Visa Guide 2026: How Indians Can Apply for the Most Popular Destinations
In This Article
Visa Guide for Indian Passport Holders 2026
Indian passport holders can visit 60+ countries visa-free or with visa on arrival. For the most popular international travel destinations from India, this guide covers exactly what's required, how much it costs, and how long it takes. For countries that require an advance visa, OnlyOnTrip's visa assistance service handles the full application process.
Visa on Arrival (No Pre-Application) for Indians
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Eligibility: Indian passport holders with a valid US, UK, EU (Schengen), Australia, or Canada visa/residence permit get UAE visa on arrival for free.
Others: Apply for UAE visa on arrival at Dubai airport — AED 100 (~₹2,300) for 30 days, or AED 250 (~₹5,700) for 90 days.
Online e-visa option: Apply in advance for AED 50–100 (~₹1,150–₹2,300) via UAE ICA website — recommended for certainty.
OnlyOnTrip: Visa assistance available for UAE — book flights + visa together.
Thailand
Visa on Arrival: Available at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and other major airports. THB 2,000 (~₹4,800). 30-day stay.
Thailand e-Visa (recommended): Apply online at thaievisa.go.th before travel — ₹3,500–₹4,500. 15–30 days stay. Processing 2–5 business days.
Visa-Free Period: From November 2023, India entered a special arrangement — check current status before travel as policy changes.
Indonesia (Bali)
Visa on Arrival: USD 35 (~₹2,900) at Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali. 30 days, extendable once.
e-VoA: Apply online at molina.imigrasi.go.id before travel to skip the queue.
Sri Lanka
e-Visa: USD 50 (~₹4,200). Apply at eta.gov.lk. 30-day stay. Processing 24–72 hours.
Visa on Arrival: Available but e-visa in advance is faster.
Countries Requiring Advance Visa Application
United Kingdom (UK)
Visa Required: Yes — UK Standard Visitor Visa.
Fee: £115 (~₹12,000) per applicant.
Processing Time: 15–21 working days. Priority service available for £250 (~₹26,000) — 5 working days.
Documents: 6 months' bank statements, employment letter, last 3 years' ITR, property documents, previous visa history.
OnlyOnTrip Visa Assistance: Document review, application form completion, appointment booking — contact support.
USA
Visa Required: B1/B2 tourist visa.
Fee: USD 185 (~₹15,400) — non-refundable even if visa is refused.
Processing Time: 2–12 months for interview appointment (varies by consulate and time of year). Apply well in advance.
Key Requirement: In-person interview at US Consulate (Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata).
Tip: Strong ties to India (property, family, employment) significantly improve approval chances.
Schengen (Europe — 27 countries)
Visa Required: Schengen Short-Stay Visa (C visa) — covers Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and 21 others.
Fee: €90 (~₹8,200) per applicant.
Processing Time: 15 calendar days standard; up to 60 days in peak season (June–August). Apply minimum 30 days before travel.
Documents: Travel insurance (min €30,000 coverage), hotel bookings, flight itinerary, bank statements (6 months), ITR, employer letter.
Singapore
Visa Required: Yes — Singapore Tourist Visa.
Fee: SGD 30 (~₹1,850) per applicant.
Processing Time: 5–10 business days.
Note: If you hold a valid UK, USA, Australia or Canada visa, you may be eligible for Singapore visa exemption — check ICA Singapore's website.
Malaysia
Visa on Arrival: Indians can get 30-day Visa on Arrival at KLIA for MYR 135 (~₹2,500).
eNTRI Note: The eNTRI (electronic Travel Registration and Information) scheme for Indians was suspended — check current status at the Malaysian High Commission website before travel.
How OnlyOnTrip's Visa Assistance Works
- Select your destination on OnlyOnTrip and choose "Visa Assistance"
- A visa specialist will contact you within 4 hours to confirm requirements
- Submit documents digitally — no physical courier required for most countries
- OnlyOnTrip tracks your application and notifies you of status updates
- Visa granted: update your flight booking or book flights simultaneously for the best fares
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can Indians visit visa-free in 2026?
Indians can visit approximately 60 countries without a prior visa — including Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Indonesia (visa on arrival), Thailand (visa on arrival/e-visa), UAE (visa on arrival with qualifying visa), Jamaica, and several others. Check the latest list at the Ministry of External Affairs website before travel.
How long does a Schengen visa take for Indians?
15 calendar days officially; 30–45 days is more realistic in peak season (June–August). Apply minimum 3 months before travel to be safe.
Can OnlyOnTrip apply for my visa?
Yes — OnlyOnTrip's visa assistance service covers applications for UAE, UK, Schengen, Singapore, Malaysia, USA and 100+ other destinations. Contact support@onlyontrip.com to start.