5 Countries That Indians Can Visit More Easily In 2018

Every Indian traveller knows the pain of checking visa requirements and the interminable wait that accompanies every visa application. Thankfully, things seem to be getting better for our lot. Recent announcements by five countries from Asia to Europe and Africa will ensure that we will stress that little bit less when we book our tickets to these destinations in 2018. Here are five countries that have eased visa rules for Indian travelers so you can add them to your bucket list.

Oman

After UAE, Oman became the second major Gulf country to allow Indian travelers to visit with a valid US visa. Residents and valid visa holders from Schengen states, Canada, Australia and United Kingdom travelling on an Indian passport can also avail the new visa-on-arrival facility. The only documents you need to show are confirmed hotel reservations and a return ticket. Expect to pay 20 Omani rials for the visa valid for a period of one month.

Also Read: 10 Best Ways To Get Your Turkish Visa

Japan

In a move aimed at encouraging repeat travel from Indian tourists, Japan has announced a simplified visa regime from January 1, 2018. You can now apply for multiple entry visa to Japan with just three documents – visa application form, financial papers and hotel confirmations. So, if you miss the cherry blossom season this year, relax and plan your trip next year with the same visa. Win-win, right?

Algeria

Algeria? Yeah, one of Africa’s biggest countries might not be on your list but there’s no reason not to consider it now. Known for its stand-offish visa stance and uncooperative attitude to travelers, the lack of oil reserves has seen Algeria scurry for tourist dollars in recent years. Indian tourists feature prominently on the new roadmap for Algeria’s tourism sector. In India, BLS International was selected this month for visa processing work by the Algerian government from five Indian cities – New Delhi, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Also Read: 5 Lesser Known Flight Websites To Book Your Next Ticket

Serbia

The Government of the Republic of Serbia has announced a sweet new year offer. Tourists from India will now get visa-free travel to the country for a period of 30 days in any one year. The new rules come are already in place so if you’re looking for last minute New Year plans, consider giving Serbia a shot.

Rwanda

This African country has made rapid strides in wildlife conservation. You’re invited to take a look at gorillas and other primates in their natural habitat and learn more about this land-locked East African country with a visa-on-arrival scheme set to be implemented from January 1, 2018 for travelers from across the world, India included. A whole new world set apart from the tired trails of Kenya and Tanzania’s wildlife parks beckons you in this fast-developing country.

Read the first part of visa updates for Indian citizens here. 

Images courtesy: Unsplash

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