In each one of us lies wanderlust, the will to travel and see the world. India is a culturally diverse country where every state has something which makes it stand apart. There are many wonders to behold and unique experience to indulge in, in India. But, every once in a while or at least once, each one wishes to go abroad, venture outside of the country and see and experience other cultures. But reality hits when you have to stand in long queues to acquire a visa to start your adventurous ventures. Here’s a list of visa-free countries for Indians to visit! 1. Bhutan – The Happiest Country In the World
Bhutan is one of India’s neighbours and a country with which we share good relations. It is known for being the pioneers of the concept of Gross National Happiness Index. Bhutan is a beautiful country with a diverse landscape and wildlife. It promotes tourism and welcomes foreigners but also imposes a fee of USD 250 per day which covers the environmental impact tourism has on the country. But for Indians, no such tax is imposed nor do they require any visa. One can travel to Bhutan by their only national airlines Druk Air or by land. The Government of Bhutan is acutely aware of its unique culture and environment and only allows a limited number of tourists to enter the country at a time.
Visa: No Visa Condition: Seven-day entry-cum-stay permit from the border offices Requirements: 6-month valid Indian Passport Two passport-sized photograph Voter ID Booking Details of your stay A copy of marriage certificate for couples
Nepal is India’s Northern neighbour, and both share a ‘special relationship’ which allows the citizens of both the country to move freely across the border. One can go to Nepal without any passport or a visa and can stay and work in the country. Being home to the world’s highest mountain Mount Everest, Nepal receives a flock of tourists. Nepal is a beautiful country which has landscapes of various elevations and beautiful countryside. The sights are enthralling and so is the culture and as an Indian citizen, you can easily visit this country by air or road. Moreover, if you are a trekking enthusiast, you cannot give Nepal a miss. Being it next to India, this visa-free country for Indians can also be visited via a road trip!
Visa: No Visa Condition: Indian citizens can work and live in Nepal according to the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Requirements: Indian Nationals must possess any of the following documents: Passport Voter ID Driving License Ration Card An ID issued by Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
3. Fiji – Under the Trees, Against the Beach
Fiji is a beautiful island country in the South Pacific Ocean and has an abundant amount of flora and fauna. The economy of the nation flourishes, and it has a thriving tourism industry. Fiji has a tropical climate, and the weather remains the same throughout the year. Here, you can take walks on the beaches lined with coconut palm trees and indulge in scuba diving. It is the ideal vacation spot especially for Indians as one doesn’t need to procure a visa before going to Fiji. You will be given a visitor permit which is valid up to 4 months as long as you have a valid passport.
Visa: Visa on Arrival Requirements: Passport Valid for 6 Months Two recent passport-sized photographs Proof of funds such as bank statements Return or Outbound tickets Booking Details of your stay A copy of travel itinerary or ticket
Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean which was once colonised by the Dutch, French and British. It is a diverse country which is home to people of various ethnicities and religious communities. Mauritius is a beautiful country surrounded by white sandy beaches and one of the world’s most extensive coral reefs. It has a tropical climate and is home to rare species of flora and fauna. It is visited by a huge number of tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands. Indians can visit the country without any visa and can stay in the country for a maximum of 60 days.
Visa: Visa on Arrival Condition: 60 Day Visa on arrival Requirements: Booking Details of stay Sponsor letter 6-month valid Indian Passport Two recent passport size photo Confirmed return ticket 60 daysSufficient funds (USD 100 for per day expense)
Dominica is a Caribbean island country whose economy hugely depends on tourism and agriculture. Dominica is a beautiful tourist destination as it had a diverse landscape consisting of mountains, rainforests, lakes, rivers, national parks and the world’s second-largest hot spring, Boiling Lake. You can travel to the country through the air or by road and be a part of their vibrant culture. You can take long walks on the beaches, go on a jungle safari or indulge in hiking. Indians do not require a tourist visa and can stay for a maximum of 90 days.
Visa: No Visa Conditions:All the citizens of countries that are the contracting parties to the Schengen agreement can stay without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. Requirements: Passport Proof of funds Confirmed onward and return ticket Confirmation of stay
Jamaica is another Caribbean island country and also the fourth largest in the Caribbean sea. It has a humid and hot climate which varies as per the elevation. It is home to a variety of flora like rainforests, coral reefs, wetlands, caves, rivers and a diverse fauna like hummingbirds, red-billed streamertails, a freshwater turtle called Jamaican slider, Jamaican Tody, among others. Jamaica is a beautiful tropical country which can be easily visited by Indian citizens. One doesn’t require a visa for entering the nation and can stay up to 14 days without one.
Visa: No Visa Condition:Indian Nationals will not need a visa for stay up to 30 days. Requirements: Passport valid for the period of intended stay Sufficient funds for stay Confirmed to and fro tickets Booking Details for the stay
Macau is a country on the continent of Asia which is equivalent to the Las Vegas of U.S.A. It was once colonised by the Portuguese and today lies in the Chinese sovereign. People visit the autonomous territory of Macau for its luxurious casinos and hotels. It is an urban city with a coastline. The economy of the country depends highly on tourism and gambling. Macau is a place where you can try your luck as there is a multitude of avenues at your disposal. The travel restrictions into the country are very less and Indians can visit visa-free and can stay for a maximum of 30 days in Macau.
Visa: No Visa Condition: For a stay for more than 14 days, Indians can apply for a visa at the Hong Kong immigration office. Requirements: Passport with a minimum of 60 months validity Return ticket within 14 days out of Hong Kong Proof of Employment Booking Details for the stay International credit and foreign currency
8. Ecuador – Coast, Mountains, Forest and Island Together.
Ecuador is a beautiful country on the South American Coast which is home to a Spanish speaking population. It consists of the Pacific coast, and the highlands of the Andes, the rainforests of Amazon and the Island of Galapagos. The climate differs as per the altitude. Ecuador is a natural beauty and houses one of the world’s most diverse biodiversity. It is the perfect holiday destination for those who enjoy being in nature. Indian nationals do not need to acquire a visa before a visit to Ecuador. You will be given a tourist permit upon reaching the country which is valid up to 90 days, as long as you have a passport.
Visa: No Visa Conditions:for a stay more than 90 days, Indian nationals need to apply for Visa depending on the type of stay Requirements: Valid passport for more than six monthsMedical certificate Police certificate to show there’s no criminal record Return ticket Two passport size photographs For Student Visa- Certificate of course registration and financial evidence sufficient funds
9. Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Islandic Duo
Located in Caribbean Basin, Saint Kitts and Nevis is a sovereign island state. The country consists of two islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis and is quite small with a population of around 54000. Majority of the people live closer to the sea, and a lot of the rainforests are uninhabited. The country is famous for its vibrant music culture like the annual Saint Kitts Music Festival. Tourism is the backbone of the economy, and the government thoroughly promotes it. It is quite easy to acquire citizenship of this island country. Indian citizens do not have to apply for a visa to visit this country.
Visa: No Visa Conditions: For stay more than 90 days, Indian Nationals need to apply for a visa at the Consulate (consular embassy section or high commission) Requirements: 6-month valid passport Proof of sufficient funds for stay Return ticket Booking Details for the stay
10. Micronesia – Country of 607 Islands
Micronesia is a sovereign island country located in the Pacific Ocean which is administered by the United States. Micronesia consists of various small islands which are not developed. It is a remote country, but it is also has a lot of unexploited natural beauty. You can quickly reach the nation by air. Micronesia has an English speaking population and a unique culture. As an Indian national, you can visit the country easily without a visa and can stay up to 30 days as long as they have a valid passport.
Visa: No Visa Conditions:Visa is not required for a minimum stay of 30 days which can be extended to 60 days. Requirements: A valid passport and other travel document issued by the government that is valid for 120 days or above. A proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay Booking details of Stay Return tickets
