57 countries now visa-free for Indians: What it means for travellers

Even though India’s passport ranking has slipped to 85th on the Henley Passport Index, Indians can still travel visa-free to at least 57 countries. Earlier, Indians could travel visa-free to 59 countries. The index ranks passports by the number of international destinations holders can reach without prior visas.

Broader Geographic Reach

The list of visa-free/VOA/ETA destinations spans multiple continents. Some of the regions and countries now accessible include:

• Asia & neighbouring countries: Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Macao, Timor-Leste and others.
• Africa: Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, among others.
• Oceania / Pacific Islands: Fiji, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Kiribati.
• Caribbean & small island territories: Barbados, Grenada, British Virgin Islands, Dominican, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia etc.

Easing Travel for More Purposes

The visa-free access primarily covers tourist travel, but for many countries, options such as visa-on-arrival or ETA further reduce the hurdles. These agreements mean fewer documents, less planning, and often cheaper and more spontaneous travel.

Take a look at countries where Indians can travel visa-free. (Source: Freepik)

Boost to Tourism, Cultural Exchange, Economy

Easier travel encourages Indians to explore new destinations, boosting outbound tourism. For inbound relations, it signals stronger diplomatic or trade ties, as visa liberalisation is often mutual or part of broader bilateral cooperation. There may also be economic returns from Indian tourists’ spending in foreign economies.

What Still Limits the Gain

While this is progress, there remain caveats and limitations:

Not everywhere is visa-free: Many high-income countries, major tourist draws, and advanced economies still require visas or more stringent entry requirements.

Length of stay and entry rules vary: Visa-free or VOA doesn’t always mean long stays — many countries allow short stays (e.g., 14 or 30 days). Some require permits or digital pre-authorisation.

Validity and passport strength matter: Travellers need valid passports (often with 6 months’ validity), and sometimes proof of onward travel or funds, which can still be hurdles.

Diplomatic reciprocity & policy changes: Entry rules can change with political shifts, diplomatic tensions, or security concerns. A visa-free status today isn’t guaranteed tomorrow.

The Bigger Picture

India’s growing share of visa-free access reflects several trends:

• Soft power and diplomacy: As India strengthens its ties with Southeast Asian countries, African nations, and Pacific and Caribbean islands, travel liberalisation follows.
• Global migration of tourists: With rising middle-class incomes, more Indians are travelling abroad. Destination countries are eager to tap this market.

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