It’s the time of the year again where the constant downpour of rain mixed with tiring commutes to work have you longing for a quick getaway. Am I right or am I right? So, when it comes to picking a destination, often we find ourselves stuck. Stuck in this endless loop of having to plan in advance due to, you guys guessed it—visas! When the time comes to decide a destination for an impromptu vacay with your friends, family or partner, the last thing you want is to have to go through a tedious visa process. Here are 30 visa-free destinations you, my fellow Indian citizens, can go on a vacation to. No visa required at all (not even on arrival!). Let’s get started…
Asia
Close to home, so no one can argue against a quick holiday right? Hardly any jetlag plus cheap flights will make these 6 Asian countries super irresistible! These are:
1. Bhutan
Bordering our motherland, the Kingdom of Bhutan is known for its fortresses, monasteries and beautiful landscapes overlooking the Himalayas.
2. Indonesia
Whether it is for your bachelorette party or a quiet vacation with family, this country and its various islands (Bali, to name our favourite!) is one you have to visit.
3. Jeju Islands off the coast of South Korea
Wait, what. You’ve probably heard of Jeju (most of your favourite beauty products have ingredients from this island). Despite being part of South Korea, as an Indian, you don’t need a visa to visit these islands if you’re going there on tourist purposes. The island is known for their haenyo divers, also known as “Korean mermaids”. Intrigued, or wahhh?
4. Nepal
As Indians, we have freedom of movement in Nepal altogether! Feeling the blues, you say? Why not hop on a flight to this country? A must go for everyone, err, trying to find themselves.
5. Palestine
If you wish to visit East Jerusalem or the West Bank and enjoy some history, here is your destination. Do be careful of when you decide to go, as this area is under conflict.
6. Qatar
Want a beach vacay but not a typical touristy one? Here’s your answer! Qatar is known for its futuristic skyscrapers and long shoreline.
Europe
7. Serbia
It breaks my heart to say this but for Europe, almost every single country requires you to have a visa. Except for good ol’ Serbia. If you’re planning to visit the Balkan Peninsula, this tiny country is perfect for a visa-free visit!
Caribbean
Everyone’s top honeymoon destinations are located in this beautiful region. If palm trees, tropical weather, aquamarine waters, and white beaches are on your bucket list, why not take a cruise around this Caribbean paradise? Such visa-free destinations all clubbed in one region makes island hopping so easy, don’t you think?
8. Barbados
Often regarded as the party destination for a lot of people, this island houses world-famous beaches, botanical gardens, and cave formations.
9. The British Virgin Islands
Indian citizens can visit this set of 60 islands and keys for up to 31 days visa-free! While almost 50 of them are uninhabited, the rest of them are perfectly designed to pursue any of your favourite water sports and more.
10. Dominica
A mountainous island that hosts hot springs and tropical rainforests. Also home to the Boiling Lake (um, yes!), this lesser-known island country is a perfect hideout for a solo adventure.
11. Grenada
Known as the ‘Spice Isle’, this island is home to innumerable nutmeg plantations. Its capital, St George, is famous for its colourful homes, as seen above!
12. Haiti
Still recovering from the repercussions of the earthquake from 2010, Haiti is an ideal place for some historic sites (that still are intact!). If you’re looking to volunteer abroad, this is a pretty cool place to be!
13. Jamaica
The home of Bob Marley and birthplace of reggae music, this island country is filled with a lot of culturally rich sites and things to do! Definitely on the top of my list.
14. Montserrat
A volcanic island part of the British Overseas Territory, Montserrat is lesser-known to the common man. The island has been partly closed off due to a volcanic eruption, hence make sure you do your research to see if it is safe to visit when you do!
15. Saint Kitts and Nevis
A dual-island nation, this country is known for its ‘cloud shredded mountains’ and beaches. It is also home to green vervet monkeys!
16. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Looking for a chic, upscale island to spend your vacay? This island’s got you. With classy yachts lining up its harbor, St Vincent is a popular hideaway spot for a lot of celebs!
17. Trinidad and Tobago
Perhaps the most ‘Caribbean’ of all islands, Trinidad and Tobago is known for its traditional creole cuisine and culture. It also prides itself on its boisterous carnival that takes place yearly!
18. Turks and Caicos Islands
This archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands is a part of the British Overseas Territory. Home to luxury resorts, shops, and restaurants, you might just wanna add this to your bucket list!
South America
Quite a rare destination for many of our fellow countrymen, yet it is worth it to venture out to that part of the hemisphere. This continent is as beautiful as its pictures, if not more! Yeah, it’s pretty far away for a quick trip, but definitely one you can keep in mind.
19. Ecuador
Number one on my bucket list is standing on the equator! And where else to do it better than the country that straddles the equator and also derives its name from it.
20. El Salvador
Dubbed as the Land of Volcanoes, El Salvador sees frequent volcanic activity. Overall, however, it is pretty safe to visit for tourists.
21. Guyana
Teaming with dense rainforests, this country is one you absolutely must go to. It has a British colonial vibe to it, so be prepared to have a blast of a time here!
Africa
One continent that is rarely visited and underrated, is Africa. If safaris, beaches and treks are your thing, do give these countries a second glance.
22. Malawi
The Great Rift Valley is in Malawi, along with Lake Malawi National Park that is home to colourful fish and baboons!
23. Mauritius
Located in East Africa, this island has the Black River Gorges National Park, with waterfalls, hiking trails and animals such as the flying fox.
24. Mauritiana
A Northwestern Arabic country, Mauritiana is known for its several plateaus, called Trab el-Hajra (Arabic: “Country of Stone”).
25. Senegal
One of West Africa’s most popular regions and also the safest for tourist is the colourful country of Senegal!
Oceania
My favourite region, to be honest! Filled with beautiful islands off the coast of Australia and New Zealand, Oceania is absolutely breathtaking. Albeit, most of these visa-free destinations are pretty far away from home, yet, it is definitely worth taking the trip.
26. Cook Islands
Famous for its coral reefs and beaches, these islands are close to New Zealand (well, kinda), with political ties to it as well!
27. Fiji
Hard to believe that Fiji is a visa-free destination, amirite? A safe haven for most newlyweds, this island is famous for its clear lagoons, beaches lined with palm trees, the world’s most luxurious resorts, oh, and couples indulging in PDA. Loads of it.
28. Micronesia
The first time I heard about this country was in college when I met another freshman from here (so crazy!). It has exotic beaches, ancient ruins, including Nan Madol, sunken basalt temples.
29. Pitcairn Islands
Bang in the middle of nowhere, this island country is characterised by flat beaches, coral reefs, and pretty landscapes. However, it has almost no fresh water reservoirs on the mainland. Hence, it is advised to do some research before heading down there.
30. Vanuatu
Made up of 80 islands, this country offers a unique experience to dive in ruins and shipwrecks such as the WWII-era troopship SS President Coolidge.
There you go! Which of these visa-free destinations made it to your list? Let me know in the comments below!
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Disclaimer: The Visa rules are subject to change according to respective governments of countries. This information is in the best of our knowledge as per the month of July 2019 and pertains to those who hold an Indian Passport only.