Thailand: A Tropical Welcome
Thailand continues to be a favourite destination for Indians, and recent changes make it even more accessible. The Thai Cabinet has approved a 30-day visa exemption for Indian nationals, simplifying its previous visa framework. This move upgrades India from
the Visa on Arrival category, reflecting the country's importance as a tourism market. While the changes await official publication in the Royal Gazette, the policy is set to streamline entry, allowing for up to a 30-day stay without a visa. This means less time spent on paperwork and more time planning your visit to the pristine beaches and bustling cities. Until the new rule is formally active, the existing visa-on-arrival facility remains in place.
Malaysia: Seamless Entry Through 2026
Malaysia has extended its popular visa-free policy for Indian citizens through the end of 2026, solidifying its place as a top travel choice. Indian passport holders can enjoy a stay of up to 30 days for tourism purposes without needing to apply for a visa beforehand. To ensure a smooth journey, travellers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days prior to arrival. Additionally, you should be prepared to show a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a confirmed return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. This policy eliminates the uncertainty of visa applications and makes last-minute trips to explore Kuala Lumpur's towers or Penang's street food entirely possible.
Sri Lanka: Your Island Next Door
Our southern neighbour, Sri Lanka, has also made travel significantly easier by extending its free visa regime for Indian tourists. While some sources refer to it as 'visa-free', the policy is technically a waiver of the visa fee for short stays. As of May 2026, Indian travellers can get a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for a 30-day stay. It is recommended to apply for the free ETA online before departure to avoid any delays at the airport. India remains Sri Lanka's largest source of tourists, and this policy is designed to make trips to the island's beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and tea plantations even more appealing and affordable.
Kenya: Gateway to African Safaris
Kenya has adopted a bold visa-free policy for all foreign nationals, including Indians, which began in January 2024. Instead of a traditional visa, travellers are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before their journey. The eTA application is done online, costs around USD 30-35, and it is recommended to apply at least three days before travel. This authorisation allows for a stay of up to 90 days for tourism or business. While not completely free of an administrative step, the eTA system is a significant simplification over conventional visa processes, opening up Kenya's world-famous wildlife safaris and national parks to more Indian adventurers. Travellers from fellow East African Community (EAC) countries are exempt from the eTA requirement.
Iran: A Note of Caution
While Iran had introduced a visa waiver for Indian passport holders in early 2024, the facility was suspended in late 2025. The suspension came after reports of the visa-free system being misused by criminal elements offering fraudulent job opportunities. Consequently, Indian nationals must now obtain a valid visa before travelling to Iran for any purpose, including tourism or transit. Travellers are advised to be cautious of any agents promising visa-free routes and to follow the official visa application procedures through the proper channels.
The Broader Horizon
The trend of simplified travel is not limited to these nations. Dozens of other countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Indian passport holders, including popular destinations like the Maldives, Mauritius, and several Caribbean islands. Even for regions like Europe's Schengen Area, which still requires a visa, new policies are emerging. A 'cascade' system now offers frequent Indian travellers the possibility of obtaining multi-year visas, making subsequent trips much easier. These developments signal a growing recognition of the Indian traveller's importance on the global stage.
