Visiting Places You Can Go Without A Passport From India

Nepal and Bhutan are two beautiful places you can go without a passport from India. These Himalayan countries are neighbors of India, and they are blessed with matchless scenic beauty.

Further, there are a total of 16 countries in the world that offer Visa-free facilities to Indian tourists. Mauritius and Maldives are the two most prominent tourism hotspots among them.

Do you want a short tour of these countries? Let’s explore!

Places You Can Go Without A Passport From India

Nepal and Bhutan are two places you can go without a passport from India, thanks to the diplomatic understanding and agreements of regional cooperation.

As having a passport is not mandatory for a trip to Nepal or Bhutan, let me share the documents you need. Also, I will briefly highlight the tourist attractions in these countries.

‣ Nepal | The Land Of Mount Everest | Places You Can Go Without A Passport

Nepal, the land of Mount Everest and Pashupatinath Temple, is also a land of cultural significance. Further, eight of the top ten highest peaks in the world call Nepal their home.

Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp are the two most popular trekking destinations in Nepal.

Moreover, Nepal has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, “Kathmandu Valley,” “Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha,” “Chitwan National Park” and “Sagarmatha National Park.”

Though you don’t need a passport to travel to Nepal, it can be a valid proof of identity for an Indian tourist to Nepal. However, if you don’t have a passport, you will have to carry an “Original Indian Voter ID card with Photograph Issued by the Election Commission of India.”

‣ Bhutan | The Only Carbon-Negative Country In The World

Bhutan is a small Himalayan country and one of the places you can go without a passport from India.

However, its philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) can be a model for all the countries in the world. The country considers GNH a more important factor than GDP in measuring overall growth.

Moreover, with over 70% of the country covered in lush jungle, Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world.

A land of stunning natural beauty, Bhutan is home to the Jigme Dorji National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with matchless biological and cultural diversity. Overall, it is one of the best and most budget-friendly travel destinations in Asia.

You don’t need a passport to visit Bhutan from India. However, the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India has a detailed guideline about the documents required and fees to pay for visiting Bhutan.

So, check out the table below to learn important details about places you can go without a passport from India.

Documents for Adults	‣ Indian Passport with a Minimum 6 Months of Validity/Original Voter ID Card ‣ 2 Passport Size Photographs
For Children	‣ Original Birth Certificate in English Language/Indian Passport ‣ 2 Passport Size Photographs ‣ Children Must Travel with Parents.
Travel Insurance	You will need travel insurance for your stay in Bhutan. You can also buy the insurance from a Bhutanese service provider at Pedestrian Terminal at Phuentsholing.
Entry Permit Online	If you are planning your trip to Bhutan on your own, you will have to collect an entry permit online from https://bhutan.travel/.
Sustainable Development Fee	‣ You will have to pay a sustainable development fee (SDF) of INR 1,200 per person for every night of the stay. ‣ For children between 6-12 years, SDF is 50% less. ‣ Further, SDF is not applicable for children below 5 years. ‣ You don’t need to pay SDF if you are visiting Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup JongkharTowns for less than 24 hours.
Indian-Registered Vehicles	‣ You will have to produce the Original Registration Certificate (Vehicle Must Not be Older than 10 Years). ‣ Further, you must carry vehicle insurance, roadworthiness, and emission certificates. ‣ Also, when the driver and owner are different, the driver needs to carry an authority letter from the owner. ‣Indian vehicle owners don’t need to pay charges for a drive within the designated zones. However, if you want to travel beyond Rinchending Check, you will have to pay NU 4500 as Green Tax.

Moreover, during your trip to Bhutan, you will have to stay at an accommodation certified by the Department of Tourism.

Countries Offering Visa-Free Facility To Indian Tourists

Nepal and Bhutan are the only places you can go without a passport from India.

However, there are more than 60 countries in the world that offer “e-Visa Facility,” “Visa free Facility,” “Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) Facility,” and “VoA + e-Visa Facility” for Indian tourists or ordinary Indian passport holders.

With Maldives and Mauritius offering Visa-free facilities to Indian tourists, let’s check out the other countries featured on the “Visa-free” list (All names mentioned are according to the updated list by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of India).

1. Mauritius

Mauritius is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for couples in India. The countries share friendly bilateral relations based on trust, mutual understanding, and political engagement.

On your next trip to Mauritius, you must visit places like Trou Aux Biches Beach, Flic En Flac Beach, Grand Baie Beach, World of Seashells, etc.

2. Maldives

Despite a dip in the number of visitors from India, the Maldives still consider India to be an important ally for their tourism and economy.

“The importance of India’s strategic role in Maldives is well-recognized, with Indiabeing seen as a net security provider. Maldives occupies a special place under“Neighbourhood First” Foreign Policy of India, which aims to bring stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Also, both the nations are key players in maintaining safety and security of the IOR, thus contributing to India-led Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.”
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

The beautiful coral islands and atolls, the Banana Reef, and Maldives Glowing Beach are some attractions that make Maldives, a popular romantic destination in the world.

3. Grenada

Rich in nutmeg and mace crop production, Grenada is called the “Island of Spice.” So, when in Grenada, you must take a tour of the spice plantation.

Further, Grand Anse Beach, Underwater Sculpture Park, and St. George’s (the capital) are some of the top tourist attractions in Grenada.

4. Haiti

Haiti is a name that you must utter with respect. It is the first independent nation in the Caribbean and the first Black republic.

True to its name, Haiti, or the mountainous land, the country has many tall mountains and peaks. Pic la Selle is the highest mountain peak in the country, and Pic Macaya and Morne Bois-Pin are some other important names.

Moreover, Haiti has the Grotte Marie Jeanne, the deepest Caribbean cave, and you can call it a natural gallery of art.

5. Dominica

“The Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica, is home to geothermal hot springs, lush forests, and a rugged landscape.

Further, Dominica has beautiful coral reefs, and spotting the sperm whales here is a great tourist attraction.

6. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a cultural hotspot in Asia as this is the country where the Chinese traditions meet the Western culture.

The Victoria Harbour, Nan Lian Garden, and Tian Tan Buddha are some iconic tourist attractions in the country.

7. Montserrat

With a volcanic landscape, Montserrat is a distinguished country because of the legend of the Virgin of Montserrat. Myths have it that some shepherds found the image of the Virgin in a cave in the 9th century.

Moreover, Montserrat is known for its natural beauty, with Sant Jeroni, the highest point, and many hiking trails.

8. Niue Island

Niue Island is a Pacific paradise with a reef shelf and whales. Further, this island country is ideal for a swim with the dolphins and whales.

Moreover, this small and less populated island is culturally vibrant with many people here following pre-Christian religious practices and ways of living here.

9. Saint Vincent & The Grenadines

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines with 32 small islands, attract tourists across the world. This country is also known for its unique combination of black sand beaches.

Earlier, it was known as the “Land of the Blessed” or “Hairouna,” a name given by the early settlers.

10. Samoa

Samoa is beautiful, with rainforests, waterfalls, and stretches of white sand. Further, Samoa is a great country for food or culinary tourism.

You will love the seafood delicacies and traditional dishes like Palusami (a dish made with taro leaves and coconut milk) here.

11. Senegal

Senegal, the Gateway to Africa, got its independence in 1960. However, it is a country you must visit to learn about African culture and heritage.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Senegal
‣ Megalithic Circles of Senegambia
‣ Saloum Delta
‣ Djoudj National Bird Park
‣ Niokolo-Koba National Park
‣ Gorée Island
‣ Saint-Louis Island
‣ Bassari Country: Bassari, Peul, and Bédik Cultural Landscapes

Moreover, it has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and today, it remains one of the most politically stable and peaceful countries in Africa.

12. Serbia

For tourists, Serbia may be the land of Djavolja Varos, the most unique rock formation, and great cuisine. However, Serbia is also a melting pot of many cultures.

Today, the best places to visit in Serbia are Belgrade, Petrovaradin Fortress, Knez Mihailova, etc.

Moreover, Serbia shares a friendly bilateral relationship with India. The Ministry of External Affairs of India has been vocal about the same on multiple occasions in recent years.

“India and Yugoslavia traditionally enjoyed deep friendship as co-founders ofthe Non-Aligned Movement. The deep bond of friendship continued in subsequentdecades resulting in close and friendly ties between India and Serbia. India givesprincipled support to territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia and has notrecognized Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) by Kosovo. Serbia hasbeen supportive of election of Indian candidates in international fora. India andSerbia also share common views on many major global issues.”
A Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India Report

13. Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago, the birthplace of calypso music, is also the home to Janelle Penny Commissiong, the “First Black Miss Universe in the World.”

Named by Christopher Columbus, Trinidad & Tobago are said to be the inspiration behind the famous “Treasure Island.”

Further, tourist hotspots like the Paramin area show how the country is doing great in fusing sustainable tourism with economic benefits.

14. Barbados

The birthplace of Rihanna, Barbados, is a beautiful travel destination with the capital city of Bridgetown.

Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further, when in Barbados, you must not forget to try the best local cuisines as it is the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.”

Of course, Nepal and Bhutan, two places you can go without a passport from India, are also on the list of Visa-free countries.