Indians Are Rushing to These Visa Free/On Arrival Locations This Summer to Avoid Waiting and Paperwork
As summer approaches, Indian travelers are increasingly opting for hassle-free international vacations, with visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations witnessing a significant surge in bookings. From pristine beaches to serene landscapes, travelers are prioritizing convenience and affordability over traditional, paperwork-heavy destinations.
One traveler from Pune shared their experience: “The stress of visa appointments and paperwork is just not worth it. This summer, we decided to visit islands near Malaysia instead.” Another traveler highlighted the impact of fluctuating currency rates, saying, “With the dollar rising and the rupee weakening, traveling to the US or Europe has become 15-20% more expensive. We chose Seychelles for our vacation, especially since my child just finished their board exams.”
According to Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip, bookings for visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations have doubled compared to last year. “Travelers are increasingly choosing destinations that require minimal paperwork and offer faster approvals,” he said. Cleartrip, another travel booking portal, reported a 1.2x surge in bookings to Sri Lanka and a 1.17x increase for the Maldives compared to last year.
Most Popular Destinations This Summer
- Thailand (2X more bookings than last year)
- Malaysia (islands like Langkawi and Penang)
- Seychelles (luxury and scenic beauty)
- Sri Lanka (1.2x surge in bookings)
- Maldives (1.17x increase in bookings)
- Bhutan (cultural and nature-focused travel)
- Nepal (affordable and accessible)
- Mauritius (snorkeling and luxury resorts)
- Barbados (exotic and visa-free)
The introduction of direct flights and low-cost carriers has further fueled this trend. Rajeev Kale, president of Thomas Cook (India), noted, “New direct connections, like IndiGo’s services to Penang and Langkawi, have made these destinations more accessible. Similarly, Thai Vietjet Air’s Mumbai-Bangkok route and Air India Express’ Hyderabad-Phuket flights are providing cost-effective options for travelers.”
S.D. Nandakumar, president of SOTC, emphasized the added benefits of visa-free travel: “Travelers are using the savings from visa processes to upgrade their holidays with unique experiences, such as learning Muay Thai in Thailand, snorkeling in Mauritius, or enjoying underwater dining in the Maldives.”
With last-minute bookings up by 20-25% compared to last year, it’s clear that Indian travelers are embracing the ease and excitement of visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations this summer.
