31 VISA-FREE Countries for Indians in December 2023

Currently, there are 31 VISA-FREE countries for Indian passport holders. These countries do not require any visa application. All you need is a valid Indian passport and meet the entry requirements. 

Key takeaways:

• As of December 2023, there are 31 VISA-FREE countries for Indians
• Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months to enter most countries
• Proof of sufficient funds, onward ticket and accommodation are required for most countries

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Visa-Free Countries for Indians in 2023

Below is the list of 31 VISA-FREE countries for Indians in alphabetical order.

1. Angola
2. Barbados
3. Bhutan
4. British Virgin Islands
5. Cook Islands
6. Dominica
7. El Salvador
8. Fiji
9. Grenada
10. Haiti
11. Jamaica
12. Kazakhstan
13. Kiribati
14. Macau
15. Malaysia
16. Maldives
17. Mauritius
18. Micronesia
19. Montserrat
20. Nepal
21. Niue
22. Oman
23. Pitcairn Islands
24. Qatar
25. Saint Kitts and Nevis
26. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
27. Samoa
28. Senegal
29. Thailand
30. Trinidad and Tobago
31. Vanuatu

Let’s look at each of these countries in detail.

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Asia 

01. Bhutan

• Passport required: Indian voter card or Indian passport valid for a minimum of 6 months.
• Duration of stay: 14 days with the possibility of extension subject to immigration approval
• Entry requirements:
  • Must obtain an entry permit at the border or airport. The following documents are needed for the entry permit: (a) a completed Bhutan entry permit form, (b) 2 passport-sized photographs, (c) proof of accommodation and (d) valid travel insurance (or can purchase domestic insurance at port of entry).
  • Must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of 1,200 BTN (or its equivalent in INR) per day for the total duration of the trip. There is no SDF for children below 6, 50% SDF for 6-12 years and full SDF for above 12 years.
  • Children under the age of 18 can use a birth certificate instead of a passport and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Personal experience

I have traveled to Bhutan on my Indian passport in 2019. I entered Bhutan overland from India at Phuentsholing. I had to obtain my entry permit at the Immigration office in Phuentsholing before heading to Paro. 

02. Kazakhstan

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for a minimum of 6 months.
• Duration of stay: 14 days
• Entry requirements:
  • The period of stay should not exceed 42 calendar days within a 180-day time frame.
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

03. Macau

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended period of stay
• Duration of stay: 30 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must have a valid proof of return or onward ticket.
  • Must hold at least MOP 20,000 in cash if the period of stay is 22 days or longer

Personal experience

I traveled to Macau from Hong Kong by ferry in 2018. I entered Macau at the outer harbour ferry terminal. I only had to show my ferry ticket back to Hong Kong. 

04. Malaysia (until 31 Dec 2024)

• Passport required: Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity at the time of entry
• Duration of stay: 30 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must hold proof of onward or return travel and proof of hotel booking

IMPORTANT
Malaysia usually requires an eVisa or embassy visa for Indians. But from 01 Dec 2023 to 31 Dec 2024, Malaysia is offering visa exemption (VISA-FREE) to all Indian tourists.

Personal experience

I traveled to Malaysia on many occasions using multiple and single-entry eVisas. On most occasions, the immigration at the airport asked me for my return ticket and hotel booking.

05. Maldives

• Passport required: Indian passport with at least 1 month of validity at the time of arriving in Maldives
• Duration of stay: 90 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Total stay in Maldives can’t exceed 90 days within 6 months.
  • Must produce a yellow fever certificate if traveling from a country with a risk of the disease.
  • Must hold proof of onward or return travel, proof of prepaid accommodation and proof of sufficient finances to fund your stay.
  • Must submit traveler declaration (arrival/departure card) online on IMUGA within 96 hours of the flight.

06. Nepal

• Passport required: A valid Indian voter ID card or valid Indian passport.
• Duration of stay: Unlimited 
• Entry requirements:
  • Children under the age of 18 must carry birth certificate.

Personal experience

I traveled to Nepal in 2017. I flew into Katmandu International Airport from New Delhi. I spent about 3 months in Nepal. When leaving, I was asked what I was doing in Nepal, where I live, etc. 

07. Thailand (until 10 May 2024)

• Passport required: Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Duration of stay: 30 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must hold a valid return or onward ticket, accommodation booking for the first few nights and about 10,000 THB as proof of funds in cash or cards.

IMPORTANT
Thailand is usually Visa on Arrival for Indians. But between 10 Nov 2023 to 10 May 2024, Thailand is offering visa exemption (VISA-FREE) to all Indian tourists.

Personal experience

I have been traveling to Thailand since 2017. I have entered Thailand many times via air and overland using my Indian passport. I have obtained Thailand visa on arrival on many occasions and a 60-day tourist visa on one occasion.

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Africa

08. Angola

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. 
• Duration of stay: 30 days.
• Entry requirements:
  • Visitors must have proof of onward or return ticket and proof of accommodation reservation.
  • An International Certificate of Vaccination is required.

09. Mauritius

• Passport required: Indian passport valid beyond the period of stay.
• Duration of stay: 90 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must have proof of sufficient funds to cover the length of your stay, a confirmed hotel reservation and a valid onward or return ticket.
  • Require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if traveling from a high-risk country.

10. Senegal

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for 6 months beyond the date of entry
• Duration of stay: 90 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must hold proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation and proof of sufficient funds.
  • Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.

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Caribbean

11. Barbados

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for the duration of stay.
• Duration of stay: 90 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must have a return ticket to the country of residence, proof of intended stay in Barbados and evidence of sufficient finances.
  • Children under the age of 18 must have parent/guardian approval.

12. British Virgin Islands (British Territory)

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for 6 months from the date of entry.
• Duration of stay: 180 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Proof of onward travel (departure) from the British Virgin Islands.

13. Dominica

• Passport required: A valid, up-to-date Indian passport is required. You might also be asked to show a government-issued identification card (e.g. driver’s license).
• Duration of stay: 6 months
• Entry requirements:
  • Must present proof of accommodation, proof of return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Dominica.

14. Grenada

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
• Duration of stay: 3 months
• Entry requirements:
  • You must have a valid onward or return ticket to enter Grenada.

15. Haiti

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months 
• Duration of stay: 3 months
• Entry requirements:
  • Must pay a $10 tourist fee upon entry.

16. Jamaica

• Passport required: A valid Indian passport. 
• Duration of stay: 90 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must hold proof of onward or return travel.
  • Depending on the country of origin, you may have to present a yellow fever vaccination certification upon arrival.

17. Montserrat (British Territory)

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for 6 months after the planned date of return.
• Duration of stay: 180 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Travelers must comply with Antiguan entry requirements before they can travel to Montserrat as flights are only from Antigua.
  • You must pay an embarkment tax of EC$35 before you leave Montserrat (included in airfare if departing by air to Antigua).
  • Visitors must complete an Immigration/Customs Declaration Card

18. Pitcairn Islands (British Territory)

• Passport required: Indian passport with at least 6 months validity on entry.
• Duration of stay: 14 days
• Entry requirements:
  • You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your trip.
  • Medical insurance including cover for evacuation is mandatory.
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers from high-risk countries.

19. Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry.
• Duration of stay: 3 months
• Entry requirements:
  • Must complete an online Immigration and Customs ED Form before arrival.
  • You may be asked to show proof of onward or return travel.

20. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• Passport required: Indian passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Duration of stay: 3 months
• Entry requirements:
  • Must have a return or onward ticket.
  • Visitors must declare where they intend to stay and the purpose of visit in the Entry Permit.

21. Trinidad and Tobago

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for 6 months beyond the period of intended stay.
• Duration of stay: 3 months
• Entry requirements:
  • Proof of onward or return travel and proof of sufficient funds must be presented.

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Central America

22. El Salvador

• Passport required: Indian passport with at least 6 months validity on entry.
• Duration of stay: 90 days
• Entry requirements:
  • [NEW REQUIREMENT] Indian visitors must pay an airport tax of USD $1,130 (fee $1,000 + VAT 13%) when arriving by air 
  • If arriving from Panama, South Africa or Africa, must show proof of yellow fever vaccine

Personal experience

I have been to El Salvador in 2019. I entered El Salvador from Guatemala overland. Since there aren’t any border controls between El Salvador and Guatemala, I did not have to get an entry stamp when entering.

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Middle East 

23. Oman

• Passport required: Indian passport with at least 6 months validity on entry.
• Duration of stay: 14 days 
• Entry requirements:
  • Must have a confirmed hotel reservation, proof of onward or return travel and proof of health insurance.

24. Qatar

• Passport required: Indian passport with at least 3 months validity on entry.
• Duration of stay: 30 days 
• Entry requirements:
  • Must possess a confirmed onward or return ticket.
  • Valid health insurance covering Qatar medical facilities is recommended (Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme).

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Oceania

25. Cook Islands

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned period of stay.
• Duration of stay: 31 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must have proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, proof of accommodation reservation and proof of return or onward travel.

26. Fiji

• Passport required: Indian passport that doesn’t expire within 6 months of departure from Fiji.
• Duration of stay: 4 months
• Entry requirements:
  • Proof of return tickets showing the date of departure from Fiji and the next destination.
  • Must present proof of sufficient funds in the form of a bank statement.
  • One clear passport page is required for the entry stamp.

27. Kiribati

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months on the day of departure from Kiribati.
• Duration of stay: 90 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Total stay cannot exceed 90 days in any given 12-month period.

28. Micronesia

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for 120 days beyond the date of entry.
• Duration of stay: 30 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must complete the Customs, Immigration & Quarantine form that can be obtained at the aiport
  • Must present proof of onward or return travel.
  • Must pay a USD $20 departure tax when leaving Micronesia.

29. Niue

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned arrival date.
• Duration of stay: 30 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must meet the border entry requirements for New Zealand as flights to Niue are only from New Zealand.
  • Must show proof of pre-booked accommodation for the entire duration of stay, proof of funds to stay in Niue and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

30. Samoa

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry
• Duration of stay: 60 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must have a copy of bank statement.
  • Must have proof of return or onward travel.
  • Must not have any records of deportation from any country.
  • Must not have any health problems that pose a risk to the Samoan population.

31. Vanuatu

• Passport required: Indian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
• Duration of stay: 30 days
• Entry requirements:
  • Must have sufficient funds to cover your stay.
  • Must have proof of onward or return travel.
  • A confirmed accommodation address must be presented.
  • Must complete the immigration form provided on the flight or on arrival.

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Countries that offer Visa On Arrival for Indian passport holders

The visa-free countries above aren’t the only places you can visit with an Indian passport. There are many other countries you can visit but you will need a visa to enter. 

Luckily, some countries make things easy by offering Indian passport holders visas on arrival (VOA). Currently, there are 33 Visa on Arrival countries for Indian passport holders. 

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Countries that offer eVisa for Indian passport holders

Some countries offer eVisas for Indian passport holders. These countries allow Indians to apply for their visas online before their visit. Currently, there are 49 countries that offer eVisas to Indians. 

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Conclusion

There you have it, 31 countries and territories that are visa-free for Indians in 2023. In this article, you have learned everything you need to know about visa-free countries for Indian passport holders.

I have already touched a bit on Visa on Arrival and eVisa countries for Indians. You can read more about these countries in the relevant articles. If you have any questions, leave a comment below.