What’s better than planning a vacation? A vacation you can take without planning! While few things can feel more welcoming than arriving in a country where visas are not required, the next best thing is arriving in a place where the visa is a mere formality. As per India’s Ministry of External Affairs, there are more than 25 countries that will give Indian travellers a visa on arrival. Whether you’re looking for an island getaway, a wildlife safari, hidden lagoons or stunning architecture, these destinations that offer visas on arrival for Indians have you covered.
Countries where Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival
Angola
Visa information: The Angola visa on arrival must be used within 60 days from the date of issue. It is a multiple-entry visa valid for a period of 120 days, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days at a stretch.
What to do there: Immerse yourself in the history, local culture and traditions of Angola with a visit to the Fortress of Sao Miguel or the National Museum of Slavery or spend your days exploring the outdoors with many beaches along the stunning coastline.
How to get there: Fly via Ethiopia to Luanda.
Bolivia
Visa information: Indian passport holders are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival in Bolivia. However, the services are only available at La Paz or Santacruz airport.
What to do there: From hiking along the Andes to stargazing from the world’s largest salt flats, Bolivia has a host of experiences on offer– and there’s something for everyone. Visit the dinosaur park, explore the vibrant culture and history of towns such as Samaipata or Tupiza or take a ferry across Lake Titicaca to witness a spectacular sunset.
How to get there: Fly via Frankfurt, Colombia to La Paz.
Cabo Verde
Visa information: The tourist visa on arrival is available to all Indian passport holders for a maximum stay of 30 days. However, travellers must register for the E.A.S.E (Efficient, Automatic and Safe Entry) prior to their travel and arrival at four airports namely; Boa Vista, Praia, Sal, and Sao Vicente.
What to do there: Here’s one for all the adventure enthusiasts. Explore the diverse marine life through a scuba dive on the island of Sal, lounge by the country’s many beaches such as Santa Maria and Santa Monica, go kite-surfing, hike up a volcano on the island of Fogo or go quad biking along the sand dunes.
How to get there: Fly via Abu Dhabi, Lisbon to Praia.
Cambodia
Visa information: The Cambodia visa on arrival services can be availed at Phnom Penh International airport and Siem Reap International airport. It is valid for a period of 3 months and allows a maximum stay of 30 days.
What to do there: Witness a stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat, walk through the forest in Mondulkiri and observe elephants at their best, sign up for a Cambodian cooking workshop and complete the day by experiencing the buzzing nightlife in Phnom Penh.
How to get there: Fly via Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh.
Cook Islands
Visa information: Indian passport holders can obtain a permit upon their arrival at Cook Islands. travel to the Cook Islands provided their length of stay is a maximum of 30 days. *Indian travellers may need to apply for a transit visa in New Zealand.
What to do there: Discover Polynesian utensils, musical instruments and ancient photographs at the Cook Islands Library and Museum, go bonefishing in Aitutaki, hike to Te Rua Manga– a volcanic rock located in the centre of the island, or go snorkelling in pristine blue waters.
How to get there: Fly via Singapore, Auckland to Rarotonga.
Ethiopia
Visa information: This is a single entry visa, valid for a period of 30 days. However, it is important to note that travellers must arrive at the Bole International airport in Addis Ababa to avail of this service.
What to do there: Visit Danakil Depression– the hottest place on Earth, explore the churches of Lalibela, wander around the ancient holy city of Harar, or experience Rastfarian culture in Ethiopia.
- Hotels & HomestaysThis homestay in the Himalayas is for quietude and learning new skills
How to get there: Fly via Nairobi to Addis Ababa.
Fiji
Visa information: Indian passport holders are exempt from visa requirements in Fiji. They are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival, which is valid for a period of 4 months.
What to do there: Join in many of the cultural festivals that take place in Fiji such as the Bula Festival or the South Indian Fire Walking festival, explore the underwater world with snorkelling and scuba diving, go hiking on Fiji’s many islands such as Taveuni and Viti Levu, or treat yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment.
How to get there: Fly via Kuala Lumpur, Sydney to Nadi.
Indonesia
Visa information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a period of 14 up to 30 days.
What to do there: From climbing volcanoes in Java to exploring the mystical lakes in Flores, there’s much to do in Indonesia. You can discover the country’s history with a visit to the Sulawesi islands, known for its ancient architecture, marvel at the Borobudur Temple in central Java or spend your day by the ocean.
How to get there: Fly directly to Jakarta.
Iran
Visa information: Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Iran for a maximum stay of 30 days. To expedite the process, it is recommended that travellers apply online 2 days before their travel.
What to do there: Explore the ruins of Persepolis, a UNESCO world heritage site, wander around the city of Shiraz, best known for its stunning gardens, mosques, and tomb of the Persian poet Hafez or spend the day unwinding by the Caspian sea.
How to get there: Fly via Istanbul to Tabriz.
Jordan
Visa information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Jordan for a maximum stay of 15 days.
What to do there: Marvel at the exquisite architecture of Petra, float in the Dead Sea, or get lost in the canyons of Wadi Mujib– all while indulging in decadent Ammani cuisine.
- Hotels & HomestaysThis homestay in the Himalayas is for quietude and learning new skills
How to get there: Fly via Abu Dhabi to Amman.
Kiribati
Visa information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 90 days.
What to do there: Experience the Kiribati culture with a close interaction with the locals who inhabit the island, go kite-surfing or explore the deep blue.
How to get there: Fly via Hong Kong, Melbourne to Nadi.
Laos
Visa information: This single-entry visa is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. However, this visa can only be obtained at four airports: Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International airport, Pakse International airport and Savannakhet International airport.
What to do there: Visit the Kuang Si Caves and waterfalls, tour the Sinouk coffee plantation, go for a boat ride to explore 4000 other islands, or take a dip in the Phu Kham cave and blue lagoon.
How to get there: Fly via Ho Chi Minh to Vientiane.
Madagascar
Visa information: Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 60 days.
What to do there: Visit the royal palace of Antananarivo, witness the stunning baobab trees, go swimming in the crystal clear waters, or visit the country’s many diverse national parks.
How to get there: Fly via Nairobi to Antananarivo.
Mauritania
Visa information: The visa on arrival is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days and can be obtained only at the Nouakchott airport.
What to do there: Visit the Richat Structure– a geological dome located in a plateau of the Sahara, explore ancient culture in the city of Chinguetti– a mediaeval trading centre, visit the mosque, and more.
How to get there: Fly via Addis Ababa, Bamako to Nouakchott.
Myanmar
Visa information: Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. This service can be availed at Yangon International airport, Mandalay International airport, Nay Pyi Taw International airport
What to do there: Catch a bird’s eye view of the ancient city of Bagan with a hot air balloon ride, visit Inle lake, explore the country’s royal history at Mandalay Palace, go for a trek, and indulge in local meals during your stay.
- Hotels & HomestaysThis homestay in the Himalayas is for quietude and learning new skills
How to get there: Fly via Bangkok to Mandalay
Palau Islands
Visa information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days, which can be extended for 7 days.
What to do there: Swim in a jellyfish lake, go snorkelling and scuba diving, go fresh-water kayaking and spend the night under a sky full of stars in Palau.
How to get there: Fly via Hong Kong, Taipei to Palau
Qatar
Visa information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Qatar for a maximum stay of 30 days provided they make reservations at their hotel through the Discover Qatar website.
What to do there: Visit the traditional bazaar, Souq Waqif, go off-roading, explore the country’s UNESCO world heritage site, the Al Zubarah Fort, experience the culture at Katara Cultural village.
How to get there: Fly directly to Doha
Republic of Marshall Islands
Visa information: The visa on arrival is available to Indian passport holders for a period of 90 days within a 180 day period.
What to do there: Located between Hawaii and Philippines, go to the Marshall Islands to lounge by the beach, explore the underwater world and more.
How to get there: Fly via Chicago to Honolulu
Rwanda
Visa information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa upon their arrival in Rwanda for a maximum stay of 30 days.
What to do there: Besides gorilla trekking, you can take a tour of East Africa’s first craft distillery and sample local spirits, go on a safari at the Akagera National Park, and visit the Kigali Genocide memorial among many other experiences.
How to get there: Fly via Nairobi to Kigali.
Seychelles
Visa information: Seychelles is a visa-free country, however, upon arrival travellers will be given a visitors permit that allows them to stay in the country for a maximum period of 30 days.
What to do there: Witness a stunning sunset on the southernmost spot of the island, explore prehistoric rock formations Vallee De Mai, indulge in traditional meals at one of the oldest restaurants in the Indian Ocean, Marie Antoinette and more.
- Hotels & HomestaysThis homestay in the Himalayas is for quietude and learning new skills
How to get there: Fly direct to Victoria.
Sierra Leone
Visa information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone for a maximum stay of 30 days. However, travellers must apply online for an ID that they must present at the immigration desk upon their arrival. This service can only be availed at Freetown International airport.
What to do there: Visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, spend the day at Lumley Beach, or hop across Tiwai Island to the Gola Rainforest National Park to witness a diverse and thriving wildlife.
How to get there: Fly via Nairobi, Accra to Freetown
Sri Lanka
Visa information: Indian nationals can obtain a double-entry visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
What to do there: Discover what it touted to be the world’s best cinnamon with a visit to Ganduwa Island, visit the ancient rock fortress Sigiriya and climb up the rock Pidurangala for a mesmerising sunrise, take a train ride from Colombo, go kitesurfing and more.
How to get there: Fly directly to Colombo
Thailand
Visa information: Indian nationals are eligible for both visa on arrival as well as the e-visa on arrival (the application must be submitted 3 days prior to the travel dates). Both are valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. *In November 2023, Thailand declared a visa-free policy for Indian citizens up to 10th May 2024.
What to do there: Devour Bangkok’s street food, lounge by the beach, explore the country’s many temples and museums, and pamper yourself with some retail therapy.
How to get there: Fly directly to Bangkok
Timor Leste
Visa information: Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival allowing a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
What to do there: Visit the Centro Nacional Chega– an ancient Portuguese prison, witness stunning art in the rock caves, spend the day at the waterfront and more.
How to get there: Fly via Singapore, Darwin to Dili
Tuvalu
Visa information: Indians are eligible for a visa on arrival in Tuvalu for a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Hotels & HomestaysThis homestay in the Himalayas is for quietude and learning new skills
What to do there: Go biking around the island, lounge by the beach, or visit the Funafuti Marine conservation area.
How to get there: Fly via Sydney, Fiji to Funafuti
Vanuatu
Visa information: Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Vanuatu for a maximum of 4 months (120 days).
What to do there: Go island hopping and discover experiences unique to each of them– from Erakor island best known for snorkelling to Champagne beach famous for its soft white sand. Stop by Mele Cascades, a photogenic swimming pool or go to Mt Yasur to witness volcanic activities.
How to get there: Fly via Hong Kong, Sydney to Vanuatu
Zimbabwe
Visa information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival (at Harare International airport) for a maximum stay of 3 months (for tourists) and 30 days (for business travellers).
What to do there: Don’t miss a visit to the stunning Victoria Falls, take a safari across the country’s many national parks such as Hwange National Park or Matobo National Park and explore the cultural heritage through various museums.
How to get there: Fly via Addis Ababa to Harare.
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