The experience of traveling the world on can vary greatly depending on a traveler’s passport. A lot of Americans and Europeans assume they have the most powerful passports in the world, but that honor falls to Japan, where passport-holders can visit 190 countries without a visa. Many people in the world, however, are not so fortunate. Getting travel visas if you live outside of Western Europe or North America can sometimes be a nightmare.
For that reason, Savi and Vid, two Indian travelers, share how they travel the world as citizens of India, and how they have overcome the problems of obtaining visas to other countries.
There is no dearth of inspirational travel quotations on the internet. Every once in a while, we stumble on something that reads “Pack a bag, book a ticket, and go traveling” or ‘Book a ticket and follow your dreams.” We’re pretty sure these quotes and accompanying photos of faraway lands have tempted many a globetrotter—but as travelers on an Indian passport, we’ve learned to toss them aside with a smile.
It’s not because sepia-tinted photos of turquoise beaches and curvy roads don’t tempt us, it’s because we can’t just pack a bag, choose a place on the globe, and get going.
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Why Travel is Tougher with an Indian Passport
We love travelling and visit more than 10 countries a year on an average. But we’ve learned to accept that the phrase “spontaneous travel” is a bit of an oxymoron for us. This is because traveling on an Indian passport is a carefully orchestrated operation involving endless salary slips, proofs of address, bank statements, and letters of employment.
No, we are not exaggerating in the least.
While U.S. and UK citizens can travel to over 170 countries without a visa, Indian citizens can travel only to 28 countries without a visa—plus another 30 countries issue visas on arrival to Indian passport holders. It’s worth pointing out that this list of 58 countries includes a number of politically troubled or geographically remote nations such as Antarctica, Tuvalu, Djibouti, Iraq, and Tajikistan, which are off limits for most people.
Does one give up?
We’ve never let visa difficulties deter us from traveling (42 countries, 300 cities, and counting), but the whole visa situation makes it very hard for us to follow our dream of traveling full time. This is because of visa applications for Europe, the Americas, Australia, and most of Asia, and Africa request credible proof of full-time employment and sufficient funds to cover one’s travels. Our American and British friends are often left aghast at the kind of paperwork that goes into applying for a single visa when you’re traveling on an Indian passport. Our visa-laden passport booklets (five going on six) are a constant source of amusement for them.
Over the years, we’ve spent a lot of time and money procuring visas for various countries. We’ve had to cancel flights and entire holidays because of visas being turned down, or simply not getting the visa on time. Here’s what we’ve learned along the way—we hope these tips come in handy if you travel on an Indian or Asian passport.
Where to Start
If you’re struck by wanderlust, nothing should stop you from traveling.
It’s really as simple as that.
If the thought of applying for a visa intimidates you, why not start with those countries with relaxed immigration rules for your passport? A number of culturally rich nations offer visa-free travel to Indian Passport Holders, while others offer easy visas on arrival.
Best Visa-Free Countries for Indian Passports
Many of the Caribbean islands, Cambodia, Seychelles, El Salvador, Ecuador, Bolivia, Bhutan, Myanmar, and the Maldives amongst many others allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival facility to Indians.
Some of our favorites include Cambodia, Thailand, Kenya, and Mauritius. We’ve spent a long time exploring the bylanes and alleys of Thailand, acquainting ourselves with locals in tiny villages in Cambodia, and sampling the street food of Mauritius.
Countries that are geographically close to India and allow visa-free travel for Indians—such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Seychelles—are definitely some of the easiest ones to visit. It helps that they offer also such diversity in terms of culture, history, and food.
Handling More Challenging Visa Applications
Out of the more popular destinations—like Australia, USA, UK, and various European countries—we find it’s best to visit countries grouped under the Schengen area. You apply for one visa and, if granted, you can visit 26 countries using the same visa.
Schengen Visas for Indian Travelers
That said, procuring the Schengen visa is a fairly long and expensive process. Short-stay Schengen visa applications cost around £75 (6,500 INR) and it can take around two weeks for the visa to arrive. Everything from hotel stays to connecting flights need to be booked in advance and submitted with the visa application, so there is little room for spontaneity.
Do keep one very important thing in mind: The visa fee is the same for single, double, and multiple-entry Schengen visas! Make sure you request a year-long, multiple-entry Schengen visa in your cover letter to the Consulate. Once you have multiple entry visas, you can plan spontaneous trips to any of the Schengen countries and stay there for a period of 90 days. We have found applying at the French consulate in London was the best avenue for getting a year-long multiple entry Schengen visa.
In fact, on a couple of occasions, we have actually planned a trip to Paris just so we could get multiple entry visas—the added bookings were totally worth it.
Some of our favorite Schengen countries are Iceland, Spain, and Italy. Outside the Schengen countries, Croatia is one of the most scenic countries we have visited and you don’t need to apply for a separate visa IF you have a multiple entry Schengen visa!
As for the application procedure, it’s pretty much the same for Australia, the UK, USA, and the Schengen states: You MUST make them believe that you have no intention of staying in their country.
This means you should provide whatever documented proof you plan to continue living in India—detailed tax records, salary slips, proof of employment, address proofs—you name it, you should submit it with your visa application.
Except for travel to the UK, you also need to provide confirmed bookings for travel and accommodation. However, these visas can be acquired only if you have proof of full-time employment. It’s nearly impossible for Indian Passport holders to acquire visas without proof of employment.
Additionally, you must show enough funds to cover your expenditure when traveling—usually this amounts to a budget of £50 (4325 INR) per day for the duration of your visa. So, if you’re requesting a multiple entry visas valid for 3 months, you must be able to show that you have at least £4500 (389,000 INR) in your bank account.
U.S. Visas for Indian Travelers
Tourist visas for Australia and UK are usually valid for 6 months, but the best thing about the U.S. visa is that it is valid for 10 years. Short-term visas can cost anywhere from £75 (6,500 INR) for Australia and the Schengen countries to £100 (8650 INR) for visas to the UK and the United States. A tourist visa for the USA is likely the most difficult to procure, but if granted, it’s definitely the best value for money.
It’s good to accrue what we call “Visa Brownie Points”—the more visas you have, the easier obtaining visas gets in the future. In addition, having a resident permit for UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or any of the European countries definitely improves the chances of getting visas for other countries. If you’re applying for a U.S. visa as an Indian passport-holder, it might be best to wait until you have accrued these “Visa Brownie Points”—since it’s such a long visa once you receive it, they are very strict about ensuring you aren’t a risky bet!
Traveling as Indians IS Possible
It might be expensive and cumbersome to travel on underprivileged passports, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. We absolutely love acquainting ourselves with new cultures and making friends around the world. Nothing comes close to the feeling on being on the road.
A gentle reminder: While we have tried to ensure that all information is correct, always confirm details from the consulate of the country that you are planning to visit. Often their official websites are not up-to-date, so we always send an email to the consulate to verify details. You can also refer to these wiki pages for a general overview: Visa requirements for Indians, Filipinos, and Malaysians.
By Savi and Vid
Savi and Vid are avid travelers struck by wanderlust. They have driven with zebras in South Africa, been caving in Austria, cavorted with Bedouins in the Sahara, befriended soldiers in Israel, and partied in a nuclear bunker in the Czech Republic. They blog and vlog about their travel and fashion adventures at BruisedPassports.com. Their favorite city is London, where they currently live.
Hi,
Hi Vid ,I am an Indian currently in Jamaica and which are the countries in Carribian where I can travel without a visa
thanks
Hi savi and vid
Really u couples is very luckey travaling world from indian passport
Its very good news hear from you
How many countries U traveled from our Indian passport please send me the country’s name please
My name is
Shiva
Hey VID can you tell which country provides e visa, visa on arrival and visa free entry to indians??
hey Vid,..Really interesting article about your journey.. I am working right now and apply for USA visa and get rejected…Earlier i have never travel abroad and this is the first time i have applied..could you please guide wether i should reapply..or start with some other countries..like for Schangwen Visa.
Many Indians and people from non western countries can identify with this. Thanks for sharing.
I went on a four months long solo trip to South America. This trip has profoundly changed me. I had many difficulties, specially because I was travelling with an Indian passport. But through the journey I struggled, learned and had a lot of fun.
After finishing my journey I wrote a book about it. You can read my full story in my book. It is a pleasure for me to share it with everyone. You can get it on my website: http://www.obaidurrahaman.com/?page_id=173
I am Indian working in Saudi. It’s very simple to get US, UK or any schangen country visa over here. I got my is visa in 3 days. Only a letter needed from the employer here and 3 months bank statement. That’s it… Getting a Malaysian,Singapore, China, visa is so easy here for Indians. Just a letter from employers is needed. Bank statements are also not necessary. All the sourinding countries including Lebanon and Georgia, Indians can get voa on showing Saudi residence permit.
is it so ?? Im a engineer but my resident permit in saudi arabia is under the category of cargo labor..i need to know the procedures to apply
In which embassy did you apply
Hi vid , Iam from India and currently iam on a student visa in US, i would love to travel to europe , whats the process to get a schengen visa and will i get a schengen Visa as iam a student ..
Hi ! I am indian citizan n on my indian passport no any country visa stamp till date. I want to get recently information of visa-on arrival country n visa free country of south america n central america. How Can we get ? When we get this visa ? Is Any specific time to get tht visa or get it any time in a year? I heard tht if you want this visa you hv to get first USA visa than indian citizan can get entry in those countries. Is it true? If not than how can we get it ?
hy VID am currently on arrival visa for Ecuador so possible for El Salvador on arrival visa
Indians can travel to India without Visa ???? I never knew Antrarctica is a nation?
Hi Vid ,I am an Indian currently in Jamaica and which are the countries in Carribian where I can travel without a visa
Hi, I like to know which countries exempt visa if I have 10 years visa for Mexico. I am an Indian passport holder. Also please inform the countries that can issue visa on arrival if I have 10 years Mexican visa.?
Rgds,
Sameer
Very interesting blog indeed. Wish you good luck.
I am an Indian citizen having a valid Schengen Multiple Visa stamped in my passport.
I wanted to enquire which other Non EU countries and Latin American countries can I travel/visit with this visa.
Just checked that Costa Rica can be visited in this type of visa
http://costarica.com/visa/sthash.uCIdRgBd.dpuf
BR,
Harsh
really it’s awesome to know about your visit of different countries. i have also Indian passport. but not getting visa is UK. facing lots of problems and it’s expensive too
This post is very educative. Many thanks for sharing your experiences. I am desirous of travelling to France as a first time foreign traveller. I will be producing my air tickets and advance hotel bookings. The sufficiency of funds shall also not be a problem for me. However, I wonder whether the fact that I am going to be a first time foreign traveller, more so to a European country, can go against me. Would you advise that before applying for the Schengen visa to visit France I should visit one of the countries which have a visa friendly regime for Indians?
Thanks in anticipation.
It’s really impressive.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Yeah, Rules are for fools. ;)
YOUR EXPERIENCE IS VERY GOOD, I HAVE GOT MANY INFORMATION. CAN U GIVE ME SOME TIPS FOR MY FIRST TIME VISIT TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES
everything thing is good…..I travelled UK in past & I feel some of indians never came back when they get visa of big countries like US, UK, Europe, Australia etc. You can say illegal immigrants thats why No one believe us when we apply for visa of any country…..they think we stay in their country & never came back
so I can say that its some of peoples mistakes thats why no one believe on indians & they are doing right with us.
I’m a passport holder,but I want to job in foreign country,but many companies give you appointment latter after than online interview…!!
Can I apply visa after appointment latter…..?
If it’s possible than how foreign company Help me for visa…?
Vid and Savi are very inspiring travel bloggers. Yes, I know its tough to travel on an Indian passport, but as always if you want something just go for it.
How true. My worst experience was when the Italian consulate wouldn’t process my visa for solo travel, without a ‘No Objection’ letter from my husband!!!!
Thanks for sharing this information. This is really important information for Indian travelers especially for those who are planning trip on their own.
Nicely done, Savi and Vid! Just wanted to point out that you don’t have to be employed “full time” to get a visa to Australia, Europe etc. I’ve been a freelancer for over 3 years now, and have scored plenty of visas!
Hey Shivya – just saw this :) My Schengen application was rejected back when I used to freelance but I’m so happy to hear that’s not always the case. Thanks for the update
These are true, of the 30 odd countries I visited, it is difficult task to get visas. Very few countries welcome us wholeheartedly rest of them show long faces. Cyprus being an island nation welcome Indians.carrying old passports is a good idea.
Wow, what a nightmare, but how amazing that you still manage to travel so much – that’s serious dedication! :)
Aye, we love travelling more than anything else in the world!
The new government in India has done a lot for expats who wish to travel to India in terms of visa applications. More recently, India facilitated Visa On Arrival for 70 countries at a go. Tourism is one of their core focus segments now.
Regards,
Maria.
Such a relevant topic right now. As an Indian travel blogger, I know how nerve wrecking it can be trying to plan a trip and getting every booking in place, navigating the multiple visa forms and stipulations, ensuring your application is complete (often it comes back only because the consulate didn’t provide the right info) and then the nerve wrecking wait for the visas to arrive. It’s almost impossible to take a spontaneous trip anywhere (interesting). Thanks for sharing this.
Hey Revati – glad you enjoyed reading it. It’s good to know we aren’t the only ones struggling with endless visa applications ;)
Thanks for putting this together. As an India passport holder, I identify with all the cumbersome questions and processes while applying for a Visa cross the world. Also, since I am a seasonal worker, it doesn’t allow me to explore the same across my countries. It’s always good to know that there are others who are working towards a common goal and have taken out time to help us. Thanks much :)
Hey Amrita – we hear you! It can be so hard to procure visas without full-time jobs. Kudos – keep travelling :-)
Great story of inspiration. I didn’t know it was so hard for Indian travelers it seems they are making a way.
Thanks De’Jav – it is hard but we love travelling far too much to let that get in the way of exploring the world ;)
Thanks for sharing!! I didn´t even knew that it´s so hard for citizens with an Indian passport to get any Visa..thats rrally annoying I think!! The world should be much more open for others who wants to travel and visit other countries!!!
Martin I hope that does happen sometime in the future. I’d love to live in a world without borders and boundaries
In reality we don’t realise how lucky we are to be able to pick up and travel as and when we feel like it in the UK.
I do however, remember trying to gain my Visa for India being an absolute nightmare and hated the fact that my passport was taken from me in order to obtain the Visa. So I don’t envy you this process each time you would like to travel. I hope that in the near future, your days of travelling will be a lot easier.
xo
Thanks Lauren. You won’t believe how time consuming and expensive it is! Having said that, we love travelling far too much to let these li’l niggles come in the way of exploring the world :-)
Good read:) Always an interesting topic and something people over look. I have many friends from various countries and they always remind me how fortunate I am to travel relatively carefree to any country I’d like. I remind myself to make the most of it and travel… a lot!
Hey Mark – you’re right, it’s always humbling to talk to travellers from other countries. We don’t have it easy but even we’re quite fortunate compared to friends of ours who are from Iran or Pakistan. It’s all a matter of perspective I suppose! :-)
I understand how hard it can be for you guys to get visa. I am from Iceland and I never even thought about getting visa in advance until I came to Nepal and had a conversation to a friend there who explained to me what you are saying.
It can be crazy sometimes the rules and paperwork you have to follow to be able to get a simple visa.
Best of luck with your future travels, I hope you enjoyed Iceland.
Sigurdur Iceland is our favourite country – we seriously can’t get enough of it :-)
Sevi and Vid (and Gary, too),
Thanks for taking the time to share this practical AND eye-opening article. We are constantly reminded of some of the privileges we receive galavanting around the world as US citizens, and we are constantly embarrassed as we witness the unfair–or at least inconsistent–practices imposed by our own country and others.
So happy to hear you enjoyed reading the article Kristin – it is unfair but we’ve learnt to take it in our stride. 3 cheers for travelling far and wide :-)
You only realize how lucky you are for having a EU passport when you compare yo other countries!
Yes, yes, yes. EU passports are the best!
These guys enjoy their life by travelling to different locations and all inspiring the other’s…great post keep it up.
Thank you so much Edgar :)
Been following these guys for ages and they have such positive energy! That video is absolutely beautiful :)
Aww thanks Nishu :-) You made our day
So true! It is really annoying especially when you are already traveling and cannot extend the trip to another country. Like I’m planning a trip to US and would like to stop over at London to meet a friend. But apparently I cannot apply for the UK visa from US so I have to come back to India and go through the damn process and spend double on tickets! Damn!!!
RZ we hear you – been there, done that. It’s really annoying!
This is really interesting! I’d never really thought about how much freedom a UK passport gives me until I suggested a spontaneous weekend in Paris to my (Malaysian) flatmate and she pointed out that she’d have to get a visa and it would take ages.
I’ll definitely be checking out Bruised Passports- it’s really interesting and important to step away sometimes from the very US/UK/Aussie focused travel blogging world and see a different perspective.
Thanks Jo – we hope you enjoy our blog. We love writing about offbeat destinations and bohemian fashion. We’ll look forward to hearing from you :-)
So true! Love Bhutan, its amazing place to visit.
Hey Gary,
Thanks for having us over :) We hope this is helpful for other travellers from Asia !
Cheers
Thanks for introducing me to the Bruised Passports website! Me and my wife are fellow bruised-passport-holders from Pakistan. There are a total of 6 countries in the world that allow visa-free access on a Pakistani passport and another 20-odd allowing visa on arrival, but we are so battle-hardened that we apply for visa in advance even in those countries, to prevent any surprises at the immigration desk.
I loved reading the post above and exploring the website, because there was so much I could relate to. Schengen is definitely one of the more difficult visas, especially since they require travel and hotel bookings as evidence. However, there are many hotels that allow you to cancel that booking without a charge. Applying for these visas is definitely a big headache, but a necessary one for people from the third-world.
We are so far undeterred and have traveled to around 15 countries. We just returned from a fantastic two weeks in Tanzania / Zanzibar.
Hey Adnan – it’s good to know there are others out there who are in the same boat as us. The situation might not be ideal but undeterred is definitely the way to be :-) Happy travels
Indians have one great advantage over the rest of the world: they don’t need a visa for Bhutan whereas everyone else needs to book an expensive package.
It’s a shame everywhere else isn’t as easy.
Aah – that means we should put Bhutan on our wishlist ;)