With the beginning of the tourist season, Thailand has temporarily removed visa requirements for travellers from India. Starting November 10, Indian citizens can visit the island nation for up to 30 days without a visa. This visa-free access is available from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024.
This decision follows Sri Lanka's recent announcement of visa-free entry for visitors from India and six other countries, which includes China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand.
According to the 2023 Passport Index by Henley and Partners, Indian passport holders can travel in 57 countries without a visa. This list comprises countries offering visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival facilities, and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The Henley Passport Index ranks passports worldwide on the basis of the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa.
Cook Islands
Situated in the Pacific Ocean and under New Zealand's sovereignty, the Cook Islands offer a pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and a welcoming culture. Indian citizens can stay for up to 30 days without a visa, provided their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the departure date and has an available visa page.
Mauritius
This island nation is known for its sandy beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. Passport holders from over 100 countries, including India, can visit Mauritius visa-free for up to 90 days.
Bhutan
Due to its proximity to India, entering Bhutan is relatively straightforward. Indian travellers don't need a visa to visit Bhutan, especially for stays of seven days or less. A valid passport or other identification suffices.
Hong Kong
A region in China, Hong Kong offers a blend of natural beauty and impressive architecture. Indian passport holders can live in the country without a visa for up to 14 days.
Barbados
Known as the 'Jewel of the Caribbean,' Barbados is famous for its stunning beaches, including Rockley Beach. Indian citizens can visit Barbados for up to 90 days without a tourist visa.
Other countries allowing Indian passport holders visa-free travel include Fiji, Micronesia, Niue, Vanuatu, Oman, Qatar, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Kazakhstan, Macao (SAR China), Nepal, El Salvador, Gabon, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia.
(With PTI inputs)