This is the first video of my Mauritius trip. I visited Mauritius in July 2018. In this video, you will see me sharing information about Mumbai Airport, Immigration formalities in India before going to Mauritius, Mauritius Visa for Indians, and other Important documents and formalities. I have also shared about my experience with Air Mauritius. The flight duration from Mumbai to Mauritius was around 6 hours.
Many of my friends say that getting the US visa is not easy. Also, it is quite expensive compared to other countries. However, by paying almost 12,000 Rupees for the US visa fee, I got a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years. For a traveller, this expenditure is an investment because this visa not only allows entry to the USA but also to many other major tourist destinations like UAE, Singapore, Turkey & Philippines which offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa facility. Here is the list of ‘Visa-free countries for Indians having US visa’.
List of major countries Indians can visit with a valid USA visa
These are the countries an indian can visit with a valid US visa
Asia
- UAE (Visa on arrival for 14 days)
Free transit in Dubai & Abu Dhabi for 48 hours even if you don’t have US visa - Philippines (Visa-free entry for 14 days)
- Singapore (Visa-free transit for 96 hours)
- Taiwan (Online Travel certificate is a must)
- Malaysia (Transit pass for 120 hours only in group tours)
- South Korea (Visa-Free for 30 days if you transit to or from USA from or to India. Visa-Free to visit Jeju island for 30 days)
- Oman (e-Visa for 30 days)
- Qatar (free of charge eTA for 30 days)
- Saudi Arabia (visa on arrival)
- Jordan
- Armenia (visa on arrival)
Europe
- Turkey (e-Visa for 30 days)
- Serbia (visa-free entry for 90 days)
- visa-free entry for 30 days for Indians, even without US visa
- Georgia (Visa-free entry for 90 days)
- United Kingdom (Free transit)
- Montenegro (Visa-free entry for 30 days)
- Albania (Visa-free, only with multi-entry US visa, visited US atleast once)
- Macedonia (Entry for 15 days)
- Bosnia & Herzegovina (Visa-free entry for 30 days)
Map: Visa-free countries (for Indians having US visa) on world map
North & Central America
- Mexico (Visa-free for 180 days)
- Guatemala (Visa free entry)
- Belize (Visa-free for 30 days US multiple entry visa holders only)
- Honduras (as mentioned by other tourists, official document awaited)
- El Salvador (as mentioned by other tourists, official document awaited)
- Nicaragua (as mentioned by other tourists, official document awaited)
- Costa Rica (Visa-free for 30 days for US multiple entry visa holders only)
- Panama (Visa-free, only with multi-entry US visa, visited US atleast once)
- Cuba (Free transit for 72 hours, Tourist card needed for more than that)
Caribbean countries
- Dominican Republic (visa-free for 30 days)
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Bonaire (Dutch Terrotory)
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Curaçao
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Sint Maarten
- Turks and Caicos
South America
- Argentina (90 days eTA)
- Chile (visa free)
- Colombia (Visa-Free entry)
- Peru (visa-free)
Africa
- São Tomé and Príncipe
Very soon you may get a ‘free’ entry in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. UAE is going to offer a free transit visa to all passengers if you are flying through these two cities. The free transit visa facility is available for first 48 hours. If you are looking for an extension, pay 50 Dirhams (930 Indian Rupees) to get an extended transit visa upto 96 hours (4 days). The date from which the passengers will start getting a free UAE visa is yet to be announced by the Government of UAE.
official picture released by UAE Government
Free UAE visa only for Dubai & Abu Dhabi
According to the new system, UAE visa will be available for free only to the transit passengers. That means, passengers, having UAE as their final destination can not avail this facility. Many passengers from India travelling to Europe, America, Central Asia and Africa use Dubai and Abu Dhabi as their transit airports. Such passengers can book their flight tickets having a stay in Dubai or Abu Dhabi for 48 hours.
UAE already grant visa on arrival to Indian nationals having a valid USA visa. Check this post for more details.
Now Indian citizens can visit Kazakhstan without visa. All you need to do is catch an Air Astana flight from India to a third country. From 23 April to 31 December 2019 (inclusive), Indian passport holders flying with Air Astana and transiting via international airports in Astana and Almaty to a third country or returning from a third country can enjoy a 72-hour transit visa-free regime.
Documents required for visa-free entry in Kazakhstan
You have to produce these documents at Almaty or Astana international Airports to get the visa-free entry in Kazakhstan:
- Air Astana’s boarding pass or Air ticket to a third country where you are planning to go within 72 hours
- Air Astana’s boarding pass of the previous flight
- Valid Indian passport with at least one blank page in it
- A valid visa for the final destination country (if the country requires a visa)
- Hotel bookings in Kazakhstan before boarding the flight from India
Air Astana official link - Enjoy 72-hour Visa-Free Regime in Kazakhstan
Get confirmed hotel bookings in Almaty or Astana through this tool
People who stay beyond 72 hours will be fined and deported.
Delhi to Almaty: Air Astana (Aug 2018)
My experience with Air Astana in 2017
Click here for the official announcement by Air Astana
Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations for Indians. Exotic places, cosmopolitan culture, cheap flight tickets & easy visa rules are the reason why Indians love to visit Thailand. Thanks to the Visa on Arrival facility, visiting Thailand has become a lot easier. So here I am going to share a list of documents required for Thailand Visa on arrival.
Documents Required for Thailand Visa on arrival
- Passport (validity of not less than 6 months)
- Photocopies of the first and last page of the passport
- Visa application form (Click here to download, Ignore the visa fee mentioned below in the form)
- Visa fee – 2000 Thai Currency
- One recent photograph (4×6 cm)
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket (within 15 days of arrival)
- Proof of stay (Click here to get confirmed hotel bookings)
- Adequate funds (10,000 Baht or 21,000 Indian Rupees) per person
- Immigration Card (Arrival & Departure Card)
The immigration officer may ask for further documents. So it is better to carry additional documents otherwise there have been cases where people were refused the visa on arrival and were sent back to their country. Additional documents can be:
- Bank passbook or statement of last 6 months
- Income tax return for last 3 years,
- a travel itinerary (get help from this itinerary)
- Travel expense (10,000 baht/person 20,000 baht/family)
Click here to download Thailand Visa on Arrival Application Form
Thailand Visa on Arrival fees for Indians
A Visa fee of 2,000 Baht (Almost 4,200 Indian Rupees) is payable once you arrive at Thailand. This fee is to be paid in Thai baht only. No other currency is accepted. So get enough Thai Baht before you start your trip to Thailand.
No money for the visa! What did I do then?
In January 2017, I arrived at the Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), I did not have Thai Baht. I planned to withdraw them from the ATM after landing at the airport. But there were no ATMs available before the Immigration counter. Check this video to know how I came out of this unfavourable situation!
These posts will help you plan your Thailand trip better!
- Thailand Tour: Make your own package trip
- How did I spend 8 days in Thailand
- Hua Hin: A family holiday destination in Thailand
- I also visited Cambodia on my trip to Thailand. How I got Cambodian Visa on arrival
- Thailand to Cambodia on a train (48 Baht)
- How did Thai Police treat an Indian tourist
Flights from India to Thailand
Schengen Visa allows one with extensive travelling in almost the entire of Europe and many Non-EU Countries. This Visa is one of the most useful visas (like the US Visa) because it will enable you to travel a lot of countries without their visas. This has made the life of travellers a lot easier. Read on to know more about the Schengen Visa!
How many European countries are in Schengen area!
The Schengen Area comprises of 26 countries that have agreed upon the allowance of free movement of their citizens within the Schengen area. Of the 26 countries that are bound by the Schengen agreement, 22 are part of the EU (European Union), and the other 4 are part of the EFTA (European Free Trade Association).
Schengen area almost covers the majority of the European countries, except for the United Kingdom and countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Ireland which are soon to be part of this agreement. However, some countries are not part of the European Union like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein but they still belong in the Schengen area and support the free movement policy.
These Travel apps will help you in Schengen countries
List of Schengen countries
Countries that can be visited if holding a Schengen Visa are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
Documents for Schengen Visa
Every country has its own set of rules for giving the visa. It is highly recommended to contact their embassy/consulate for the latest information regarding Schengen visa fee and other details. Still, to give a rough idea, these documents are required to apply for the Schengen visa:
- Visa Application Form
- Photographs (Click for photo specification)
- Valid Passport (having atleast 6 months validity)
- Flight tickets (Roundtrip)
- Cover Letter (Purpose of visit and itinerary)
- Travel Health Insurance Policy (coverage of 30,000 Euros)
- Proof of accommodation (Hotel reservation or a formal invitation letter from a resident of a Schengen country)
- Sufficient funds for your trip (varies from country to country)
- Bank Statement (preferably past 6 months)
Click to download : Schengen Visa application forms
How to get Schengen Visa from India?
You can get a Schengen Visa from the embassy of the country that you plan to visit. You’ll need to submit all the documents which serve as your application for the same. The best time to apply for Schengen Visa is at least 15 days before the planned visit to Europe. Also, check with the embassy for appointments.
List of Non-Schengen countries allowing entry with Schengen Visa
There are many other countries which you can visit just by having the Schengen Visa. These are listed below:
Turkey visa
- Albania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Gibraltar
- Kosovo
- Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Romania
- Serbia
- Turkey (Indians having US visa can also get e-visa for Turkey)
How to plan a Budget trip to Europe from India
Getting a Tourist visa for Turkey is just a matter of few clicks. You just need an internet connection and the things mentioned listed below to get Turkey e-Visa in 5 minutes. However, this facility is applicable only for those Indian nationals who have a valid visa or residence permit issued by the United States of America, United Kingdom, Ireland or any Schengen countries. Turkey offers e-Visa facility for Indian nationals having a valid US or UK or Schengen visa.
Turkey e-Visa cost and validity
- Validity = 180 days (stay cannot exceed 30 days)
- Turkey e-Visa fee = 43 USD (as on 6 March 2018)
- Entries allowed = Single
- e-Visa official link = www.evisa.gov.tr
Visa-free countries for Indians having US visa (2021 updated)
Turkey e-Visa requirements
- Confirmed return ticket
- Hotel reservation
- atleast 50 USD for each day of your total stay
- A valid visa/Green Card (Residence permit) for the USA, or
- A valid visa/Residence permit for the UK or Ireland, or
- A valid visa/Residence permit from one of the Schengen countries
*E-visas are not accepted
At the time of filling up the online visa form, you’ll be required to provide the US/UK/Schengen visa or Residence permit’s number. While doing the online application process, I was not asked to furnish the details related to all other documents listed above.
How I used my US visa to visit Turkey!
Almaty to Istanbul: Air Astana, Business Class | My experience
Documents required for Bangladesh Visa
- Passport
- Copy of first and last pages of passport
- Print of Online form – (www.visa.gov.bd)
- 2 passport size photograph – the same photograph which is uploaded on the online form
- Copy of Voter ID card or Aadhar card (only required in Kolkata)
- Travel itinerary
- Hotel bookings
- Authorisation letter, if applicant can’t go to submit
Processing time for visa
The processing time is 7 – 10 days in Kolkata and 1 -2 days in Delhi. No service for urgent processing is available.
Bangladesh Visa fees
There is no visa fee for Indian passport holders. Bangladesh visa is free of cost for Indian citizens.
Visa Validity
A Single Entry Visa is valid for a period of 30 days. You can also apply for a Multiple Entry Visa in the same form but each entry will be valid for 30 days.
Details of Bangladesh High Commissions in India
Bangladesh High Commission, Delhi
- Address: EP-39, Dr S. RadhaKrishnan Marg, Chanakyapuri New Delhi, Delhi 110021
- Phone: 011 2412 1389-94
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.bdhcdelhi.org
Deputy High Commission Bangladesh, Kolkata
- Address: 9, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Sarani, Kolkata – 700017, India
- Phone: (033) 4012-7500, (033) 2290-0341 (PABX)
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.bdhc-kolkata.org
Assistant High Commission Bangladesh, Agartala
- Address: Kunjaban, Near Circuit House, Agartala, Tripura, India- 799006
- Phone: +91-0381-232-4807, 222-5260 (PABX)
- Email: [email protected]
Working hours of Bangladesh High Commission in India
- Bangladesh High Commission, Delhi: Visa application submitting time – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM (Monday to Friday) Collection time – 5 PM (Mon to Friday)
- Bangladesh High Commission, Kolkata: Visa application submitting time – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Monday to Friday) Collection time – 5 PM to 6 PM (Monday to Friday)
Flights to Bangladesh
Immigration check is an integral part of an international journey. It is done twice, First at the port of departure in your home country and second at the port of entry in your destination country. It is mandatory for all the passengers, whether you are an Indian or a foreigner. Check the ‘Step by step process of Immigration’ guide for more:
Step by step process of Immigration
- At departure
- Arrive at the airport and get the boarding pass from the airline
- Fill up the departure card
- Proceed towards the Immigration counter with Passport, Visa, boarding pass, departure card or any other relevant document
- When you reach the immigration counter, produce the documents asked by the immigration officer. Answer the questions asked by the officer confidently. (what are the questions asked at Immigration)
- When the officer is satisfied, your passport will be stamped ‘Departure’ with the departure date.
- At Arrival
- After arriving at the destination country go to the immigration counter
- Fill up the Arrival/immigration card
- When you reach the immigration counter, produce the documents asked by the immigration officer. Answer the questions asked by the officer confidently. (Common questions asked)
- When the officer is satisfied, your passport will be stamped ‘Arrival’ with the arrival date.
Also read: Questions asked during Immigration Interview
Documents required at Immigration counter
- At departure
- Passport
- Boarding pass
- Departure card (provided by the airline/immigration staff)
- Visa (not required when visiting a country offering Visa-on-arrival facility)
- At Arrival
- Passport
- Boarding pass
- Immigration card/Arrival card (provided by the airline/immigration staff) (some countries do not require immigration card)
- Visa (E-visa/Pre-approved visa/Visa-on-arrival)
- Return journey flight ticket
- Confirmed hotel bookings
- Itinerary (may or may not be asked)
- Invitation letter
- Travel Insurance
- Bank statement / Cash
Every country has its own set of immigration rules. Therefore the documents mentioned above vary from country to country. Check with your travel agency, visa issuing office to know more about the country you are visiting. You can also ask your query at this forum – facebook.com/groups/touristhelpline
The Malaysian Visa waiver programme (eNTRI) for Indians has started again on 10 April 2018. It is valid till 31st December 2018. Many people asked on the Facebook page of Tourist Helpline, how to visit Malaysia after that! The answer to this question is E-visa. However, e-Visa is costlier than e-NTRI. Malaysian e-Visa for Indians costs 1100 INR + 25 USD (2,700 INR approx) whereas e-NTRI is technically free, but the processing charges are 20 USD (1,300 INR approx). Check this article for details.
How to get eNTRI: Click here to know
Malaysian eVisa or eNTRI
| eVisa (30 days) | eNTRI (valid til 31.12.2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fees | 1100 INR | No Visa Fee |
| Single Entry/ Multiple Entry | Single Entry | Single Entry |
| Entry/Exit, From/To | Any Country | Only India, Thailand, Singapore & Brunei |
| Processing fees | 25 USD | 20 USD |
| Total days of Stay per entry | 30 days | 15 days only |
| Validity | 3 months | 3 months |
Plus points of Malaysian eNTRI
- Good for those Indian tourists entering Malaysia from these countries – India, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei
- Good for those Indian tourists exiting Malaysia to reach these countries – India, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei
- Good for those Indian tourists NOT going to stay for more than 15 days in Malaysia
- It is cheaper than e-visa
- Official website to get eNTRI is www.windowmalaysia.my/evisa
Plus points of Malaysian e-Visa
- Good for those Indian tourists entering or exiting from/for any country.
- Unlike eNTRI this offers longer duration of stay in Malaysia = 30 days
- Official website to get eNTRI is www.windowmalaysia.my/evisa
Check official Instagram of 'Tourist Helpline' for useful updates
*updated August 2018