Discover the convenience of visa-free travel for Indian citizens holding a UK visa or residency, as well as Canadian, US, or Schengen visas. This article explores the opportunities and benefits available to Indian travellers with these specific visas, facilitating seamless journeys across various destinations.
Let's delve into the visa-free travel possibilities available to Indian passport holders who possess either a UK visa or residency, along with visas from Canada, the US, or Schengen countries. These visas can significantly broaden horizons for international travel, providing Indian citizens with easier access to numerous destinations around the globe. Let’s explore some destinations:
Peru
Indians holding visas from the UK, US, Canada, Schengen countries, or Australia with at least six months' validity can visit Peru without a visa.
Philippine
Indian travellers can enjoy visa-free stays in the Philippines for up to 14 days if they possess a multi-entry visa from the UK, US, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Canada, or any Schengen country, along with a return or onward ticket. Additionally, this exemption can be prolonged for an additional seven days, extending the total visa-free travel period to 21 days. However, the approval of this extension rests with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.
North Macedonia
Indian travelers with a valid multiple-entry visa from the US, UK or Canada can visit North Macedonia without an additional visa until December 31, 2024. This rule applies from January 1, 2024, allowing a maximum stay of 15 days per visit.
Albania
People from all countries, including India, can enter Albania without a visa if they possess a UK, US, or multi-entry Schengen visa, and surprisingly, they are also allowed to stay for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Gibraltar
People holding valid UK visas, including Indians, can enter Gibraltar without needing a visa, as it is a British Overseas Territory. Additionally, citizens of India, Morocco, China, and Mongolia can visit Gibraltar visa-free for up to 21 days if they have a multiple-entry Schengen visa. However, the Schengen visa must be valid for at least seven days upon departure.
Cayman Islands
Indians, Chinese, and Jamaicans have a visa exemption to travel to the Cayman Islands for up to 30 days without a visa. This exemption applies if they possess a valid visa from the UK, US, or Canada and are travelling directly from one of these countries.
Montenegro
People of all nationalities, including India, can travel to Montenegro without a visa if their passports have a visa from the UK, US, Romania, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Australia, Croatia, Bulgaria, or any Schengen nation. They can stay for up to 30 days, or until the visa's expiration date if it is valid for less than 30 days.
British Virgin Islands
With a valid visa from the UK, US, or Canada, individuals can travel to the British Virgin Islands and remain there for a maximum of 180 days.
Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland, which borders the United Kingdom, has a policy called the British Irish Visa Scheme. Under this scheme, certain nationals, including Indians and Chinese, can visit Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days if they first travel to Britain. However, entry is not guaranteed. Additionally, this scheme allows individuals with an Irish tourist visa to enter the UK without a visa after visiting Ireland.
Georgia
Georgia's visa policy is highly accommodating, permitting nationals of all countries to travel visa-free if they possess a visa from one of over 30 countries, including the UK visa. This policy allows them to stay up to 90 days within 180 days.
Caribbean
Aruba, Sint Maarten, and Curaçao are parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are special municipalities. These Caribbean territories have specific visa policies for citizens of India, Bolivia, China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Venezuela. They can travel to these places without a visa if they hold a valid visa from the UK, Ireland, the US, or Canada.
Here are the entry provisions for each;
- Aruba: Up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of 180 days per year.
- Bonaire: Up to 90 days per visit, with a maximum of 180 days per year.
- Curaçao: Up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of 180 days per year.
- Saba: Up to 90 days per visit, with a maximum of 180 days per year.
- Sint Eustatius: Up to 90 days per visit, with a maximum of 180 days per year.
- Sint Maarten: Up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of 180 days per year.
Bermuda
People of all nationalities, including India, can visit Bermuda without a visa and stay for 30 days as long as they possess a multiple-entry visa from the UK, US, or Canada, valid for at least 45 days beyond their departure from Bermuda.
Dominican Republic
Individuals with a valid visa from the UK, US, Canada, or EU member states can stay in the Dominican Republic for up to 30 days without needing a visa.
Turks and Caicos
A tourist visa from the UK, US, or Canada allow all individuals to stay in Turks and Caicos without a visa for 30 days.
Singapore
Travelers from India, along with those from Georgia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, China (with specific passports), and the Commonwealth of Independent States, can benefit from Singapore's Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) during layovers. They can explore Singapore for up to 96 hours without a visa, provided they have a confirmed onward flight ticket and a valid passport. While approval is at the discretion of immigration, it's usually granted if all the requirements are met.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica extends visa-free entry to individuals of all nationalities, including India, who hold valid multiple-entry Tier 1, 2, 4, or 5 visas, specifically those issued for student and work purposes. All valid Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are also accepted. Visitors are granted a stay of up to 30 days upon arrival. However, it's important to note that standard visitor visas from the UK are not eligible for entry. For those holding Tier 1, 2, 4, or 5 visas or BRPs from the UK, the documents must remain valid for at least three months beyond the arrival date in Costa Rica.
Mexico
You can enjoy a visa-free stay in Mexico for up to 180 days with a multi-entry visa from the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or any Schengen country. This rule applies to all nationalities.
Panama
Passport holders with a valid multiple entry visa from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, or any EU country can enjoy visa-free stays in Panama for up to 30 days, including Indians. The visa must be multiple-entry, used in one of the issuing countries before entering Panama, and have at least six months of validity.
Anguilla
Travelers holding a visa from the UK, US, or Canada can enter Anguilla without a visa and stay for a maximum of 90 days.
Bahamas
Surprisingly, Indians are the only ones permitted to stay visa-free for up to 90 days, provided they possess a valid visa from the UK, US, Canada, or any Schengen country.
Antigua and Barbuda
Indian citizens are allowed entry into Antigua and Barbuda if they possess a valid visa or residence permit issued by Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States, or a valid visa from a Schengen member state with a validity of 30 days. This applies to those traveling for tourism or business purposes. Here's a breakdown of the visa requirements for Indian citizens visiting Antigua and Barbuda:
Aruba
If you possess a valid residence permit, whether temporary or permanent, issued by any of the specified countries, you are exempt from needing a visa for Aruba. Additionally, Indian citizens can enter Aruba without a separate visa if they hold a valid multiple-entry visa for the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, or any country within the Schengen Area. It's crucial to note that only multiple-entry visas are accepted; single-entry visas do not meet the requirement. Upon entry, travellers are granted a stay of up to 30 days in Aruba.
Bonaire
Citizens from all countries including India, are eligible for entry in Bonaire. They can stay for up to 90 days if they possess valid multiple-entry UK visas or residence permits such as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs).
Curacao
Ordinarily, Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa to visit Curaçao. However, there are exemptions granted under specific conditions. A valid multiple-entry visa from Canada, the US, the UK (including Ireland), or any Schengen country enables Indian nationals to enter Curaçao without needing an additional visa. Moreover, individuals holding a valid residence permit issued by one of these countries (Canada, US, UK, Ireland, or Schengen Area) are also exempted from the requirement of obtaining a Curaçao visa.
Jamaica
For Indian travellers heading to Jamaica, there are several avenues for entry: First, if you possess a valid US, Canadian, UK, or Schengen visa that has been used at least once and remains valid, you can obtain a visa upon arrival. Alternatively, you must secure a Jamaican visa before your journey if you lack any of these specified visas. Additionally, be prepared to provide evidence of vaccination against Measles, Rubella, and Polio, along with proof of a return or onward ticket to another destination.
Sint Maarten
All nationalities can enter with no visa required. However, a valid Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is necessary. Travellers are allowed a stay of up to 30 days, provided their UK residence permit is valid for at least 30 days from arrival.
North Macedonia
For travellers visiting North Macedonia, all nationalities, including India, are welcome. They can enter with any valid multiple-entry UK visa, but residence permits are not required. Upon entry, visitors are granted a stay of up to 15 days. However, ensure your UK visa remains valid for at least 5 days beyond your planned duration of stay. Remember that the total duration of consecutive stays should not surpass 3 months within any 6 months.
Armenia
Indians travelling to Armenia can enter with a valid visa from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, or a Schengen member state. However, Armenia does not offer Indian citizens visas upon arrival. Instead, Indians with visas from these countries can apply for a visa in advance. While this eases the process compared to a standard Armenian visa application, it's not as convenient as a visa on arrival.
Serbia
For travellers of all nationalities, including India, considering a trip to Serbia, possessing any valid multiple-entry UK visa suffices for entry. No residence permits are required for entry. Upon arrival, visitors are allowed a stay of up to 90 days. The UK visa must remain valid throughout the entire duration of the stay.
Additionally, visitors must adhere to the rule that the total duration of consecutive stays cannot surpass 90 days within any 180 days.
Turkey
Indian travellers planning a visit to Turkey can benefit from streamlined entry procedures if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, or a Schengen member state. Instead of the traditional sticker visa obtained from an embassy or consulate, they can conveniently apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) online. For those meeting this criterion, the process involves applying for a Turkish e-Visa through the official online portal. However, Indian citizens without qualifying visas or residence permits from the mentioned countries must follow the standard procedure and apply for a regular Turkish visa via the embassy or consulate in their home country. Upon entry, travellers are typically granted a stay of up to 30 days.
Bahrain
Travelers from all nationalities, including Indian citizens, can enter Bahrain under certain conditions. Specifically, individuals holding valid multiple-entry UK visas are permitted entry. Residence permits are not required for entry. Upon arrival, travellers can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) or apply for a Bahrain eVisa, depending on their preference and travel plans. The duration of stay varies: for VOA, travellers can stay for up to 14 days with a single-entry visa or up to 30 days with a multiple-entry visa, while eVisa holders can stay for the same durations respectively. It's important to note that for VOA, the UK visa must cover the entire stay in Bahrain, while for eVisa, it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date.
Jordan
Indians with valid ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) or BRPs (Biometric Residence Permits) are allowed entry into the destination country for up to 90 days. While no specific visas are permitted, travellers can obtain a Visa on Arrival upon reaching the destination. To be eligible for this, the ILR or BRP must be valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date.
Oman
For travellers from India, entry into Oman is permitted with all valid multiple-entry UK visas and valid ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and BRPs (Biometric Residence Permits). Upon arrival, travellers can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at any airport, land border, or seaport, granting a single-entry validity for 30 days.
Qatar
For individuals of all nationalities, including those from India, entry into Qatar is permitted with all valid multiple-entry UK visas, except for transit visas.
Individuals with valid ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and BRPs (Biometric Residence Permits) are also allowed entry. However, it's important to note that a visa is not exempt, but eligible travellers can apply for a Qatar ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This ETA is free of charge and grants a single-entry validity for 30 days. Furthermore, the UK visa must be valid for at least 30 days from arriving in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia
For individuals from any country, including India, entry into Saudi Arabia is allowed with any valid multiple-entry UK visa, excluding transit visas. However, individuals must note that residence permits are not permitted for entry. Upon arrival at any international airport in Saudi Arabia, eligible travellers can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA), although it's important to remember that a visa is not exempt. The VOA fee is 440 Saudi Riyals, granting multiple entries with one-year validity. Additionally, the UK visa must have been utilized at least once to enter the UK.
United Arab Emirates
For individuals from India, entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is permitted for 14 days. However, it's important to note that visas are not allowed entry. Nevertheless, eligible travellers can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) upon arrival at any UAE airport, granting a single entry, valid for 14 days. Additionally, individuals must ensure their UK residence permit remains valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
Egypt
Individuals from any country, including India, can enter the designated destination for 30 days. However, it's important to note that possessing a visa does not exempt them from the entry requirement. Nonetheless, travellers can acquire a Visa on Arrival (VOA) upon arrival at any international airport in the destination allowing a single entry, valid for 30 days. Furthermore, it is mandatory for individuals to have utilized their UK visa to enter the UK at least once.
Taiwan
India is among the eligible nationalities permitted entry into Taiwan for 14 days. However, without the visa being exempt, travellers must obtain an ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online before arrival. This free certificate grants multiple entries, remaining valid for 90 days. Notably, individuals can utilise valid and expired single or multiple-entry UK visas, except transit visas, along with valid or expired ILR and BRPs as permitted residence permits. It's important to ensure that if an expired UK visa or residence permit is being used, it must have expired within the last decade.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Indian citizens holding a valid UK visa or residency can travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a maximum of 30 days with their passport, provided it has at least three months of validity remaining. This visa type allows for multiple entries and is valid for 90 days.
Cuba
For Indian citizens holding a valid UK visa or residency, Cuba offers a single-entry visa, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. To avail of this visa, individuals must possess a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
Belarus
Indian citizens possessing a valid UK visa or residency have the opportunity to visit Belarus for a duration of up to 30 days under a single-entry visa. This visa remains valid for 30 days, provided the traveller's passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
Macedonia
The visa available for Indian citizens planning to visit Macedonia is of the single-entry type and is valid for 30 days. Individuals with valid UK visas or residency can visit Macedonia for up to 30 days. To enter the country, they must ensure their passport has at least three months of validity.
Let's explore the benefits of visa-free travel for Indian passport holders who hold UK, Canada, US, or Schengen visas. These advantages can greatly enhance your travel experiences.
Convenience: Visa-free access allows Indians to skip the often long and complex visa application process. They can simply pack their bags and explore new destinations without a separate visa.
Cost Savings: Visa applications can be costly, especially for frequent travellers. Visa-free countries, including Indians, can save on application fees and processing charges.
Flexibility: Imagine deciding on a spontaneous trip and being able to book your flight right away. With visa-free travel, you can be spontaneous and discover new places without extensive planning.
Versatile Itineraries: Visa-free access enables Indians to travel between countries within the designated region. You can create flexible travel plans, whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation.
Business Opportunities: For business travellers, visa-free access makes networking, attending conferences, and exploring potential markets easier. Indians can seize business opportunities without delays.
Cultural Exchange: Visa-free travel encourages cultural exchange. Indians can immerse themselves in local traditions, savour authentic cuisine, and engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
Boost to Tourism: Countries offering visa-free entry often experience increased tourism, benefiting their economy, infrastructure, and local businesses.
Family Visits: If Indians have family members living in visa-free countries, they can visit them more frequently. Celebrate special occasions together without bureaucratic obstacles.
Educational Opportunities: Scholars, researchers, and students benefit from visa-free access. They can attend conferences, collaborate with international institutions, and pursue academic endeavours more easily.
Are there any restrictions or conditions for visa-free travel?
Some countries may impose specific conditions, such as a maximum duration of stay, proof of onward travel, or restrictions on employment or study during the visit. It's essential to check the specific requirements of each destination.
Do Indians need to apply for any additional documentation before travelling visa-free?
In most cases, no additional documentation is required besides a valid visa or residency permit from the mentioned countries. However, travellers should ensure their passports meet validity requirements and carry any necessary supporting documents, such as return tickets and proof of accommodation.
Can Indians extend their stay beyond the visa-free period?
Extensions to visa-free stays are typically not allowed. If travellers wish to prolong their visit, they may need to apply for a visa extension or another type of visa, depending on the destination country's regulations.
How long can Indians stay in visa-free countries?
The duration varies depending on the destination and the type of visa held, typically ranging from a few days to several months.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
