Indonesian emerges as the top visa on arrival destination for Indian travelers, alongside Thailand and Malaysia, highlighting a trend towards easy entry and diverse cultural experiences in Asia.
Key Highlights
- Top Visa-Free Destinations for Indians
- Thailand and Malaysia are the most preferred visa-free destinations.
- Indonesia leads as the top visa-on-arrival (VOA) destination.
- Travel Trends (Jan 2026 Data)
- Agoda analyzed Indian accommodation searches for Feb–Mar 2026.
- Top five destinations: Thailand (visa-free), Indonesia (VOA), Malaysia (visa-free), Sri Lanka (VOA), Maldives (visa-free).
- Growth in Emerging Destinations
- Sri Lanka saw a 61% increase in searches year-on-year.
- Philippines (visa-free) ranked sixth with 73% growth, driven by beach and adventure tourism.
- Laos (VOA) recorded the strongest growth at 97%, positioning itself as a culturally rich alternative.
Indonesia Emerges as the Top Visa on arrival Destination Based on Accommodation Search Data
The latest accommodation search data from digital travel platform Agoda reveals Thailand and Malaysia as the most preferred visa free international destinations among Indian travellers. Indonesia continues to lead among visa on arrival (VOA) markets. The data reflects an uptick in interest compared to last year toward destinations across Asia that combine easy entry requirements with diverse leisure and cultural experiences.
Agoda analysed accommodation search data generated in India for visa‑free and VOA destinations, between 1 and 18 January 2026, for check‑in dates between February and March 2026.
Among the combined top five destinations searched with visa free or VOA status, Thailand ranked first, followed by Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Thailand (visa free) and Indonesia (VOA) remain firm favourites, offering diverse mix of beaches, culture, and adventure, while Malaysia (visa free) combines urban and natural experiences.
Sri Lanka (VOA) recorded notable growth in accommodation searches, registering a 61% increase compared to last year, supported by its proximity and diverse offerings. Maldives (visa free) continues to draw Indian travellers seeking premium island escapes and short haul luxury stays. Together, these destinations underscore how Indian travellers are choosing destinations that offer strong value and simplified entry.
Beyond the top five, Philippines (visa free) ranked sixth and recorded 73% year-on-year search growth, driven by interest from beach loving and adventure-oriented travellers, with water sports remaining a key draw. While Nepal (visa free) ranked seventh. Kazakhstan (visa free) ranked eighth and is seeing interest for its distinctive Central Asian landscapes, while Bhutan (visa free) ranked ninth and attracts travellers drawn to wellness and cultural immersion. Laos (VOA) ranked tenth and recorded the strongest search growth among all top destinations with a 97% increase, positioning itself as a culturally rich alternative within Southeast Asia, aided by simplified visa access and growing awareness among Indian travellers.
Travellers planning their upcoming getaways can browse Agoda’s wide range of offerings, spanning over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000+ activities worldwide. The latest deals are available on the Agoda app or at agoda.com/deals.
Source : Thailand and Malaysia Lead as Top Visa‑Free Destinations for Indian Travellers – Agoda
