Visa-friendly South East Asian countries for Indian travellers
Friday, 14 November 2014
Travel visa-free or get a visa-on-arrival to these fabulous South East Asian destinations.
Have you wanted to pamper yourself with a last minute getaway to another country, but haven’t been able to due to all the visa formalities? Things are about to get so much easier, because there are a lot of countries now that offer visa on arrival to Indian visitors, while some don’t even require that. The best part is, a lot of these are in Southeast Asia, so you don’t even have to fly too far to take a break from your routine. Skyscanner highlights some:
Countries in South East Asia offering Visa On Arrival to Indian Visitors
1. Indonesia
The country of Kopi Luwak, active volcanoes and stunning beaches, Indonesia is a place where you can spend not just days, but months and still not want to leave. Get your cultural fix in Yogyakarta and Bali, climb the breath-taking Mount Agung and enjoy the natural beauty of Komodo. See, we told you. You’re going to love Indonesia.
Indonesia gives Indian passport-holders visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. The cost is USD 25, and for more details you can check here.Flights to Indonesia from Indian cities can be quite cheap with a little planning.
Read more: Best beaches close to India
Swim, snorkel or dive in some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia
2. Thailand
Whether you want to party from dusk to dawn, shop till you drop or just laze on the beach and gaze at turquoise waters, Thailand won’t disappoint. Yes, it’s touristy and can get crowded, but it’s got some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches and the most beautifully sculpted statues of Buddha. And yes, the exhilarating Thai spa experiences that leave you feeling utterly rejuvenated. All the beach bums can head to Krabi or Koh Samui for a calm and relaxed stay, and for a cultural extravaganza, make a trip north to Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle. So what’re you waiting for? Book your tickets and hotels today!
Thailand offers visa on arrival for Indian visitors at a cost of 1000 Baht (Pay in cash only, and in Baht). For a complete and updated list of requirements, please refer to the Embassy’s website.
Read more: 10 most romantic hotels in Southeast Asia
From shopping to beaches to parties to religious cultural experiences, there's much to do, see and experience in Thailand!
3. Laos
As one of Southeast Asia’s untouched and beautiful countries, Laos is catching up with the travel scene rapidly. The capital city of Vientiane is refreshingly friendly, and laidback with a lot to see and explore. Luang Prabhang is a royal city and is a must visit for every history lover. The natural beauty of Northern Laos will floor you. Make sure you experience the real Laos by spending time in a local homestay.
Laos has visa on arrival for Indian visitors for a stay up to a maximum of 30 days, and it costs USD 30. You can obtain the visa at one of the international airports, at Vientiane or Luang Prabhang. Check here for cheap flights to Laos from India.
Immerse in absolutely stunning, untouched nature in Laos
4. Vietnam
Steeped in rich culture and with the weight of history on its shoulders, Vietnam beckons you to explore its treasures. The capital Ho Chi Minh City is high on energy, while the laidback Hoi An is a laidback, quaint town with beautiful architecture. Explore the limestone isles of Halong Bay, a designated World Heritage site, on a boat. Vietnam is a food lover’s paradise, and make sure you Indulge in traditional Vietnamese fare when you’re there. To plan your travel, check here for cheap tickets.
Vietnam has visa on arrival for Indians, provided online approval has been obtained in advance through a travel agency. There are many reputed agencies that handle this including myvietnamvisa and vietnam-visa. Refer to the individual sites for the price charged by these agencies. You will receive an approval letter in 2-3 days, and once you land in one of Vietnam’s international airports, you can get your visa for USD 45 for a single entry (one month or three months).
Vietnam: an exotic world of beautiful contrasts and a smorgasbord of tranquil moments
5. Cambodia
A lot of travellers have the magnificent Angkor Wat on their bucket lists. And what’s really cool is that Cambodia has so many other amazing places that you should visit. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are modern cities bustling with activity. Travel to the rural parts of the country, with their rice paddies and sugar palms to get away from the rush of the big cities. Spend time at the tropical beaches of Cambodia’s South Coast.
Indian visitors can get a Cambodia visa in three ways – 1. Apply at the Embassy. 2. Obtain an e-visa online. 3. Visa on arrival at one of Cambodia’s international airports, or land entry points.The visa on arrival costs USD 20 (paid in cash).
Temple sighting and explorations are just one of the many must-try activities in Cambodia
6. Maldives
White sand, cyan waters, and world-class diving sites – the Maldives are the perfect option for a getaway from all things mundane. The variety of seal life in this part of the Indian Ocean is truly stunning, and you will be reeling from the visual treat that these coral walls and fish in a myriad of colours have in store for you. Some of the best resorts are located in the Maldives. So go ahead and pamper yourself with a surreal holiday. Check here for cheap flights to the Maldives.
Indian travellers can get a visa on arrival free of cost, for a stay of up to 30 days.
It's crystal clear waters all across the Maldives
Visa-Free Travel in South East Asia for Indian Visitors
If you don’t want to bother with a visa on arrival, these places are just the perfect options for you:
1. Hong Kong
The city that’s always buzzing, Hong Kong is a traveller’s delight. Visit Victoria’s Peak, take a walk on Tsim Sha Tsui East promenade for fabulous views of the skyline and visit a night market when you’re in Hong Kong.
For a period of up to fourteen days, Indian travellers don’t need a visa for Hong Kong. Your passport is stamped on entry and as long as you leave Hong Kong within fourteen days, you can be visa-free.
Eat, party and shop 'til you drop in Hong Kong - the city that never sleeps
2. Macau
If you thought all there was in Macau was a Vegas-like atmosphere, you will be surprised by what’s in store for you. The Portuguese influence blends harmoniously with the Chinese alleys and temples. And yes, gambling is legal in Macau. Ferries operate round the clock from Hong Kong to Macau.
Indian visitors don’t need a visa to enter Macau, if the stay doesn’t exceed 30 days. Nothing sounds more thrilling than an impromptu trip to a foreign land.
Macau: the Vegas of the Eastern world
These South-East Asian countries, with their visa-friendly policies for Indians, will ensure that you always have someplace to go without queing up at embassies. Looking for more visa-friendly destinations around the world?
Read our piece on Visa on Arrival Travel For Indians.
Multiple-Entry Visas
Japan
Have you always wanted to see pretty cherry blossoms in full bloom, or an enthralling Geisha dance in Kyoto? It's time to plan a trip to Japan - a perfect blend of culture and modernisation, the new and the old. The Government of Japan has announced that they will issue multiple entry visas for short stays to Indian tourists. These visas will be issued at all Japanese embassies and Consulate Generals in India and abroad to cater to Indian citizens living in other countries.
