Visa on arrival countries for Indian passport holders in 2024

Which countries offer visas on arrival for Indians, and how is it different from visa-free travel for Indians? Let's find out

By Forbes India

Published: Mar 13, 2024 10:02:28 AM IST

Updated: Apr 4, 2024 05:48:56 PM IST

The increasing availability of visas on arrival for Indians has made travelling to international destinations more accessible for Indian passport holders in 2024. In the latest Henley Passport Index 2024, the Indian passport has climbed to secure the 82nd rank, up from 84th in 2023, giving its holders access to 62 countries, making globe-trotting more convenient than ever. There are even many countries that allow you to forego the complexities of visa applications and complete essential paperwork upon arrival.

In this guide, we'll explore the list of countries that offer visa on arrival for Indians, clarify the process, and differentiate visa on arrival from visa-free travel.

List of countries offering visa-on-arrival for Indians in 2024:

According to the Passport Index, here is the list of 43 countries that offer visa on arrival for Indians as of March 13, 2024.

Country	Visa requirements	Continent
Armenia	120 days	Asia1234
Azerbaijan	30 days	Asia5
Bolivia	90 days	South America678
Burundi	30 days	Africa910
Cambodia	30 days	Asia1112
Cape Verde	NA	Africa13141516
Comoros	45 days	Africa171819
Congo (Dem. Rep.)	90 days	Africa20212223
Djibouti	90 days	Africa171819
Equatorial Guinea	NA	Africa242526
Ethiopia	90 days	Africa
Guinea	90 days	Africa
Guinea-Bissau	90 days	Africa
Indonesia	30 days	Asia
Jordan	NA	Asia
Laos	30 days	Asia
Lesotho	14 days	Africa
Madagascar	90 days	Africa
Malawi	90 days	Africa
Maldives	30 days	Asia
Marshall Islands	90 days	Oceania
Mauritania	NA	Africa
Mongolia	30 days	Asia
Myanmar	30 days	Asia
Nigeria	NA	Africa
Palau	30 days	Oceania
Papua New Guinea	30 days	Oceania
Qatar	30 days	Asia
Russian Federation	15 days	Europe/Asia
Saint Lucia	42 days	North America
Samoa	90 days	Oceania
Sierra Leone	30 days	Africa
South Sudan	NA	Africa
Sri Lanka	30 days	Asia
Suriname	90 days	South America
Tanzania	NA	Africa
Timor-Leste	30 days	Asia
Togo	15 days	Africa
Tuvalu	30 days	Oceania
Uganda	NA	Africa
Uzbekistan	30 days	Asia
Viet Nam	90 days	Asia
Zimbabwe	90 days	Africa

Process of visa on arrival for Indians

Obtaining a visa on arrival is a straightforward process but can vary slightly from one country to another.

Here's a simplified step-by-step guide for the process of acquiring a visa on arrival for Indians:

Also Read: What are the different types of passports in India?

Complete arrival card:

Most countries require travellers to fill out an arrival card, typically provided on your flight or at the airport. This card includes essential details such as your name, passport number, purpose of visit, and duration of stay.

Prepare documentation:

Ensure you have all the necessary documents handy. This includes a valid passport (at least six months validity from your intended departure date), proof of sufficient funds, a return or onward flight ticket, and, sometimes, a passport-sized photograph.

Arrival at destination:

Upon arrival at your destination airport, proceed to the visa on arrival counter. These counters are usually located in the immigration section of the airport.

Also Read: 42 UNESCO World Heritage sites in India

Visa application:

Fill out the visa application form provided at the counter. You may also be required to provide supporting documents like hotel reservations or proof of funds.

Payment of visa fees:

Pay the applicable visa fees, which can vary depending on the country and duration of your stay. Fees are typically payable in the local currency or sometimes in US Dollars.

Also Read: Top 10 debit cards with airport lounge access in India

Visa issuance:

Once your application and payment are processed, immigration authorities will issue your visa on the spot. Ensure that all the details on your visa sticker are accurate before leaving the counter.

Duration of stay:

Be mindful of the maximum stay duration permitted on your visa. Overstaying your visa could result in fines or other legal consequences.

Also Read: 1 USD to INR: From 1947 to 2024

With your visa on arrival, you will be all set to explore your destination hassle-free. Make the most of your journey, and remember to adhere to local laws and regulations.

Distinctions between visa on arrival and visa-free

While visa on arrival and visa-free travel for Indians both offer the convenience of travelling without a pre-approved visa, they differ in critical aspects:

Also Read: Top 10 most spoken languages in the world

Visa on Arrival	Visa-free Travel
Visa on arrival implies that you can obtain a visa when you arrive at your destination's airport or border checkpoint.	Visa-free travel for Indians means that Indian passport holders can enter a country without a visa for a specified duration.
You must fill out an application, provide necessary documents, and often pay a visa fee. Your stay is typically limited and varies by country, ranging from a few days to a few months. Overstaying a visa on arrival can result in fines or other penalties.	No prior application, fee payment, or paperwork is required. The allowed stay duration often varies by country and is usually determined by bilateral agreements. Again, overstaying may result in fines or deportation.
You must have a valid passport and meet entry requirements.	A valid passport is still necessary, along with other entry requirements such as proof of funds and return flight tickets.

In essence, both options offer ease of travel, but visa-free entry is often more straightforward, as it requires no additional paperwork or fees. However, the specifics can vary from country to country, so it's essential to research and confirm the requirements before your trip.

Also Read: Top 10 credit cards for airport lounge access in India

FAQs

1. Is a visa on arrival the same as a tourist visa?

No, a visa on arrival differs from a tourist visa in several ways. While a tourist visa requires advance application through embassies, a visa on arrival is acquired directly at your destination's airport or border upon arrival. The application process for a tourist visa can be complex and lengthy, whereas obtaining a visa on arrival is generally simpler and quicker.

Tourist visas often have predetermined validity and duration, whereas visa on arrival grants shorter stays, usually from days to months. Lastly, tourist visas are typically for tourism, while visa on arrival may serve other purposes, like business or transit, depending on the destination's policies.

2. Are visa on arrival policies subject to change?

Yes, visa on arrival policies can change over time due to international agreements or changes in a country's immigration regulations. Checking the latest requirements before travelling is recommended.

3. Can I extend my stay on a visa on arrival?

In some cases, you may be able to extend your stay by visiting the local immigration office of the country you are in. However, this is subject to the specific rules of each country.

4. Are there any additional fees for visa on arrival besides the visa fee?

In addition to the standard visa fees, some countries may impose additional charges or fees upon arrival. These fees may include tourism taxes, entry fees, or other expenses specific to the country you're visiting. It's essential to be prepared for such additional costs, and one way to do this is by carrying some local currency with you. It's a good practice to inquire about any potential additional fees or charges when you arrive at your destination and plan your currency exchange accordingly to ensure a smooth entry process.