In a global era where travel is increasingly accessible, several countries stand out for their openness to Indian tourists by waiving visa requirements. Indian passport holders are discovering that it has never been easier to see the world—without embassy queues or lengthy visa forms. With the strengthening of diplomatic relations, tourism agreements, and increasing desire for cross-cultural exchange, some nations now grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to Indian citizens. From golden beaches to snowy peaks, the Indian passport can now open a world of experience with surprising facility.
Thailand: A Taste of Asia Without the Paperwork
At May 2025, Thailand is providing visa-free travel for citizens of India to visit or attend to short business visits with access to remain within the country up to a stay of 60 days. Such a generous reprieve has been asserted by the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi and will prevail until otherwise decided.
In an attempt to further simplify the entry procedure, Thailand has also launched a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system from May 1, 2025. Foreign visitors, including Indians, are required to undergo this digital authorization within three days of arrival. The TDAC is a replacement for the old paper-based arrival form, ensuring immigration procedures become quicker and smoother.
Maldives: Paradise, No Papers Required
Few destinations spell “luxury escape” like the Maldives. Known for its turquoise lagoons and overwater villas, the archipelago offers Indian nationals a visa-on-arrival valid for 30 days—no pre-approval necessary. Whether you’re diving into coral reefs or simply sunbathing with a coconut in hand, the Maldives offers serenity without red tape.
Nepal: No Boundaries, Only Brotherhood
Indians do not need a visa, passport, or even an on-arrival visa to come to Nepal. The Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship makes both nations’ movements as convenient as within the same country. Whether one goes to visit Pashupatinath Temple as part of a holy pilgrimage, walk around Mount Everest Base Camp, or stroll casually down the heritage-infused city roads of Kathmandu, Nepal remains as economical and as easy to get to as any foreign destination can.
Mauritius: Visa-Free Days in the Indian Ocean
Mauritius, with its Creole heritage, sugarcane plantations, and shimmering beaches, is visa-free for Indians for a maximum of 90 days. The island nation has Indian, African, French, and Chinese influences, providing Indian tourists with a cultural homecoming of sorts—albeit tropical. The warm Indo-Mauritian relations ensure that Indians are not only welcome but frequently feted.
Seychelles: Visa-on-Arrival in a Dreamscape
A dot in the Indian Ocean with giant natural beauty, Seychelles grants Indians a visa-on-arrival for a maximum of 30 days. A photographer’s heaven, a honeymooner’s utopia, and a scuba diver’s paradise, the nation is free from visa hassles for Indian tourists, who can freely jump between islands and slip into the unhurried, luxurious pace of island life.
Fiji: Faraway, But Friendly
Geographically far from the rest, Fiji extends a warm hand to Indian visitors with visa-free entry for four months. Fiji is famous for its coral reef, rainforests, and aboriginal culture, yet it is an unappreciated gem that has something for both excitement and relaxation. It’s an ideal getaway for those wanting to really cut off—and it only requires a valid passport.
Other Notable Mentions:
- Bhutan: Although Indian citizens do not need a visa, they now require a permit to enter and the new Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) must be prepaid.
- Indonesia: Visa-free entry for Indians was temporarily withdrawn during the pandemic but is being progressively resumed; refer to the latest information before travelling.
- Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has waived visa charges for Indian tourists as part of a short-term tourism stimulus plan up to as of October 2024.
With the increasing number of nations removing visa requirements or relaxing entry for Indian passport holders, traveling has never been more convenient. This phenomenon is a testament to India’s rising soft power, economic clout, and people-to-people diplomacy. As the world welcomes Indian travelers with open arms, Indians are setting off on a borderless journey—not for red tape wars, but for boundary-less experiences.
So the next time wanderlust hits, recall: the world is not flat, but for Indian travellers, it’s becoming beautifully wide open.