Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens 2026
Visa requirements for Indian citizens are entry restrictions set by other countries that determine whether travellers from India need a visa before entering. As of 2026, Indian passport holders can travel to 56 countries and territories with either visa-free access or a visa on arrival, placing the Indian passport 75th globally on the Henley Passport Index. According to the Passport Index, Indian citizens currently have access to 25 visa-free destinations, 48 visa-on-arrival countries, 66 e-visa destinations, and 4 ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) locations, ranking the Indian passport 68th worldwide for travel freedom. Recent update: From 1 January 2026, Cape Verde suspended visa on arrival for Indian citizens. Travellers must now obtain a visa before travelling.
2. Africa
Africa presents a diverse visa landscape for Indian travellers. A growing number of African nations now offer eVisa systems or visa-on-arrival arrangements, while others maintain strict visa-required policies.
| Country / Territory | Visa Requirement | Allowed Stay | Key Notes |
| Algeria | Visa required | — | — |
| Angola | Visa not required | 30 days | 30 days per trip, max 90 days in any calendar year for tourism. Return ticket and hotel reservation required. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required. |
| Benin | eVisa | 30 days | International vaccination certificate required. |
| Botswana | eVisa | 3 months | — |
| Burkina Faso | eVisa | — | — |
| Burundi | Online Visa / Visa on arrival | 1 month | — |
| Cameroon | eVisa | — | — |
| Cape Verde | Visa required | — | Visa on arrival suspended from 1 Jan 2026; must obtain visa before travel. |
| Central African Republic | Visa required | — | — |
| Chad | eVisa | — | — |
| Comoros | Visa on arrival | 45 days | — |
| Republic of the Congo | Visa required | — | Visa not required if presenting a VIP invitation letter. |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | eVisa | 7 days | Visa on arrival if a letter (visa volant) issued by the Ministry of Interior is presented. |
| Côte d’Ivoire | eVisa | 3 months | eVisa holders must arrive via Port Bouet Airport (Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan). |
| Djibouti | eVisa | 90 days | — |
| Egypt | eVisa | 30 days | GCC residents can get visa on arrival for 30 days. Organized tourist groups of 10+ may get visa on arrival. EgyptAir passengers can get free 96-hour transit visa. |
| Equatorial Guinea | eVisa | — | — |
| Eritrea | Visa required | — | — |
| Eswatini | Visa required | — | — |
| Ethiopia | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 90 days | Visa on arrival only at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. eVisa available for 30 or 90 days. |
| Gabon | eVisa | 90 days | eVisa holders must arrive via Libreville International Airport. |
| Gambia | Visa not required | 90 days | — |
| Ghana | Visa required | — | — |
| Guinea | eVisa | 90 days | — |
| Guinea-Bissau | Visa on arrival | 90 days | — |
| Kenya | Electronic Travel Authorisation | 90 days | eTA fee USD 32.50. Application submitted at least 3 days in advance. Yellow fever certificate required from endemic countries. Can also enter on East Africa tourist visa issued by Rwanda or Uganda. |
| Lesotho | Visa required | — | — |
| Liberia | e-VOA | — | — |
| Libya | eVisa | — | — |
| Madagascar | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 90 days | For stays 61–90 days, visa fee is USD 59. |
| Malawi | eVisa | 90 days | — |
| Mali | Visa required | — | — |
| Mauritania | eVisa | — | — |
| Mauritius | Visa not required | 90 days | — |
| Morocco | eVisa | 30 days | — |
| Mozambique | eVisa | 30 days | Visa on arrival if holding printed confirmation from Immigration Authority (SENAMI) Headquarters. |
| Namibia | eVisa | 3 months | — |
| Niger | Visa required | — | — |
| Nigeria | eVisa | 30 days | — |
| Rwanda | Visa not required | 30 days | East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) valid 90 days for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | eVisa | — | — |
| Senegal | Visa not required | 90 days | — |
| Seychelles | Electronic Border System | 3 months | Application up to 30 days before. Hotel reservation required. Yellow fever cert required from endemic countries. EUR 10 fee. Valid for one journey only. |
| Sierra Leone | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 3 months / 30 days | — |
| Somalia | eVisa | 30 days | Available at Bosaso Airport, Galcaio Airport, and Mogadishu Airport. |
| South Africa | Electronic Travel Authorisation | 90 days | For OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, and Lanseria International airports. |
| South Sudan | eVisa | — | Obtainable online; printed visa authorization must be presented at travel. |
| Sudan | Visa required | — | — |
| Tanzania | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 90 days | — |
| Togo | eVisa | 15 days | — |
| Tunisia | Visa not required (conditional) | — | Groups of 5+ people booking through a travel agency and staying at least 5 days can enter without a visa. |
| Uganda | eVisa | 3 months | East Africa Tourist Visa valid in Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for up to 90 days (USD 100). eVisa must be obtained prior to arrival. |
| Zambia | eVisa | 90 days | — |
| Zimbabwe | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 1 month | — |
3. The Americas
Travel to the Americas generally requires advance visa applications for Indian passport holders, though several Caribbean nations offer visa-free entry. Holders of a valid US, Canadian, or Schengen visa may access many additional countries through visa waivers.
| Country / Territory | Visa Requirement | Allowed Stay | Key Notes |
| Antigua and Barbuda | eVisa | 30 days | Visa on arrival USD 100 for valid visa holders/residents of Canada, Schengen, UK, and US. |
| Argentina | Visa required | — | Holders of valid B2 US visa can travel visa-free. |
| Bahamas | eVisa | 3 months | Visa on arrival for Indian nationals with valid Schengen, UK, US, and/or Canadian visas. |
| Barbados | Visa not required | 90 days | Visa requirements lifted 17 May 2019. |
| Belize | Visa required | — | Permanent residents and holders of multiple entry visa of US or Canada may obtain visa on arrival. Schengen visa holders exempt for 90 days. |
| Bolivia | Online Visa | — | Must complete online application but still visit embassy to receive visa in passport. |
| Brazil | Visa required | — | — |
| Canada | Visa required | — | May be substituted with US permanent resident card. Transit visa required. |
| Chile | Visa required | — | Holders of any US visa (except transit type C) with 6+ months validity are exempt from tourist visa. |
| Colombia | Online Visa | — | National visa may be substituted with valid C or D Schengen visa or US visa with 180 days remaining. |
| Costa Rica | Visa required | — | May be substituted with valid US visa or multiple-entry visa from Canada or EU member state. |
| Cuba | eVisa | 90 days | — |
| Dominica | Visa not required | 6 months | — |
| Dominican Republic | Visa required | — | May be substituted with valid visa issued by Canada, US or any EU member state. |
| Ecuador | Online Visa | — | — |
| El Salvador | Visa required | — | Since October 2023, El Salvador imposes a USD 1,000 transit visa fee for Indian nationals. |
| Grenada | Visa not required | 3 months | — |
| Guatemala | Visa required | — | May be substituted with valid visa from Canada, the US, or a Schengen Area member state. |
| Guyana | Visa required | — | Visa on arrival if holding a letter of invitation from sponsor or host. |
| Haiti | Visa not required | 3 months | — |
| Honduras | Visa required | — | May be substituted with valid visa from Canada, the US or a Schengen Area member state. |
| Jamaica | Visa not required | — | — |
| Mexico | Visa required | — | May be substituted with valid visa or permanent residence from US, Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen Area member state for tourism, transit, or business. |
| Nicaragua | Visa required | — | Holders of normal passport with valid visa from Canada, US, or Schengen can get visa on arrival for 30 days (USD 10 fee). |
| Panama | Visa required | — | May be substituted with valid multiple entry visa from US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or EU member state — used at least once, with 1 year validity remaining. |
| Paraguay | Visa required | — | — |
| Peru | Visa required | — | Holders of valid Australia, Canada, UK, US or Schengen visa/permanent residence can stay visa-free for 180 days within any 365-day period. Visa must be valid for 6 months from arrival. |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Electronic Travel Authorisation | 3 months | — |
| Saint Lucia | Visa on arrival | 6 weeks | — |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Visa not required | 3 months | — |
| Samoa | Entry permit on arrival | 90 days | — |
| Suriname | eVisa | 90 days | — |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Visa not required | 90 days | — |
| United States | Visa required | — | Transit visa required. |
| Uruguay | Visa required | — | Visa issued free of cost. Prior authorization required. |
| Venezuela | Visa required | — | — |
4. Asia
India’s closest neighbours — Nepal and Bhutan — offer freedom of movement for Indian citizens. Southeast and South Asian destinations are generally accessible via eVisa or visa on arrival. Note: Several GCC countries (Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait) allow Indians with valid US, UK, or Schengen visas to obtain visa on arrival.
| Country / Territory | Visa Requirement | Allowed Stay | Key Notes |
| Afghanistan | Visa required | — | Visa fee waived for ordinary Indian passport holders. |
| Armenia | eVisa | 90 days | Visa on arrival available for holders of valid residence permit or visa issued by EU/Schengen, USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, UK, Canada, Russia, Japan, or UAE/GCC countries (physical card/sticker). |
| Azerbaijan | eVisa | 30 days | USD 30 payable at international airports. Prior eVisa required for land border entry. Passports with Armenian stamp subject to extra screening. |
| Bahrain | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 14 days | 14 days to 1-year multiple-entry (max stay 90 days). Visa on arrival for GCC residents (more than 3 months validity). Also for holders of valid visit visa to UAE, UK, US, KSA, Schengen or US Green Card. |
| Bangladesh | Visa required | — | Diplomatic and Official Passport holders eligible for visa on arrival by air/road/sea. Fee waived for ordinary passport holders applying in India. |
| Bhutan | Freedom of Movement | Unlimited (border areas) | Voter ID or Indian Passport accepted by air and land. Permits required beyond border areas; BTN 1200/day Sustainable Development Fee applies. |
| Brunei | Visa required | — | — |
| Cambodia | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | Fee of USD 36 applicable. |
| China | Visa required | — | 24-hour visa-free transit at international airports. Due to border disputes, China only issues stapled visas for Arunachal Pradesh, J&K, and Ladakh residents. |
| Georgia | eVisa | 30 days | Reinstated from May 2023. Holders of valid visa/residence permit from US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, NZ, Israel, South Korea, Ireland, Schengen and GCC countries may receive 90-day visa-free entry. |
| India | — | — | Home country |
| Indonesia | e-VOA / Visa on arrival | 30 days | 30 days for tourism purposes; IDR 500,000 fee. |
| Iran | eVisa | 30 days | As of 18 November 2025, visa-free access revoked. Indian citizens must have visa prior to arrival. Kish Island visa-free. |
| Iraq | eVisa | 30 days | — |
| Israel | eVisa | — | Digital e-visa system launched for Indian passport holders resident in India, effective 1 January 2025. |
| Japan | eVisa | — | Residents in India must submit documents through VFS. Residents in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, UK, US can apply for single-entry e-Visa for tourism by air. |
| Jordan | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | — |
| Kazakhstan | Visa not required | 14 days | — |
| Kuwait | Visa required | — | US, UK, Schengen visa/residence permit holders can apply for eVisa. GCC residents in certain professions can apply for eVisa (3 KD fee). |
| Kyrgyzstan | eVisa | 60 days | eVisa holders must arrive via Manas or Osh Airport or through specific land crossings. Citizens arriving at Manas can stay visa-free for 7 days with USD 500+ voucher. |
| Laos | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | Visa on arrival available at Luang Prabang, Pakse and Vientiane airports and 4 Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges. |
| Lebanon | Visa required | — | Approval from immigration department of General Directorate of General Security also required. |
| Malaysia | Visa not required | 30 days | Visa-free until 31 December 2026 for tourism only. Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) submission within 3 days is mandatory. |
| Maldives | Visa not required | 90 days | — |
| Mongolia | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 30 days | — |
| Myanmar | eVisa / Visa on arrival | 28/30 days | eVisa holders must arrive via Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay airports or specific land borders with Thailand/India. eVisa for tourism (28 days) or business (70 days). |
| Nepal | Freedom of Movement | Unlimited | Voter ID or Indian Passport accepted by air and land. Indian citizens may live and work freely under 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty. |
| North Korea | Visa required | — | — |
| Oman | Visa required | 14 days | Visa on arrival for holders of valid Australia, Canada, Japan, UK, US or Schengen visa/residence permit. Also for GCC residents. |
| Pakistan | Admission restricted | — | Visa issuance and travel heavily restricted after 2025 Pahalgam Attack. Kartarpur Corridor closed from India’s side. |
| Philippines | Visa not required / eVisa | 14 / 59 days | Visa-free for tourism only. Valid US/Japan/Australia/Canada/Schengen/Singapore/UK visa holders can stay 30 days. eVisa available for up to 59 days. |
| Qatar | Visa not required | 30 days | Visa waiver granted on arrival. Must have confirmed return ticket and hotel reservation (minimum 2-night booking through Discover Qatar website). |
| Saudi Arabia | Visa required | — | Tourist visa on arrival for holders of valid Schengen, UK and US visa. Visitors must arrive through national carrier. 96-hour free transit visa for Saudia/flynas passengers. Credit card required at airports. |
| Singapore | Visa required | — | Online e-Service through authorized travel agencies or local sponsors. 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility available for holders of valid visa from Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, NZ, UK, US, Switzerland. |
| South Korea | Visa required | — | Tourist/Transit visa (30 days) may be granted to permanent residents or visa holders from US, Canada, Australia, NZ or Schengen countries traveling to/from those countries. |
| Sri Lanka | Visa not required | 30 days | — |
| Syria | eVisa | — | — |
| Taiwan | Visa required | — | 14-day online travel authority available to Indian citizens with valid/expired (within 10 years) permanent residency or visa from Australia, Canada, Japan, NZ, Schengen, UK or US. |
| Tajikistan | eVisa | 60 days | eVisa holders can enter through all border points. Color scan of passport required for upload. Letter of invitation may be requested. |
| Thailand | Visa not required | 60 days | Visa-free for up to 60 days. From 1 May 2025, digital arrival card (TDAC) must be filled up to 3 days before arrival. |
| Timor-Leste | Visa on arrival | 30 days | — |
| Turkey | Visa required | — | Conditional single-entry eVisa (30 days) for holders of valid visa/residence permit from Schengen, US, UK, or Ireland. |
| Turkmenistan | Visa required | — | Letter of invitation from Turkmenistan-registered company approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs can obtain visa on arrival (10 days, extendable by 10 more days). |
| United Arab Emirates | Visa required | — | Visas granted for 30, 60, or 90 days. Holders of valid US/UK/EU visit visa (6 months validity) or residence visa can get visa on arrival (14 days, AED 100). Holders of residency permits from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, NZ, and Canada are also eligible. |
| Uzbekistan | eVisa | 30 days | 5-day visa-free transit at international airports with confirmed onward ticket. |
| Vietnam | eVisa | 90 days | eVisa valid for 90 days and multiple entry. |
| Yemen | Visa required | — | Yemen introduced an eVisa system for group travel (10+), business trips, and transit. |
5. Europe
The Schengen Area (comprising 27 European countries) requires Indian citizens to obtain a Schengen short-stay visa in advance. A single Schengen visa permits travel to all member states within the 90/180-day rule. Notably, as of February 2026, France launched a 6-month pilot program allowing Indian nationals to transit French airports without an Airport Transit Visa.
Key Schengen Note
A Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen member states. Additionally, holding a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa unlocks visa-free entry or eVisa eligibility in 20+ non-Schengen countries worldwide.
| Country / Territory | Visa Requirement | Allowed Stay | Key Notes |
| Albania | eVisa | — | Visa-exempt for holders of valid Schengen/US/UK residence permit, multiple-entry Schengen visa (used once), 10-year UAE residence permit, or multiple-entry US/UK visa (used once). |
| Andorra | Visa required | — | Only accessible through France and Spain; double- or multiple-entry Schengen Visa or Schengen Area residence permit required. |
| Austria | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Belarus | Visa required | — | Visas waived for holders of EU/Schengen visa. National visa may be substituted with Schengen visa or EU national visa if arriving/departing via Minsk International Airport. |
| Belgium | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Visa required | 6 months | National visa may be substituted with valid multiple-entry visa from EU, Schengen, or US. |
| Bulgaria | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Croatia | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Cyprus | Visa required | — | National visa may be substituted with double- or multiple-entry C visa from a Schengen Area member state. |
| Czech Republic | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Denmark | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Estonia | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Finland | Visa required | — | Schengen category A visa (airport transit) not required for Indian passport holders traveling through international transit area. |
| France | Visa required | — | As of February 19, 2026, France announced a 6-month pilot program allowing Indian nationals to transit through French airports without an Airport Transit Visa. |
| Georgia | eVisa | 30 days | See Asia section. |
| Germany | Visa required | — | Schengen category A visa (airport transit) not required for stays up to 24 hours within international area. |
| Greece | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Hungary | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Iceland | Visa required | — | Schengen category A visa (airport transit) not required for Indian passport holders traveling through international transit area. |
| Ireland | Visa required | — | UK C visa holders who have first entered the UK and been granted 180 days stay are exempt for 90 days in Ireland. Entry only permitted if first point of entry to Common Travel Area is UK. |
| Italy | Visa required | — | Schengen category A visa (airport transit) not required for Indian passport holders at international transit area. |
| Kosovo | Visa required | — | Schengen zone visa or residence permit valid for 15 days. |
| Latvia | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Liechtenstein | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Lithuania | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Luxembourg | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Malta | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Moldova | Visa required | — | May be substituted with valid C/D visa or residence permit from UK, Schengen, or EU member state (90 days). US/Canada visa/residence permit holders are exempt. eVisa issued for max 90 days in previous 180-day period. |
| Monaco | Visa required | — | French visa rules apply. |
| Montenegro | Visa required | 30 days | May be substituted with valid visa/residence permit from Schengen, UK, Ireland, US, Japan, Canada, NZ, or Australia. APEC card holders also eligible. |
| Netherlands | Visa required | — | Schengen category A visa (airport transit) not required for Indian passport holders at international transit area. |
| North Macedonia | Visa required | — | May be substituted with valid double/multiple-entry C visa from Schengen or British, Canadian or US visa for 15 days (visa must be ‘inserted in the passport’). |
| Norway | Visa required | — | Schengen category A visa (airport transit) not required for Indian passport holders at international transit area. |
| Poland | Visa required | — | Schengen category A visa (airport transit) not required for Indian passport holders at international transit area. |
| Portugal | Visa required | — | Schengen category A visa (airport transit) not required for Indian passport holders at international transit area. |
| Romania | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Russia | eVisa | 30 days | Application must be made 40 to 4 days before intended entry date. |
| San Marino | Visa required | — | No border control but only accessible via Italy; Italian visa rules apply. |
| Serbia | eVisa | 90 days | Invitation letter or proof of accommodation required. National visa may be substituted with valid visa/residence permit from EU, Schengen, UK, or US for 90 days in 180-day period. |
| Slovakia | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Slovenia | Visa required | — | Application at Slovenian Embassy/Consulate in New Delhi. |
| Spain | Visa required | — | Transit visa required, except for holders of valid visa/residence permit from US, UK, Japan, Canada, Ireland, Schengen, Cyprus, or Andorra, Monaco, San Marino residence permit. |
| Sweden | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. |
| Switzerland | Visa required | — | Schengen category A visa (airport transit) not required for Indian passport holders at international transit area. |
| Ukraine | eVisa | 30 days | eVisa system reintroduced for Indian travelers from 17 February 2025, which was suspended due to Russia-Ukraine conflict. |
| United Kingdom | Visa required | — | Visa not required if holding a biometric Irish visa endorsed with ‘BC BIVS’ and valid Irish entry stamp. Other exemptions apply for Direct Airside Transit. |
| Vatican City | Visa required | — | Schengen visa required. Entry only from Italy; Italian visa rules apply. |
6. Oceania & Pacific
Several Pacific island nations offer visa-free entry to Indian citizens. Australia requires a visa obtained through its online portal, while New Zealand requires a visa though Australian permanent residents may receive a NZ Resident Visa on arrival under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.
| Country / Territory | Visa Requirement | Allowed Stay | Key Notes |
| Australia | Online Visa required | — | May obtain visa through online portal (Online Visitor e600 visa). Transit visa required. From 1 October 2024, Indian citizens can apply for Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa. |
| Fiji | Visa not required | 4 months | — |
| Kiribati | Visa not required | 90 days | Maximum 90 days in any 12-month period. |
| Marshall Islands | Visa on arrival | 90 days | — |
| Micronesia | Visa not required | 30 days | — |
| Nauru | Visa required | — | — |
| New Zealand | Visa required | — | Holders of Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa may be granted NZ Resident Visa on arrival (indefinite stay, Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement), subject to character requirements and Electronic Travel Authority. |
| Palau | Free Visa on arrival | 30 days | — |
| Papua New Guinea | eVisa | 30 days | — |
| Philippines | Visa not required / eVisa | 14/59 days | See Asia section. |
| Samoa | Entry permit on arrival | 90 days | — |
| Solomon Islands | Visa required | — | — |
| Timor-Leste | Visa on arrival | 30 days | — |
| Tonga | Visa required | — | — |
| Tuvalu | Visa on arrival | 1 month | — |
| Vanuatu | Visa not required | 120 days | — |
7. Dependent, Disputed & Special Territories
The following territories have their own entry requirements that may differ from the administering country. In many cases, US, UK, or Schengen visas provide additional access to these territories.
| Country / Territory | Visa Requirement | Allowed Stay | Key Notes |
| Hong Kong (China) | Electronic Travel Authorization | 14 days | — |
| Macau (China) | Visa not required | 30 days | — |
| Faroe Islands (Denmark) | Visa required | — | — |
| Greenland (Denmark) | Visa required | — | — |
| French Guiana | Visa required | — | — |
| French Polynesia | Visa required | — | — |
| Guadeloupe | Visa required | — | — |
| Martinique | Visa required | — | — |
| Réunion | Organized trips | 15 days | Via approved travel agencies only. |
| New Caledonia | Visa required | — | — |
| Aruba / Bonaire / Curaçao (Netherlands) | Visa required | — | Exempt with valid multiple-entry visa/residence permit from Canada, UK, Ireland or US, or Schengen visa. |
| Sint Maarten (Netherlands) | Visa required | — | Exempt with valid multiple-entry visa/residence permit from Canada, UK, Ireland or US, or Schengen visa. |
| Cook Islands (New Zealand) | Visa not required | 31 days | — |
| Niue (New Zealand) | Visa not required | 30 days | — |
| Svalbard (Norway) | Visa not required | Unlimited | Unlimited under Svalbard Treaty but practically requires Schengen visa to board flight/ferry via Norway. |
| Anguilla (UK) | eVisa | — | Exempt for holders of UK visa. Valid UK, US, or Canada visa or residence permit can be used. |
| Bermuda (UK) | Visa required | — | Exempt for 3 months for holders of multiple-entry visa from Canada, US or UK, valid at least 45 days beyond intended stay. |
| British Virgin Islands | Visa not required | 30 days | — |
| Cayman Islands (UK) | Visa required | — | Exempt for permanent residents or holders of US, Canada or UK visas arriving directly from that country. |
| Gibraltar (UK) | Visa required | — | UK Visa (6+ months) or multiple-entry Schengen visa covers entry. Schengen Residence Permits not accepted. |
| Montserrat (UK) | Visa not required | 6 months | — |
| Turks and Caicos Islands (UK) | Visa not required | 90 days | — |
| Guam (US) | Visa required | — | US visa required. |
| Puerto Rico (US) | Visa required | — | Exempt for holders of valid multiple-entry US visa. |
| Northern Mariana Islands (US) | Visa required | — | — |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Visa required | — | — |
| Northern Cyprus | Visa not required | 3 months | — |
| Palestine | Visa not required | — | Arrival by sea to Gaza Strip not allowed. |
| Taiwan | Visa required | 14 days | 14-day online travel authority for holders of valid/recently expired Australian, Canadian, Japanese, NZ, Schengen, UK or US permanent residency or visa. |
| Transnistria | Visa not required | — | Registration required after 24 hours. |
8. Non-Visa Restrictions
Beyond visa requirements, Indian travellers should be aware of the following additional entry conditions that apply at many international borders:
Passport Validity
Many countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival. This includes Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE, Vietnam, and many more.
Countries requiring 3 months validity beyond intended departure include Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Honduras, Montenegro, Nauru, Moldova, New Zealand, and all EEA/Schengen countries.
Countries of the Schengen area also require non-EU passports to be less than 10 years old upon entry.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
The following African countries require all incoming passengers older than 9 months to 1 year to present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (Yellow Fever): Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, South Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia. French Guiana in South America also requires this certificate.
Countries requiring vaccination only if arriving from/transiting through yellow fever-endemic areas include Algeria, Botswana, Cape Verde, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Biometric Data Collection
Several countries collect fingerprints and/or facial scans from all foreign visitors, including India itself. Countries collecting biometrics include: Afghanistan, Argentina, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, the entire Schengen Area (via the EES system launched October 2025), Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Uganda, UAE, and the United States.
Israeli Passport Stamps
Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, and Yemen do not allow entry to people whose passports contain Israeli stamps or evidence of travel to Israel. Iran refuses admission to holders of passports containing an Israeli visa or stamp less than 12 months old. To address this, Israel ceased stamping foreign passports at Ben Gurion Airport since January 2013.
Criminal Record
Countries including Australia, Canada, Fiji, New Zealand, and the United States routinely deny entry to non-citizens with a criminal record, depending on the type and severity of conviction.
9. Visa Exemptions Through Third-Country Visas
Indian citizens holding valid visas from certain major countries gain additional visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to other countries. This significantly expands travel options for Indian passport holders who already hold US, Canadian, UK, or Schengen visas.
With a Valid US Multiple-Entry Visa
Visa-free access to: Albania, Argentina, Bahamas, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey (eVisa), Uruguay.
Visa-free access to territories: Anguilla, Aruba, Bermuda, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Kosovo, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Saba.
Visa on arrival in: Antigua and Barbuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Bahrain, Nicaragua, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
With a Valid Canadian Multiple-Entry Visa
Visa-free access to: Bahamas, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Uruguay.
Visa on arrival in: Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Belize, Oman, UAE.
With a Valid UK Multiple-Entry Visa
Visa-free access to: Albania, Bahamas, Georgia, Ireland, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, Singapore, Turkey (eVisa), Uruguay, Gibraltar.
Visa on arrival in: Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
With a Valid Schengen Multiple-Entry Visa
Visa-free access to: Albania, Andorra, Bahamas, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Cyprus, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, South Korea, Turkey (eVisa), Uruguay.
Visa on arrival in: Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Bahrain, Nicaragua, Oman, Saudi Arabia.
GCC Residence Permit Benefits
Indian citizens holding a valid GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residence permit may access visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to Egypt, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, and Bahrain (GCC residents only for Bahrain). This greatly facilitates travel for the large Indian diaspora living and working in Gulf countries.
10. Special Zones & Sub-Regional Rules
Certain sub-regions and zones within countries have distinct entry requirements for Indian travellers:
- Jeju Island (South Korea): Visa-free for 30 days for Indian citizens arriving directly at Jeju Island.
- China — Hainan Province: Visa required, available at Haikou Meilan International Airport and Sanya Phoenix International Airport.
- China — Tibet Autonomous Region: Tibet Travel Permit required (USD 10).
- Belarus — Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park: Visa not required for 3 days with electronic pass.
- Belarus — Brest and Grodno: Visa not required for 10 days.
- Iran — Kish Island: Visa not required.
- Malaysia — Sabah and Sarawak: These states have their own immigration authorities and passport is required to travel to them, though the same visa applies.
- Vietnam — Phú Quốc: Visa not required for 30 days.
- Pakistan — Kartarpur Corridor: No visa required, USD 20 permit required. Note: Corridor was closed from India’s side following the 2025 Pahalgam Attack.
- Ecuador — Galápagos: Online pre-registration required. Transit Control Card must be obtained at airport before departure.
- Colombia — San Andrés and Leticia: Tourist cards must be purchased on arrival.
- Saudi Arabia — Mecca and Medina: Non-Muslims and those following the Ahmadiyya movement are strictly prohibited from entry.
11. Visa Reciprocity
The Indian Government has not drafted laws to mandate reciprocity in visa agreements. While a small number of bilateral agreements include reciprocity, many visa relationships remain asymmetric. India grants eVisas (typically 60 days) to citizens of many countries that offer only basic access to Indian passport holders.
Countries with Full Reciprocity
India has achieved full reciprocity in visa-free or eVisa privileges with: Bhutan (Freedom of Movement), Nepal (Freedom of Movement), Maldives (Visa not required, 90 days), and numerous eVisa partners including Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Benin, Botswana, Bolivia, Cambodia, Colombia, Djibouti, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Georgia, Guinea, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia.
Countries with Partial Reciprocity
India has achieved partial reciprocity with countries where Indian immigration rules afford citizens of those countries slightly fewer privileges than what those countries provide for Indian citizens. This includes countries such as Angola, Barbados, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.
12. Key Travel Tips for Indian Passport Holders
- Always check the most current visa requirements before travel, as policies change frequently.
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canadian, or Schengen visas should investigate whether they can access additional countries through third-country visa exemptions — this can significantly expand travel options.
- GCC (Gulf) residents enjoy particularly expanded travel benefits, including visa-on-arrival access to several countries not available to regular Indian passport holders.
- Ensure your passport has sufficient blank pages (typically 1–2) before travelling, as many countries enforce this requirement.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificates are mandatory for travel to/from many African countries. Ensure certificates are obtained well in advance.
- Always carry sufficient funds and a confirmed return/onward ticket, as many countries require these for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry.
- Indian citizens with Pakistani passport stamps may face difficulties entering Israel, and vice versa. Exercise caution when planning itineraries through conflicting regions.
- Since 2025, India issues ordinary e-passports, which may streamline processing at biometric-enabled borders.
