10 Toughest Countries to Obtain Visa for Indian Travellers

Travelling the world is a dream shared by many, and for Indian travellers, exploring different countries is an exciting prospect. However, visa requirements often pose significant challenges, especially when planning a trip to certain nations with strict visa regimes.

Indian travellers can visit most countries in the world with relative ease, but there are a few that are notoriously difficult to obtain a visa for.

Toughest Countries to Obtain Visa

While visa rules can change over time, here’s a list of the 10 toughest countries for Indian travellers to obtain visas and why these countries are particularly stringent in their visa policies.

1. Afghanistan

Obtaining a visa for Afghanistan is no small feat due to the country’s ongoing political instability. Most countries issue advisories against travelling here, and obtaining a visa can be an arduous and risky process.

2. Iran

Indian tourists looking to explore Iran often need a visa. To secure one, travellers typically require an invitation letter or can seek assistance from a tour company based in Iran. The bureaucratic process and stringent documentation requirements make obtaining an Iranian visa a challenging task.

3. Turkmenistan

To obtain a visa for Turkmenistan, Indian travellers must secure a letter of invitation from a sponsor. This requirement, combined with the country’s strict visa approval process, can be a significant hurdle for those looking to visit this Central Asian nation.

4. Libya

Indian citizens seeking to explore Libya must apply through the Libyan embassy, usually with an invitation from a local host. The need for an invitation and the complex application process can make obtaining a Libyan visa a demanding task.

5. North Korea

Visiting North Korea is possible for Indian travellers, but it comes with strict limitations. Travelers can only enter as part of an organized tour, managed by specialized travel agencies. The visa process is tightly controlled, and independent travel is not allowed.

6. Syria

To obtain a visa for Syria, Indian visitors need to apply at the Syrian embassy with an invitation letter. The country’s ongoing conflict and security concerns add an extra layer of complexity to the visa application process.

7. Russia

Russia is known for its rigorous visa application process. Indian travellers applying for a Russian visa can expect numerous questions, and they are often required to provide a detailed list of places they have travelled to in the last decade. This thorough vetting process can be time-consuming and challenging.

8. China

Indian passport holders require a visa to visit China, and the process can be quite demanding. Whether it’s for tourism or business purposes, travellers typically need an invitation letter or a detailed itinerary. The Chinese visa application process involves scrutiny, and compliance with their requirements is essential.

9. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has recently opened up to tourism, but obtaining a visa remains challenging for Indian travellers. While e-visas are available for tourism, the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements are quite stringent.

10. Chad

Chad is another country with a complex visa policy, and it can be difficult for Indian citizens to obtain a visa. Applicants must submit a detailed itinerary, a letter of invitation from a Chadian citizen or company, and proof of financial means.

It is important to note that visa requirements can change at any time, so it is always best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit before you travel.

Also Read: Top 10 Countries with the Highest Schengen Visa Rejection Rates

Why are these countries so tough to obtain a visa for?

There are a number of reasons why these countries are so tough to obtain a visa. Some of the most common reasons include:

Security concerns: Some of the countries on this list, such as North Korea and Syria, are known for their political instability and security risks. As a result, these countries have strict visa policies in place to try to prevent people from entering the country who may pose a threat.

Immigration concerns: Some of the countries on this list, such as Saudi Arabia and Libya, have concerns about illegal immigration. As a result, they have strict visa policies in place to try to prevent people from overstaying their visas.

Reciprocity: Some of the countries on this list, such as Russia and China, have strict visa policies in place because the countries they issue visas to have strict visa policies for their citizens. This is known as reciprocity.

Tips for obtaining a visa for a tough country

If you are planning to visit a country that is known for being difficult to obtain a visa for, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:

• Start the process early: The visa application process can take several weeks, so it is important to start early.
• Gather all of the required documentation: Make sure you have all of the required documentation, such as a passport, passport photos, and a completed visa application form.
• Be honest and accurate on your visa application: Do not provide any false or misleading information on your visa application form.
• If you are applying for a tourist visa, have a well-defined itinerary: This will show the embassy or consulate that you are a bona fide tourist and that you do not plan to overstay your visa.
• If you are applying for a business visa, have a letter of invitation from a company in the country you plan to visit: This will show the embassy or consulate that you have a legitimate reason for visiting the country.

If you are denied a visa, you can reapply, but you will need to address the reasons why your visa was denied in the first place.