Visa Free Countries for Indians in Southeast Asia

Whenever Indians think of travelling abroad, the first question on their mind is whether they will need a visa. However, if you find yourself travelling to Southeast Asia, you must check out the following visa-on-arrival countries for Indians and add them to your travel bucket list:

• Thailand

Thailand is a renowned tourist hot spot inviting more than 35 million travellers yearly. Famous for its white sandy beaches, exotic hotels, historic temples, and delicious foods – Thailand boasts of rich cultural heritage.

Thailand is one of the passport-free countries for Indian travellers, which means you can save on visa costs if you plan to take a trip to Thailand. However, there are still certain formalities that travellers will have to be mindful of:

• Thailand provides visas on arrival for Indians strictly for tourism purposes
• The passport of the traveller must be valid for at least 30 days
• Travellers must have a valid and verifiable address of their accommodation in Thailand
• Travellers should be able to present a confirmed return ticket affirming that they will be flying out of Thailand within 15 days of entering the country

To get detailed and updated information about the relevant rules, regulations, and guidelines, travellers are advised to check the official website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/tha/

• The Maldives

Love the serenity of beaches? It hardly gets better than the Maldives. The Manhattan of the Indian Ocean, the serene island of the Maldives, is renowned for the breathtaking views it offers its travellers and is a perfect blend of luxury and nature. From scenic beaches, captivating coral reefs, and relaxing spas to exotic water sports, rich architectural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine, the Maldives has something in store for every traveller.

If Indian travellers need further encouragement, they will be happy to know that the Maldives also offer free visas for Indian passport holders. Although the Maldives is a few among the visa-free countries for Indian passport carriers, there are certain conditions associated:

• Travel documents must be updated, and your passport must be valid for six months after your arrival date in the Maldives
• The visa on arrival in the Maldives for Indian passport holders is valid for 30 days
• If you wish to lengthen your stay, you can get your visa extended for up to 90 days after getting approval from the relevant authorities

This seamless travelling experience is what makes the Maldives the most sought-after destination for Indian travellers.

• Indonesia

Most know Indonesia by Bali – and for good reasons too! The magical island of Bali is just as calming as it is enchanting. But Indonesia is a cultural feast with a memorable combination of religion and diverse and distinctive landmarks that promise an unforgettable travelling experience. Aside from the volcanoes, Komodo dragons, and heavenly views, Indonesia is another one on the list of visa-free countries for Indians. Here are some important pointers when travelling to Indonesia:

• As Indonesia makes it to the list of visa-free countries for Indian passport bearers, Indians can receive their visa on arrival for the duration of 30 days
• If you need some more days to explore the diversity of Indonesia, you can get your visa extended for another 30 days from the Local Immigration Office
• If your expected stay is for longer than 30 days, it will take anywhere between 2-15 days to process your visa

Note: The Indonesian government has temporarily suspended visa-free entry for 159 countries on 19th June 2023. This was done to prevent public order disruptions and the potential transmission of disease from countries that are not certified as disease-free by the World Health Organization (WHO).
For further updates on this, please visit the official portal of the Indonesian Embassy, New Delhi.

• Hong Kong

If you are seeking to travel to an exciting destination that is brimming with a bustling culture, you can end your search with Hong Kong. Famously known for the Causeway Bay and Disneyland, Hong Kong’s architecture boasts of both contemporary skyscrapers and centuries-old temples. The delights offered by this vibrant city leave every traveller wanting more. In addition to being celebrated for its iconic landmarks, Indians will love this destination for being included in the list of visa-on-arrival countries for Indians. The eligibility criteria for a Hong Kong visa are as follows:

• Indian passport holders seeking to visit Hong Kong must complete their pre-arrival registration before they transit or visit the visa-free facility in Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR)

• You can intend to stay in Hong Kong for no longer than 14 days

• You must hold an Indian passport with at least 6-month validity

• Macau

If you are looking for an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience that has diverse offerings to meet the needs of every kind of traveller, Macau is the destination of your dreams. From stately churches and calm streets to ostentatious casinos and finger-licking food – Macau brings its tourists the best of two worlds: Europe and Asia. Fortunately, Macau is another one among passport-free countries for Indian travellers. The eligibility criteria for Indian passport holders are as follows:

• Indian passport holders don’t need a visa before travelling to Macau if the duration of their stay is less than 30 days
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your visit to Macau

The visa-friendly policies of these Southeast Asian countries promise a memorable getaway without the hassle of having to get a visa. However, for a truly unforgettable experience, every wise traveller must plan for contingencies with overseas travel insurance.
In light of the pandemic-propagated travel fluctuations, a comprehensive travel insurance plan acted as a financial safety net for globetrotters. To enhance safety, insurance providers included a COVID-19 cover in the travel insurance plan.

The travel insurance plan by Tata AIG is carefully curated to cover almost every unpleasant scenario that travellers might encounter away from home. Insurance holders can even conveniently claim travel insurance policy online. Whether it is loss of passport, cancellation of flight, misplaced baggage, or even medical emergencies and hospitalisations, overseas travel insurance acts as your best friend in trying times. Therefore, to have an enjoyable and stress-free travelling experience, overseas travel insurance is a crucial travel inclusion.

Information last updated Sep 22. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.