Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Indians in 2026: Easy Trips from Kerala
An updated October 2026 list of countries Indians can visit visa-free, on arrival or with an easy e-visa, with the best options from Kerala.
In short: Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka (free ETA), the Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Kazakhstan and the Philippines need no visa in advance for a short holiday. Bali, Cambodia and Laos give a visa on arrival.
The quick answer
As of October 2026, Indians can take a short holiday without applying for a visa in advance in Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka (free ETA), the Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Kazakhstan and the Philippines. Bali, Cambodia and Laos give a visa on arrival, and Vietnam, Azerbaijan and Kenya have simple online e-visas. The Indian passport ranked 81st on the Henley Passport Index as of July 2026, with easy access to 55 destinations.
Visa-free, visa-on-arrival and e-visa countries for Indians (October 2026)
| Country | Entry for Indians | Max stay | Fee and key condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Visa-free | 30 days | Free TDAC arrival card; carry THB 20,000 per person |
| Malaysia | Visa-free (until 31 Dec 2026) | 30 days | Free MDAC arrival card |
| Sri Lanka | Free ETA online | 30 days, double entry | Free since 25 May 2026; apply on eta.gov.lk |
| Maldives | Visa on arrival | 30 days | Free; prepaid hotel, return ticket, IMUGA declaration |
| Mauritius | Visa-free | Up to 90 days | Free; return ticket and accommodation |
| Nepal | No visa needed | No fixed limit | Passport or Voter ID |
| Bhutan | Entry permit, no visa | As per permit | Passport or Voter ID; SDF ₹1,200 per night |
| Kazakhstan | Visa-free | 14 days per visit | Return ticket and hotel; max 42 days in 180 |
| Philippines | Visa-free | 14 days (not extendable) | Tourism only; hotel, funds and return ticket |
| Indonesia (Bali) | Visa on arrival or e-VOA | 30 days, extendable once | IDR 500,000 plus Bali levy IDR 150,000 |
| Vietnam | e-Visa (Phu Quoc visa-free) | 90 days e-Visa; 30 days Phu Quoc | e-Visa about USD 25 on evisa.gov.vn; Phu Quoc only on direct arrival |
| Cambodia | Visa on arrival or e-Visa | 30 days | About USD 30 |
| Laos | Visa on arrival or e-Visa | 30 days | About USD 40 |
| Kenya | eTA online | Up to 90 days | About USD 30; apply 1 to 2 weeks ahead |
| Azerbaijan | e-Visa (ASAN) | 30 days | USD 25; about 3 working days |
| Seychelles | Visitor permit on arrival | Check before travel | Free permit; online Travel Authorisation needed |
| Qatar | Check before booking | Varies | Official sources differ; confirm the current rule before booking |
Rules change often. We checked this list in October 2026; always confirm before you book, and Tourfly confirms the latest rule when sending your quote.
What changed in 2026
- Thailand cut its visa-free stay for Indians from 60 to 30 days from 15 September 2026.
- Sri Lanka made its ETA free for Indians from 25 May 2026.
- Malaysia visa-free entry runs until 31 December 2026; no extension announced yet.
- Iran ended visa-free entry for Indians in November 2025, so it is no longer on this list.
Best easy-visa trips from Kerala
- Shortest flight: Sri Lanka, about an hour from Kochi
- First trip abroad: Thailand or Malaysia
- Honeymoon: Maldives or Bali
- Snow and mountains: Kazakhstan (Almaty)
Documents you need even without a visa
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival
- Confirmed return ticket
- Hotel bookings for your whole stay
- Proof of funds (some countries, such as Thailand, ask for a fixed amount)
- The country's online arrival card where required (Thailand TDAC, Malaysia MDAC, Maldives IMUGA, Indonesia arrival card)
Frequently asked questions
Which countries are visa-free for Indians in 2026?
As of October 2026: Thailand (30 days), Malaysia (30 days, until 31 Dec 2026), Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan (permit), Kazakhstan (14 days) and the Philippines (14 days). Sri Lanka gives a free ETA and the Maldives a free visa on arrival.
Which is the cheapest visa-free country from Kerala?
Sri Lanka and Thailand are usually the best value, with short flights from Kochi and land packages from about ₹25,000 to ₹28,000 per person.
Is Thailand still visa-free for Indians?
Yes, for up to 30 days from 15 September 2026 (it was 60 days before).
Is Iran visa-free for Indians?
No. Iran ended visa-free entry for Indians in November 2025.
Do I need travel insurance for visa-free countries?
It is not always compulsory, but it is strongly recommended, and some countries ask for it at entry.
Plan an easy-visa holiday with Tourfly
Tell us where you want to go, your month and number of travellers. Our Kochi team sends a day-wise plan, a clear price and visa guidance.
