Hello travelers! I’m Thirumal Motati. I’m a full-time world traveler and digital nomad. I have been exploring the world on my “weak” passport. I have spent a ton of time researching, planning and applying for visas. I started this website to help travelers that rely on visas.
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I have been traveling the world on my weak passport for over 8 years now. In these 8 years, I have applied for a lot of visas including the US, UK, Canada and Schengen.
I have put together visa requirements for all the countries I have traveled to so far. On this website, you will find the visa requirements, the application process, documentation, fee, processing times and every other detail you need to secure a visa.
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Who am I?
I was born in a lower-middle-class family in India. While growing up, I faced severe financial troubles, struggled to pay my school fees and even worked for $15 a month to support myself. Like many Indians, I wanted to make it to dream America one day.
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What’s my story?
I have worked hard and transformed my life from working a $15 per month salary in India to working a six-figure salary in the United States. I have lived and worked in the US for over eight years.
I had a great career and a comfortable lifestyle. But I felt I was missing something. There was a void in my life. That’s when I took a vacation and traveled to Mexico. It was a turning point in my life. Traveling to Mexico brought me immense happiness, wisdom, and friends in my life. I have realized that travel is the only thing I enjoy the most. I haven’t looked back since then.
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What’s a weak passport?
While living in the United States, I have seen many of my friends take a few days off, hop on a plane and travel wherever they like. I wanted to do the same but realized that it’s not that easy on my “weak” Indian passport.
It’s not just me, pretty much every traveler from developing countries faces this problem. We need visas to travel and face strict scrutiny from the consulates. Oftentimes we face visa denials.
With so much media exposure these days, it’s often difficult to ignore the beauty of the world. You get tempted to get out there and explore the world. But can you with all these visa restrictions and rejections?
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How do I travel?
Traveling on an Indian passport is not easy. I have to plan my travel ahead, sometimes months in advance. It requires countless hours of research, months of planning and ever-ending documentation. Pre-booked flight and hotel reservations, travel insurance, payslips, employment letters, vacation approval letters, bank/credit card statements and the list goes on.
That’s only for a few days of vacation. Now imagine how difficult it would be if you want to travel long-term as I do.
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What’s my travel style?
I prefer to experience the country, make local friends, enjoy the culture and learn the language. This sometimes leads to slow travel, but I enjoy it. Over time, I have made many local friends, learned life lessons and learned to speak a few foreign languages.
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What’s my mission?
My mission is to travel to as many countries as possible on my Indian passport. I want to show the world that it is possible to travel the world on a weak passport. It is not easy, but it is possible.
I have traveled to 33 countries so far and will be traveling to more soon. One country at a time.
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Can YOU travel the world on a “weak” passport?
Yes, you can! Visa is definitely a big hurdle for travelers from developing countries. But if you have the burning desire to travel, then you can make it happen.
The world out there is too beautiful to pass up. The pain and visa hassles you go through are all worth it.
I encourage all travelers from developing countries to pack your bags, get out there and explore the world.
I’m here to help, encourage, and provide you with every bit of information you need. Let’s travel the world together!
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Have questions?
Have questions? Use the contact form to send a message or connect with me on social media.
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Media Mentions
- BBC: 3 ways to make it easier for you to travel to many places with a Somali passport
- The Hindu: The digital nomad primer
- Travel Zoo: 11 airport hacks for hassle-free travel
- Yahoo: Want To Retire Abroad? Top Cheap and Popular Places To Consider in Asia
- Go Banking Rates: No Refunds? Passport Delays and Other Travel Trouble That Will Cost You Money
- The Manual: What to bring on a plane: Experts reveal what should always be in your carry-on