Complete Guide to Visa on Arrival Countries for Indian Passport Holders

Indian passport holders can enjoy visa-on-arrival facilities in several countries, making international travel more convenient. With the convenience of visa on arrival (VOA), you can skip the often lengthy and complex process of applying for a visa beforehand. As long as you meet the requirement, you can simply pack your bags, book your flight, and receive your visa when you land in these countries.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of visa on arrival for Indians, including a detailed list of countries, fees, permitted duration of stay, and acceptable use cases. Plus, discover how Wise can simplify your travel finances, especially for Indian expatriates living abroad.

Table of contents
What is Visa on Arrival? Visa On Arrival Requirements List of Countries Offering VOA for Indians Visa Benefits for NRIs with Other Visas or Residencies Meet Wise: Simplifying Finances for Global Indians

What is Visa on Arrival?

Visa on arrival is an immigration policy that allows travelers to apply for and receive a visa when they arrive at their destination country's port of entry (usually an airport). This eliminates the need to visit an embassy or consulate in advance. However, it's crucial to remember that VOA is not a guarantee of entry. Immigration officials still hold the authority to deny entry if you don't meet their requirements.  

Benefits of Visa on Arrival:

• Skip pre-travel visa applications and paperwork.
• Ideal for spontaneous trips or when travel plans are uncertain.
• Avoid potential delays associated with traditional visa processing.

Visa On Arrival Requirement

Each country has its own eligibility criteria, fees, and allowed duration of stay. Always check the specific requirements for your destination before traveling, and carry the necessary documents: Be prepared to present a valid passport, return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds to cover your stay.

It is important to keep in mind that VOA doesn't guarantee entry: Immigration officials at the destination airport have the final say on whether to grant you entry.

List of Countries Offering Visa on Arrival for Indians:

Please note that this list is subject to change. Always verify the latest visa policies with the respective country's embassy or consulate before your trip.

Country	Visa Fee (approx.)	Duration of Stay	Use Case	Notes
Armenia	AMD 15,000 (USD 30)	120 days	Tourism, Business
Bolivia	USD 95	30 days	Tourism, Business
Cambodia	USD 30	30 days	Tourism, Business
Cape Verde	EUR 25	30 days	Tourism
Comoros	EUR 30	45 days	Tourism
Dominica	USD 100	21 days	Tourism
Ecuador	USD 40	90 days	Tourism
El Salvador	USD 10	90 days	Tourism
Ethiopia	USD 50	90 days	Tourism, Business	Visa on arrival only at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa
Gabon	USD 70	90 days	Tourism, Business	Requires pre-approval through an online portal
Georgia	GEL 100	365 days	Tourism, Business
Guinea-Bissau	EUR 85	90 days	Tourism, Business
Guyana	USD 25	30 days	Tourism
Haiti	USD 100	90 days	Tourism
Indonesia	USD 35	30 days	Tourism
Iran	EUR 75	30 days	Tourism
Jamaica	USD 20	30 days	Tourism
Jordan	JOD 40	30 days	Tourism
Kenya	USD 50	90 days	Tourism, Business
Laos	USD 30	30 days	Tourism
Madagascar	Free	90 days	Tourism
Maldives	Free	30 days	Tourism
Mauritania	EUR 55	30 days	Tourism
Mauritius	Free	60 days	Tourism
Micronesia	Free	30 days	Tourism
Moldova	EUR 85	90 days	Tourism, Business
Mozambique	USD 50	30 days	Tourism, Business
Nepal	USD 30 (15 days), USD 50 (30 days), USD 125 (90 days)	15/30/90 days	Tourism
Nicaragua	USD 10	90 days	Tourism
Niue	Free	30 days	Tourism
Palau	USD 50	30 days	Tourism
Rwanda	USD 30	30 days	Tourism	Can be extended online
Saint Kitts and Nevis	USD 150	3 months	Tourism
Saint Lucia	USD 50	42 days	Tourism
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	USD 70	30 days	Tourism
Samoa	Free	60 days	Tourism
Sao Tome and Principe	EUR 20	15 days	Tourism
Senegal	USD 25	90 days	Tourism
Seychelles	Free	1 month	Tourism	Can be extended up to 12 months
Somalia	USD 60	30 days	Tourism, Business	Visa issued upon arrival at Mogadishu airport only
Sri Lanka	USD 40	30 days	Tourism	Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required before arrival
Suriname	USD 35	90 days	Tourism	Tourist card required, can be obtained online or on arrival
Tajikistan	USD 50	45 days	Tourism	E-Visa available
Tanzania	USD 50	90 days	Tourism
Thailand	THB 2,000	15 days	Tourism
Timor-Leste	USD 30	30 days	Tourism
Togo	XOF 10,000 to XOF 35,000	7 days	Tourism
Tuvalu	Free	1 month	Tourism
Uganda	USD 50	90 days	Tourism, Business
Vanuatu	Free	30 days	Tourism

Visa Benefits for Indian Passport Holders with Other Visas or Residencies

Holding a valid visa or residency permit for certain countries can significantly expand your travel options as an Indian passport holder. Here are some key examples:

Indian Citizen with US Visa or Green Card:

• Visa-Free: Mexico, Canada (eTA required), Bermuda, Costa Rica (up to 30 days, if the US visa is valid for at least 3 months), Panama (up to 30 days, if the US visa has been used at least once to enter the US), Georgia (up to 90 days within any 180-day period), Philippines (up to 14 days, if entering from a third country), Singapore (up to 96 hours on Visa Free Transit Facility).
• Visa-on-Arrival: Bahamas, United Arab Emirates (14 days), Egypt.
• Simplified E-Visa: Several countries offer streamlined e-Visa processes for those with US visas.

Indian Citizen with Schengen Visa:

• Visa-Free: Many countries outside the Schengen Area offer visa-free access to Schengen visa holders, including: Albania, Andorra, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Gibraltar, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, San Marino, Vatican City.
• Visa-on-Arrival: Some countries offer VOA to Schengen visa holders, but it's less common than with a US visa.
• Simplified E-Visa: Similar to the US visa, some countries may have easier e-Visa procedures.

Indian Citizen with UK Visa:

• Visa-Free: Ireland, Gibraltar, Several Caribbean islands that are British Overseas Territories, Georgia (up to 90 days within any 180-day period), Singapore (up to 96 hours on Visa Free Transit Facility), Panama (up to 30 days, if the UK visa has been used at least once to enter the UK).
• Visa-on-Arrival: United Arab Emirates (14 days)
• Simplified E-Visa: Check individual country policies.

Indian Citizen with Canadian Visa:

• Visa-Free: Mexico, Bermuda, Costa Rica (up to 30 days, if the Canadian visa is valid for at least 3 months), Panama (up to 30 days, if the Canadian visa has been used at least once to enter Canada), Georgia (up to 90 days within any 180-day period), Philippines (up to 14 days, if entering from a third country), Singapore (up to 96 hours on Visa Free Transit Facility).
• Simplified E-Visa: Some countries may offer streamlined e-Visa processes for those with Canadian visas.

Indian Citizen with Australian or New Zealand Visa:

• Visa-Free: Similar to other developed countries, holding a visa from Australia or New Zealand may grant you visa-free access to a few other nations. Always verify specific country policies.
• Visa-on-Arrival or e-Visa: These visas can sometimes simplify the process for obtaining a visa-on-arrival or an e-Visa in certain countries.

Important Considerations About Using Another Country's Visa

Validity of Visa: Ensure that the visa you are using to gain entry to another country is valid for the required duration. Some countries have specific requirements for the remaining validity of the visa. Multiple-Entry Visa: In many cases, the visa you hold (US, Schengen, etc.) must be a multiple-entry visa to avail of visa exemptions in other countries. Prior Entry: Some countries require you to have entered the country that issued the visa at least once before using it for visa-free entry elsewhere. Official Sources: Always double-check the visa requirements on the official website of the embassy or consulate of the destination country, as policies can change.

Meet Wise: Simplifying Finances for Global Indians

Navigating international travel often involves managing finances across borders. This is where Wise comes in to help simplify international money matters for your travel.

• Wise International Money Transfers: Send money abroad quickly, securely, and at the mid-market exchange rate, with low, transparent fees. This is particularly beneficial for NRIs sending money back home to India or managing expenses in both countries.

• Wise Travel Card: (For Indian expatriates residing in countries where the Wise card is available). This multi-currency travel card allows you to spend in local currencies worldwide with currency conversion at the same mid-market rates.  

Get your Wise Card 🚀

The Wise card is currently not available for residents of India. However, it's a valuable tool for NRIs living in supported countries. Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Planning your next adventure? Be sure to research the latest visa regulations and utilize resources like Wise to optimize your travel finances. Safe travels!

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🏖Top tourist destinations without visa for Indians

When it's time to hit the beach or explore a new city, these favorite tourist destinations for Indians can hit the mark- without needing a visa.

Maldives

A popular honeymoon destination before it became the world’s leading destination in 2020, the Maldives is as beautiful as you imagine. This archipelago in the Indian Ocean is surrounded by coral reefs and has its own language of Dhivehi and currency, the Maldivian Rufiyaa. You will require a negative COVID test and submit an online Health declaration form to enter.

Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination for tourists the world over for its mixture of hills, beach, city life and tropics. And let’s not forget, the draw of Thai food. Thailand Tourism Sector is officially going to open July 1, 2021, but travellers can still get to Thailand through a Special Tourist Visa and a mandatory 14 day quarantine. ³ ⁴

Indonesia

Indonesia, for many Indian travelers, means Bali and Jakarta. But there is a lot of other history, culture and natural beauty across the country and its islands. You will not need a visa if you are travelling for less than 30 days in Indonesia. However, tourist travel is currently on hold, and only verified business travellers can enter.⁵

Mauritius

Flying from India is an easy way to get to the beautiful island nation of Mauritius. Mauritius is off the southeast coast of Africa but is culturally diverse with a Hindu population. With white sandy beaches and stunningly blue water, it is perfect for a getaway. But at the moment you will require a COVID negative test and then pay for the 14 day hotel quarantine as required by the government. ⁶

Seychelles

Right off the east coast of the African continent, the Seychelles are a group of islands that are ideal for water sports, relaxing and outdoor adventures. Currently any and all travellers will have to show a negative COVID test results administered 72 hours before arriving. Vaccinated travellers will need to show proof of vaccination but non-vaccinated passengers will only be able to enter through a private jet transfer. ⁷

Wise- The easiest way to send money abroad

Over 10 million people around the world use a free Wise account to send money around the world.

Whether you are planning a holiday or sending money back home to family, Wise can help you send money online directly to local banks accounts in 150+ countries. It's easy, fast and cheap with the real exchange rate on every transfer.

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What to consider when planning your trip

No matter where you go for your next holiday, there are a few points to keep in mind to have a stress-free trip. Check out these pointers before you plan your next trip. And as always, the more research you do and information you have beforehand, the smoother your holiday will be.

💸 Budget

Flights, stay, food and activities all should be factored into your overall budget for your trip. Flight costs are going to depend on how near or far you are going, which airlines and which type of seat you prefer. Skyscanner is a great way to find flights within your budget. Tripadvisor can also be a resource to see traveller reviews for places to stay, restaurants and excursions.

🌤 Weather

There is nothing that can ruin a trip more than bad weather. So after you have chosen your destination, check online the best time to go. Or you can flip it and find the best place to go in a particular month. There will be plenty of resources online that will help you make the best choice for your time and destination.

Especially for tropical or beach destinations, do check when storm or hurricane season might be, as well as monsoon. You may be able to get a good deal if you travel during that time, but it also may mean you are stuck indoors the entire trip.

🏄 Activities

Some of your best memories from a trip are likely from the activities you take part in. Whether it's trekking, snorkeling, sailing, exploring a neighborhood or even just relaxing by a pool, activities can really make a big difference for your holiday.

Check out which activities are unique to the location you are travelling to. Or ways to take in local culture- even better if you can engage with activities that enrich and support the local communities. Travel websites like Fodors and Lonely Planet are great places to kick off your research, but also check out TripAdvisor or even Youtube to get in-depth information.

Meet Wise: Making International Travel and Money Transfers Easier

Navigating international travel often involves dealing with foreign currencies, exchange rates, and banking fees. Whether you're an Indian resident sending money abroad or an NRI visiting a new country or returning to India, Wise offers a transparent, cost-effective, and convenient solution.

Wise for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

If you're an NRI living in one of the supported countries, you can open a Wise multi-currency account. This account offers several advantages for international travelers and those managing finances across borders:

• Multi-Currency Account: One account where you can hold and manage money in over 40+ currencies, including Indian Rupees, US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, and many more. This eliminates the need to constantly exchange money every time you travel to a different country.

• Wise Card: The linked Wise Card is a game-changer for travelers. It allows you to spend money in any supported currencies at the mid-market exchange rate, with low and transparent conversion fees. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide with minimal fees. This means, being able to spend Like a local on your travels abroad or to India.

• Transparent Fees: Wise transparently shows you any applicable fees upfront, and the currency conversion is always at the mid-market rate — which is same as the one you usually see on Google.

• Send Money to India: Send money back home to family or manage your finances in India at the mid-market rate with low fees, often significantly cheaper than traditional bank transfers. Remit to India with Wise 👉

Wise for Residents of India

While the Wise multi-currency account and card are not currently available for residents of India, you can still benefit from Wise's international money transfer service.

Wise allows you to send money globally at the mid-market exchange rate, and transparent fees without any markups. Wise supports international transfers from India for travel, education, and medical expenses purposes - and convenient handles the remittance forms and well as TCS deductions completely online.

Conclusion

While the Indian passport may not be among the most powerful globally, it still provides a decent range of travel options through visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and e-Visa arrangements. For NRIs, understanding the specific requirements based on their residency status is essential. Furthermore, holding a valid visa or residency permit from countries like the US, UK, Canada, or a Schengen visa can unlock even more travel opportunities.

By carefully researching visa requirements, preparing the necessary documentation, and staying informed about travel advisories, Indian passport holders can enjoy seamless and enriching international travel experiences. Using tools like Wise can further enhance your travel experience by providing a cost-effective and convenient way to manage your finances across borders. Remember that visa policies are dynamic, so always verify the information from official sources before you embark on your journey. And if you are an NRI in a supported country, consider signing up for Wise card to simplify your international spending without worrying about hidden exchange rate markups on mid-market rates. Happy travels!

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Sources

1. Travel Visas for Indian Nationals
2. Maldives
3. Thailand Special Visa
4. Thailand Tourism Reopening
5. Entering in Indonesia-Bali
6. Travel to Mauritius
7. Travel to Seychelles

All sources checked as of 4 March, 2021