All You Need to Know About Visa on Arrival for Indians

If you think about it, a visa is nothing short of a license we need to travel overseas, and it even tops the to-do list when planning a work trip or vacation. However, no one really enjoys the process of applying for visas as it is accompanied by unusually lengthy and tedious paperwork and documentation. If you’re unlucky, you might even have to visit the embassy or high commission multiple times and stand in queues. But did you know that there are around 20 countries that offer visa on arrival for Indians? Yes, you heard it right.

The visa on arrival facility has been a boon for travel enthusiasts as you don’t have to hold back your love for travelling due to the hassle of applying for visas. However, it is essential to not confused visa on arrival for Indians with e-visas as both are completely different. While you need to apply for e-visas online by paying a fee, an on-arrival visa is received upon reaching the preferred destination. So, all you need to do is pack your bags and board that flight!

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The Most Popular Countries Offering Visa on Arrival for Indians

 

Maldives Indonesia Nepal Sri Lanka
Jamaica Thailand Hong Kong Macau
Bhutan Kenya Laos Seychelles
Mauritius Ivory Coast Vietnam Laos
Uganda Qatar Fiji Cambodia

 

Since this list only talks about the popular countries providing the facility of visa on arrival for Indians, it is best to cross-check with the website of the Ministry of External Affairs. Doing so is vital because bilateral agreements on international travel between countries keep changing from time to time. Plus, there can also be a change in a country’s overseas travel policy. However, you must also go through the website of the place you wish to visit for details and information regarding visas for Indian citizens.

 

Are There Any Entry Requirements for Visa-On-Arrival Countries?

There is no single or right answer to this question as all countries have their set of policies, rules, and regulations for foreign visitors. For instance, while one country may require you to show proof of hotel accommodation at the time of arrival, another might need proof of return tickets. However, another common entry condition is to have an international travel insurance plan, which may or may not be mandatory.

One other thing you need to check while planning your trip is the visa validity, meaning how long you can stay without a valid visa. This duration can range anywhere between one week to 6 months, depending on the country. However, you will most probably need a permit or visa if travelling for work; and a visa on arrival for Indians is best suited for those going on a vacation/holiday.

Lastly, always remember to have identification proof and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from when your trip starts or until you come back. Additionally, you may have to provide passport-size photographs and even pay a fee to obtain your on-arrival visa. Therefore, be sure to double-check all such entry requirements.

 

Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit a Visa-On-Arrival Country?

As discussed earlier, an overseas travel insurance plan can be compulsory for entry in some countries, in which case you will have no option but to purchase one. However, it is better to buy a travel policy anyway, since there is always room for error. While we all want our trips to be enjoyable, memorable, and perfect, it doesn’t take long for things to go wrong – be it a health-related or non-health-related emergency.

However, investing in travel insurance will ensure you are covered for all emergencies, including injuries, accidents, ailments, accidental death, total disability, loss of baggage & passport, trip delay, trip cancellation, and more. So, no matter where you plan to go, buy travel insurance from trusted insurers like Care Health Insurance beforehand, and you can take your pick from a wide range of policies that are also pocket-friendly.

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