Visa Requirements of Indian Citizens (November 2026)

The Indian passport gives visa-free, visa on arrival or simple electronic access to around 55 to 60 countries and territories. That number has grown steadily as more countries compete for Indian tourists. For the rest of the world, including most of Europe, North America and East Asia, Indians still need a full visa. Knowing which category your destination falls into saves both time and money.

Visa-free destinations

Indian citizens can visit a range of countries without a visa, including:

• Neighbours: Nepal and Bhutan, with Indian citizens able to enter using a passport or certain other ID documents
• Southeast Asia: Thailand and Malaysia have opened visa-free schemes for Indians, though rules are reviewed regularly
• Island nations: Mauritius, Fiji, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and others
• Others: some countries in Africa and Latin America

Visa on arrival and e-visa destinations

Many countries offer visa on arrival or e-visas. Popular choices include the Maldives, Sri Lanka (ETA), Indonesia (e-VOA for Bali), Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt and Jordan. Some, such as the UAE and Mexico, offer easy entry to Indians who hold valid US, UK or Schengen visas.

Schengen visa

Indians need a Schengen visa for most of Europe. Apply to the country where you will spend the most time. Indian travellers with a good record benefit from the EU's cascade system, which can lead to multiple-entry visas valid for two years and later up to five years.

United Kingdom

A Standard Visitor visa is required, applied for online with biometrics at a visa centre in India. Long-term visit visas valid for two, five or ten years are available for frequent travellers.

United States

Indians need a B1/B2 visa for tourism or business. The process involves the DS-160 form, a fee and an interview at a US consulate. Interview waiting times in India have often been long, so start early. Frequent travellers may qualify for interview waivers when renewing.

Canada, Australia and New Zealand

All three require visas from Indian visitors, applied for online. Canada needs biometrics. Australia's Visitor visa (subclass 600) and New Zealand's visitor visa are processed fully online.

East Asia

Japan offers an eVISA option to Indian residents for short tourism. South Korea and China require visas. Hong Kong allows Indians to visit after completing an online pre-arrival registration.

Tips for Indian travellers

• Build travel history by visiting easier destinations first.
• Keep bank statements, tax returns and employment letters organised.
• Apply early for peak seasons such as summer and Diwali.
• Use official portals only. Fake visa sites are common.
• Keep previous visas, as they strengthen future applications.

How to check the rules yourself

Entry rules connected to Indian Citizens can change with little notice, and third-party websites are often months out of date. The most reliable approach is to check three sources in order: the official immigration or visa portal of the country you are visiting, the website of its embassy or consulate in your country of residence, and your airline's travel document checker, which uses the same database airport staff rely on at check-in. If the three disagree, follow the strictest one and contact the embassy directly. Do this two to three weeks before departure, then once more a few days before you fly.

Final word

The Indian passport opens more doors each year, and thoughtful planning opens the rest. Always confirm the latest rules on official government websites before you book.