10

Visa-Free Countries for Indian Passport Holders in 2025

Entry Requirements: Entry Permit (can be obtained at the Pedestrian Terminal at Phuentsholing or at the Paro International Airport. Indian Passport that carries least 6 months of validity 

Original Voter ID card: For kids below 18 years, an original birth certificate or a Passport is required.

Things to do in Bhutan:

• Trek to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, which is located on a cliffside, at a height of over 9,800 feet above Paro Valley.

• Explore the capital city, Thimphu, and visit famous places like the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Memorial Chorten.

• Discover the beauty of Punakha Dzong and the Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered black-necked cranes.

Travel Tips:

• While Indians don't need to carry a visa, it's compulsory to obtain an entry permit. 

• Those planning to experience local festivals like Paro Tshechu (April) and Tshechu (October) can plan their trip during the spring or autumn season to experience 

• Remember to book a tour guide in advance, without which it’s not allowed to explore Bhutan.

• Consider the sustainable development fee in Bhutan, which is INR 1200 per night for an individual, while planning your trip.

• Prefer buying a local SIM, which will help you avoid any hassles with the network coverage.

• Trek to the base camp of majestic Mount Everest or explore the Annapurna Circuit.

• Head to the Kathmandu, to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).

• Explore the scenic town of Pokhara, which is surrounded by Boudhanath Stupa, Phewa Lake, Rupa Lake, Gurkha Museum, and the Annapurna mountain range.

• Enjoy adventure activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, and rock climbing in Pokhara.

• Prefer booking direct flights from major Indian towns like Kolkata and New Delhi for easy accessibility to Nepal.

• The highways in Nepal may be rough, particularly in rural areas, so it's suggested that you plan your commute accordingly.

• If you’re planning to trek, remember to apply for a trekking permit at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

• Explore ancient temples like the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho, or enjoy shopping at Patpong and Asiatique nightmarkets in Bangkok.

• Visit Phuket and enjoy day trips to scenic locations like Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay.

• Discover Ayutthaya, a sacred city, and its UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Mahathat.

• Enjoy being a part of popular local festivals like Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) or Songkran (Thai New Year).

• Experience the nightlife in Phuket and Pattaya at lively beach parties or famous rooftop bars. 

• Enjoy shopping at the unique Amphawa Floating Market, where vendors sell items from their boats.

• Prefer buying local SIM cards like DTAC or AIS from the airport to avail discounted data plans.

• Remember to file an application online for the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) which is mandatory for a visa-free entry.

• Don't forget to try Thai street food that includes dishes like Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, and Som Tum (papaya salad).

• If you're on a budget, prefer using the pocket-friendly public transport options like trains, tuk tuks, or book a ride using ‘Grab’, a local app.

• Spend relaxing mornings at sandy beaches like Belle Mare and Le Morne in Mauritius.

• Discover Port Louis and visit the top spots like Blue Penny Museum, St. Louis Cathedral, and more.

• Spot wild animals like Mauritian flying fox, wild boar, and macaque monkeys at the Black River Gorges National Park.

• Kitesurfing, snorkelling, diving, paddle boarding, and parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs or Blue Bay Marine Park.

• Get a chance to admire the underwater waterfall on a helicopter tour over the Le Morne Peninsula.

• If you prefer outdoor activities in comfortable weather, plan your trip to Mauritius between May and December.

• Always carry a copy of your passport and other essential documents while travelling.

• Make sure that you tip well at restaurants or hotels, since it's an important mark of appreciation among the locals. 

• Admire the fantastic views of the city from the observation deck of the famous Petronas Twin Towers

• Visit George Town in Penang, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site popular for its colonial architecture and stunning street art.

• Head to Langkawi's famous beaches like Cenang and Tanjung Rhu or take a walk on the Langkawi Sky Bridge.

• Offer prayers at Thean Hou Temple and Kek Lok Si Temple, some of the most historic temples in Malaysia.

• Remember to apply for the Digital Arrival Card online well in advance to avoid last-minute challenges.

• Carry some cash with you, as some of the places may not accept digital payments.

• Head to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur or Central Market, which are some of the top shopping sites in Malaysia.

• Carry a universal adapter to charge your gadgets conveniently anywhere.

• Prefer drinking bottled water as tap water may not be fit for consumption at some places.

• Enjoy scenic walks along the sandy shores of Denarau Island and the Mamanuca Islands.

• Try snorkelling at Beqa Lagoon and Taveuni Island to explore marine life.

• Visit the Fiji Museum and get a chance to learn about the age-old culture of the region.

• Explore the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, which is home to over 2,000 varieties of beautiful orchids.

• Spend some time relaxing in Sabeto's hot springs that are known for their mineral-rich waters.

• It's suggested that you plan your vacation in Fiji somewhere between May and October, as this is the period when it rains the least.

• Most of the locals speak English, but learning a few words like Kerekere (please) and Sa donu (You're Welcome) in Fijian will make your local interactions feel more wholesome.

• Prefer booking local ferries and flights well in advance to avoid any last minute hassles.

• Opt for currency conversion in advance, as some of the places may not have the facility.

• Carry insect repellent spray as mosquito-borne diseases are common in the region.

• Explore Seven Mile Beach and spend relaxing evenings along its sandy beaches or admire the Negril Cliffs.

• Head to the Bob Marley Museum and learn about the life of the popular Jamaican musician Bob Marley.

• Climb the 180-feet-high scenic Dunn’s River Falls, a terraced waterfall in Ocho Rios.

• Visit the Blue Mountain to learn about the production process of the world-famous coffee.

• Experience rum tasting tours at places like Appleton Estate, Worthy Park Estate, and Hampden Estate.

• Enjoy water sports like snorkelling and diving at popular sites like Bloody Bay, and Booby Cay Island

• US dollars are generally accepted in the region, but prefer carrying some Jamaican Dollars (JMD) in cash for convenience.

• Avoid travelling during the hurricane season, which lasts from June to November, for safety reasons.

• Prefer using local AC buses if you prefer pocket-friendly commute within the destination.

• Carry an insect repellent with you as some of the regions may have malaria carrying mosquitoes.

• Remember to explore the nightlife in Jamaica at places like Montego Bay and Negril, which house several beach bars, and nightclubs.

• Visit The Huns Ethno Village and get a chance to experience authentic Kazakh nomadic culture

• Admire the Charyn Canyon's red and orange rock formations that look similar to the Grand Canyon.

• Head to Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, and explore famous attractions like the Palace of Peace and the Bayterek Tower.

• Shop for unique items like Kazakh jewellery, camel wool products, and musical instruments like the Dombra from markets like Green Bazaar and Khan Shatyr.

• Carry USD or Kazakhstani Tenge, as Indian currency is not accepted at most places.

• Remember to dress modestly since the locals consider it as a sign of respect, especially at religious places.

• The roads may not be in the best shape in rural areas, particularly in the winter months, so plan accordingly.

• Don’t forget to try some of the local dishes including Beshbarmak and Kazy.

• Get a chance to hike along the second biggest hot spring in the world - the Boiling Lake

• Visit Trafalgar Falls, a double waterfall that has both hot and cold water pools.

• Head to the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its volcanic landscapes.

• Get a chance to dive in Champagne Reef and admire the underwater volcanic landscapes of Dominica.

• Remember to experience the eco-friendly tours to learn more about the environmental conservation efforts made in the region.

• The public transport options on the island are limited, but taxis and car rentals are always available. 

• Visit the splendid beaches of Barbados, including Crane Beach, Miami Beach, and Dover Beach.

• Enjoy spotting wild animals like armadillos, and the rare Barbados green monkeys, at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve

• Explore Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure Park and admire the unique limestone formations that hang from the terrace. 

• Visit Mount Gay Distillery, known as the oldest rum distillery in the world and enjoy tasting sessions. 

• The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) happens to be the local currency, but the US Dollar (USD) is also widely accepted.

• Remember to attend the Crop Over Festival, if you're visiting Barbados in summer, to celebrate regional culture and history.