Which Countries Can Indians Visit Without Passport & Visa?

Indian passport holders typically require a passport and visa for most international travel. However, there are a few countries and territories that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Indian citizens for certain types of travel, such as tourism or business. Additionally, some regions allow entry without a passport under specific circumstances, especially if they are part of India's neighboring countries or special arrangements for certain types of travelers (e.g., for travel by land or through certain agreements).

Here’s a breakdown of the countries and regions that Indians can visit without a passport and visa or with minimal entry requirements:

1. Nepal

• Visa Requirement: Indians do not require a passport or visa to enter Nepal. They can travel with a government-issued photo ID (like a voter ID card, Aadhar card, or driving license) for entry, although it is advisable to carry a passport as a travel document.

• Travel by Air/Overland: No visa required for entry by air or land.

2. Bhutan

• Visa Requirement: Indians can enter Bhutan without a visa. Travelers only need a valid passport or voter ID card for identification. It's advisable to carry a passport for international travel but not required.

• Travel by Air/Overland: No visa required for entry by air or land.

3. Maldives (for tourism)

• Visa Requirement: Indian passport holders do not require a visa to visit the Maldives for tourism for up to 90 days. However, a valid passport is required, but no visa is needed.

• Travel by Air: Passport is required for entry.

4. Mauritius

• Visa Requirement: Indian passport holders can travel to Mauritius for up to 60 days without a visa. However, a valid passport is required for entry.

• Travel by Air: Visa-free for up to 60 days, but a passport is necessary.

5. Seychelles

• Visa Requirement: Indians can visit Seychelles for up to 90 days without a visa. However, a valid passport is required, along with proof of accommodation and return flight tickets.

• Travel by Air: Visa-free for up to 90 days, but a passport is necessary.

6. Hong Kong

• Visa Requirement: Indian citizens can stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes. A valid passport is required for entry.

• Travel by Air: Visa-free for up to 14 days, but a passport is necessary.

7. Macau

• Visa Requirement: Indians can visit Macau for up to 30 days without a visa. A valid passport is required for entry.

• Travel by Air: Visa-free for up to 30 days, but a passport is necessary.

8. Thailand (for tourism)

• Visa Requirement: Indians can visit Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa if they enter by air under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme. If entering by land, the visa-free period is limited to 15 days. A valid passport is required for entry.

• Travel by Air/Land: Visa-free for up to 30 days by air, but a passport is necessary.

9. Indonesia

• Visa Requirement: Indian passport holders can visit Indonesia for 30 days without a visa for tourism. A valid passport is required for entry.

• Travel by Air: Visa-free for up to 30 days, but a passport is necessary.

10. Sri Lanka (with Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA)

• Visa Requirement: Indians can visit Sri Lanka without a traditional visa if they obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is an online application process. The ETA allows for stays of up to 30 days.

• Travel by Air: ETA is required for entry, but no traditional visa is needed.

11. Cambodia

• Visa Requirement: Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days. Alternatively, they can apply for an e-visa before travel.

• Travel by Air/Land: Visa on arrival or e-visa, but a passport is necessary.

12. Fiji

• Visa Requirement: Indian citizens can stay in Fiji for up to 4 months without a visa. A valid passport is required for entry.

• Travel by Air: Visa-free for up to 4 months, but a passport is necessary.

13. Kenya

• Visa Requirement: Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa for tourism purposes. A valid passport is required.

• Travel by Air/Land: Visa on arrival or e-visa, but a passport is necessary.

14. Tanzania

• Visa Requirement: Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism purposes in Tanzania. A valid passport is required.

• Travel by Air/Land: Visa on arrival available, but a passport is necessary.

15. Jordan (with visa on arrival)

• Visa Requirement: Indians can obtain a visa on arrival in Jordan at the airport for tourism purposes, but they must have a valid passport.

• Travel by Air: Visa on arrival available, but a passport is necessary.

Conclusion:

Most of the countries mentioned above require a valid passport for entry but may either have a visa-free entry policy or offer a visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Indian passport holders. There are very few countries where no passport is required, but some neighboring countries (like Nepal and Bhutan) allow Indian nationals to enter with alternative documents such as a voter ID or a driving license. Always verify the specific entry requirements before traveling, as these policies can change.