Explore stunning islands that are either visa-free or offer visa on arrival for Indian citizens
A major aspect of travelling abroad is dealing with the lengthy documentation and conflicting information related to visa processing. Maybe in a futuristic, utopian world, travellers can just pack their bags and visit any destination without having to deal with this presently unavoidable annoyance.
Well, until then, there is some saving grace for people whose travel plans were jeopardized by visa formalities. We have compiled the list of the top island destinations in the world that are either visa-free or offer visa on arrival/via email for Indian citizens.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu has several unique attractions to its credit : a ship wrecked luxury liner in clear waters, a massive banyan tree the size of a football field, an easily accessible active volcano, charming villages with exotic rituals and colourful ceremonies, picture perfect beaches all to yourself and some of the most stunning diving spots in the world.
Visa Regulation :- Indians can stay visa free on the island for up to 30 days, this can be further extended for up to 4 months
How to Reach :- The national carrier is Air Vanuatu and the main international airport is in Port-Vila. There are direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Luganville.
Stay:- There are plenty of budget and mid-range accommodation options in the form of resorts, homestays and guesthouses. Coconut Palms Resort, Hideaway Island Resort, Tradewinds Resort, Benjor Beach Club and Coral Motels & Apartments are the best value hotels in Tuvalu. They charge around Rs. 3k to 7k per room night. Solo travellers can check in at the Blue Pango Motel for as low as Rs.1500 during off season.
Indonesia
With a whopping 17,000 islands (of which only 8,000 are inhabited), Indonesia is an intoxicating blend of enchanting, mysterious and surreal. Stretching 5000 km from western Sumatara to eastern edge of Papua, Indonesia is land of such diversity in cultures and customs that is akin to 100 countries sardined into one.
Surf, swim or scuba dive in crystal clear waters, explore active volcanoes (there are more than 167), trek through dense tropical forests inhabited by Orangutans, Tigers and Javan Rhinoceros, visit the largest Buddhist monument in the world, the options are endless.
Visa Regulation :- Indians can get visa on arrival for stay up to 30 days which can be further extended for 30 days.
How to Reach :- There are three major airports: SoekarnoHatta (CGK) in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai (DPS) in Bali and Surabaya (SUB) in East Java. The major airliners connecting Indian cities to Indonesia are Air Asia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malindo Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa.
Stay :- To truly experience the country, skip the crowded beaches of Bali and head to offbeat locations in Maluku, Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi. There are several 2 and 3 star hotels in these islands in the range of Rs. 3k – 6k.
Seychelles
The talcum powdery smooth beaches and brilliant blue waters of Seychelles made it an unsurprising choice for honeymooners. But the island doesn’t disappoint those looking for some serious adrenaline rush. Go on jungle and beach walks, speed boat rides, diving and snorkelling amongst vibrant coral reefs.
Seychelles tag as a ‘millionaire’s playground’ had kept many budget travellers at bay. However, things are changing with the several budget friendly guesthouses and family owned homestays being set up all across the island.
Visa Regulation :- Seychelles tourist visa is not required for citizens of India for a stay up to 30 days.
How to Reach :- The Seychelles International Airport located near Victoria is the sole international gateway to the island. Emirates, Air India, Air Seychelles, Jet Airways, Etihad Airways and Cathay Pacific have weekly flights from Mumbai to Seychelles.
Stay :- The top rated budget hotels in Seychelles are Panorama Guesthouse, Ocean Jewels Resort, Villa Aya, Villa Cocotier Chateau St.Cloud, Casa De Leela and Pension Hibiscus. Most of them charge in the range of Rs. 4k to 6k per room night.
Note :- Airport officials are not tolerant of backpackers who turn up at the airport without an accommodation booking. In such cases, the visitor will be accosted to a counter where they will have to make a booking for the duration of the trip before being allowed past immigration.
Federated States of Micronesia
Friendly and peaceful, the Federated States of Micronesia is one of the most secluded islands on the planet. The region’s unique location at the convergence of the Indian Ocean, the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean creates the perfect environment for some interesting marine life.
Travellers can visit more than 600 islands and indulge in swimming, diving, exploring ship wrecks and ancient ruins.
Visa Regulations :- Indians can stay in FSM for up to 30 days without a visa.
How to Reach :- Guam is the most convenient entry point for travellers from Asia & Australia. Visitors can also fly into the islands from Manila via Palau.
Stay :- Accommodation options are sparse; there are few homestays like Joy Hotel, Manta Ray Beach Resort, O’Keefe’s Waterfront Inn and ESA Bay View Hotel that are clean, comfortable and offer basic amenities.
Dominica
Remote, affordable and unspoilt, Dominica is dubbed the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean”, for its supernatural flora and fauna. It is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles and one of the most thermally active islands in the world. The entire region is riddled by volcanic craters and hot springs, including the world’s second largest hot spring, Boiling Lake. Explore the lush mountains, secluded hiking trails and over 40 pristine dive spots and black sand beaches.
Visa Regulation :- Indians can stay in the islands Visa free for up to 180 days
How to Reach :- There are two small airports on the island, the primary Melville Hall Airport on the northeast coast and the Canefield Airport on the southwest coast. The former is served by BVI Airways, Hummingbird Air, Winair & Seaborne Airlines.
Stay :- Air tickets to Dominica might be expensive, but the island has plenty of cheap accomodation options. The top rated budget and midrange hotels in Dominica are Fort Young Hotel, The Champs, Hotel, Restaurant & Bar, Calibishie Lodges, Elegant Suites & Apartments, Anchorage Hotel & Dive Center, Garraway Hotel and Portsmouth Beach Hotel. These properties range from Rs. 3k to 8k per room night.
Note :- This is one of the safest islands in the world and the locals are extremely friendly
Maldives
While Maldives has long been a popular honeymoon destination, it rarely found favour amongst solo and budget travellers. The prime reason being the islands catered to deep pocketed travellers who were looking for a luxurious holiday experience. However, a growing number of private guesthouses and an excellent ferry network have managed to attract budget conscious travellers.
Arrange for short stays in these mid-range homestays and go island hopping for water-sports, diving and snorkelling.
Visa Regulation :Indians can stay up to 30 days without a visa, provided they have a valid passport, a return ticket, proof of sufficient funds in the form of a confirmed reservation or USD100/day.
How to Reach :- Malé International Airport, located on Hulhulé Island, is the primary gateway to the island. There are regular flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and New Delhi by Air India, Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Srilankan Airlines, Jet Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Stay :- There aren’t many budget hotels in Maldives, however, you can book properties like Viluxer Retreat, Hotel Octave and Lucky Hiya Hotel for around 4k to 7k per room night.
Note :- Maldives has both tourist islands and inhabited islands. The former is expensive but you get an entire island all to yourself, the latter has midrange accommodation but you will have to adhere to the local customs.
Tuvalu
As you approach this cluster of islets from air, they resemble tiny stepping stones jutting out of the turquoise blue water. Formerly known as Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world. Tuvalu served as a garrison point for US troops in WWII and there are several war time relics like airstrips, bunkers and plane wrecks scattered all over the islands. Time moves on a languid pace in in these islets, rendering it perfect for a secluded getaway away from the hustle and bustle.
Visa Regulation :- Visa on arrival for up to 30 days for Indian passport holders
How to Reach :- The international airport in the capital Funafuti is served by Pacific Sun airways. There are three flights a week (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday) from Fiji to Tuvalu.
Stay :- The sole hotel in Funafuti is operated by the Tuvalu government. It’s around 50 meters from the airport and offers clean and comfortable lagoon facing rooms with basic amenities.
Haiti
Haiti’s unique culture has managed to be insulated from the ravages of its troubled past marked by wars and earthquakes. Visit the ruins, preserved fort, castles, citadels, try the wonderful cuisine, drink cremas and experience the laid back life.
Visa Regulation :- Indians can stay Visa free for up to 90 days
How to Reach :- International travellers will arrive at the Aéroport Toussaint L’Ouverture Airport or Aéroport International CapHaïtien. Air India, American Airlines and Jet Airways have weekly flights that fly from New Delhi to Haiti via New York.
Stay :- Haiti is a relatively inexpensive island and there are several budget accomodation options. The top rated budget and midrange hotels are Habitation Jouissant, Hotel Cyvadier, Hotel Florita, Moulin Sur Mer, Hotel Oloffson and Hotel Habitation Hatt. Most of them charge between 4k to 7k per room night.
Note :- Haiti is still recovering from the earthquake and there was a cholera outbreak in 2014 to further complicate things. The risks aside, a visit is guaranteed to be an emotional experience you will not forget.
Grenada
A Caribbean island with a balmy weather dotted with forts, waterfalls, beaches and spice gardens. A typical itinerary involves all-night partying, sampling delicious seafood, deep-sea diving, hiking, sailing the high seas, drinking copious amounts of local rum and gorging on homemade dark chocolates
Visa Regulations: – Visa not required for citizens of India for a stay up to 90 days.
How to Reach :- The Maurice Bishop International Airport is located on the main island of Grenada, around 4 miles from St. Georgia. The airport is served by several carriers like British Airways, American Eagle, American Airlines, Monarch, Virgin Atlantic Liat & Caribbean Airlines.
Stay :- Grenada offers a range of accommodations, from compact guesthouses to ultra luxurious 5 star hotels. The top rated budget hotels in Grenada are Candle Glow Apartments and Carriacou Grand View, they charge around Rs. 4.5k for a room night. Travellers looking for a luxury hotel in the island have several choices, but popular one being Petite Anse Hotel Grenada in Sauteurs.
Note:Most locals speak English and while Westerns are warned about the scary traffic, Indians should feel right at home!
