Southeast Asia is the easiest region in the world for an Indian passport, but the rules differ country by country and change often. Here is where each of our destinations stands right now.
Visa-free entry: Thailand allows Indian nationals 60 days visa-free. Malaysia allows 30 days visa-free. Nepal needs no visa at all - but carry a passport or Voter ID, because Aadhaar and driving licences are not accepted as identity proof at the border.
Visa on arrival: Bali (Indonesia) issues a 30-day visa on arrival, extendable once for another 30 days. Maldives gives every Indian passport holder a free 30-day visa on arrival - your resort confirmation is the document that matters.
Apply before you fly: Vietnam requires an e-visa, usually approved in 3-5 working days. Sri Lanka requires an ETA, typically approved within 24-72 hours. Singapore requires an e-visa arranged through an authorised agent, which takes about a week in peak season.
The UAE sits slightly apart: Dubai needs a tourist visa arranged in advance, normally issued in 3-5 working days.
Three things that cause avoidable problems. First, passport validity - almost every country here wants six months remaining, and airlines check at boarding, not at immigration. Second, proof of onward travel, which low-cost carriers increasingly refuse to board you without. Third, sudden cash deposits before applying, which read as borrowed funds on a bank statement.
ExploreFly handles the documentation, filing and approval tracking for every destination we sell. Visa approval is always the decision of the relevant authority - what we control is that your file gives it the best possible chance.