Visa-Free Travel For Indian Passport Holders

The Japanese passport was ranked the most powerful passport in the world in 2020 based on how many countries the passport holder can enter without requiring a visa. Singapore and South Korea followed suit.  Where does the Indian passport stand among this ranking? While it does not rank in the top ten, the Indian passport does allow uncomplicated travel to several popular destinations. 

If you are planning your travel itinerary for 2020 or simply transiting through any of these countries while visiting India, you can be assured of an uncomplicated, visa free travel to and through these nations if you hold a valid Indian passport.

  • France: Paris tops as the travel destination of the world but for Indians it is also a common transiting airport when going in out of India from the US. Earlier every transiting traveler had to seek a visa if their airplane had a layover over certain hours. Now this requirement has been dropped and Indian passport holders transiting and remaining in the international zone of any airport in France don’t require an airport transit visa anymore.
  • UAE: One of the most frequented layover destinations for Indians going to India from the US, Abu-Dhabi and Dubai now offer visa-free travel for travelers under 18. This is applicable only in the peaks months of summer-vacation travel.
  • Brazil: The Brazilian government has dropped all visa requirements for Indians visiting either as tourists or for short business trips. Brazil is a popular destination for Indians residing in the US or Canada and often visited.UAE: One of the most frequented layover destinations for Indians going to India from the US, Abu-Dhabi and Dubai now offer visa-free travel for travelers under 18. This is applicable only in the peaks months of summer-vacation travel.
  • Europe: Indian nationals often visit Europe and need a Schengen visa to enter several countries within the Europe. Process of getting a Schengen visa often requires an accompanying travel insurance before the visa is issued and can take time. However, for Indians having to visit these countries urgently and do not have the time to process the regular Schengen visa can apply for the Schengen super priority visa. This service is targeted at business travelers, frequent visitors and those needing to travel to Europe urgently.
  • Zimbabwe: The tedious process of having to get a visa before starting a journey deters many from going places. Zimbabwe has relaxed these formalities for Indian passport holders and is one of the 28 countries that can get a visa on arrival at Zimbabwe.
  • Sri Lanka: The free visa-on-arrival in Sri Lanka if offered to Indian passport holders and 48 other countries. This benefits all Indians wanting to travel to the island nation south of India. 
  • Saudi Arabia: With an intention to improve tourism and make it a more accepting country, Saudi Arabia has relaxed a lot of its stringent visa laws. Women over the age of 25 can now get an immediate visa without being accompanied by a male.
  • Myanmar: The elongated process of getting a visa has been replaced with a quick e-visa that can be shown at the port of entry at the time of entry making going to Myanmar a hop, skip and jump trip from India.
  • Israel: Indian passport earns a huge financial discount on Israeli visas by applying under a B2, business or conference category.
  • Uzbekistan: Apply three days before the trip and Indian passport holders can travel to the Uzbekistan for 30 days on an e-visa.
  • Oman: Mostly catering to NRIs holding a valid visa to the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan or the Schengen states, Indian nationals holding a valid Indian passport can get a visa on arrival for a nominal fee at the port of entry.
  • Japan: Japan had firm visa policies about entering the country. Earlier one needed supporting documentation from employers and ones to show purposes of visit and stay. Indian tourists can get a quick visa by submitting a recent photograph and proof of your financial stability to acquire a short-term or a multiple-entry visa.

For more countries that allow visa free travel to Indian passport holders that also have a US green card, scan Path2USA’s list here.

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