Visa requirements change frequently. This guide reflects the status as of Q1 2025, verified against official embassy sources. Always confirm with the destination consulate before travel.

Thailand — Visa on Arrival

Type: Visa on Arrival at airport (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi / Phuket / Chiang Mai)

Duration: 30 days

Cost: THB 2,000 (~₹4,700). No advance application needed.

Documents needed at immigration:

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • 2 passport-size photos (4×6cm, white background)
  • Completed arrival card (given on flight)
  • Return ticket confirmation
  • Hotel booking confirmation
  • Proof of sufficient funds (~THB 20,000 / ~₹47,000)

Processing time at airport: 20–60 minutes depending on queues. Bangkok peak season December–January can be 45+ minutes.

Common rejection reasons: Insufficient funds evidence, no return ticket, previous overstays.

Bali (Indonesia) — Free Visa on Arrival

Type: Free Visa on Arrival (since August 2023 for Indian passport holders)

Duration: 30 days, extendable for another 30 days

Cost: Free

Documents: Valid passport only. Return ticket and hotel booking helpful but not strictly required at immigration.

Tip: Walk through the "Visa on Arrival" lane — it's fast and free. Don't use visa agents who claim to "help" at Indonesian airports.

UAE (Dubai) — e-Visa

Type: Tourist Visa (30 days) or Transit Visa (96 hours)

Cost: AED 300–350 (~₹6,700–₹7,800) for 30-day single entry

Where to apply: ICA Smart Services (official UAE portal), Emirates airline website, or authorised agents

Processing time: 3–5 business days

Documents required:

  • Scanned passport copy (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-size photo (white background)
  • Confirmed return ticket
  • Hotel booking confirmation

Note: Emirates passengers often get visa support through the airline's portal. Check if your ticket qualifies.

Schengen (Europe) — Europe Visa

A Schengen visa covers 26 European countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary.

Type: Short-stay Schengen Visa (C-type), 90 days within 180 days

Cost: €80 (~₹7,200) + VFS service fee ~₹2,500

Processing time: 15–20 working days. Apply a minimum of 4 weeks before travel, ideally 6–8 weeks.

Apply at: Embassy or VFS Global of the country you'll spend the most time in (anchor country)

Required documents:

  • Completed Schengen application form
  • Passport (valid 3 months beyond intended stay, 2 blank pages)
  • 2 passport photos (35×45mm, white background, max 6 months old)
  • Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage, valid in all Schengen states)
  • Bank statement (6 months, minimum ₹5 lakh balance recommended)
  • ITR (Income Tax Returns) for last 2 years
  • Employment proof: letter from employer, or business registration
  • Confirmed return tickets and hotel bookings for entire stay
  • Itinerary with day-wise plan

Most common rejection reasons: Insufficient bank balance, no ITR, weak travel insurance, incomplete itinerary.

Japan — Free Tourist Visa

Type: Tourist Visa (free of charge as of 2024)

Processing time: 5–7 working days

Apply at: Japan Embassy New Delhi, or consulates in Mumbai, Osaka, or Nagoya consulate jurisdiction cities; through authorised VFS Global centres

Documents required:

  • Completed visa application form
  • Passport (6+ months validity)
  • 1 passport photo
  • Bank statement (3–6 months), balance should reflect trip cost
  • Employment letter or business proof
  • ITR for 2 years
  • Hotel bookings and confirmed itinerary
  • Return ticket

Note: Japan visa is free but the process requires organised documentation. Many rejections are due to insufficient financial evidence rather than application errors.