Visa guidance

Know before you go: entry guidance for Indian travellers

What you need to enter each country, what to carry and how long it takes, in plain language.

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Visa on arrival

Indonesia (Bali)

Visa on arrival or e-VOA for Bali, plus the arrival card and the Bali tourism levy.

Stay:
30 days, extendable once by 30 days
Processing:
e-VOA is typically approved within a day; on-arrival takes the length of the queue
Full guidance → Visa in advance

Japan

A tourist visa is needed in advance, applied for through a Japanese visa centre or e-Visa.

Stay:
Short-term stay, usually 15 or 30 days per entry
Processing:
Around 5 to 10 working days after submission
Full guidance → Online registration

Malaysia

Visa-free for a short tourist stay for now; submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card first.

Stay:
Up to 30 days visa-free under the current waiver
Processing:
MDAC is submitted online up to 3 days before arrival
Full guidance → Visa-free

Maldives

Free 30-day visa on arrival; complete the online traveller declaration.

Stay:
30 days, on arrival
Processing:
Traveller declaration is submitted online within 96 hours before arrival
Full guidance → Visa-free

Mauritius

Visa-free for short tourist stays; complete the online arrival form.

Stay:
Up to 90 days
Processing:
Online arrival form is instant
Full guidance → e-Visa

Singapore

A visa is required, applied for online through an authorised agent, plus the SG Arrival Card.

Stay:
Typically up to 30 days per visit; the visa is usually valid for 2 years, multiple entry
Processing:
Typically 3 to 5 working days
Full guidance → e-Visa

Sri Lanka

Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before you fly.

Stay:
Typically 30 days, extendable
Processing:
Usually within 24 hours
Full guidance → Visa-free

Thailand

No visa needed for short tourist stays, but complete the digital arrival card first.

Stay:
Short tourist stays without a visa
Processing:
TDAC is instant to a few minutes
Full guidance → e-Visa

UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

Get a UAE tourist e-visa before you fly; some travellers qualify for visa on arrival.

Stay:
Typically 14, 30 or 60 days depending on the visa type
Processing:
Typically 2 to 4 working days
Full guidance → e-Visa

Vietnam

Apply for an e-Visa online in a few days; valid up to 90 days.

Stay:
Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry
Processing:
Around 3 working days
Full guidance →

The five kinds of entry requirement

Visa-free

Walk in with a valid passport. Some still ask for proof of onward travel.

Online registration

No visa, but a free digital arrival card must be filed before you fly.

Visa on arrival

Issued at the airport for a fee. An online version often saves queues.

e-Visa

Applied for online and emailed to you, typically within days.

Visa in advance

Application through an embassy, visa centre or agent, with a fuller document set.

This guidance is for travellers on an Indian passport and is reviewed regularly, but rules change quickly. Always confirm on the official immigration website before booking.

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before you go

How do I know if I need a visa as an Indian passport holder?
It depends on the country. Some are visa-free, some need an online e-visa, some a visa on arrival, and some an application in advance. Each country page here shows which applies, with documents and timelines.
What is an arrival card, and is it a visa?
No. Arrival cards such as Thailand’s TDAC or Malaysia’s MDAC are free online declarations. They do not replace a visa, but you can be refused boarding without them.
How early should I apply for a visa?
For e-visas, 1 to 2 weeks is usually comfortable. For embassy or visa-centre applications, 4 to 6 weeks ahead is safer, especially in peak travel seasons.
Should I book flights before my visa is approved?
Where possible, book refundable fares and free-cancellation hotels until the visa is approved. If you are unsure, our advisors can plan the order of bookings with you.
Is the advisory session really free?
Yes. It is a conversation to help you understand entry requirements and plan next steps. There is no obligation to plan or book a trip with GoTixi.
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