Who can travel to India visa-free?

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes, India is a country high on the list for many travelers.

For citizens of certain countries, visiting India is even simpler thanks to the visa-free policies India has in place for travelers from eligible countries.

Here's a complete overview of who can travel to India without a visa and India's visa policy.

Who can travel to India without a visa?

The following nationalities don't require a visa to visit India:

• Nationals of Bhutan and Nepal do not need visas or even passports to enter India, and may live and work in India without any limit of stay.

However, they can't arrive from, or transit through, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Pakistan before entering India. We recommend Bhutanese or Nepali travelers return to their home country before visiting India to avoid having to apply for a visa/

• Foreign nationals possessing either a valid Overseas Citizen of India card or a Persons of Indian Origin Card are exempt from visa requirements and may live and work in India without any limit of stay.

• Nationals of the Maldives don't need a visa to enter India for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Who can get an Indian Visa on Arrival?

While it's not exactly a visa exemption, a Visa on Arrival offers a quick and simple way to enter India. Only travelers from 3 countries can get a Visa on Arrival in India. They get their Indian tourist visa stamped directly in their passport upon arrival:

• Citizens of Japan and South Korea can get a Visa on Arrival that grants them a stay of up to 30 days, as long as they are not of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin.

• Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can also get a Visa on Arrival. However, this applies only for UAE nationals who have previously received an eVisa or a paper visa to travel to India.

More info about the Visa on Arrival

The Visa on Arrival can be used for tourism, business, or medical purposes, and can only be obtained at the following Indian airports:

• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Delhi
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Mumbai

The Visa on Arrival service can be used up to two times in a calendar year.

Alternatively, foreign nationals eligible for a Visa on Arrival can apply for an Indian eVisa instead, if they intend to enter the country through another airport or want to visit the country more often.

Need help with your India Visa application?

If you're not from a country mentioned in this article, you must apply for a visa beforehand. We can help you get your Indian eVisa or paper visa in a simple and quick way on our platform or app.

If you have any questions about traveling to India or another country, feel free to reach out via online chat or WhatsApp. We're here to help!