International trips are a dream come true!

Yet, people often struggle with visa approvals for their dream destinations. It’s heartbreaking to dream and plan an entire trip and cancel it just for visa rejection.

However, what if we say that certain exotic tourist places don’t require a visa?

Yes, such places exist! Let’s check them out!

What is a Visa-Free Entry?

Undertaking foreign journeys requires a visa from the country you plan to visit. However, visa-free entry allows you to travel to a country without requiring a visa. Staying in visa-free countries is permitted for a limited period. However, you will still need a valid passport to undertake international travel.

How Many Countries Offer Visa-Free Entry to Indians?

According to the Passport Index and Henley & Partners Passport Index, there are 35 visa-free countries for Indians. These countries include the following:

SNo.	Country	SNo.	Country
1	Nepal	19	El Salvador
2	Thailand	20	Jamaica
3	Malaysia	21	Barbados
4	Sri Lanka	22	Haiti
5	Bhutan	23	Dominica
6	Hong Kong	24	Grenada
7	Iran	25	British Virgin Islands
8	Kazakhstan	26	Montserrat
9	Oman	27	St Vincent and the Grenadines
10	Macao (SAR China)	28	Saint Kitts and Nevis
11	Palestinian Territories	29	Fiji
12	Senegal	30	Vanuatu
13	Mauritius	31	Kiribati
14	Tunisia	32	Micronesia
15	Angola	33	Cook Islands
16	Rwanda	34	Niue
17	Seychelles	35	Trinidad and Tobago
18	Gambia

Top 5 Countries to Travel Visa Free for Indian Passport Holders

Amongst the above, the following are the top 5 countries to travel visa-free:

1) Nepal

Nepal is the closest country to India, sharing land borders in the Northeast. It is known for its mountain range, culture, nature, adventure and picturesque beauty. If you love mountains, then Nepal is for you.

From trekking, mountaineering, rafting, and spirituality to enjoying the culture, Nepal has everything a mountain lover needs! The best time to travel to Nepal is between October to December.

Places to Visit: Prominent tourist places to visit in Nepal are Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nagarkot
Things to Do: Religious site exploration, mountaineering, water activities, paragliding, etc.
Itinerary Length: 7 days
Estimated Expenses (7 days trip): Approximately Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 60,000

2) Thailand

Thailand is another popular tourist destination adorned with stunning coastlines, mountains, magnificent hills and spectacular scenery. It is also famous for its vibrant nightlife and ancient temples.

Thailand offers a wide variety of things to do and has something for everyone! Thai food is one of the most popular around the globe, whether it be street food or fine dining. The best time to travel Thailand is between November to February.

Places to Visit: The Grand Palace, Khao Yai National Park, Bangkok, Phuket, etc.
Things to Do: Island hopping across Thailand, yogic and Thai massage, full moon party, night markets, etc.
Itinerary Length: 6-7 days
Estimated Expenses (7 days trip): Approximately Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 70,000

3) Malaysia

Malaysia is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia and is known for its pristine beaches, wildlife, world heritage sites, etc. It is located on the Malay Peninsula and Borneo Island.

Malaysia is a place that allows you to enjoy the ancient rainforests as well as the multicultural city life. The country follows diverse cultures, including Malay Muslims, ethnic Chinese, Tamil Indians, and other ethnic groups. The best time to visit Malaysia is between March to October.

Places to Visit: Kuala Lumpur, Aquaria KLCC, Thean Hou Temple etc.
Things to Do: Rock climbing at Batu Caves, visit Langkawi Underwater World, go on a mangrove safari, etc.
Itinerary Length: 6-7 days
Estimated Expenses (7 days trip): Approximately Rs. 50,000

4) Mauritius

Mauritius is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean popular for its volcanic mountains, pristine beaches and coral reefs. Its culture draws influence from India, Africa, Europe and China. It is a vacationer’s paradise, whether you are on a family vacation, honeymoon or a leisure trip.

It comprises 16 islands, each known for its exquisite beauty. You can enjoy crystal clear lagoons, sub-tropical rainforests, and volcanic mountains – all in a single country. The best time to visit Mauritius is between May to December.

Places to Visit: Black River Gorges National Park, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, waterfalls, beaches, etc.
Things to Do: A full-day Catamaran cruise, dolphin trip, snorkelling, water sports, etc.
Itinerary Length: 6-7 days
Estimated Expenses (7 days trip): Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 80,000

5) Fiji

Fiji is a tropical island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, with 332 islands and 110 inhabited. It is famous for its white sand beaches, friendly locals, and clear waters. Fiji is quite famous for its natural beauty.

If you are visiting Fiji, you will definitely want to spend time in an overwater bungalow, exploring jungles or exploring coral reefs. The best time to visit Fiji is between May to September.

Places to Visit: Nadi, Suva, Sigatoka, Denarau Island etc.
Things to Do: Kayaking, snorkelling, water rafting, boat safaris, skydiving etc.
Itinerary Length: 6-7 days
Estimated Expenses (7 days trip): Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000

Things to Keep in Mind When Travelling International

Embarking on a foreign trip is as exciting as it sounds. However, you should plan properly before you embark on your trip. Apart from the normal clothing and accessories, here are some of the essentials you cannot afford to forget:

Medicine and first aid kit in case any emergency arises.
Travel credit card so you can spend seamlessly without worrying about the forex issues.
Buy International travel insurance to ensure you are financially protected in case things go south.
All your KYC documents and ID proofs are a must-have when undertaking foreign journeys.
Adequate cash, especially in the currency of the country you are visiting. Always research how to conveniently get cash in foreign currency and the popular modes of spending in that country.
Any other document or thing that you feel is important for international travel

In a Nutshell

Visa-free tourist places are a dream for most tourists. They reduce the hassles associated with international trips. Above are some popular tourist destinations that provide visa-free entry if you hold an Indian passport. The estimated cost of travel is also affordable, and they offer a combination of different cultures, picturesque locations, beaches, and sports activities.

However, you should ensure you travel only after buying adequate travel insurance to cover any contingencies. Make the most out of your trip!