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The first thing that springs to mind while planning an overseas trip is the dreadful visa application procedure for the destination country.
But are you aware that there are several countries where Indians can travel visa-free and a couple of additional places where you can obtain a visa upon arrival? Yes, that’s true!
According to the Henley Passport Index, in 2024, Indians can travel freely and have visa-free entry to 16 countries. In contrast, they may get visa-on-arrival for 40 countries and e-visa access to around 47 countries. Before exploring the list of countries, it is crucial to understand what “visa on arrival” and “visa-free travel” mean. Well, read on to find out!
What are the Different Types of Visas?
Visas are official documents issued by a country you wish to visit. These stamps/sticker forms of documents specify your period of stay in the foreign country. The country's judiciary usually governs the visa application laws for a specific country. Read on to understand the types of visas:
Visa On Arrival
When a foreign national arrives in a country, a special kind of visa, known as a visa on arrival is given. In most cases, the application for a visa on arrival is submitted at the airport along with the required paperwork per the instructions of the relevant immigration authorities.
Visa-free
Visa-free travel refers to a visit to any country where you do not need to apply for a visa in advance using your passport. You can enter these nations without going to the consulate, gathering your paperwork, or paying entry fees. This is pertinent if the two countries agree to the subject or the country being visited has unilaterally opened its boundaries to foreign nationals.
E-visa
E-visas are official documents issued online by a country's immigration official to allow visitors to enter the country. They are an alternative to the usual paper visas issued by a country's embassy. Users can submit visa applications online for the countries they want to visit.
Entry Permit
Nations grant visitors entrance permits in lieu of visas. These entry permits are legal documents granting visitors the right to enter and remain in the country for a specific time.
Let us now look at 16 visa-free countries for Indian passport holders in 2024.
List of Visa-free Countries for Indian Passport Holders
Find below the list of countries Indian passport holders can visit without a visa in 2024:
According to the Ministry of External Affairs India, Indian passport holders can visit these 16 countries visa-free in 2024:
- Barbados
- Bhutan
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Hong Kong
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Nepal
- Niue Island
- Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Trinidad & Tobago
What are the Advantages of Visa-free Travel?
Visitors can travel on a whim without making travel plans in advance or gathering the necessary paperwork, thanks to visa-free travel. Here are some of the benefits of Visa-free travel.
- You are not required to fill out lengthy forms online or provide additional documentation such as letters of recommendation from friends and employers, photographs, a copy of your passport, and a bank statement.
- You are not required to pay a visa fee in advance.
- You are not required to share any confidential information.
- You do not have to wait for the embassy to process your visa application.
Despite all the advantages of visa-free travel, there are numerous chances that something will go wrong while you are on a trip.
Do you know what to do to stay protected?
Secure Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Although travel insurance is typically optional while travelling to a visa-free country, you may expose yourself to financially draining risks if you travel overseas without an exhaustive plan by your side! To travel easily, you should always secure your trip with the best travel insurance plans.
Whether unforeseen trip cancellations or uneventful medical evacuations occur, sensibly bought travel insurance covers it all! International travel insurance can also be a smart way to secure non-refundable bookings when planning a trip.
Simply put, you should buy travel insurance beforehand to protect against financial crises during an international trip.
Summing It Up:
Depending on your passport, you might be able to visit a country without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival. Getting a visa on arrival is simpler because all necessary procedures can be completed in one place without the applicant having to travel to the country's embassy or consulate beforehand. However, some countries could also want additional documentation, including hotel bookings, further or return travel, or evidence of sufficient finances.
Passport holders who travel visa-free can visit a nation without needing to apply for one in advance or when they arrive. Despite this, individuals must still go through an immigration control centre where the authenticity of their passports is examined and possibly stamped.
Note: Every country's visa requirements are subject to change. Before making any trip arrangements, please review the country's official website to confirm any passport and visa requirements.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
