Indian passport holders have the chance to explore a handful of countries without the hassle of obtaining a visa beforehand. Although India stands at the 80th spot among 199 nations on the Henley Passport Index 2023, the list of places Indians can visit without a visa is slowly expanding. Currently, there are 25 countries that extend this privilege to Indian passport holders.
Most of these visa-free destinations are clustered in Asia and Africa, sprinkled with a few island nations. The recent additions to this welcoming list include Thailand and Sri Lanka, with Malaysia soon joining the ranks starting December 1. Malaysia’s decision stems from a desire to boost its tourism industry, a move that might entice more Indian travelers.
While these countries do offer visa-free entry, some do come with certain limitations on the duration of stay. However, there are exceptions like Jamaica, Nepal, and the Palestinian Territories that grant entry without imposing strict time constraints.
Here’s a simplified rundown of the countries where Indians can travel without a visa:
Angola: 30 days
Barbados: 90 days
Bhutan: 14 days
Dominica: 180 days
El Salvador: 90 days
Fiji: 120 days
Gabon: 30 days
Gambia: 90 days
Grenada: 90 days
Haiti: 90 days
Jamaica: Visa-free
Kazakhstan: 14 days
Macao: 30 days
Malaysia: 90 days
Mauritius: 90 days
Micronesia: 30 days
Nepal: Visa-free
Palestinian Territories: Visa-free
Saint Kitts and Nevis: 90 days
Senegal: 90 days
Sri Lanka: 30 days
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: 90 days
Thailand: 30 days
Trinidad and Tobago: 90 days
Vanuatu: 90 days
Despite the varying durations of stay, this access provides Indian passport holders the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and landscapes. It’s important to note the time constraints imposed by each country to ensure a smooth and lawful travel experience.
Although India might not rank among the top passport-powerhouse countries, initiatives like these from various nations are certainly broadening the horizons for Indian travelers. Singapore, leading the pack in the Henley Passport Index, sets the benchmark for passport strength, followed closely by Japan, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Austria.
With more countries opening their doors to Indian travelers without visa barriers, it’s an exhilarating era for those craving seamless exploration.
