Explained: How The Jump In India's Passport Ranking Can Benefit Travellers
Why A Stronger Passport Matters - And How Indian Travellers Can Benefit
A stronger passport can benefit frequent flyers, business travellers, students, and even leisure tourists. Here are some of the advantages:
Less paperwork: A stronger passport can mean fewer embassy visits and reduced money spent on agent fees
Faster travel planning: It is easier to book last-minute trips to specific destinations if you have a stronger passport. This is because you won't have to worry about long, drawn-out visa application processes.
Cost savings: If your passport allows you to travel visa-free or apply for e-Visas, this can translate to no visa fees or courier charges in many cases.
More opportunities on a global scale: A strong passport can broaden your horizons, literally. Spontaneous vacations, international layovers, and longer stopovers become possible.
In general, a stronger passport can help with smoother border entry and better chances for future visa approvals elsewhere.
Countries Indian Passport Holders Can Visit Visa-Free
Indian passport holders can currently travel visa-free to these destinations (subject to change based on bilateral policies):
Africa
Angola
Kenya
Madagascar
Mauritius
Rwanda
Senegal
Asia
Bhutan
Iran
Kazakhstan
Macao
Malaysia
Nepal
Philippines
Thailand*
Oceania (Pacific Islands)
Cook Islands
Fiji
Kiribati
Micronesia
Niue
Vanuatu
Caribbean
Barbados
Dominica
Grenada
Haiti
Jamaica
Montserrat
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
British Virgin Islands
Note that the "visa-free" label may come with stipulations. Each country may have different rules. For example, Indian passport holders wanting to travel to Thailand need to apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) three days in advance of their planned date of arrival in the country.
Countries Indian Passport Holders Can Visit With Visa On Arrival
In addition to visa-free countries, these nations offer visa-on-arrival (VOA) facilities for Indian travellers:
Africa
Burundi
Cape Verde Islands
Comoro Islands
Djibouti
Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Mozambique
Namibia
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Tanzania
Zimbabwe
Seychelles*
Asia
Cambodia
Indonesia
Jordan
Laos
Maldives
Mongolia
Myanmar
Qatar
Sri Lanka
Oceania (Pacific Islands)
Marshall Islands
Palau Islands
Samoa
Timor-Leste
Tuvalu
South America
Bolivia
Caribbean
St. Lucia
VOA typically requires valid return tickets, proof of stay, and sufficient funds. Duration and cost may vary by country. There may be additional or unique requirements in some cases. For instance, Indian passport holders receive a visitor's permit upon arrival in Seychelles, rather than a regular visa. Accordingly, they need to apply for this Travel Authorisation (TA) before their trip.
Key Tips to Keep in Mind
1. Always check entry rules on official embassy or consulate websites before making your travel plans. Regulations may change at any time. Remember, visa-free doesn't mean document-free.
2. Never forget to carry printed travel proof related to accommodation bookings, return tickets, financial means, etc
3. Note that some countries offer fast-track eVisas that still need pre-approval online.
4. If possible, maintain a strong travel history. Doing so can help with future visa approvals for highly sought-after destinations in Europe or North America.
India's rise in the Henley Passport Index reflects a meaningful shift in how Indian travellers will be received around the world. With access to 59 destinations visa-free or on arrival, international travel is now more accessible than ever for Indian passport holders. Whether you're planning your next beach holiday, business trip, or solo adventure, the good news is that your passport now opens more doors than ever before.
If you need to renew your passport soon, check out our detailed guide on this topic.
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