60 Countries Offering Visa-free Travel for Indian Passport Holders

The very first thing that springs to mind while making travel plans for a foreign country is getting a visa. Prepare to spend hours online poring over the complex procedures for obtaining a visa for the destination country.

But are you aware that there are a number of countries where Indians are not required to have a visa? And a couple of additional places where you can obtain a visa upon arrival? Yes, it is correct!

In total, 60 nations provide Indian citizens with the benefit of visa-free travel, visa on arrival, or e-Visa access. But what does visa-free travel for Indians mean, and what does "visa on arrival" means? Read on to know!

What are the Different Types of Visas Available to You?

So, what exactly are visas?

They are official documents issued by governments to allow outsiders to travel to their respective countries. Visas are identification cards that specify the length of time you are permitted to stay in a foreign nation, in contrast to passports which serve as a document of your country of origin.

The visa application process is now governed by a variety of laws from different nations. Below are the details of the types of visas and what does it imply:

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 any entry fees. This is pertinent if the two countries involved have an agreement on the subject or if 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 that allow visitors to enter the country. These are an alternative to the usual paper visas issued by a country's embassy. Online users can submit visa applications online for the countries they want to visit.

Entry Permit

In lieu of visas, nations grant visitors entrance permits. These entry permits are legal documents that grant visitors the right to enter and remain in the country for a specific amount of time.

Let us now look at visa-free countries for Indian passport holders around the world.

List of Countries Indian Passport Holders Can Visit Without a Visa

Find below the list of countries Indian passport holders can visit without a visa:

Asia: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Macao, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste.

Oceania: Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Africa: Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe.

Caribbean: Barbados, Dominica, The British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St.Kiits and Nevia, St.Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.

Middle East: Iran, Jordan, Oman, Qatar.

Europe: Albania and Serbia.

Americas: Bolivia and El Salvador.

What are the Advantages of Visa-free Travel?

Visitors can travel on a whim without having to make travel plans in advance or gather 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 for a visa 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 of things going wrong while you are on a trip. 

Do you know what to do to stay protected? 

Is Purchasing Travel Insurance Necessary?

Travel insurance is typically optional if you visit a location where visas are not needed, which is why many of us have a tendency to ignore it. But, if you value your peace of mind, you should purchase travel insurance. There are several situations where you could leave early or get emergency medical care if covered by a travel policy. 

You may expose yourself to hundreds of risks, many of which are unknown. Without a good travel insurance policy, you’re sure to drain yourself financially in a foreign land. Let’s say if you need to cancel your vacation due to a medical emergency, a comprehensive travel insurance policy will cover you or if you lose any of your important travel documents, the policy will pay for the expenses incurred for applying a new one. 

Travel insurance is probably a smart option if you've paid a hefty sum for a non-refundable holiday. International tourists who require insurance in the event of illness or injury should also think about purchasing a policy. Care Health Insurance offers International Travel Insurance with region-specific plans to safeguard you in a foreign land.

Summing It Up

Depending on your passport, you might be able to visit a country without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival. Due to the fact that all necessary procedures can be completed in one place without the applicant having to travel to the country's embassy or consulate beforehand, getting a visa on arrival is simpler. 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 make sure you 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.