India

When traveling internationally, Indian citizens may need to secure a visa with an in-person application, an eVisa, or a Visa on Arrival (VOA). In some cases, they can enjoy visa-free access to select destinations.

Indian passport holders can get an eVisa or VOA for travel to 87 countries, both of which can be applied online.

For sticker or stamped visas, Indian citizens must visit the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Many countries offer online appointment scheduling, but specific policies may vary.

Indian nationals traveling abroad should hold a valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity from their entry date. This is the most common requirement for any country.

With a passport ranking 83rd globally, Indian citizens currently have visa-free access to 16 countries.

Visa requirements differ across destinations, so it’s always advisable to review the specific visa guidelines of your intended destination before beginning the application process.

The eVisa is a digital visa issued online, allowing you to apply without needing to visit the destination country’s embassy or consulate. It can be stored on your smartphone or printed out and presented at the airport.

A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a travel authorization that lets you enter the destination country without applying for a visa in advance. Upon arrival at the destination country, you can get your visa directly from the immigration authorities.

The VOA application can also be submitted online, like an eVisa. The authorization is also sent to your email. Unlike the eVisa, which allows flexible travel dates, the VOA has a specific timeframe. You must arrive within that period to receive your visa from immigration.

If you don’t arrive within the specified timeframe, your VOA authorization will expire, and you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Here is a list of countries that offer an eVisa and VOA for Indian citizens:

With India’s passport ranking 83rd globally, Indian citizens can travel to sixteen (16) countries without the need for a visa.

Here is a list of countries Indian citizens can visit visa-free:

Indian citizens must apply for a sticker visa before traveling to 99 countries worldwide. Visa applications can be submitted both online and offline.

For some countries, the online visa application process allows you to complete your application without needing to visit an office or send your passport by mail, depending on the destination’s visa policies.

The offline application requires a personal visit to the embassy or consulate of the desired country to submit your documents, visa application form, and passport.

Additionally, each country’s visa validity varies based on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit. It’s essential to review the specific requirements for the visa you intend to apply for before starting the application process.

Here is the list of countries that require a visa from Indian citizens:

There are some general visa requirements that are the same in every country. Indian citizens traveling abroad must fulfill the following requirements:

• Valid Passport: A valid Indian passport with at least six (6) months of remaining validity from the date of entry into the destination country.
• Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form with appropriate details. It can be submitted either online or in person at the destination country’s embassy or consulate. This form generally requires your details, travel itinerary, supporting documents, and purpose of visit.
• Photograph: One or more recent (within the last three months) passport-size photographs with a white background, clearly showing your face.
• Flight Tickets: Some countries require proof of travel. This includes inbound and outbound flight tickets.
• Proof of Accommodation: Documentation stating where you will stay. This can be a hotel booking, hostel, or an address if staying with friends or family, to provide proof of accommodation.

A Visa Waiver Agreement allows Indian citizens to travel to select countries without a visa for short stays, simplifying international travel. Only Diplomatic, Official/Service passport holders can visit the listed countries without a visa for a specific timeframe:

With an Indian passport, you can visit 202 countries worldwide. Ranked 83rd globally, the Indian passport allows you visa-free entry to 16 countries.

The minimum passport validity required for Indian citizens traveling abroad is generally six (6) months from the date of entry into the destination country. 

Indian citizens can visit nine (16) countries without a visa. These countries are:

1. Barbados
2. Bhutan
3. Dominican Republic
4. Fiji
5. Haiti
6. Hong Kong SAR
7. Kazakhstan
8. Maldives
9. Nepal
10. Niue Island
11. Qatar
12. Sant vincent & the Grenadines
13. Senegal
14. Sri Lanka
15. St. Lucia
16. The cook islands

No, Indian citizens are not allowed to hold multiple passports. India does not recognize dual or multiple citizenship, so an Indian citizen can only hold a single Indian passport at a time. If an Indian citizen acquires citizenship from another country, they are generally required to surrender their Indian passport and citizenship.

In special cases, India does issue an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to former citizens who acquire foreign nationality. The OCI card provides lifelong visa-free entry to India and some benefits similar to those of Indian citizens but is not equivalent to dual citizenship.

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card allows foreign citizens of Indian origin to have visa-free travel to India and certain benefits. However, it does not grant full citizenship rights like the power to vote, run for office, join the army, or take up government jobs.

The best way to prove your Indian citizenship is by providing your Indian Passport, Aadhaar card, Electoral photo identity card, PAN, Driving license, and Ration card.

The answer is no, Indians cannot have dual or multiple citizenship. To hold multiple citizenship, you have to surrender your Indian citizenship.

Some destinations may not offer an eVisa or Visa on Arrival for Indian citizens. In this case, you will have to apply for a traditional stamped visa. You can do that by visiting the embassy or consulate. Some countries offer online application submission or via mail. You can check the details from your destination country’s immigration website.