I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolThe Ultimate Guide to Travel Visas for Indians
Updated on March 11, 2024
Written by
Written by
As an Indian passport holder, one of the biggest hurdles to international travel can be securing the proper visas to enter your destination countries. With different requirements for every nation, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the process. But never fear! This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting travel visas as an Indian citizen.
What Exactly is a Travel Visa?
A visa is an official document granting approval to enter, transit through, or remain temporarily in a particular country. Every country has its own visa policies for Indian passport holders based on reciprocal agreements. Some may allow visa-free entry, while others require applying for a visa well in advance.
What’s the Difference Between a Travel Visa and an eVisa for Travel?
The main difference between a traditional travel visa and an eVisa (electronic visa) for travel lies in the application process and how the visa is obtained. Here are the key distinctions:
Traditional Travel Visa:
- Applications are made in person or by mail at the embassy or consulate of the destination country
- Requires submitting physical documents like visa application forms, photographs, and sometimes supporting documentation
- The visa, once approved, is a stamp or sticker placed in the traveler’s passport
- Processing times can take several days or weeks depending on the country
eVisa (Electronic Visa):
- The entire application process is completed online via the destination country’s eVisa system
- No need to visit an embassy/consulate – applications and payments are done electronically
- Typically requires submitting scanned copies of the passport and a digital photograph
- Upon approval, the eVisa is sent to the applicant via email as an electronic document or code
- Processing is generally faster than traditional visas, often within a few days
Key Advantages of eVisas:
- Convenience of applying from anywhere with an internet connection
- Faster processing times compared to conventional visas
- No need to visit embassies/consulates or submit physical documents
- eVisas are linked electronically to the traveler’s passport number
While eVisas are gaining popularity due to their convenience, many countries still require traditional paper visas, especially for longer stays or non-tourism purposes. But for eligible nationalities traveling to destinations with eVisa programs, it can be a major timesaver.
Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers
As an Indian citizen, visa requirements can vary significantly depending on your destination country. It’s essential to research and understand the visa policies well in advance of your travel date to ensure a smooth journey. Here’s an overview of visa requirements for Indian passport holders across the globe:
| Country | Visa Requirement | Allowed Stay | Notes |
| Afghanistan | Visa required | – | Visa fee waived for regular or ordinary Indian passport holders. |
| Albania | eVisa | – | Visa Exempt for persons having a valid residence permit or multi-entry visa from Schengen countries, US, UK, or a 10-year UAE residence permit. The visa or permit must have been used at least once. |
| Algeria | Visa required | – | – |
| Andorra | Visa required | – | Access through France and Spain with a double- or multiple-entry Schengen Visa or a Schengen Area residence permit required. |
| Angola | Visa not required | 30 days | Unilaterally exempted visa for tourism only. Return/onward ticket, hotel reservation, and International Vaccination Certificate required. |
| Antigua and Barbuda | eVisa | 30 days | Visa on arrival for US$100 for valid visa holders or residents of Canada, the Schengen Area, UK, and US. |
| Argentina | Visa required | – | – |
| Armenia | eVisa | 90 days | Diplomatic passport holders not required to hold a visa. |
| Australia and territories | Online Visa required | – | Online Visitor e600 visa available. Transit visa required and can be applied online. |
| Austria | Visa Required | – | – |
| Azerbaijan | eVisa | 30 days | $26 USD payable upon arrival. Prior eVisa required for entry via land borders. Passports with Armenian stamps subject to extra screening. |
| Bahamas | eVisa | 3 months | Visa on arrival for Indian nationals with valid Schengen, UK, US, and/or Canadian visas. |
| Bahrain | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 14 days | Multiple-entry visa options available. Visa on arrival for GCC residents (excluding labourers) and holders of valid visit visas to the specified countries. |
| Bangladesh | Visa required | – | Visa fee waived for regular or ordinary passport holders who apply in India. |
| Barbados | Visa not required | 90 days | Visa requirements lifted on 17 May 2019. |
| Belarus | Visa required | – | Visas waived for holders of a visa for EU countries and the Schengen area. |
| Belgium | Visa required | – | – |
| Belize | Visa required | – | Permanent residents and multiple entry visa holders of the US or Canada may obtain a visa on arrival. Holders of a valid Schengen Member state visa are visa exempt for up to 90 days. |
| Benin | eVisa | 30 days | Must have an international vaccination certificate. |
| Bhutan | Freedom of Movement | Unlimited (only for border areas) | Indian nationals may use their Voter ID card or Passport to enter by air and land. Permits required for travel beyond border areas. |
| Bolivia | Online Visa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | – |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Visa required | 6 Months | National visa may be substituted with a valid multiple-entry visa issued by an EU or Schengen Area member state or the US. |
| Botswana | eVisa | 3 months | – |
| Brazil | Visa Required | – | – |
| Brunei | Visa required | – | – |
| Bulgaria | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a C visa issued by Cyprus, Romania, or a Schengen Area member state. |
| Burkina Faso | eVisa | – | – |
| Burundi | Visa on arrival | 1 month | – |
| Cambodia | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | Fee of 36 USD applicable. |
| Cameroon | eVisa | – | – |
| Canada | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a US permanent resident card. Transit visa required. |
| Cape Verde | Visa on arrival | 30 days | Pre-registration required 5 days before the trip. |
| Central African Republic | Visa required | – | – |
| Chad | Visa required | – | – |
| Chile | Visa required | – | Tourism/business visa holders or permanent residents from the USA, with at least 6 months of validity, can travel to Chile without a visa. |
| China | Visa required | – | Under the 24-hour TWOV policy, transit without a visa is possible under specific conditions. |
| Colombia | Online Visa | – | National visa may be substituted with a valid C or D visa issued by a Schengen Area member state or a valid US visa. |
| Comoros | Visa on arrival | 45 days | – |
| Costa Rica | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a valid visa issued by the US or a multiple-entry visa issued by Canada or an EU member state. |
| Côte d’Ivoire | eVisa | 3 months | e-Visa must be collected at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan. |
| Croatia | Visa required | – | – |
| Cuba | Visa required | – | Eligible for a tourist card if holding a valid visa or residence permit issued by Canada, the United States, or an EU member state. |
| Cyprus | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a double- or multiple-entry C visa issued by Bulgaria, Romania, or a Schengen Area member state. |
| Czech Republic | Visa required | – | – |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | eVisa | 7 days | Visa on arrival if a letter (visa volant) issued by the Ministry of Interior and Security is presented. |
| Denmark | Visa required | – | – |
| Djibouti | eVisa | 90 days | – |
| Dominica | Visa not required | 6 months | – |
| Dominican Republic | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a valid visa issued by Canada, US, or any EU member state. |
| East Timor | Visa on arrival | 30 days | – |
| Ecuador | Visa required | – | – |
| Egypt | eVisa | 30 days | Visa on arrival for GCC residents. Conditions apply for organized tourist groups. |
| El Salvador | Visa not required | 90 days | – |
| Equatorial Guinea | eVisa | – | – |
| Eritrea | Visa required | – | – |
| Estonia | Visa required | – | – |
| Eswatini | Visa required | – | – |
| Ethiopia | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 90 days | Visa on arrival is available only at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. e-Visa holders must arrive via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. e-Visa available for 30 or 90 days. |
| Fiji | Visa not required | 4 months | – |
| Finland | Visa required | – | – |
| France | Visa required | – | Airport transit visa required for some travelers. |
| Gabon | eVisa | 90 days | e-Visa holders must arrive via Libreville International Airport. |
| Gambia | Visa required | – | – |
| Georgia | eVisa | – | Visa-free entry for holders of valid visa or residence permit issued by US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, South Korea, Ireland, Schengen, and GCC countries. |
| Germany | Visa Required | – | Airport transit visa required for some travelers. |
| Ghana | Visa required | – | – |
| Greece | Visa required | – | – |
| Grenada | Visa not required | 3 months | – |
| Guatemala | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a valid visa issued by Canada, the US, or a Schengen Area member state. |
| Guinea | eVisa | 90 days | – |
| Guinea-Bissau | Visa on arrival | 90 days | – |
| Guyana | Visa required | – | Visa on arrival if holding a letter of invitation from sponsor or host. |
| Haiti | Visa not required | 3 months | – |
| Honduras | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a valid visa issued by Canada, the US, or a Schengen Area member state. |
| Hungary | Visa required | – | – |
| Iceland | Visa required | – | – |
| Indonesia | e-VOA / Visa on arrival | 30 days | 30 days for tourism purposes, fee applicable. |
| Iran | Visa not required | 15 days | Visa exemption available only when entering by air. |
| Iraq | Visa required | – | – |
| Ireland | Visa required | – | UK C visa holders may enter Ireland without an additional visa if they have first entered the UK. |
| Israel | Visa required | – | – |
| Italy | Visa required | – | – |
| Jamaica | Visa not required | – | – |
| Japan | Visa required | – | Visa fee is refunded if visa application is rejected. Special e-Visa for tourists from specific countries. |
| Jordan | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | – |
| Kazakhstan | Visa not required | 14 days | – |
| Kenya | Electronic Travel Authorisation | 90 days | Applications must be submitted at least 3 days in advance. Proof of hotel reservation or an invitation letter required. |
| Kiribati | Visa not required | 90 days | Stay may not exceed 90 days in any 12-month period. |
| Kuwait | Visa required | – | eVisa available for GCC residents in certain professions. |
| Kyrgyzstan | eVisa | 60 days | Electronic visa holders must arrive via specified ports of entry. |
| Laos | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | Visa on Arrival available at designated entry points. e-Visa may be used at specific airports and border crossings. |
| Latvia | Visa required | – | – |
| Lebanon | Visa required | – | An approval should be obtained from the General Directorate of General Security. |
| Lesotho | eVisa | 30 days | – |
| Liberia | Visa required | – | – |
| Libya | Visa required | – | – |
| Liechtenstein | Visa required | – | Accessible through Switzerland; thus, Swiss visa rules apply. |
| Lithuania | Visa required | – | – |
| Luxembourg | Visa required | – | – |
| Madagascar | Visa on arrival | 60 days | – |
| Malawi | eVisa | 90 days | – |
| Malaysia | Visa not required | 30 days | From 1 December 2023 until 31 December 2024, visas have been waived for Indians for tourist purposes. Online MDAC submission required. |
| Maldives | Visa not required | 90 days | – |
| Mali | Visa required | – | – |
| Malta | Visa required | – | – |
| Marshall Islands | Visa on arrival | 90 days | – |
| Mauritania | Visa on arrival | – | – |
| Mauritius | Visa not required | 90 days | – |
| Mexico | Visa required | – | Visa or permanent residence documents issued by the US, Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen Area allow entry for tourism, transit, or business purposes. |
| Micronesia | Visa not required | 30 days | – |
| Moldova | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a valid (‘C’ or ‘D’) visa or a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area or EU member state. e-Visa available. |
| Monaco | Visa required | – | Access through France; thus, French visa rules apply. |
| Mongolia | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | – |
| Montenegro | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a valid visa issued by a Schengen Area member state, UK, Ireland, or the US. |
| Morocco | eVisa | 30 days | – |
| Mozambique | eVisa | 30 days | Visa on arrival available if holding a pre-approval from the Immigration Authority. |
| Myanmar | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 28 days | e-Visa holders must arrive via specified airports or land border crossings. e-Visa available for tourism and business purposes. |
| Namibia | Visa required | – | – |
| Nauru | Visa required | – | – |
| Nepal | Freedom of movement | Unlimited | Indian nationals may use their Voter ID card or Passport to enter. Treaty allows living and working freely in Nepal. |
| Netherlands | Visa required | – | – |
| New Zealand | Visa required | – | Australian Permanent Resident Visa holders may be granted a New Zealand Resident Visa on arrival. |
| Nicaragua | Visa required | – | Indian nationals with a valid visa issued by Canada, the US, or a Schengen Member State can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. |
| Niger | Visa required | – | – |
| Nigeria | eVisa | 90 days | – |
| North Korea | Visa required | – | – |
| North Macedonia | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a valid double- or multiple-entry C visa issued by a Schengen Area member state or a British, Canadian, or U.S. visa. |
| Norway | Visa required | – | – |
| Oman | Visa not required | 14 days | Visa-free for tourism only; hotel reservation and confirmed return ticket required. Conditions apply for GCC visa holders. |
| Pakistan | Visa required | – | Visa not required for Pilgrims visiting Shri Kartarpur Sahib. |
| Palau | Free visa on arrival | 30 days | – |
| Panama | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a valid multiple-entry visa issued by the US (including permanent residents), UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or an EU member state, which has been used at least once with at least one year validity remaining. |
| Papua New Guinea | eVisa | 30 days | – |
| Paraguay | Visa required | – | – |
| Peru | Visa required | Up to 180 days | Indian nationals with a valid visa from Australia, Canada, UK, US, or Schengen Area can stay visa-free for up to 180 days within any 365-day period for tourist or business purposes. |
| Philippines | Visa required | – | Visa free for holders of a valid visa from US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore, or UK for 14 days (only for Tourism). |
| Poland | Visa required | – | – |
| Portugal | Visa required | – | – |
| Qatar | Visa not required | 30 days | A visa waiver for 30 days can be granted on arrival under certain conditions, including having a confirmed return ticket and hotel reservation. |
| Republic of the Congo | Visa required | – | Visa not required if presenting a V.I.P invitation letter. |
| Romania | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted with a double- or multiple-entry C visa issued by Bulgaria, Cyprus, or a Schengen Area member state valid for the period of intended stay. |
| Russia | eVisa | 16 days | An application must be made 4 to 40 days before the intended entry date. |
| Rwanda | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | May enter with East Africa Tourist Visa valid for 90 days and multiple entries in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Visa on arrival available for free of charge. |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Visa not required | 3 months | – |
| Saint Lucia | Visa on arrival | 6 weeks | – |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Visa not required | 3 months | – |
| Samoa | Visa not required | 60 days | – |
| San Marino | Visa required | – | No border control but accessible only via Italy; thus, Italian visa rules apply. |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | eVisa | – | – |
| Saudi Arabia | Visa required | – | Tourist visa on arrival for holders of valid Schengen, UK, and US visa. Visitors must arrive through national carrier of Saudi Arabia. Visa on arrival if holding a valid visa issued by UK, US, or a Schengen member state for stays of no more than 90 days. |
| Senegal | Visa not required | 90 days | – |
| Serbia | Visa required | – | National visa may be substituted by a valid visa OR residence permit issued by any EU member state, Schengen Area member state, UK, or US, for a period not exceeding 90 days in a 180-day period and within the validity of the visa or residence permit. |
| Seychelles | Electronic Border System | 3 months | Application can be submitted up to 30 days before travel. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if coming from endemic countries. |
| Sierra Leone | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 3 months / 30 days | – |
| Singapore | Visa required | – | Indian nationals may obtain online e-Service through eligible authorized travel agencies or local sponsors. |
| Slovakia | Visa required | – | ETIAS can be obtained soon for entry. |
| Slovenia | Visa required | – | – |
| Solomon Islands | Visa required | – | – |
| Somalia | Visa on arrival | 30 days | Available at Bosaso Airport, Galcaio Airport, and Mogadishu Airport. |
| South Africa | eVisa | – | e-Visa holders must arrive via specific airports. Application at the embassy is required in some countries. |
| South Korea | Visa required | – | Tourist / Transit visa for 30 days may be granted to permanent residents or valid visa holders of US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen countries under certain conditions. |
| South Sudan | eVisa | – | Obtainable online. Printed visa authorization must be presented at the time of travel. |
| Spain | Visa required | – | Transit visa required, except if holding a valid visa or residence permit issued by the US, UK, Japan, Canada, Schengen Area, Bulgaria, Romania, or Cyprus. |
| Sri Lanka | ETA / Free Visa on arrival | 30 days | Visa on arrival is available for Indian citizens till a specific date for no fees. Electronic Travel Authorization can also be obtained on arrival. |
| Sudan | Visa required | – | – |
| Suriname | eVisa | 90 days | – |
| Sweden | Visa required | – | – |
| Switzerland | Visa required | – | – |
| Syria | Visa required | – | – |
| Tajikistan | eVisa | 60 days | e-Visa holders can enter through all border points. |
| Tanzania | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 90 days | – |
| Thailand | Visa not required | 30 days | Visa waived for stays up to 30 days. |
| Togo | eVisa | 15 days | e-Visa can be obtained online. |
| Tonga | Visa required | – | – |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Visa not required | 90 days | – |
| Tunisia | Visa on arrival (conditional) | 3 months | Groups of 5 or more booking through a travel agency for at least five days will be issued a visa on arrival. |
| Turkey | Visa required | – | Conditional single-entry eVisa issued for 30 days to holders of a valid visa or residence permit issued by one of the Schengen member countries, US, UK, or Ireland. |
| Turkmenistan | Visa required | – | Letter of invitation issued by a company registered in Turkmenistan and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 10 days. |
| Tuvalu | Visa on arrival | 1 month | – |
| Uganda | eVisa | 3 months | May enter with East Africa Tourist Visa, valid in Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for stays of up to 90 days. e-Visa must be obtained prior to arrival. |
| Ukraine | Visa required | – | e-Visa (30 days) is currently suspended due to the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine. |
| United Arab Emirates | Visa required | – | Holder of valid US visa or green card can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days. Indian passport holder with a valid UK or EU residence permit can also obtain a visa on arrival for 14 days. |
| United Kingdom and Crown dependencies | Visa required | – | – |
| United States | Visa required | – | Transit visa required. |
| Uruguay | Visa required | – | Visa issued free of cost. |
| Uzbekistan | eVisa | 30 days | 5-day visa-free transit at international airports if holding a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country. |
| Vanuatu | Visa not required | 30 days | – |
| Vatican City | Visa required | – | Schengen Visa required. Entry can be made only from Italy; thus, Italian visa rules apply. |
| Venezuela | Visa required | – | – |
| Vietnam | eVisa | – | e-Visa valid for multiple entries over 90 days. Authorities proposed to waive visas for Indian citizens in November 2023. |
| Yemen | Visa required | – | – |
| Zambia | eVisa | 90 days | – |
| Zimbabwe | Visa on arrival | 30 days | 30 days for business visits, 3 months for tourists. |
Visa Guides to Popular Destinations for Indians
Traveling abroad has become a quintessential part of the modern Indian’s bucket list. Whether it’s for leisure, work, or study, the first step to planning your trip abroad is understanding the visa requirements for your destination. Below, we will dive into visa guides for some of the most popular destinations among Indian travelers, ensuring you have all the necessary information to plan your trip smoothly. For information about visa-free countries Indians can travel to, check out this guide.
Destinations in Africa
Destinations in Asia
- Cambodia Visa for Indians
- Malaysia Visa for Indians
- Malaysia E Visa for Indians
- Singapore Visa for Indians
- Singapore Transit Visa for Indians
- Taiwan Visa for Indians
- Thailand Visa for Indians
- Thailand E Visa on Arrival for Indians
- Vietnam Visa for Indians
Destinations in Europe
- Greece Visa for Indians
- Iceland Visa for Indians
- Ireland Visa for Indians
- Russia Visa for Indians
- UK Visa for Indians
Destinations in the Middle East
- Dubai Visa for Indians
- Dubai Golden Visa for Indians
- Dubai Tourist Visa for Pakistani Citizens
- Jordan Visa for Indians
- Turkey Visa for Indians
Destinations in North America
Destinations in South America
Bookmark this page for future reference. We’re adding new visa guides all the time!
Best Practices for Indians Planning to Travel Abroad
Traveling abroad is an exciting venture, yet it presents specific challenges for Indians, especially regarding visa applications. This concise guide aims to simplify the process, covering key steps like researching visa requirements, preparing documentation, and considering a visa agent’s help. It emphasizes starting early due to potential delays, organizing details to explain your travel purpose clearly, and maintaining patience through the often tedious application process. With these streamlined insights, Indian travelers can navigate the complexities of international travel more smoothly, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Research Visa Requirements
Thoroughly The very first step is researching if you actually need a visa for your destination and what the requirements are for Indian citizens. Refer only to official government sources like embassy websites to get accurate, up-to-date information. Make sure to look into:
- Visa types (tourist, business, work, student, etc.)
- Application fees
- Financial/sponsorship requirements
- Processing times
Give Yourself Enough Lead Time
Many visa application processes for Indians are notoriously slow due to high volumes. It’s generally recommended to apply at least 1-3 months prior to travel, though some higher-risk countries may require 6 months or more for processing. Building in plenty of buffer time will save you stress later.
Gather All Required Documentation
Almost every visa for Indians requires submitting a set of standard documents like passport copies, photos, travel itineraries, and more. Make sure you have everything they ask for, as missing documents can mean extra delays or denials. Don’t risk it!
Consider Using a Visa Agent
For complex applications, strict requirements, or just convenience, using a visa expediting company can be a smart move. They ensure your application is filled out properly and submit it through formal channels, saving you hassle.
Be Prepared to Explain Your Travel
During the visa process, applicants may be asked to provide information like travel purpose, length of stay, host/sponsor details, and evidence of ties to India like jobs, property, family connections and more. Having all these details organized helps reinforce your bona fide reasons for traveling.
Stay Patient and Persistent
Unfortunately, visa applications for Indian citizens often face processing delays, long wait times, and excessive bureaucracy. While stressful, the most important thing is to remain patient and keep following up politely until you have a final decision.
Final Thoughts
With some advance preparation and familiarity with the ins and outs of the visa process, Indian travelers can successfully navigate getting approved to visit countries worldwide. The more complex the situation, the earlier you’ll want to get started. Happy travels!
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.