Introduction
Traveling abroad has become increasingly accessible for Indian passport holders, thanks to the growing availability of visa-on-arrival (VoA) facilities. A visa-on-arrival allows travelers to obtain a visa at the port of entry, typically an airport, without the need for a pre-approved visa application through an embassy or consulate. This streamlined process is a game-changer for Indian citizens, enabling spontaneous travel plans, business trips, or leisurely vacations with minimal bureaucratic hurdles. As of 2025, the Indian passport ranks 85th on the Henley Passport Index, granting access to 62 countries either visa-free or with VoA facilities. This report provides a comprehensive guide to the countries offering VoA for Indian passport holders, detailing the requirements, processes, costs, and key considerations to ensure a seamless travel experience.
What is Visa-on-Arrival?
A visa-on-arrival is a type of visa issued at the destination country’s port of entry, typically an international airport or border crossing. Unlike traditional visas, which require advance application and approval, VoA allows travelers to complete visa formalities upon arrival. This convenience is particularly beneficial for tourism, business, or transit purposes, as it eliminates the need for lengthy embassy visits or complex documentation. However, VoA policies vary by country, with specific requirements such as passport validity, proof of funds, return tickets, and visa fees. Indian travelers must research these requirements thoroughly to avoid complications at immigration counters.
List of Countries Offering Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Passport Holders
As of 2025, approximately 37 countries offer visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian citizens, according to sources like the Henley Passport Index and various travel guides. Below is a detailed list of these countries, organized by region, along with key details such as visa duration, fees, and specific requirements.
Asia
- Thailand
- Duration: 30 days (tourism purposes)
- Visa Fee: THB 2,000 (approx. INR 4,800)
- Requirements: Valid passport (6 months validity), return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and at least THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family in cash.
- Notes: Available at major airports like Bangkok and Phuket. Non-extendable.
- Maldives
- Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Duration: 30 days (double-entry with Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Visa Fee: USD 25 for SAARC nationals (approx. INR 2,100)
- Requirements: Valid passport (6 months validity), Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) obtained online before travel, return/onward ticket, and proof of funds.
- Notes: ETA must be applied for online via the official Sri Lankan immigration website.
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Jordan
- Duration: 30 days
- Visa Fee: JOD 40 (approx. INR 4,500)
- Requirements: Valid passport (6 months validity), online application form (via www.gateway2jordan.gov.jo), return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation.
- Notes: A confirmation code from the online application must be presented at departure.
- Iran
- Timor-Leste
Africa
- Angola
- Cabo Verde
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Mauritania
Oceania
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Marshall Islands
- Niue Island
Americas
- Bolivia
- Jamaica
- St. Lucia
Key Requirements for Visa-on-Arrival
While requirements vary by country, the following are commonly needed for obtaining a VoA:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry (some countries like the Maldives require only 1 month validity).
- Return/Onward Ticket: Proof of a confirmed return or onward flight ticket is mandatory to ensure departure within the visa period.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or cash (e.g., THB 20,000 for Thailand) to demonstrate the ability to cover expenses during the stay.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Typically one or two recent photos are required.
- Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.
- Completed Arrival Card/Application Form: Often provided on the flight or at the VoA counter.
- Visa Fee: Payable in cash (preferably in USD or local currency) as credit/debit cards may not be accepted.
Process for Obtaining a Visa-on-Arrival
The process for obtaining a VoA is straightforward but requires preparation:
- Research and Verify: Confirm that the destination country offers VoA for Indian citizens. Check the latest requirements on official embassy or immigration websites.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport, photos, return ticket, proof of funds, and accommodation details.
- Arrival at Destination: Locate the VoA counter at the airport or port of entry, usually in the immigration section.
- Submit Application: Present your documents and completed arrival card or application form to the immigration officer.
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the required fee in the specified currency (carry cash to avoid issues with card payments).
- Visa Issuance: Upon approval, the visa is stamped in your passport, allowing entry for the specified duration.
Key Considerations for Indian Travelers
- Dynamic Visa Policies: Visa policies can change due to diplomatic agreements or immigration regulations. Always verify requirements before travel. For example, Thailand’s VoA was temporarily visa-free until November 2024, but reverted to VoA in 2025.
- Overstaying Penalties: Overstaying a VoA can result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans. Check the permitted duration and adhere to it.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings.
- Rejection Risks: VoA applications can be rejected if documents are incomplete or requirements are not met. Ensure all paperwork is in order.
- Extensions: Some countries allow VoA extensions (e.g., Timor-Leste, Indonesia), but this is subject to local immigration policies.
- Special Conditions: Certain countries, like the UAE, offer VoA only to Indian passport holders with valid visas or residence permits from the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or Singapore.
Visa-on-Arrival vs. Visa-Free vs. E-Visa
- Visa-on-Arrival: Requires obtaining a visa at the destination’s port of entry with minimal paperwork. Fees and documentation vary by country.
- Visa-Free: Allows entry without a visa for a specified period (e.g., Bhutan for 14 days). Only a valid passport or ID is needed.
- E-Visa: An electronic visa applied for online before travel, eliminating the need for physical embassy visits. Countries like Indonesia and Sri Lanka offer both VoA and e-Visa options.
Conclusion
The availability of visa-on-arrival facilities has significantly enhanced travel opportunities for Indian passport holders in 2025. With 37 countries offering VoA, Indian travelers can explore diverse destinations across Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas with greater ease. Popular destinations like Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka remain top choices due to their proximity, affordability, and lenient entry policies. However, thorough preparation is crucial—travelers must ensure their passports are valid, carry necessary documents, and verify current visa policies to avoid complications. By staying informed and prepared, Indian citizens can embark on hassle-free international adventures, making the most of the VoA facility to explore the world’s cultures, landscapes, and experiences.
Sources
- Henley Passport Index 2025
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India (www.mea.gov.in)
- Official immigration websites of respective countries
- Travel guides from Forbes India, Bajaj Finserv, Thomas Cook, and others