Thailand and Malaysia Emerge as Top Visa-Free Destinations for Indian Travelers in 2026
The latest accommodation search data from digital travel platform Agoda reveals a clear trend among Indian travelers, with Thailand and Malaysia emerging as the most preferred visa-free international destinations for 2026 travel plans. This comprehensive study analyzed accommodation searches made in India between January 1 and 18, 2026, specifically for travel scheduled between February and March 2026, providing valuable insights into evolving travel preferences.
Top Five Destinations with Simplified Entry Processes
According to Agoda's findings, the top five destinations searched by Indian travelers with visa-free or visa-on-arrival (VOA) status demonstrate a strong preference for Asian countries offering both leisure opportunities and cultural experiences. The ranking shows:
- Thailand - Leading the list with its popular mix of beaches, cultural attractions, and diverse outdoor activities
- Indonesia - Continuing to dominate among visa-on-arrival markets with its rich cultural heritage
- Malaysia - Maintaining popularity for its unique blend of vibrant city life and accessible natural spaces
- Sri Lanka - Showing remarkable 61% growth in searches compared to the previous year, supported by geographical proximity and varied travel options
- Maldives - Remaining in consistent demand for short international breaks among Indian travelers
Significant Growth in Emerging Destinations
Beyond the top five destinations, the study revealed interesting trends in emerging travel markets. The Philippines secured the sixth position with strong year-on-year growth, followed closely by Nepal at seventh place. Kazakhstan and Bhutan attracted considerable interest from Indian travelers seeking unique landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. Notably, Laos ranked tenth among preferred destinations while recording the highest growth rate among all destinations analyzed in the study.
Visa Accessibility as a Decisive Factor
Commenting on these revealing trends, Gaurav Malik, Country Director for Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, emphasized the growing importance of visa accessibility in travel decision-making. "Indian travelers are becoming increasingly intentional about their travel choices, with ease of visa accessibility playing a decisive role," Malik stated.
The 2026 Travel Outlook Report from Agoda provided additional context, revealing that 84% of Indian travelers would travel more frequently if visa restrictions were not a factor. Furthermore, an impressive 91% of Indian respondents expressed openness to exploring new destinations, representing the highest percentage among their Asian counterparts.
Evolving Travel Preferences Among Indian Tourists
The growing search interest in both established favorites and emerging destinations reflects a significant shift in Indian travel preferences. Travelers are demonstrating an increasing appetite for diverse, culturally immersive experiences that remain hassle-free in terms of entry requirements. This trend points toward a more sophisticated travel market where accessibility and cultural authenticity are prioritized alongside traditional leisure considerations.
The data clearly indicates that destinations offering simplified entry processes are gaining substantial traction among Indian travelers, with Southeast Asian countries particularly benefiting from this preference shift. As travel planning for 2026 continues, these insights suggest that destinations combining easy visa policies with rich cultural offerings will likely see sustained interest from the growing Indian outbound travel market.
