Visa on arrival countries for Indian passport holders in 2025

Are you planning an international trip or a globe-trotting adventure and are stuck considering the planning and preparation to get a pre-approved visa? Well, worry not. In 2025, dozens of countries will allow Indian passport holders to get visas on arrival, making travelling to those countries a lot more convenient and reducing friction for travellers.

Here is all you need to know about visas on arrival: What does visa on arrival mean? What are some popular visa on arrival countries for Indians? How does visa on arrival for Indian passport holders work? And a lot more.

What does visa on arrival mean?

A visa on arrival is issued to a foreign national when entering a country that allows passport holders from partnered countries to get their visas without a pre-approval process. For example, Thailand is a country that enables Indian tourists to enter the country for a duration of up to 15 days when opting for a visa on arrival. While this duration is less than a pre-approved visa, with which a tourist can stay in the country for up to 60 days at a time, it is a lot more convenient and hassle-free for Indian passport holders. 

Forty-three countries enable Indian passport holders to enter their countries through a visa-on-arrival process. While this is still very convenient, unlike the 27 visa-free countries that Indian passport holders can travel to without needing a visa, Indians technically still need to get a visa to visit these countries. 

Note: Currently, Thailand has declared visa-free entry for Indians until May 10, 2024, after which it will revert to visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders.

What are some popular visa on arrival countries for Indians?

Several international destinations currently offer a visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. Many of these countries are popular tourist destinations for Indian tourists due to their proximity, stunning natural landscapes, budget, accommodation, travel methods, etc. Some of the most popular destinations are the Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, etc. 

Each of these countries is a destination that attracts thousands of Indian tourists each year and has a lot to offer to them in terms of creating new memories and celebrating lasting experiences together. 

Here is a list of the countries offering visa on arrival to Indian passport holders:

Where to check visa on arrival documents?

As every country’s immigration process and requirements are different, travellers are recommended to visit the official website of the destination country for the specific documents needed for the visa. 

Here are some of the standard documents sought after by the immigration authorities:

• A valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity from the entry date.
• Proof of return or onward journey.
• Proof of accommodation in the country, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a resident.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the entire visit or sponsorship letter.
• Passport-size photographs.
• A cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit might also be needed in a few countries.

Read Also: Discover new Schengen visa rules for Indian tourists

How does visa on arrival for Indian passport holders work?

Currently, 43 countries allow visas on arrival for Indians with a varying duration of visa availability. For example, Indians visiting Madagascar will be eligible for up to 90 days in the country, while tourists visiting Myanmar will qualify for 30 days of entry. For the exact specific duration, it is vital to check out the official website for the duration of entry for your planned travel destination. 

In addition to this, each country might also have a different visa-on-arrival process; however, here is a simple breakdown of the steps for quick reference and navigation:

1. Complete arrival card

An arrival card is a document that includes essential information such as name, passport number, purpose of visit, and travel duration.

2. Keep essential documentation handy

Keep your passport, return ticket or proof of further trip, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds for each day of the visit, passport-size photograph, etc.

3. Arrival at destination

Once you reach the destination, head to the visa on arrival counters at the airport.

4. Visa application

Fill out the visa application form and submit any required documents at the counter.

5. Payment of visa fees

Pay the applicable visa fees depending on your duration of stay and the country.

6. Visa issuance

Once the visa application and payment are processed, you will receive a visa, which you can show to complete the immigration process.

Why do you need travel insurance when going on a foreign trip?

Although foreign travel has never been easier and has become much more accessible, it is expensive, and any unexpected or unnecessary expenses can result in significant financial loss and a negative travel experience for an Indian traveller. 

While not impacting everyone, some hidden risks can lead to financial loss, such as trip delay or cancellation, missed connecting flight, loss of passport, loss of checked-in baggage, medical emergency, personal accident, etc. 

However, while these risks exist, there are tools to mitigate their impact and enable travellers to explore the world with confidence and peace of mind. International travel insurance comes into play and financially protects travellers from the effects of these risks in the form of compensation, reimbursement, or cashless claims during medical treatment. 

Conclusion

Going on a foreign trip can be an eye-opening experience, whether exploring the depths of the deep blue sea, hiking atop the hills, or relaxing in a boat through the Venetian rivers. Each of these experiences is something unlike any other, and travelling unlocks that. With schemes like visa on arrival and visa-free entry, foreign travel is now more accessible than ever for Indian travellers.

So secure your journey with the right travel insurance whenever planning a trip, create lasting memories, and share everlasting experiences with friends and loved ones.