Countries with Visa on Arrival for Indians

We all want to travel the world. But it is easier said than done. What with the tight security laws that have encompassed most parts of the world, and the visa policies taking weeks if not months to come through for a simple recreational holiday abroad, the globe is not so easy to go around. But if you are wondering wether every place in the world takes forever to process your visa then you are wrong. There are many countries in the world that allow Indian visa on arrival. Some require simple e-Visa applications in advance, while others are so lenient that they don’t need you to have a visa for the first couple of weeks of your stay.

So you ready to find out which are these blessed places?

Bhutan

India’s zen neighbour, Bhutan exempts Indians from any visa procedure in advance of your travel. You will easily obtain a visa on arrival at their airport or their land border checkpost, and will be on your merry way before you even blink. 

Bhutan is a beautiful country of Buddhist monasteries and Himalayan mountains. This was a land bloodied by battle once and prayed on by numerous monks. That has restored the tranquil quality of vibes here. And the fact that they consider their Gross National Happiness Index to measure growth doesn’t hurt either! You get to enjoy a leisurely holiday with peace washing you over in waves. Yoga sessions, meditation classes, spas, hikes and mountain walks wash away all your residual stress.

Visa: No Visa* 

*7-day entry cum stay permit required at the border/ airport

Macau

The Eastern doppelgänger of Las Vegas, Macau is a shopping paradise for gadget freaks and shopaholics to start with, and a paradise for lovers of casinos, luxurious hotels and everything spelling elan. An erstwhile Portuguese colony, Macau is now occupied by China and is usually paired with Hong Kong for a holiday. This place also allows Indians in without a prior visa, conditioned to the stay being less than 14 days. Anything more requires you to apply for a visa at the Hong Kong Immigration Office.

Visa: No Visa

Saint Lucia

An island country in the stunning setting of the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia is a breathtaking place. The beauty of this small island is enhanced by its hot springs rivalled against the volcanic rock formations, the heritage of its culture and the coastline that makes you swoon. There are trails of rainforests and luxury resorts that fringe fishing villages. What more would you want from a relaxing holiday? Oh yes, no hassle over visa. Don’t worry, Indians get visa on arrival down here.

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is another neighbour of India that does not demand tiring visa procedures from Indians. In fact, you can quickly and easily obtain a visa on arrival with a special pre-obtained permit. The land of demon king Raavan, Sri Lanka is major parts tropical beauty and minor parts spiritual delight. Here you get to experience the rivers and beaches, the mountains and plateaus, the monasteries and temples that mesmerise you. From Nuwara Elya to Bentota, Sri Lanka makes for a very coveted destination.

Visa: Visa on Arrival*

*Special permit required

Antarctica

The furthest reaches of the Earth are the ones that are the most mysterious. On top of that list sits Antarctica, the South Pole of our humble planet. This uninhabitable stretch of secluded glaciers and frozen rivers invites Indian tourism in without need for a visa. Of course the fact that it is uninhabited except for the meagre number of tourists and research scientists doesn’t really matter. If you want to tour Antarctica, visit the Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy which used to be a British research station and Paradise Harbor. What will you see there? Endless stretches of white snow and everything marvellous from penguins to whales to seals.

Visa: No Visa

Cambodia-Laos

We club these two countries together because they both are usually paired on a holiday, and they both accept Indians with a visa on arrival. While Cambodia is all ancient rock Buddhist monasteries and caves, Hindu temples that salute the heavenly sunrises and paddy fields that make for postcard photos, Laos is a heritage of French Colonial architecture and just as naturally endowed. You get to explore the ancient history and culture that thrived here, as well as eat some of the best pho noodles this side of Asia.

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Maldives

Well, Maldives offers visa on arrival to Indians. There. It’s out there. So if you are already on your way to pack bags then great, but if you are still sitting reading this then here’s the thing. Maldives is a beautiful island country that boasts of amazing sweeping views, beaches with pearl white sands and snorkelling and scuba diving experiences that you will never ever forget. It has been on the top lists of most travellers and wanderlusters and now that you know its visa policy, why wait?

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Jordan

This Arab country perched on the banks of the Jordan river also has very lenient policy for Indians when it comes to visa. You can get it on arrival, and breeze through security until the sweet warm breath of the dry desert outside hits you full force. With its incredibly ancient city ruins like the City of Petra and the Red Sea vying for attention from visitors, Jordan and its camels have much to offer. You should definitely go floating in the Dead Sea and tour Petra when here. These are must-must-dos in Jordan.

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Indonesia

This South East Asian country is famous among Indians for its lower exchange rate, volcanic mountains and culture of Ubud, azure-watered beaches and of course - Bali. With the exotic beauty of Bali’s beaches, fields and Hindu temples, you are in for a stunning treat when here. And what makes the journey ten times easier is the fact that Indonesia grants visa-on-arrival to Indians. You can comfortable stay here for 30 days without a visa and then you’d need to start proceedings for application. But hey! No holiday will last that long.

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Mauritius

One of the most coveted tropical beach holidays in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is paradise. All those holiday dreams of pristine beaches with white recliners, colourful drinks with little umbrellas in them? Yeah, well, the holiday gods made them come true in Mauritius. And wanna know what else the holiday gods did? They made Mauritius a visa-on-arrival country for Indians! So you can simply pack your bags and fly into the country of luxury and leisure without much ado. 

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Nepal

Nepal is India’s North Himalayan neighbour, the only declared Hindu nation in the world. With its temples, monasteries, Himalayan mountains, national forests and adventure activity hubs, this country is one of the cheapest dream destinations for Indians planning a trip abroad. Mountaineers and trekkers call this land their Mecca, and why not? After all, Mt. Everest occupies a position of pride here! Nepal is also the land of Gautam Buddha’s birth (re: Lumbini) and home to the grand Pashupatinath temple. And of course, if you are an Indian, you get a single entry visa on arrival. Yay!

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Seychelles

Seychelles is an island destination in the Indian Ocean, holding together a set of hundred and fifteen islands in its lap. This archipelago is famous world over for its unique experiences on beaches and resorts, with lush green landscapes rimming the sea and breezes billowing the white sands. Especially for newly weds and couples. Now if you are an Indian, you can easily enter Seychelles and then get a visa on arrival to cover your stay. Once you show your return tickets and proof of accommodation, there is no stopping for a visa.

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Thailand

Unlike most of the world, Indians get a ready visa on arrival in Thailand. This country of monasteries, tigers and beaches welcomes Indians with open arms. The glittering sands of its islands, the rock caves and grottos fringing the beaches, and endless shopping on streets and in malls make Thailand so beautiful you will weep with joy. As soon as you land on one of the airports, you get your visa and are stamped in after a nominal entree fee in Thai Baht. Your stay should not exceed 30 days as this visa only lasts until then.

Visa: Visa on Arrival

El Salvador

A country in Central America, El Salvador is often called the land of nights and beaches. It is home to a dense population, tropical seas, volcanoes and nightlife that beats most of its neighbours’. El Salvador is a country whose economy heavily depends on its tourism so you will get the best of the best here; from surfing to dance lessons, Mayan village ruins to the Santa Ana Volcano. What’s more is, El Salvador gives Indians visa on arrival. You get a tourist card along with it that you can use for a duration of 3 months in the country. 

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Oman

The country of Oman, in the Arabian region, is famous for its dates and the camels. With its endless deserts that do not take away from the lush green mountainous beauty, wildlife that is unique and beaches that surprise you, Oman makes for a wonderful vacation. Frankincense-scented souks here are a dream to glide through and you get to see some of the cleanest cities with citizens that abide by the law to the T. And the best part, as Indians, you get an easy visa on arrival, provided you hold entry to any of the following : US/ Canada/ Australia/ UK/ Japan or any of the Schengen countries.

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Georgia

This country was once a Soviet state, today a great tourism hub lying just north of Turkey by the Black Sea and straddling the way to Russia. The Caucasus mountains and beaches that are glorious, the mesmerising tribals in the hills and the modern cities that make you blink; Georgia is a great cheap place to get the best of European scenery. And you can easily obtain an e-Visa before coming here so stress-free paper work!

Visa: Visa on Arrival

Turks & Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands lie in the Atlantic ocean and cluster together to form one of the most exotic tropical holiday destinations. With diving spots and caves that beckon you to explore, adventures like parasailing, windsurfing and kayaking at your disposal and visa-free access to its treasure of nature, you are bound to fall in love with these islands. The culture of this country is beautiful, and you get to experience it without any hassle of paperwork when you fly there. How cool is that!

Visa: No Visa