtained within 30 days at approximately JOD 40. Jordan is one of the most worthwhile cultural-adventure destinations in the Middle East with the lost city of Petra, the floating salt lakes of the Dead Sea, the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and Roman ruins in Jerash.
Cambodia and Laos
Both Southeast Asian neighbors provide 30-day VoA around USD 30-40. At Angkor Wat, Cambodia, visitors can marvel at the seven wonders of the world, and in Laos, they can relax in sleepy Mekong towns such as Luang Prabang and visit the waterfalls of Kuang Si.
Qatar
India citizens can avail free 30 days visa on arrival, which can be extended to another 30 days in Qatar. Doha is a modern gem of the Gulf with its futuristic architecture, Museum of Islamic Art, dune bashing and high-end shopping. Perfect for an overnight stay or weekend getaway.
Kenya
The previous VoA (Visitor's Pass) system has been replaced by an Electronic Travel Authorization (e-VoA) in Kenya - this must be applied for online! Kenya is the best place for Indian travellers to experience Africa with its well-known Maasai Mara safaris, Great Migration, flamingos in Lake Nakuru and Mombasa's coral beaches.
Bahrain, Ethiopia and Madagascar
Alternatively, Bahrain has a 14-day VoA (BHD 5), Ethiopia has a 30-day VoA (USD 50), and Madagascar offers 30-day VoA (USD 35) for those seeking more than a typical touristic experience.
Gains and losses were revealed.
Some new members joined, including Malaysia and Kazakhstan, and Thailand's visa-free policy for 60 days was extended indefinitely.
In late 2025, several African and Pacific countries introduced digital entry mechanisms with online forms that have made it more difficult to enter. Iran suspended visa-free entry based on security concerns.
Many Indians are at risk of making some bad decisions when travelling abroad, but there are also some smart tips that should help them.
1. Visa-free does not correspond to paperwork-free: Bring a return ticket, hotel booking and proof of funds (USD 50-100 a day is a good figure to work with).
01
Check passport validity
Most countries will require the passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
02
Carry passport-sized photos
Most VoA counters continue to request a couple of recent photos.
03
Payment of the visa fee is in cash
Preferably in small denominations, in USD.
Sri Lanka, Kenya and Thailand among other countries now require pre-authorisation for ETAs that do not board without it.
Buy travel insurance: It is required in some countries and a good idea in others.
Visa regulations are subject to frequent change, so please check 48 hours in advance of travel. Double check the official immigration website or the airline's website of the country you are travelling to.
Final Word
The Indian passport becomes more robust, more respected and more open, more than a passport to dozens of countries: luxury resorts on beaches, cultural treasures. From a short weekend break in Kathmandu, a long holiday on a beach in Mauritius or an adventure safari in Kenya, options are greater than ever.
However, the term visa-free does not necessarily mean the visa will be granted; all decisions are at the discretion of the immigration official. Travel smart make sure your documents are well organised, your passport is in date and your travel plan is ready. The world is truly within your fingertips this year, with the proper preparation.
VISA policies may be subject to change without notice. Entries are subject to change and should always be checked on the official immigration site of the country before departure.
Common Questions
Quick, practical answers to the questions travellers ask most about International.
Indian citizens have access to approximately 55-57 countries in 2026 where they can enter without a visa, with visa-free entry, or via ETA, following India's jump on the Henley Passport Index from 85th to approximately 80th position.
Visa-free means you present your Indian passport on arrival and are let in with no fee or form. Visa-on-arrival (VoA) requires a fee, a short form, and sometimes a photo at the airport. ETA / e-Visa requires online authorisation before boarding.
Yes, Thailand continues to offer visa-free entry to Indians for 60 days, but from 2026 onwards a pre-arrival visa (Thailand Digital Arrival Card / ETA) must be applied for online before travelling.
Nepal does not require a visa or entry permit for Indians and has no fixed limit for stay. A voter ID card is sufficient at the border instead of a passport.
Bali offers visa-on-arrival to Indians for 30 days, which can be extended for a further 30 days, for approximately USD 35.
New additions in 2026 include Malaysia (30 days visa-free until 21 December 2026) and Kazakhstan (14 days visa-free). Thailand's 60-day visa-free policy has also been extended indefinitely.
Even for visa-free travel you should carry a return ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds (USD 50-100 a day is a good figure). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Travel insurance is required in some countries and a good idea in others. It is one of the smart tips travellers should follow to avoid making bad decisions while travelling abroad.
The previous VoA (Visitor's Pass) system has been replaced by an Electronic Travel Authorization (e-VoA) in Kenya, which must be applied for online before travel.
Indians are allowed to stay in Mauritius visa-free for up to 90 days, and Fiji offers up to 4 months of visa-free entry to Indian passport holders.
