New Visa Policies Make Global Travel Easier for Indian Tourists
Visa Reforms & Rising Wanderlust: Why More Indians Are Traveling Abroad
Indian tourists are embracing global adventures like never before because of new visa policies. According to a recent report by Justdial, there has been a 17% increase in travel-related searches, signaling a significant shift in how Indians approach travel. This trend is particularly pronounced in non-metro cities, where searches have surged by a staggering 126% in 2024. The growing middle class in tier-2 and tier-3 cities is fueling this boom, as more Indians look for affordable yet authentic international experiences.
The Rise of Outbound Indian Travelers
Bangalore is leading the charge in outbound travel, followed by Delhi and Mumbai. Atlys’ report highlights that the demand for international travel has skyrocketed, driven by a desire for immersive cultural experiences and budget-friendly adventures.
However, while enthusiasm is high, economic factors such as the Indian rupee hitting an all-time low of INR 87.29 per US dollar and the Indian passport ranking 85th globally may prompt travelers to be more strategic about their travel plans. Despite this, Travelport projects India’s outbound travel to reach 39 million by 2028, representing an 8% compound annual growth rate from 2023.
Destinations Making Travel Easier for Indians
The rising demand for global travel has prompted several countries to simplify their visa processes for Indian tourists. Here are some destinations making it easier for Indians to explore the world:
Indonesia: e-Visa on Arrival
Indonesia has launched an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) program, allowing Indians to apply online before departure. This facilitates travel to popular destinations like Bali and Jakarta. The e-VoA fee is INR 2,646, with an additional VFS Global service fee of INR 1,217.
France: Simplified Student and Work Visas
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to announce favorable visa policies for Indian students and professionals. France aims to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, up from the current 10,000. This move comes amid visa-related challenges faced by Indians in the US and Canada.
Israel: e-Visa for Indian Tourists
Israel’s new e-visa program makes it easier for Indian travelers to visit. It’s valid for up to 90 days, and costs 100 NIS (INR 2,422.05). Indian interest in Israel has soared, with a 266% rise in searches on Justdial.
South Africa: Faster Approvals
South Africa introduced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to streamline approvals for Indian and Chinese tourists. The South African government predicts a 10% rise in Indian visitors, potentially boosting the economy by 0.6%.
Russia: Group-Free Talks
Russia is negotiating a group-free regime for Indian tourists. If finalized, Indian travelers in specified group sizes will be able to visit without a visa. Moscow has seen a 61,000-strong Indian tourist influx in 2024, with projections aiming for 6 million visitors by 2030.
Philippines: New e-Visa System
The Philippines’ e-visa system, launched in October 2024, is expected to boost Indian tourism significantly. The visa costs INR 3,520 for single-entry and INR 7,040 for multiple-entry.
The Future of Indian Tourism
Despite currency fluctuations and passport ranking challenges, Indian tourists are showing an unwavering enthusiasm for international travel. With new policies facilitation improving and new destinations emerging, the Indian travel industry is poised for unprecedented growth. By 2028, nearly 39 million Indians are expected to be outbound travelers, reshaping global tourism landscapes.
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