Indians Celebrate as 62 Countries Welcome Tourists Without Visa
Indian travellers are rejoicing over the news that an increasing number of countries are welcoming tourists from India without requiring a visa. The year 2024 is being dubbed the ‘year of travellers’ as more nations open their doors to Indian tourists, and the best part is that these travellers won’t have to pay visa charges for these visits. A total of 62 countries spanning Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean Islands are extending a warm welcome to Indian travellers, inviting them to explore unique cultures, picturesque locales, beaches, and historically significant spots.
The Henley Passport Index, a global ranking system, places the Indian passport at the 80th position. This index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without needing a visa. The rankings are determined using data from the International Air Transport Association, providing insights into the global travel freedom granted to passport holders of various countries.
Currently, the title of possessing the most powerful passports is shared by six countries – Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. Passport holders from these nations can travel to an impressive 194 destinations without the need for a visa. In contrast, Afghanistan holds the lowest position in the Henley Passport Index, with citizens having visa-free access to only 28 countries. Similarly, Syria and Iraq allow entry to 29 and 31 countries, respectively, without a visa, and Pakistani citizens can travel to 34 destinations without visa requirements.
The list of countries welcoming Indian travellers without a visa includes a diverse range of destinations such as Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea – Bissau, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Macao (SAR China), Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niue, Oman, Palau Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor – Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.
This development is seen as a positive step to boost tourism, as Indians increasingly show interest in exploring different parts of the world. The ease of travel arrangements is expected to contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in these welcoming countries.
