# Thailand and Malaysia Emerge as Favorite Visa-Free Destinations for Indian Travelers – Agoda

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/india/287274-thailand-and-malaysia-emerge-as-favorite-visa-free-destinations-for-indian-travelers-agoda
- Published: 2026-02-18T10:28:15+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

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_**

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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.

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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](http://www.prnasia.com/story/archive/4886630_AE86630_0?rand=102387)