All about Russia’s plan to permit Indians to journey with out visa, different visa-free nations

Indian travellers are exploring the world like by no means earlier than, and maintaining tempo with this surge is a rising listing of nations opening their doorways via visa-free insurance policies.

With the Indian center class on the rise and international tourism recovering post-pandemic, nations the world over are more and more recognising India’s potential as a key tourism market.

Russia is the most recent nation to affix this pattern, saying visa-free entry for Indian vacationers, beginning subsequent yr. This transfer, together with related initiatives by different nations, displays a shift in international tourism insurance policies, making it simpler for Indians to discover worldwide locations.

The purpose of visa-free journey is to simplify entry procedures. Travellers solely want their passports, avoiding prolonged software processes and visa charges.

Right here’s a better have a look at the nations welcoming Indian vacationers with visa-free entry in 2024.

Russia

Indian vacationers might quickly go to Russia with out the necessity for a visa, with visa-free entry anticipated to start by spring 2025. This follows the talks in June 2024 between each nations to simplify visa guidelines and promote group tourism.

At current, Indian travellers want a visa to go to Russia, relying on the aim of their journey—whether or not it’s for tourism, enterprise, work, research, or humanitarian causes. One fashionable choice is the Unified E-Visa (UEV), launched in August 2023, which permits private and enterprise visits with purposes processed in simply 4 days.

In January 2024 alone, Russia issued 1,700 e-visas to Indian vacationers, demonstrating the rising curiosity amongst Indian travellers. The capital metropolis of Moscow additionally welcomed 28,500 Indian guests within the first half of 2024—a 1.5-fold improve in comparison with the earlier yr.

Whereas many visited for work or enterprise, this surge underscores the sturdy and rising ties between India and Russia.

Sri Lanka

Beginning October 1, 2024, Sri Lanka has launched visa-free entry for Indian residents, additional strengthening ties between the 2 nations.

“This visa-free entry will likely be accessible for a interval of six months,” mentioned Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando, as quoted by PTI. This coverage is predicted to encourage extra Indian travellers to discover Sri Lanka’s scenic landscapes and cultural heritage

Thailand

Thailand has indefinitely prolonged its visa-free coverage for Indian travellers, making it simpler than ever for Indians to go to the Southeast Asian vacation spot.

Below the brand new coverage, Indian guests can keep in Thailand with out a visa for as much as 60 days. This era might be additional prolonged by 30 days via an area immigration workplace.

The coverage, initially set to finish on November 11, 2024, has been prolonged indefinitely.

Iran

In February this yr, Iran launched a visa-waiver programme for Indian vacationers coming into the nation by air. Nonetheless, this visa-free entry comes with particular circumstances set by Iranian authorities.

Indian residents with abnormal passports can journey to Iran with out a visa as soon as each six months. Every go to permits a most keep of 15 days, which can’t be prolonged below any circumstances.

The visa waiver is completely for tourism functions and is just relevant for air-border entries. Different modes of entry don’t fall below this exemption.

For longer stays, a number of entries inside six months, or different visa classes, Indian nationals should apply for the suitable visa via Iran’s designated illustration in India.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has turn into a visa-free vacation spot for Indian travellers, providing hassle-free entry since introducing its relaxed visa coverage in 2022.

Indian residents can get pleasure from a visa-free keep within the Central Asian nation for as much as 14 days per go to. In response to official tips, the utmost permitted period of visa-free stays is 42 days inside a 180-day interval.

In 2023, the nation welcomed 28,300 Indian guests, and the numbers proceed to rise, reflecting the rising curiosity in Kazakhstan’s distinctive tradition and landscapes.

Kenya

As of January 1, 2024, Kenya eliminated visa necessities for Indian travellers, simplifying the method of visiting the East African nation.

As an alternative of a visa, Indian residents now have to receive an Digital Journey Authorization (eTA) earlier than their journey. This on-line system gives a simple technique to safe journey authorisation.

The transfer was a part of Kenya’s efforts to spice up its very important tourism trade, famend for its iconic wildlife safaris and beautiful seaside locations.

Which different nations provide visa-free entry to Indians?

India’s increasing international affect is changing into more and more evident with the rising variety of nations providing visa-free entry to Indian residents.

At the moment, 62 nations are offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges to Indian passport holders, with India securing the eightieth place within the newest Henley Passport Index.

Right here’s a listing of nations providing visa-free entry to Indian residents.