The Top 10 Travel Destinations for Indians and the Best Visa Choices
With 30.8 million departures in 2024, Indians set a travel record. These are the top ten places Indians have traveled, from the United Arab Emirates to Canada, along with the most effective visa choices.
New travel data were just issued by the Ministry of Tourism, and the figures speak for themselves. More Indians than ever before are traveling. Over 30.8 million Indians traveled abroad in 2024, a record number that is altering the nature of foreign travel.
Where do Indians travel the most, then? Which visa choice is appropriate if you wish to follow this trend? Let's examine each nation separately.
The Top 10 Travel Destinations for Indians
Over 30 million Indians traveled overseas in 2024, breaking previous records. Based on departures reported by the Bureau of Immigration, these are the top ten nations they traveled to.
1. The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
7.78 million Indians visited the UAE in 2024, making it the most popular travel destination. While frequent travelers frequently select multi-entry long-term permits, tourist visas are the most commonly used.
Visa for tourists (30 or 90 days)
Multi-entry long-term visa
2. Saudi Arabia
In 2024, almost 3.42 million Indians traveled to Saudi Arabia, primarily for employment and religious pilgrimages. Indians now have more travel options than just Umrah and work visas thanks to the tourist eVisa.
Visa for Umrah
eVisa for tourists (available online for Indians)
Visa for employment
3. The US
In 2024, 2.14 million Indians traveled to the United States. The primary motivations for travel were business trips, family visits, and academic pursuits. To make their travels possible, many tourists employed the visitor, student, and work visa categories.
Visitor visa B1/B2
F-1 visa for students
H-1B employment visa
4. Thailand
In 2024, almost 1.9 million Indians visited Thailand. direct flights and visa-on-arrival system made it a favored destination. For longer stays, many, however, filed in advance for tourist visas.
Arrival Visa (15 days)
Visa for tourists (up to 60 days)
5. Singapore
Due to Singapore's combination of business and leisure, up to 1.53 million Indians traveled there in 2024. The short-term visit pass, which was frequently granted as a multiple-entry visa, was used by the majority.
Tourist visa for Singapore (pass for brief visits)
Visa with multiple entries (valid for up to two years)
6. The UK
In 2024, 1.32 million Indians traveled to the UK. Work, family visits, and education were the causes of this dramatic rise. Standard visitor visas continue to be widely used. Professionals and students, however, looked for longer-term solutions.
Typical Visitor Visa
Visa for students
Visa for Skilled Workers
7. Qatar
In 2024, almost 1.14 million Indians visited Qatar. Many traveled to Doha for employment, family visits, or quick stays. They used employer-sponsored, transit, or tourist visas.
30-day tourist visa
Visa for transit (up to 96 hours)
Visa for employment
8. Kuwait
In 2024, 906,965 Indians traveled to Kuwait. They traveled primarily for work and family visits. For lengthier stays in Kuwait, the majority of visitors use work permits or visitation visas issued by their companies.
Visit visa (tourist or family)
Visa for employment
9. Oman
In 2024, about 864,251 Indians visited Oman. Short visits were made simple by the Oman e-Visa system. For longer stays, a lot of foreigners continue to use employment-linked permits.
eVisa (10 or 30 days)
Visa for employment 10. Canada
In 2024, 945,652 Indians were admitted to Canada. Education, migration, and family visits were the causes of this rise. While study permits and Express Entry remained the primary choices for extended visits, visitor visas made short journeys easier.Visitor's visa
Permit to study
Express Entry (for long-term residency)
Concluding Remarks
Travelers from India are altering their international routes. Leisure destinations like Thailand and Singapore are not far behind the US, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates at the forefront. Knowing your options before you book is just as important as getting the best airline bargain because the appropriate visa can influence the success of your trip.
