Top Destinations For Visa-Free Travel This Summer

I’m sure there must be some pros of having one of the weakest passports in the world, I thought to myself the other day as I stood in line for a Schengen visa. And apart from being a master planner when it comes to applying for visas, I literally couldn’t think of one.

Let’s be honest, the worst part about planning a holiday isn’t packing or pretending to enjoy overpriced airport food — it’s navigating the Kafkaesque labyrinth that is visa paperwork. You fill out forms, pay fees, print your bank statements like you’re applying for a mortgage, and then wait in existential dread hoping your travel dreams won’t be crushed by a “We regret to inform you…” email. So, when a finally country says “Come on over, no visa needed”, it’s basically extending a chilled beer and a hammock.

So thank you, Philippines. You are the latest sun-drenched nation to open your arms to us with a sweet 14-day visa-free invite.

But it’s not the only one. As borders loosen and bilateral bromances bloom, a growing list of countries now let Indians in with no visa or a visa-on-arrival situation. Which begs the question — why are we still queuing up for Schengen when we could be sipping rum in Barbados or chasing waterfalls in Fiji?

So, I’d say skip the Europe clichés this summer. Instead, here are some effortlessly cool, visa-free destinations where your Indian passport gets the VIP treatment — because sometimes, you really don’t have it in you to sit down and scour through the Internet to find a damn visa application form. I get you.

Bhutan

For: Soul-searchers, nature lovers, people tired of loud things

Honestly, Bhutan is a really underrated destination. Nestled in the Himalayas, this little kingdom is big on peace, scenery, and Gross National Happiness. Visa-free for Indians (just grab an entry permit on arrival), it’s where forested valleys meet prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Think misty monasteries clinging to cliffs, hikes that double as spiritual quests, and a culture that takes mindfulness seriously. Go here when you need less WiFi, more why.

Mauritius

For: Beach bums, couples, or anyone who wants to pretend they’re in a perfume ad

Mauritius is what happens when you blend African rhythm, Indian spices, and French flair on a canvas of white sand and turquoise water. Visa-free for 90 days, this is a summer romance waiting to happen — between you and the island, of course. Whether you’re diving into coral reefs, dancing to sega music at a beach shack, or devouring fresh seafood with a Creole twist, Mauritius delivers a full sensory experience. Basically: Goa, but with better cocktails and no crowd.

Kenya

For: Wildlife obsessives, National Geographic daydreamers, or those who’re tired of the same old places

Kenya has officially gone visa-free, and yes, it’s time to answer the call of the wild. From the sprawling savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the flamingo-filled waters of Lake Nakuru, this is where nature doesn’t just perform — it shows off. Plus, Nairobi has low-key cool energy with its rising art scene and buzzing cafes. Safaris, coastlines, culture: it’s Africa in high definition, and your Indian passport is your golden ticket.

Tip: Travel in August during the Great Migration

Barbados

For: Island-hoppers, culture junkies, and anyone who dances better with a rum punch in hand

Visa-free for 90 days, Barbados is not just Rihanna’s homeland. You’ve got powdery beaches, pastel houses, and locals who greet you like old friends. But there’s depth too — colonial history, calypso rhythms, Afro-Caribbean fusion cuisine, and marine adventures in shipwreck-laden waters. It’s the Caribbean without clichés, and frankly, it’s cooler than your average Eurotrip.

Seychelles

For: Honeymooners, slow travelers, and people who like their oceans crystal-clear and uncrowded

Seychelles is like the Maldives’ cool, artsy cousin — less hyped, more soulful. Indian travellers don’t need a visa (just get a visitor permit on arrival) and can stay up to 3 months, which is just enough time to completely forget what stress feels like. From granite-studded beaches to spice-scented Creole villages, Seychelles offers solitude with a side of sophistication. It’s quiet luxury, minus the influencer filter.

Fiji

For: Ocean lovers, solo adventurers, and anyone wanting to truly get away (like, far away)

Fiji isn’t close — but that’s the point. Once you land (visa-free for 4 months!), it’s all about slowing down. Island-hop your way through 300+ atolls, snorkel with reef sharks, sip kava with locals who call you “bula!” like you’ve known them forever. It’s part paradise, part homecoming, especially with its strong Indian diaspora and food that tastes like your grandma discovered the Pacific. It’s far-flung, but it feels like a warm hug.

Cambodia (Visa on Arrival)

For: History nerds, foodies, and people who believe in magic (or want to)

Cambodia’s Visa on Arrival system makes it easy for Indians to explore its temples and traditions without planning a year in advance. You go for Angkor Wat at sunrise (a bucket list moment, no matter how cliché), but you stay for the tuk-tuk rides, night markets, and the quiet resilience of a country that’s seen both glory and grief. Cambodia is deeply human, endlessly fascinating — and yes, wildly photogenic.

Indonesia (Visa on Arrival)

For: Surfers, yogis, and anyone who wants a soft launch into Southeast Asia

Indonesia is more than just Bali (and let’s be real, Bali is pretty overdone). Visa on Arrival makes things easy: land, pay a fee, and you’re free to explore volcanoes, temples, rice terraces, and islands so beautiful they make your screensaver jealous. Bali’s wellness scene is booming, Java’s temples are awe-inspiring, and the Komodo dragons? Well, they bite — but they’re iconic. Indonesia’s got range, and you’ve got access.

Sri Lanka (Visa on Arrival / ETA)

For: Weekend getaways, beach lovers, and spice addicts

Just a short hop from India, Sri Lanka is that underrated friend who always shows you a good time. You’ve got golden beaches, tea plantations in the hills, wildlife safaris, and food that’s basically an explosion of flavour. It’s like South India with a tropical upgrade and fewer people trying to sell you overpriced souvenirs.

Thailand (Visa on Arrival)

For: First-time travellers, food pilgrims, and last-minute trip bookers

Thailand is a classic for a reason. It’s like god realised what humans want on vacation and stuffed it all down on one island. From the chaos of Bangkok’s night markets to the calm of Chiang Mai’s temples, and of course, the island life down south, there’s a version of Thailand for everyone. And the food? Worth the flight alone. Pad Thai is just the beginning. Come for the ease, stay for the mango sticky rice.