Updated on 6 Jan 2026
Travelling the world sounds exciting, but dealing with visas can quickly turn that excitement into stress. The good news? Indian passport holders can visit several countries without a visa or get one on arrival, making travel smoother and faster. Imagine exploring pristine beaches, vibrant cities or cultural treasures without waiting in long queues or filling endless forms. Knowing which destinations offer this freedom not only saves time but also makes planning your trip easier and more spontaneous. In this blog, look at the countries which don’t require a visa from India, so your next adventure can start immediately.
What visa-free & visa-on-arrival travel mean
When planning international travel, it is important to know the difference between visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival:
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Visa-on-Arrival (VoA)
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Visa-Free Travel
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A visa is obtained upon arrival at the destination (airport, seaport or land border).
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No visa is required at all, either before travel or on arrival.
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May require a fee to be paid at the point of entry.
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Usually, no fee is required for entry.
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Travellers often need additional documents such as proof of return travel, hotel bookings or sufficient funds.
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Only a valid passport is needed; sometimes proof of onward travel or accommodation is required.
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Reduces pre-trip paperwork but still involves some processing at arrival.
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Completely eliminates visa-related administrative effort before and during travel.
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Duration of stay depends on the country and the visa issued on arrival.
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Duration of stay is fixed by the destination country, usually ranging from 14 to 90 days.
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Countries Indian passport holders can travel to visa-free
Indian citizens can travel to many countries without a visa. Some of these countries don’t need a visa for Indian travellers:
Asia
- Bhutan and Nepal: Indians can enter freely with a passport or voter ID. There is no limit on the duration of stay.
- Thailand: 60-day visa-free stay for tourism
- Malaysia: 30-day stay allowed, typically for tourism
- Maldives: 90 days for tourism.
- Mauritius: 90-day stay allowed
- Iran: 15 days for tourists.
Africa
- Senegal, Gambia: 90 days for tourists.
- Angola: 30 days.
Oceania
- Fiji: 4 months for tourism
- Palau Islands, Vanuatu, Niue, Micronesia: 30-60 days.
Caribbean
- Dominica: 180 days. The longest visa-free period among Caribbean nations.
- Barbados, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Montserrat, El Salvador: 30-90 days.
Europe / Central Asia
- Hong Kong: 14 days
- Macao: 30 days
- Kazakhstan: Up to 14 days.
Countries Indian passport holders can get a visa-on-arrival
Apart from visa-free countries, many countries provide visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian passport holders. Visa-on-arrival is particularly beneficial for spontaneous or short-notice travel. Popular destinations include:
Asia
- Thailand: 15-day visa-on-arrival for tourism.
- Maldives: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Indonesia: 30-day visa-on-arrival for tourists.
- Sri Lanka: 30-day visa-on-arrival via Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
- Vietnam: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Myanmar: 30-day visa-on-arrival for tourism.
- Jordan: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Iran: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Cambodia: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Bahrain: 14-day visa-on-arrival.
- Laos: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Timor-Leste: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
Africa
- Rwanda: 30-day visa-on-arrival or visa-free.
- Ethiopia: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Angola: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Madagascar: 90-day visa-on-arrival.
- Cape Verde: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Burundi: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Comoros Islands: 45-day visa-on-arrival.
- Sierra Leone: 30-day visa-on-arrival or e-visa.
- Tanzania: 90-day visa-on-arrival or e-visa.
- Guinea-Bissau: 90-day visa-on-arrival.
- Gabon: 90-day visa-on-arrival.
- Zimbabwe: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
Caribbean
- Saint Lucia: Valid for 6 weeks
Oceania
- Marshall Islands: 30-day visa-on-arrival.
- Samoa: 90-day visa-on-arrival for tourism or business, but not for work.
- Tuvalu: 30-day visa-on-arrival for tourism or business
Important conditions, restrictions & what to check before travelling
Even when travelling to visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries, Indian citizens must follow specific requirements. These often include showing proof of return or onward travel, providing accommodation details such as hotel bookings or invitation letters and demonstrating sufficient funds to cover expenses.
Certain vaccination certificates, like for yellow fever, may be required. Travellers must also comply with customs and immigration regulations, including declaring goods and completing arrival forms. Additionally, adhering to the maximum allowed duration of stay is essential to avoid fines, deportation or travel restrictions.
Role of travel insurance when visiting visa-free / visa-on-arrival countries
Travel insurance is an essential safeguard for all international travellers, including those visiting visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. While such an entry may be simple, it does not protect against unforeseen events. Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies, including hospitalisation, treatment or medical evacuation, as well as trip cancellations or delays by reimbursing non-refundable bookings. It also provides compensation for loss or theft of luggage and personal belongings and offers liability coverage in case of accidental damage or injury caused to third parties.
Conclusion
Indian passport holders can visit many countries either visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival, making travel easier and more flexible. Checking visa rules, entry requirements, local laws and having single-trip travel insurance ensures a smooth trip. Being prepared helps travellers avoid delays and enjoy their journey fully.
While you take the time to plan your next adventure, let us help you travel with complete peace of mind. Get expert travel insurance advice and customised solutions by filling out the form provided on this page.
FAQs
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How many countries can Indian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?
Indian citizens can travel to 57-59 countries visa-free as of 2025.
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What is the maximum duration Indian travellers can stay in a visa-free country?
It varies by country, typically ranging from 14 to 90 days.
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Can we get a visa on arrival for any country if we forget to apply in advance?
Yes, but only in countries that specifically offer visa-on-arrival facilities. It is recommended to check the eligibility and required documents before travelling.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries?
While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended and sometimes required by certain countries. It can provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and other unforeseen events.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.