In a world where wanderlust often collides with visa complexities, Agoda, a digital travel platform, has unveiled a list of top visa-free destinations for Indian travelers in 2024, offering a haven for those seeking seamless exploration. Based on its accommodation booking data, the list reveals Thailand as the ultimate visa-free destination, garnering the most interest from Indian travelers. The Southeast Asian gem has witnessed a remarkable surge in accommodation searches since introducing visa waivers for Indian tourists in November 2023.
Following closely behind Thailand, the list showcases Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal as popular choices for visa-free escapes. Malaysia, in particular, has experienced a significant rise in popularity, leaping from eighth place in 2023 to fourth in early 2024, after implementing its own visa waiver for Indian travelers in December 2023.
The growing appeal of these visa-free destinations underscores the transformative impact of relaxed visa policies on travel trends. Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern, speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum in New Delhi, emphasized the undeniable influence of visa relaxation on inbound tourism. “We know that removing visa restrictions makes a huge difference to inbound tourism, and we see this across the globe,” he remarked.
Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director India at Agoda, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the increasing demand for hassle-free travel among Indian travelers. “The interest among Indian travelers for these visa-free destinations underscores the importance of hassle-free travel. Indian travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer convenience and a variety of experiences without the need for enduring extensive visa procedures,” he explained.
For Indian travelers eager to embrace the world without visa hurdles, Agoda provides a comprehensive platform to plan their journeys. With access to over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda empowers travelers to discover and book amazing deals, whether it’s exploring visa-free destinations or venturing to other global hotspots. Whether it’s through the website or mobile app, Agoda offers a seamless and convenient platform for planning the perfect escape.
