The hurdles that one must overcome, from applying for a visa to obtaining without having to compromise on the schedule, for your dream vacation abroad, are far too familiar to all of us. Unless your dream vacation includes one of these ten beautiful destinations you can travel to without worrying about a visa.
Henley & Partners, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently released the Passport Index. Its data includes a list of all the destinations that a passport holder of a country can visit without a prior visa, and all countries are then ranked based on this data. Japan ranks first on this list with 191 countries, followed by Singapore with 190 countries, while Afghanistan ranks last with visa-free access to just 26 countries.
This year, India ranked 84th on the list, 2 spots down from last year, with visa-free access to 58 destinations. However, some of them may require a visa on arrival. We have selected the 10 best alternatives among these 58, to facilitate your next visa-free trip.
Here are the 10 destinations where Indians can travel without a visa (or visa on arrival):
1. Bhutan – No visa
Recognized as the happiest country in the world based on its unique Raw Happiness Index, Bhutan is an incredible vacation destination for exploring its landscapes and wildlife. The best time to visit is the months of March and April, which is the peak period for flowering rhododendrons. Punakha Dzong, Paro Taktsang and Rinpung Dzong are some of the most beautiful places to visit in this landlocked country.
2. Fiji – No visa
This spectacular island country is known for its coral reefs with clear lagoons, palm-fringed beaches and rugged landscapes. Peak travel months include April-May and December-January. Qalito Island and Mamanuca Islands are some of the places that would make your trip to Fiji worth it.
3. Mauritius – No visa
This multicultural island nation located in the Indian Ocean is popular for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. December-February is the peak time for snorkeling and diving at Ile aux Cerfs and the historic summit of Le Morne Brabant is another great place to explore.
Also Read: Reasons Why Travelling Is Best Education
4. Nepal – No visa
It is the home to the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest, Nepal is known for its Himalayan mountains and temples. Nepal’s good relations with India allow us to visit Nepal without a passport or visa. The high season for trekking is from September to November due to its mild climate during this period.
5. Jamaica – No visa
The island nation of the Caribbean, known for its beaches, rainforests, and mountains, is an incredible vacation destination if you want to visit diving and snorkeling spots. The best time to visit is from December-mid to April.
6. Sri Lanka – No visa but a special permit required
Sandy beaches, highlands and tropical forests make this country an ideal destination with varied landscapes. The 5th century Sigiriya Citadel is known for its palace and frescoes. Although the temperature is temperate and warm year round, the peak time to visit is from December to April.
7. Thailand – Visa on arrival
Thailand is a popular destination for its royal palaces, temples, and tropical beaches. Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are some of the best temples to discover in this Southeast Asian country.
8. Maldives – Visa on arrival
Although Maldive-style water villas are coming to India soon, it’s best not to miss this tropical nation with its more than 3,000 coral islands, rich with blue lagoons and vast reefs. The best time to visit is the less humid period from December to April.
9. Indonesia – Visa on arrival
Made up of thousands of volcanic islands, this culturally rich is best known for the dragons and Komodo jungles which are home to elephants, orangutans and tigers. The ideal time to visit would be from June to July, when you can experience the Bali Arts Festival.
10. Madagascar – Visa on arrival
With its rich biodiversity, Madagascar is known for its tropical forests, beaches and reefs and the fact that it is home to thousands of animal species, some unique like lemurs. The best places to visit are the Andasibe-Mantadia and Isalo National Parks, with the best time to travel from July to August.
