Hello fellow travel lovers! 👋
I’m Neerja, and if you’re someone who dreams of slow travel, road trips, or retired life adventures (like me and my husband), then you’re going to love this!
In 2025, our beloved Indian passport will unlock more doors than ever before. With over 58 countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, travelling has become easier, more spontaneous, and affordable. So here’s a handpicked, personal list of places I’m dreaming of, and how you can pack your bags without the visa stress!
1. Thailand – 60 Days of Tropical Bliss
Great news! Indians can now stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. From bustling Bangkok to serene Chiang Mai, there’s so much to explore.
Note: From December 2024, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you go.
✅ Perfect for: Beach vacations, food lovers, spiritual retreats.
2. Malaysia – A Cultural Mosaic
Now visa-free for 30 days until Dec 31, 2026!
Just fill out a Digital Arrival Card and hop on a plane to explore Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, Penang’s street food, or Langkawi’s beaches.
✅ Why I love it: The mix of cultures, clean cities, and shopping streets are a delight.
3. Russia – Coming Soon for Group Travellers
Starting spring 2025, Indian tourist groups can travel visa-free to Russia.
Imagine the Red Square in snow or a scenic train ride on the Trans-Siberian!
✅ Pro tip: Go with a registered group for easy entry.
4. Philippines – 14 Days in Island Paradise
Visa-free for 14 days for all Indian citizens.
If you have a valid visa from the US/UK/Schengen/Japan, you get 30 days!
✅ Plan ahead: Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu are breathtaking.
5. Georgia – For the Mountain & Wine Lovers
Got a US, UK, or Schengen visa? You can enter Georgia without a separate visa.
Walk through Tbilisi’s quaint alleys or sip wine in Kakheti.
✅ Best for: Heritage lovers and offbeat explorers.
6. Bhutan – A Soulful Neighbour
No visa needed for Indians, just a permit at the entry point.
However, a USD 100/day Sustainable Development Fee applies for tourists going beyond border towns.
✅ Personal note: Bhutan gave me some of the most peaceful moments of my life.
7. Nepal – Close to Heart, Closer to Home
Thanks to our special treaty, Indians can travel visa-free across Nepal.
No passport required either—just a government-issued ID.
✅ Go for: Trekking, temples, and soulful mountain retreats.
8. Maldives – Luxury Without the Visa Stress
Visa-on-arrival for 30 days, free of charge.
This is perfect for a rejuvenating break with sunsets, turquoise waters, and spa vibes.
✅ Budget tip: Choose local islands like Maafushi for affordable stays.
9. Mauritius – 90-Day Tropical Escape
Yes, 90 days visa-free!
This African island is ideal for honeymooners, water sports fans, and nature lovers.
✅ Why I recommend: It’s exotic yet deeply Indian in culture.
10. Fiji – 120 Days of Island Life
A dream destination! Fiji allows Indians to stay for 120 days without a visa.
Expect coral reefs, friendly locals, and a refreshing pace of life.
✅ Offbeat idea: Perfect for a long break or a creative sabbatical.
Why This Is a Game-Changer for Indian Travellers
These policy changes are not just about convenience. They symbolise a new era of freedom for Indian passport holders, especially for people like us who value slow travel, spontaneity, and discovering cultures at our own pace.
Whether you’re a young digital nomad, a couple on a romantic getaway, or like me, exploring life post-retirement, 2025 is your year to go global!
Quick Tips Before You Go:
- ✅ Always check the latest updates on official embassy websites
- ✅ Keep travel insurance handy
- ✅ Book your accommodation in advance for visa-on-arrival comfort
- ✅ Respect local cultures—you’re a guest!
This year, I’m planning to explore at least one of these visa-free wonders—maybe Fiji or Georgia!
If this post helped you dream a little, plan a little, or discover a new destination, leave a comment below. I’d love to know where you’re headed next. And don’t forget to share this with your travel-loving tribe.
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Neerja Bhatnagar
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