List of Countries With Visa on Arrival for Indian Passport Holders 2024

Are you someone planning to go on an international trip but worried about the visa application process? Well, there’s some good news for the Indian diaspora looking to make international travel plans as the Indian Passport has climbed to 80th rank in the recent Henley Passport Index 2023, up from 87th in 2022. This along with recent bilateral developments has made it possible for Indian passport holders to avail visa on arrival at multiple nations while over 57 countries already offer visa-free access. In this blog, we’ll look at the list of countries with visa on arrival for Indian Passport Holders 2023 and discuss the process, no of days of visa, and more. 

What is Visa-on-Arrival? 

A visa on arrival (VoA) is a type of visa that allows travelers to obtain their visa at the destination country’s airport or border entry point. It is a convenient way for visitors to get the necessary travel documents upon arrival, rather than applying for a visa in advance at an embassy or consulate in their home country. Indian passport holders can arrive at countries offering visa on arrival and apply for the visa easily. 

Also Read: Dubai Visa for Indians: Types, Eligibility & Fees

Features of Visa on Arrival

Here are some key features of a visa on arrival:

• On-Site Application: Travelers can apply for a visa upon their arrival at the destination country’s airport, seaport, or land border crossing. The visa is typically issued by immigration authorities at the point of entry.
• Eligibility and Requirements: The eligibility criteria, duration of stay, and requirements for obtaining an on arrival visa vary from country to country. Some countries may offer VoAs only to citizens of specific countries, while others extend the privilege to a broader range of nationalities.
• Purpose of Visit: Visa on arrival is usually granted for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, conferences, or short-term visits. It may not be suitable for individuals planning to work, study, or stay in the destination country for an extended period.
• Limited Validity: A visa on arrival typically has a limited validity period, often ranging from a few days to several months. Travelers are required to leave the country before the visa expires.
• Fees: Travelers may be required to pay a visa fee upon arrival to obtain the visa. The fee can vary depending on the destination and the traveler’s nationality.
• Documentation: Travelers should carry the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, return or onward flight tickets, and any other documents as specified by the destination country’s immigration authorities.

Note: Travelers need to check the specific requirements and conditions for obtaining a visa on arrival for their intended destination well in advance of their travel date. Some countries may have specific rules and regulations, and the availability of a visa on arrival can change, so staying informed and planning accordingly is crucial to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into the country.

Also Read: Visa Status: Check Visa Status with Passport Number

List of Countries with Visa on Arrival for Indian Passport Holders 2023

What is Visa-free Travel?

Visa-free travel refers to the ability of citizens from one country to enter another country for a specific duration without the need for a visa or prior authorization. This means that Indian passport holders can simply present their valid passport at the destination’s border or airport and are granted entry for a specified period, typically for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.

Features of Visa-free Travel

• Passport-Based Entry: Visa-free travel is contingent on the nationality of the traveler’s passport. Citizens of countries that have strong diplomatic and political relationships with other nations are more likely to enjoy visa-free travel options.
• Length of Stay: While visa-free travel allows entry without a visa, it often comes with restrictions on the duration of stay. Travelers are usually permitted to stay for a specific number of days or months, which varies depending on the destination and the traveler’s nationality.
• Purpose of Visit: Visa-free travel is generally intended for tourist or short-term visits. It may not be suitable for activities like employment, long-term studies, or permanent residency. Travelers planning to engage in such activities typically need to apply for specific visas or permits.
• Bilateral or Multilateral Agreements: Visa-free travel is established through bilateral agreements between two countries or as part of regional agreements involving multiple nations. These agreements outline the conditions and requirements for visa-free entry.
• Reciprocity: Visa-free travel often depends on reciprocity, meaning that if one country allows visa-free entry to citizens of another country, that country should grant the same privilege in return. The principle of reciprocity ensures a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship between nations.
• Exceptions: Even in countries that allow visa-free travel for most nationalities, there may be exceptions for citizens of certain countries due to security concerns or diplomatic reasons.
• Documentation: While no visa is required, travelers are still expected to carry a valid passport. They may also need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of sufficient funds, accommodation reservations, return or onward flight tickets, or a clear travel itinerary.

Note: It’s important for travelers to research the visa-free travel policies of their destination countries, as these policies can change over time. Checking with the destination’s embassy or consulate and consulting official government websites is recommended to ensure that you have up-to-date information on entry requirements, visa-free travel eligibility, and permitted lengths of stay.

Also Read: Indian Passport for NRI: Renewal vs Reissue | How to check Passport Status in India

List of Countries with Visa Free for Indian Passport Holders 2023

These are the countries Indians don’t need visa to travel to. 

What is the difference between Visa on Arrival and Visa-free Travel?

Also read: UK Visa for Indians: Visa Types, Application Process & Fees

Wrapping Up

You can contact the embassy of the respective country in India for more clarity on countries with visa on arrival for Indian Passport Holders 2023. If you’re looking for any assistance for NRI services such as NRI account opening, NRI Demat account, NRI investment or taxation, experts at SBNRI can help you out with everything. Download SBNRI App from the Google Play Store or App Store to ask any questions related to NRI services. Also visit our blog and Youtube Channel for more details.

FAQs

Is a visa on arrival the same as a tourist visa?

• No, visa on arrival is not the same as of tourist visa. Tourist visa requires prior application and approval through the embassy or consulate while visa on arrival is provided directly at the destination airport or border checkpoint. 

Are visa-on-arrival policies subject to change?

• Yes visa on arrival policies do change over time due to various reasons like changes in bilateral agreements or international agreements and changes in immigration rules of the country. Always check the immigration rules before making your travel plans. 

Can I extend my stay on a visa on arrival?

• Yes, you can extend your visa on arrival by visiting the local immigration office of the country. Do remember, that it depends on the rules of the country for an extension of the visa. 

Are there any additional fees for visa on arrival besides the visa fee?

• There may be additional charges in the form of entry fees, tourism fees, or other charges that may be levied with the standard visa fees. Do check with the country’s immigration desk about the charges beforehand. 

Why do countries give Visa-on-Arrival?

• Visa on arrival helps countries to facilitate tourism and boost their economy. Hence many countries offer visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. 

What happens if my visa expires?

• If your visa expires during your stay, you can extend the visa subject to the rules of the country by paying visa extension fees. 

What is the Indian Passport rank in 2023?

• Indian passport was ranked 80th in the Henly Passport Index Report 2023. This gives Indian passport holders around 57 countries to travel visa-free. 

Where can Indians get visa on arrival? 

• Indian passport holders can get visa on arrival at 33 different countries in the world. The list of nations with duration of visa and fees for the visa issuance is mentioned in the table above.

Which country gives visa on arrival to Indian passport holder?

• 33 countries give visa on arrival to Indian passport holders in the world. 

Is Thailand visa-free for Indian?

• No, Thailand is not visa-free for Indians. However, as per the recent announcement and outcome of cabinet meeting of Thailand, Indian passport holders can travel to Thailand between Nov 10, 2023 to May 10, 2024 visa free. 

Is Japan visa-free for Indian?

• No, Japan is not visa-free for Indian passport holders. Users need to attain Japan Tourist Visa to visit Japan for tourism purposes. This will be a single entry visa with a stay period up to 30 days. 

Is there on arrival visa for Indian passport in Europe?

• Visa on arrival is not allowed for Indian passport holders in any European country at present. 

Is Mauritius visa for Indians visa-free?

• Indian passport holders need to apply and attain a visa beforehand travelling to Mauritius. However, the visa fee is completely free of charge for Indian nationals. As such, no fee or charges need to be paid to attain a visa for Mauritius for Indian passport holders.