UAE travel: Updated list of countries allowing visa-free travel for Indians

Have you ever wanted to go on holiday but felt you wouldn’t get your visa on time? Indians worldwide now have more travel options than ever before as more countries begin to offer them visa-free travel.

On Friday, December 8, Bloomberg reported that Indonesia has plans to let more nationalities enter the country without visas. The government is proposing to add 20 countries to the list, including the US, China and India, said Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno after a cabinet meeting on Thursday.The government is targeting 11.5 million foreign tourists this year.

While Indonesia is yet to confirm the new policy, here are some other countries who have recently opened up visa-free entry to Indian travellers.

On Sunday (November 26, 2023), Malaysian media reported that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that visitors from India and China will be granted 30-day visa-free entry into Malaysia starting December 1. Above: Sabah Borneo Scenic View of Tun Sakaran Marine Park tropical island.

From the iconic skyline of Kuala Lumpur to the historical charm of Penang and the lush rainforests of Borneo, Malaysia is a family holiday destination with something for everyone. It has lively cities, mouthwatering cuisine, breathtaking beaches, adorable islands, and national parks with teeming jungles. Above: Petronas Twins Towers in Kuala-Lumpur.

Earlier in October, Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry said that Sri Lanka will allow visa-free entry to visitors from seven countries, including India. Ali Sabry stated on X (formerly Twitter), "Cabinet approves issuing free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till March 31."

Srilanka is a tropical paradise that promises an array of unforgettable experiences. Train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy among tea plantations in the highlands of Sri Lanka — especially on the Nine Arch Bridge —are among the most picturesque train routes in the world. Above: Train on the Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Thailand announced on October 31 that the country would waive visas for travellers from India six months ahead of the year-end holiday period. Tourists from India and Taiwan will be able to enter Thailand without a visa between November 10 and May 10, 2024, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters after a cabinet meeting. Above: James Bond island with a traditional Thai wooden longtail boat and beautiful sand beach in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand.

The recent announcement makes it even more enticing to explore the bustling markets of Bangkok, bask in the sun on the idyllic shores of Phuket, or delve into the cultural richness of Chiang Mai. Above: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew at sunset in Bangkok, Thailand.

Based on recent media reports, Vietnam could soon join the list of countries offering visa-free travel for Indian tourists. A local media publication reported that Vietnam's Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Nguyen Van Hung, called for short-term visa waivers for Indian and Chinese tourists.

From the captivating beauty of Halong Bay to the timeless allure of Hanoi, the country seamlessly weaves together tradition and modernity. Above: Halong Bay in Vietnam. UNESCO World Heritage Site

With the festive season upon us, and four long weekends in 2024 for UAE residents, make plans to travel to one of these amazing countries. Above: Tourists poses for a photo in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building by Kuala Lumpur Independence (Merdeka) square.