Joining the ranks of Thailand and Vietnam, another country is now extending a warm welcome to Indians with visa-free entry. This latest development opens up exciting opportunities for Indian travelers seeking new destinations. The article explores the details of this noteworthy update, shedding light on the perks and experiences awaiting Indian passport holders in this visa-free destination. Discover the ease of travel and the cultural richness that awaits as yet another country joins the list, making international exploration more accessible for Indian globetrotters.
India’s Passport Strength
In the recent ranking by the Passport Index, a global measure of passport strength, India secured the 137th position. This index gauges passport strength by considering the number of countries citizens can visit without a visa. According to the findings, Indian passport holders encounter visa requirements for entering 123 countries.
India’s Passport Power Rank, as revealed by the Passport Index, is at 68. Though this indicates a moderate position globally, it mirrors India’s current international mobility status. This is especially pertinent as three South Asian countries are deliberating on allowing visa-free travel for Indian nationals for a specific duration.
The Indian passport, with a mobility score of 75, permits visa-free travel to 23 countries and provides visa-on-arrival access to 49 nations, as per the index. Notably, three additional countries have recently granted visa-free entry to Indian nationals, bringing the total count to 26 and aiming to enhance tourism.
Countries offering visa free access to Indians
India recently gained visa-free entry to Thailand and Sri Lanka, and Malaysia plans to join on December 1, aiming to boost its tourism industry. Although these 25 countries offer visa-free access to Indians, they may have limitations on the length of stay. Notably, Jamaica, Nepal, and the Palestinian Territories impose no such restrictions.
| Countries | Stay Duration (in days) |
|---|---|
| Angola | 30 |
| Barbados | 90 |
| Bhutan | 14 |
| Dominica | 180 |
| El Salvador | 90 |
| Fiji | 120 |
| Gabon | 30 |
| Gambia | 90 |
| Grenada | 90 |
| Haiti | 90 |
| Jamaica | Visa-free |
| Kazakhstan | 14 |
| Macao | 30 |
| Malaysia | 90 |
| Mauritius | 90 |
| Micronesia | 30 |
| Nepal | Visa-free |
| Palestinian Territories | Visa-free |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 90 |
| Senegal | 90 |
| Sri Lanka | 30 |
| St. Vincent and the Grenadines | 90 |
| Thailand | 30 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 90 |
| Vanuatu | 90 |
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared visa-free entry for Indians and Chinese citizens starting December 1, following Thailand and Sri Lanka. Eight ASEAN countries already enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry for social visits, tourism, and business. India, a major contributor to Malaysian tourism, benefits from this. Sri Lanka extends visa-free entry to Indians, along with China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand until March 31, 2024. The initiative aims to boost tourism, with the goal of attracting five million tourists in the coming years, according to the tourism ministry.
Thailand has removed visa requirements for Indians and Taiwanese visitors. Indians can now visit Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days, effective from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024. These changes are expected to boost India’s passport ranking. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds the world’s strongest passport, granting visa-free travel to 116 countries and visa-on-arrival access to 57 nations, with an impressive total mobility score of 173.
Passport ranking of India
India is ranked 80th in the Henley Passport Index 2023 among 199 countries, with Singapore leading the list. The top 10 countries in the Henley Passport Index include:
- Singapore
- Japan
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Austria
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