5 countries Indians can visit without a visa

While planning a trip to a foreign country may sound exciting, travelling overseas can be lengthy and complicated, especially when applying for a visa. 

But with an Indian passport in your hands, say goodbye to spending long hours figuring out the whole process. This is because there are many visa-free countries for Indian students to travel to.

According to a study by Henley Passport Index, the Indian passport is ranked in the 85th position for power and mobility in the year 2023. 

Going to a visa-free country means you don’t have to go through the process of applying for a visa.

Currently, there are 59 countries that Indians can travel to without worrying about getting a visa.

If you are an Indian international student looking for a break from university life, consider visiting one of these countries.

But note this: Alhough you can enter these countries without a visa, there is a number of legal days that you will be allowed to stay in the country.

Here are five visa-free countries for Indian students:

Skydiving is one of the most popular activities tourists enjoy in Nepal. As one of the visa-free countries for Indian students, this is where you’ll find many adventure seekers all year round. Source: Prakash Mathema/AFP

Nepal

In Nepal, all tourists need a visa to enter the country except those with an Indian passport.

Indian citizens not only can enter Nepal without a visa, but a passport is also not needed. All they need to enter the country is their identification card. 

Located in the Himalayas, Nepal is the smallest neighbouring country of India. But despite its small size, there is much to see and do in Nepal.

Many tourists visit the country for their excellent treks, like the Annapurna Circuit and those going to the Everest Base Camp.

Zip flying, sky diving and bird watching are also common tourist activities. 

The best part is that Nepal offers many opportunities to further your studies or pursue a short course too.

Some of the best universities in the country include Far Western University, Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University. 

Fiji

Fiji, or also known as the Republic of Fiji, attracts many tourists every year thanks to its white sandy beaches, islands and beautiful coral reefs. 

Indian citizens are in luck as they can visit the country without a visa. With an Indian passport in hand, they can stay in the country for around 120 days. 

However, Fiji doesn’t only attract tourists. As it offers university courses that are recognised around the world, many international students come here to further their studies.

Among the best universities are the Fiji School of Nursing, the Fiji Institute of Technology and The University of the South Pacific.

There are also a number of short courses in engineering, business, science and agriculture available for international students.

Indonesia

Indonesia, a country located in Southeast Asia, is recognised as the world’s largest island country.

The vast archipelago, long sandy beaches, tropical climate and cultural heritage all combine to make Indonesia a popular tourist attraction. 

Indian citizens are in luck, as to visit this historically beautiful country, you don’t need to present a visa.

You are permitted to enter the country for a period of 30 days visa-free. 

Most universities in the country are public universities, and many offer short-term courses across a wide range of disciplines that international students can enjoy.

Their top universities include Universitas Indonesia, Swiss German University, and the London School of Public Relations. 

Mauritius’s sandy beaches and status as one of the visa-free countries for Indians attract beach lovers from all around the world. Source: Laura Morosoli/AFP

Mauritius

Another country that welcomes Indian citizens without a visa is Mauritius.

The Island is located in the Indian Ocean, and as such, it experiences a tropical climate all year round.

While visiting, be sure to check out some of their sites like Port Louis, Ile Aux Cerfs, Le Morne Brabant, Tamarind Waterfall and Flic en Flac. 

Aside from its warm weather, beautiful beaches and diverse population, Mauritius is known to have higher education institutions that offer an excellent curriculum. 

Every year the Government of Mauritius invests a large number of financial resources in developing the education infrastructure of the country.

As a result, many international students interested in pursuing management or engineering are attracted to studying here.

The top universities are Anna Medical College and Research Centre, the University of Mauritius and Middlesex University. 

Qatar

Situated in the Middle East, Qatar is one of the countries that allows citizens with an Indian passport to enter visa-free.

Indian nationals are permitted to enter the country and stay for up to 30 days without a visa.

While in Qatar, Indians can enjoy the rich heritage sites all around.

Similar to other Eastern Arabic countries, the religion of Islam significantly influences the country.

This can be seen in their many sites rich in heritage and culture.

Don’t miss out on visiting the museum of Islamic art, which is renowned as one of the best museums in the country.

If you fall in love with the country while visiting, you can even plan to study abroad in Qatar.

Home to a number of international universities, such as Qatar University, Carnegie Mellon University and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts.

There are short courses available too.