Where Can Indians Travel Without Visa?

With summer vacations around the corner, many Indian travellers may be wondering where can they travel without visa. Luckily, there are a number of countries across the world that allow Indian travellers to enter them hassle-free!

As per the Henley Passport Index, Indian passport holders can visit 58 destinations worldwide. These include beautiful countries like Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives and others.

Mauritius

Mauritius is one of Africa’s most beautiful and peaceful destinations. It has dream beaches with white sand and coconut trees, dolphins everywhere you look, luxurious resorts, an old colonial capital, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, excellent restaurants and hotels, great golf courses, a variety of water sports, mountain trekking, hunting, birdwatching, and much more.

Indians are welcome to travel to this paradise for tourism. They don’t need to pay a visa fee and can stay for 60 days without any extra restrictions. However, to avoid any hassles they should connect with the Department of Immigration two or three days before the expiry date of their visa-on-arrival.

The country’s economy is based on agriculture, sugar cane production, financial services, and tourism. It is a middle income country with an annual growth rate of around 5-6 percent.

A multi-racial country, Mauritians speak a number of languages. Bhojpuri at home, French to their workmates and English to government officials. A large percentage of the population also speaks Creole, which is a mix of European, Indian, and African languages.

Several religions are practiced in Mauritius, with freedom of religion enshrined in the constitution. Religious festivities are held on a variety of dates.

Many Indians are happy to travel to this tropical island. They love the unique culture, beautiful beaches, pristine nature, and friendly people.

Mauritius has a mixed developing economy based on agricultural activities such as sugar cane production and financial services, along with tourism. The country has a well-developed infrastructure and state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities.

The economy has experienced a steady increase in income and population in the past 50 years. During this time, Mauritius has grown from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy. It has a growing industrial and financial sector, with a number of international companies establishing their offices in the country.

Sri Lanka

As one of the few countries in South Asia that is open to indians, Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) is an appealing destination with a wealth of natural beauty and ancient Buddhist ruins. Though a 20 year civil war is still a reminder of the country’s dark past, life is slowly but surely returning to some semblance of normality.

Travel to Sri Lanka is not without risk and the country’s government strongly advises tourists to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Also, the government has implemented some restrictions on movement, including snap lockdowns and curfews, so it is important to follow all instructions from local authorities.

If you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka with your family, you need to apply for a visa before you depart. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, or you can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

You can apply for ETA in advance and pay with your credit card via the ETA portal. However, the ETA portal is not user-friendly, so it can be difficult to complete the application process.

The ETA is valid for 30 days, and it can be extended. In addition, you can obtain a Sri Lankan residence visa at the embassy of Sri Lanka in your home country if you intend to stay in the country for more than 30 days.

You need to bring a valid passport with you, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country. In addition, you must have an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to sustain you while you are in the country.

Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical paradise that’s easily accessible from many major Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian hubs. Its remote location and pristine beaches make it a popular choice for honeymooners and luxury travelers.

The main entry requirements for Indians visiting the Maldives are a valid passport and a return ticket to India, with enough funds to cover your stay. You also need to submit a recently taken passport-sized photo of yourself.

If you’re staying in the capital Male’, a visa on arrival is usually sufficient. However, it’s advisable to apply for your visa before you leave.

A business or medical visa is available, but you must submit proof of a legitimate business or health treatment. You can apply for a visa online or at the airport on arrival.

You can also travel to the Maldives with your spouse or partner if you hold a dependent visa. The application process is straightforward and includes a letter of sponsorship from your spouse or partner’s family.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple or as part of a group, the Maldives has plenty to see and do for every interest. Its opulent resorts are a draw for luxury seekers, and there’s plenty of outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained.

Crime in the capital Male’ is relatively low, but petty crime does occur elsewhere. Despite this, you should always be vigilant and keep your belongings secure.

Political protests and rallies are common in the capital and outlying islands, especially in the summer. Those travelling to these areas should exercise caution and take precautions to avoid being harmed or arrested by the police.

The Maldives is a safe destination for most visitors, but there are some risks to be aware of including terrorism. Terrorists may target hotels, shops and tourist resorts. If you’re concerned about your safety in the Maldives, speak to your travel provider or the local UK consular office.

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are part of the Polynesian triangle in the South Pacific and lie between Tonga and Samoa. Located in the same time zone as Hawaii, they lay on the Tropic of Capricorn (latitude 9 to 22 degrees).

They are a tropical paradise, where you can spend a day on a white sandy beach, enjoy colourful cocktails and fresh coconut water, take in the lush landscape and be surrounded by welcoming smiles. They also encourage conservation and a commitment to renewable energy.

In the capital city, Avarua, there is a good selection of restaurants, hotels and shops. Visitors can also check out the National Library and National Museum, which displays traditional arts and handicrafts.

Avarua is also home to the Sir Geoffrey Henry National Cultural Centre. The island is also known for its black pearl farming, which aims to preserve the culture while protecting the natural resource.

Most of the people are Christians, with 70 percent belonging to the Protestant Cook Islands Christian Church and 30 percent being Roman Catholics or Seventh Day Adventists. Aside from the local church, people also express their religious convictions through a variety of rituals and ceremonies, including tiare (flower) festivals.

There is no need for a visa to travel to the Cook Islands, as Indian passport holders can enter on a 31-day tourist permit and extend it for up to six months. However, a departure tax is payable upon arrival and typhoid and hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended.

Tipping is not considered customary in the Cook Islands, and instead, it’s best to genuinely thank those who have helped you. On the outer islands, where there is no accommodation, it’s common to stay with a family in their home. A pig purchased and presented to the chief of the village or his family is also a popular way to show appreciation.

Cambodia

Cambodia is a popular tourist destination and offers visitors the chance to experience the country’s rich culture and traditions. It’s also known for its diverse cuisine, which includes tropical fruits and fish.

Travelers can take a boat tour of the Tonle Sap Floating Village, which is home to locals who make their living from fishing and floating markets. You can also see temples and historic sites, such as the Angkor Wat complex.

Crime is high and bandits are notorious, making it essential to stay vigilant during your trip. Armed robberies are frequent, and hotel rooms have been burglarized while visitors are sleeping.

The government frequently represses human rights and civil liberties. Land disputes and labor abuses are widespread, and the security forces frequently respond with force to protests.

Ethnic minorities, particularly those of Vietnamese descent, face legal and societal discrimination. They are often prevented from applying for refugee protections and are sometimes forced to migrate to neighboring Vietnam, where they face persecution and discrimination.

There is a lack of freedom of expression in Cambodia, with the government using lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, and massive tax bills to silence dissenting voices. It also represses independent media, and has closed several print and broadcast outlets in recent years.

Indians traveling to Cambodia should ensure they have a valid passport and a visa that meets the country’s requirements. This will help them avoid fines or deportation.

For a hassle-free and efficient process, you can apply for an electronic visa online from the Cambodian government website or through a reputable visa agency. It’s important to fill out the application form and upload all your supporting documents, as well as your photocopy of your passport. You should also ensure that your travel insurance is sufficient to cover you in case of an emergency.