Imagine stepping off a plane and strolling through customs with minimal hassle—no lengthy visa applications, no waiting for approvals. For Indian travellers, this dream can become a reality in numerous countries that offer visa-on-arrival options.
Countries Offering Visa-On-Arrival to Indians
According to the Ministry of External Affairs over 25 nations provide Indian passport holders with a visa on arrival, and 61 countries either offer visa-free access or visa-on-arrival. Here’s a guide to 27 exciting destinations where Indians can enjoy visa-on-arrival and the adventures awaiting them:
1. Angola
Visa Details: Indian nationals can obtain a visa-on-arrival valid for 120 days, with multiple entries allowed. Each stay is capped at 30 days. The visa must be used within 60 days from the issuance date.
- Things to Do in Angola: Dive into Angola’s rich history at the Fortress of São Miguel and the National Museum of Slavery. Relax along the scenic beaches of the Benguela coastline or explore the wildlife at Kissama National Park.
- How to Reach Angola: Reach Luanda via Ethiopian Airlines or other connecting flights through Addis Ababa.
2. Bolivia
Visa Details: Available for Indian travellers at La Paz and Santa Cruz airports. This visa allows a stay for the duration of the visit, which must be within the validity period of the passport, typically up to 90 days.
- Things to Do in Bolivia: Hike the Andes, marvel at the Uyuni Salt Flats, visit the pre-Columbian ruins of Tiwanaku, or take a boat tour on Lake Titicaca.
- How to Reach Bolivia: Fly to La Paz via connections through Frankfurt or Bogotá.
Also Read: eVisa or eNTRI for Indian Travellers: Key Points to Remember for Hassle-Free Travel
3. Cabo Verde
Visa Details: Indians can obtain a visa-on-arrival valid for 30 days. Pre-travel registration on the E.A.S.E (Efficient, Automatic and Safe Entry) system is required and applicable at four major airports: Boa Vista, Praia, Sal, and São Vicente.
- Things to Do in Cabo Verde: Enjoy a variety of water sports like kite-surfing and diving on Sal Island, hike the volcanic Fogo, or relax on the serene beaches of Boa Vista.
- How to Reach Cabo Verde: Fly to Praia with connections through Abu Dhabi and Lisbon.
4. Cambodia
Visa Details: Visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens is valid for 30 days, obtainable at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, allowing a single entry during this period.
- Things to Do in Cambodia: Explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, trek through the lush forests of Mondulkiri, or enjoy the nightlife and culinary scene in Phnom Penh.
- How to Reach Cambodia: Fly to Phnom Penh via Kuala Lumpur or other Southeast Asian hubs.
5. Cook Islands
Visa Details: Indian travellers receive a 30-day permit on arrival. It’s crucial to note that a transit visa for New Zealand may be required, depending on the flight route taken to reach the Cook Islands.
- Things to Do in the Cook Islands: Visit the Cook Islands Library and Museum, go bonefishing in Aitutaki, hike to Te Rua Manga, or snorkel in the clear waters around Rarotonga.
- How to Reach Cook Islands: Reach Rarotonga via connecting flights through Singapore and Auckland.
6. Ethiopia
Visa Details: Single-entry visa valid for 30 days, issued on arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The visa fee must be paid, and the traveller’s passport should have a minimum of six months’ validity.
- Things to Do in Ethiopia: Visit the surreal Danakil Depression, explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, or immerse in the vibrant culture of Addis Ababa.
- How to Reach Ethiopia: Fly directly to Addis Ababa from Nairobi or other major African and Middle Eastern hubs.
7. Fiji
Visa Details: Visa-free entry for Indian citizens, with a visitor’s permit granted on arrival allowing a stay of up to 4 months. Ensure that the passport has at least six months’ validity beyond the date of entry.
- Things to Do in Fiji: Participate in local festivals, snorkel or dive in the coral reefs, hike through lush rainforests on Taveuni, or unwind at a beach resort.
- How to Reach Fiji: Fly to Nadi via connecting flights through Kuala Lumpur and Sydney.
8. Indonesia
Visa Details: Visa-on-arrival is available for a 14 to 30-day stay for Indian passport holders. It’s issued at major entry points including Jakarta and Bali, and it can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
- Things to Do in Indonesia: Climb volcanoes in Java, explore Bali’s beaches and temples, visit the Borobudur Temple in Java, or dive in the waters around Komodo Island.
- How to Reach Indonesia: Direct flights to Jakarta or Bali are available from several Indian cities.
9. Iran
Visa Details: Indians can get a 30-day visa-on-arrival at major airports. Pre-application online 48 hours before travel is recommended to expedite the process. It allows for a maximum stay of 30 days, extendable once.
- Things to Do in Iran: Tour the ruins of Persepolis, stroll through the gardens of Shiraz, or relax on the Caspian Sea beaches.
- How to Reach Iran: Fly to Tehran via connecting flights through Istanbul.
10. Jordan
Visa Details: Visa-on-arrival is issued for 15 days for Indian nationals. It is obtainable at all major airports and land borders. A fee is charged, and travellers must have a confirmed hotel reservation and return ticket.
- Things to Do in Jordan: Discover the ancient city of Petra, float in the Dead Sea, or explore the canyons of Wadi Rum.
- How to Reach Jordan: Fly to Amman with connecting flights through Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
11. Kiribati
Visa Details: Indians can receive a visa-on-arrival for up to 90 days. The visa allows for tourism and business visits, and travellers must provide proof of sufficient funds and accommodation details upon arrival.
- Things to Do in Kiribati: Engage with the local culture, go kite-surfing, or explore the beautiful coral reefs.
- How to Reach Kiribati: Travel to Tarawa via connecting flights through Hong Kong and Nadi.
12. Laos
Visa Details: Available for Indian travellers for 30 days, issued at Wattay, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Savannakhet airports. The visa fee is payable in USD, and a passport-size photograph is required on arrival.
- Things to Do in Laos: Visit the Kuang Si Falls, explore the Sinouk Coffee Plantation, or enjoy a boat ride among the 4000 islands.
- How to Reach Laos: Fly to Vientiane via connections through Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City.
13. Madagascar
Visa Details: A visa-on-arrival is granted for a maximum stay of 60 days for Indian citizens. Issued at major airports, the visa requires a passport with at least six months’ validity and sufficient funds for the stay.
- Things to Do in Madagascar: Visit the royal palace of Antananarivo, experience the unique baobab trees, or explore national parks like Isalo.
- How to Reach Madagascar: Fly to Antananarivo with connecting flights through Nairobi.
14. Mauritania
Visa Details: Indians can obtain a visa-on-arrival for a 30-day stay. Available only at Nouakchott International Airport, this visa requires the traveller to carry sufficient funds and proof of accommodation for the duration of the stay.
Things to Do in Mauritania: Visit the ancient city of Chinguetti, explore the Richat Structure, or experience the desert landscapes of the Sahara.
How to Reach Mauritania: Fly to Nouakchott with connections through Addis Ababa or Casablanca.
15. Myanmar
Visa Details: Visa-on-arrival in Myanmar for Indian nationals is valid for 30 days and can be obtained at Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw airports. It is important to provide a passport-size photograph and a visa fee in USD.
- Things to Do in Myanmar: Take a hot air balloon ride over Bagan, explore the floating gardens of Inle Lake, or visit the Mandalay Palace.
- How to Reach Myanmar: Fly to Mandalay via Bangkok or Singapore.
16. Palau Islands
Visa Details: Indian travellers can obtain a visa-on-arrival for 30 days, extendable for an additional 7 days. The visa requires proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.
- Things to Do in Palau Islands: Dive into the Jellyfish Lake, snorkel among coral reefs, or kayak through pristine freshwater lakes.
- How to Reach Palau Islands: Travel to Koror via connections through Hong Kong and Taipei.
17. Qatar
Visa Details: Indians are granted a visa-on-arrival for 30 days, provided they book their stay through the Discover Qatar website. The visa requires proof of confirmed hotel booking, a return ticket, and sufficient funds.
- Things to Do in Qatar: Stroll through the Souq Waqif, explore the Al Zubarah Fort, or enjoy cultural activities at the Katara Cultural Village.
- How to Reach Qatar: Direct flights to Doha are available from major Indian cities.
18. Republic of Marshall Islands
Visa Details: Visa-on-arrival allows Indian nationals to stay for 90 days within a 180-day period. The traveller must present a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and a confirmed accommodation booking.
- Things to Do in the Marshall Islands: Relax on picturesque beaches, explore the WWII wrecks, or visit the Alele Museum.
- How to Reach Marshall Islands: Fly to Majuro via connecting flights through Honolulu.
19. Rwanda
Visa Details: Indians can obtain a visa-on-arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. The visa is issued at Kigali International Airport, and travellers must present a return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay.
- Things to Do in Rwanda: Go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, or enjoy the lakeside at Lake Kivu.
- How to Reach Rwanda: Fly to Kigali via connecting flights through Nairobi.
20. Seychelles
Visa Details: Visa-free entry for Indian travellers with a visitor permit issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. A return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds are required at entry.
- Things to Do in Seychelles: Lounge on the beaches of La Digue, hike through Morne Seychellois National Park, or snorkel in the coral-rich waters.
- How to Reach Seychelles: Direct flights to Mahé are available from several major Indian cities.
21. Sierra Leone
Visa Details: Indians can get a visa-on-arrival for 30 days, available only at Freetown International Airport. Travellers must apply online for an ID before travel and present it at immigration along with sufficient funds.
- Things to Do in Sierra Leone: Visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, relax on Lumley Beach, or explore the Bunce Island historical site.
- How to Reach Sierra Leone: Fly to Freetown with connecting flights through Accra or Nairobi.
22. Sri Lanka
Visa Details: Indian citizens can obtain a free visa-on-arrival for 30 days. This service requires prior online application through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and proof of onward or return travel.
- Things to Do in Sri Lanka: Tour the ancient city of Anuradhapura, enjoy the beaches of Bentota, or take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations in Ella.
- How to Reach Sri Lanka: Direct flights to Colombo are available from several Indian cities.
23. Thailand
Visa Details: Indians can obtain a Visa-on-Arrival for a stay of 15 to 30 days. Alternatively, they can apply for an e-visa-on-arrival 3 days before travel. In 2023, Thailand introduced a visa-free policy valid until November 2024.
- Things to Do in Thailand: Visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, relax on the beaches of Phuket, or explore the historic city of Ayutthaya.
- How to Reach Thailand: Direct flights to Bangkok are available from major Indian cities.
24. Timor Leste
Visa Details: Visa-on-arrival permits Indian nationals to stay for up to 90 days. It requires a passport with at least six months’ validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation.
- Things to Do in Timor Leste: Dive in the coral reefs of Atauro Island, explore the historical sites in Dili, or hike through the rugged landscapes of the Nino Konis Santana National Park.
- How to Reach Timor Leste: Fly to Dili via connecting flights through Bali.
25. Tuvalu
Visa Details: Indians can receive a visa-on-arrival for a 30-day stay. Proof of sufficient funds, a return or onward ticket, and confirmed accommodation must be presented upon arrival.
- Things to Do in Tuvalu: Snorkel in the Funafuti lagoon, visit WWII sites, or engage in traditional Polynesian culture.
- How to Reach Tuvalu: Fly to Funafuti with connections through Suva and Nadi.
26. Vanuatu
Visa Details: Visa-on-arrival allows Indian passport holders a stay of up to 120 days (4 months). The traveller must show proof of sufficient funds, a return or onward ticket, and accommodation details.
- Things to Do in Vanuatu: Explore active volcanoes on Tanna Island, dive in the blue holes of Espiritu Santo, or relax on the beaches of Efate.
- How to Reach Vanuatu: Fly to Port Vila via connecting flights through Brisbane or Auckland.
27. Zimbabwe
Visa Details: Indians can get a visa-on-arrival valid for 90 days for tourism and 30 days for business, obtainable at Harare International Airport. Proof of sufficient funds and accommodation is required.
- Things to Do in Zimbabwe: Visit Victoria Falls, go on a safari in Hwange National Park, or explore the Great Zimbabwe ruins.
- How to Reach Zimbabwe: Fly to Harare via connecting flights through Johannesburg.
Beyond the List: Essential Information
Remember, visa information can change, so it’s crucial to double-check the latest requirements with the embassy of your chosen destination before departure. Here are some additional tips:
- Validity and Fees: Visa durations and fees vary by country. Ensure your passport has sufficient validity for your trip.
- Travel Insurance: Invest in travel insurance for peace of mind.
- Documentation: Carry necessary documents like return flight tickets and proof of accommodation.
Ready. Set. Explore!
With a little research and planning, a visa-on-arrival destination can be your gateway to an unforgettable adventure. So pack your bags, unleash your wanderlust, and explore the world with ease!
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