For Indian passport holders, planning an international trip can often be influenced by visa requirements. Fortunately, many countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, making travel more convenient. Here’s a comprehensive guide to visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries for Indian passport holders for 2024-2025, allowing you to dream big and plan easily!

I. Visa-Free Countries for Indian Passport Holders

As of 2024-2025, several countries offer visa-free access to Indian travelers. This means you don’t need a visa beforehand, and you can simply enter with your passport. In some cases, you might need a Pre-Arrival Registration Form which must be filled and approval must be carried with you but it is a very easy and handy process. Here are the top destinations where Indians can explore without the hassle of a visa:

1. Thailand:

Tourists from all over the world love to visit Thailand for its beautiful beaches, lively culture, and tasty food. Indians can now visit for 30 days without a visa until November 11, 2024, and on ordinary days Thailand offers Visa on Arrival facility which means you can get Thailand visa at the airport after filling a form and furnishing some details about your stay etc.

2. Hongkong

Hongkong is a beautiful tourist destination be it for families with children looking for magical Disney experience or for friends and couples looking for exploring beautiful islands, lively culture, shopping trends and tasty food. Hongkong offers 14 days visa free stay for Indian passport holders but filling Pre-Arrival Registration Form and carrying the same (print out document) with you is mandatory but trust me it takes only 5 mins to fill the same.

3. Macao

Macao is another beautiful tourist destination world famous for its casinos, cultural villages, beautiful beaches and Portuguese architecture. Macao offers 30 days visa free stay for Indian passport holders and the ferry from Hong Kong just costs INR 2000 (one-way), so trust me Hong Kong and Macao is a perfect plan for your coming holidays. And no, they do not form part of mainland China and all your sims and application work just perfectly and are very open to international tourists.

4. Malaysia 

Malaysia is a perfect destination having perfect blend of skyscrapers and modern lifestyle with beautiful nature and cultural feast. The pertronas twin towers, KL bird park, Batu caves etc. in its capital Kuala Lumpur will leave you in awe. Malaysia offers 30 days visa free stay for Indian passport holders until 31st December 2024. This has visa exemption has been granted for a period of 1 year starting from 31st December 2023 which might extend for 2025. But in other cases after expiry of such visa free period, it always provided very easy e-visa facility which is also very convenient and handy.

5. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the pearl of India Ocean having a rich cultural history related to Indian religious or cultural enthusiasts along with beautiful natural landscapes, breathtaking beaches, amazing food, etc. Sri Lanka will offer 30 days visa free stay for Indian passport holders starting from 1st October 2024 tentatively for a period of six months (which shall be checked from official website). In all other cases, after after expiry of such visa free period, it always provided very easy visa on arrival facility for convenient travel.

6. Nepal

Nepal being a beautiful country in the foothills of Himalayas is famous for its food, culture, beautiful landscape and rich history. Nepal offers visa free stay, infact it is the only country you can also travel without passport since Indian Identity proof like Aadhar Cards are also valid. Thus, it is a perfect destination for those travelling with small kids or very old parents having some issues with obtaining fresh passport.

7. Bhutan

India’s peaceful neighbor, Bhutan offers Indians visa-free entry. From the Tiger’s Nest Monastery to the capital, Thimphu, you can explore cultural and scenic gems without a visa.

8. Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a beautiful nation situated in the Caribbean offering beautiful landscapes, beaches, cuisines and traditions. Trinidad and Tobago also offers visa free stay for Indian Passport holders.

II. Visa on Arrival Countries for Indian Passport Holders

For visa-on-arrival destinations, Indian travelers don’t need to apply for a visa in advance. Upon arrival, you can get your visa after filling of some documents with particulars and details of stay. Some countries charge certain fees and some do not, for issuance of such visa. Then after submission of requisite details and visa fees, visa is issued and stamped at the immigration checkpoint. Here are some exciting visa-on-arrival countries for 2024-2025:

9. Maldives

A favourite destination among honeymooners, couples or nature and island lovers, Maldives offers easy Visa on Arrival process with no visa fee for a stay upto 90 days. It is my personal favourite country if you’re planning a short relaxing travel and you’re a beach/ocean lover.

10. Mauritius

A tropical paradise, Mauritius offers offers easy Visa on Arrival process with no visa fee for a stay upto 90 days. Its white sandy beaches, clear blue lagoons, and luxury resorts make it an ideal holiday spot.

11. Indonesia (favourite for vacation in Bali)

Indonesia is famous among tourists especially for a beautiful vacation in Bali offering diverse landscapes, lively culture, relaxing beaches and breathtaking natural beauty. Indonesia offers 30 days visa on arrival for Indian passport holders making it one of the favourite tourists destination.

12. Egypt

Egypt is a country with millennia-old monuments situated along the fertile Nile River Valley, including Giza’s colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor’s hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs. Egypt recently started offering 30 days visa on arrival for Indian passport holders making it far more accessible and increasing the tourists footprint. The great pyramids are surely on everyone’s bucket list.

13. Laos

Laos is a Southeast Asian country traversed by the Mekong River and known for mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries. Laos shares it boundaries with Thailand and Vietnam and thus is very accessible for Indian travellers. Laos offers easy Visa on Arrival process for Indian Passport holders.

14. Cambodia

Home to the world-famous Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers a visa on arrival for 30 days. Discover its rich history, temples, and charming countryside. Phnom Penh, its capital, is home to the art deco Central Market, glittering Royal Palace and the National Museum’s historical and archaeological exhibits.

15. Jordan

Jordon is defined by ancient monuments, nature reserves and seaside resorts. It’s home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C. Set in a narrow valley with tombs, temples and monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs. Indian tourists can get a visa on arrival for 30 days stay in Jordan. The famous Petra, Wadi Rum desert, and float in the Dead Sea is not to miss.

16. Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It’s home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka. Seychelles offers visa-on-arrival for up to 90 days. These idyllic islands provide a perfect beach vacation with crystal-clear waters and unique wildlife.

17. Fiji

Fiji, a country in the South Pacific, is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. It’s famed for rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons. Its major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, contain most of the population. Viti Levu is home to the capital, Suva, a port city with British colonial architecture. Fiji offers Visa on Arrival for a stay upto 120 days to enjoy the beautiful islands.

18. Madagascar

Madagascar, famous from the movie, is an island country comprising the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands. Lying off the southeastern coast of Africa, it is the world’s fourth largest island, showcasing diverse landscapes, traditions, wildlife and magnificent beaches and coral reefs. Madagascar offers free of cost visa on arrival for a period of 30 days to Indian Passport holders.

19. Samoa

Made up of an archipelago of 10 islands peaking above the clear turquoise waters of the central South Pacific, the tropical islands of Samoa are a paradise of ancient culture, dramatic and serene landscapes, and unique activities. Samoa offers visa on arrival for a period of 90 days to Indian Passport holders.

20. Qatar

Qatar is a peninsular Arab country whose terrain comprises arid desert and a long Persian (Arab) Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes. Also on the coast is the capital, Doha, known for its futuristic skyscrapers and other ultramodern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design. The last FIFA World Cup in 2022 made Qatar quite popular amount FIFA lovers and also among tourists which eased the visa process offering visa on arrival for a period of 30 days to Indian Passport holders.

III. Tips for Hassle-Free Travel

A. Check Entry Requirements: Visa policies can change, so it’s best to check with the official embassy or consulate of the destination country before traveling.

B. Travel Insurance: Always opt for travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected circumstances such as medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost baggage.

C. Passport Validity: Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity from your intended date of arrival.

IV. Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, natural beauty, or an exotic getaway, the world is waiting to be explored. All you need is your passport, a sense of adventure, and the right destination to make unforgettable travel memories. Pack your bags and get ready for your next international adventure!

Note- The details provided herein above are verified by me but are subject to any update or notification or any change from the embassy, thus, you’re requested to check the official website of the embassy before planning your travel. This is only to be used as a guide, not as a fact check.