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Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
Countries Indian passport holders can visit with a valid US visa
Did you know your Indian passport can suddenly open doors to dozens of countries, just by having a valid US visa? Yep, that little sticker isn't just your ticket to Times Square or Disneyland. It also unlocks a ton of travel perks most people don't even know about. Let's be honest: the Indian passport doesn't get too far on its own. Ranked 65th on the Passport Index and 82nd on the Henley Passport Index, it offers pretty limited visa-free access compared to, say, Japan or Germany. But here's the travel hack: a valid US tourist visa (typically B1/B2) can quietly boost your global mobility in a big way. Why? Because a US visa signals strong vetting and trust. That's why dozens of countries across Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and even a few in Europe welcome Indian travelers with open arms if they already hold a valid US visa. Many of these places offer visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or super-easy e-visas, skipping the long embassy queues. There are a few conditions, of course. Your US visa usually needs to be valid for at least six more months, and some countries prefer that you've used it at least once before. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bee Keepers of India Selling Pure Honey online to Indian consumers via Ecommerce Website Scrolling Bee India Read More Undo Europe While Europe is mostly Schengen territory (which still requires a separate visa), several non-Schengen countries have opened their doors to Indian travelers holding valid US visas. These destinations offer a mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes—no embassy paperwork required. Albania – Visa-free for 90 days Bosnia and Herzegovina – Visa-free for 30 days Georgia – Visa-free for 90 days Montenegro – Visa-free for 30 days North Macedonia – Visa-free for 15 days Serbia – Visa-free for 90 days Turkey – e-Visa available for 30 days America(North, Central & South) From the beaches of Mexico to the rainforests of Costa Rica, many countries across the Americas waive visa requirements if you have a valid US visa. Some only require that your US visa has been used at least once. Mexico – Visa-free for 180 days Belize – Visa-free for 30 days Costa Rica – Visa-free for 30 days El Salvador – Visa-free for 90 days Guatemala – Visa-free for 90 days Honduras – Visa-free for 90 days Nicaragua – Visa-free for 30 days Panama – Visa-free for 30 days (US visa must be used once) Colombia – Visa-free for 90 days Peru – Visa-free for 180 days Caribbean Island hopping in the Caribbean is made easier if you already hold a US visa. Many island nations allow Indian travelers in without additional paperwork, perfect for a spontaneous beach getaway. Aruba – Visa-free for 30 days Bahamas – Visa-free for 30 days Bermuda – Visa-free for 90 days British Virgin Islands – Visa-free for 30 days Curaçao – Visa-free for 30 days Dominican Republic – Visa-free for 30 days Sint Maarten – Visa-free for 30 days Antigua and Barbuda – Visa-free for 30 days Saint Kitts and Nevis – Visa-free for 90 days Jamaica – Visa-free for 90 days Asia A few Asian countries now allow simplified entry for Indian travelers with a US visa. While the stay durations are shorter in some cases, it's great for quick getaways or business trips. Philippines – Visa-free for 14 days Singapore – Visa-free transit (VFTF) up to 96 hours South Korea – Visa-free for 30 days (conditions apply) Taiwan – e-Visa for 30 days Malaysia – Visa-free transit up to 120 hours (conditions apply) Middle East Traveling to the Middle East is now easier too. These countries provide visa-on-arrival or e-visas to Indian citizens holding valid US visas, making the region more accessible than ever. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Visa-on-arrival for 14 days Oman – e-Visa for 30 days Qatar – e-Visa for 30 day Africa Only one African nation currently allows entry with a valid US visa, but it's a hidden gem worth exploring. São Tomé and Príncipe – Visa-free for 15 days One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
The world's most powerful passports in 2025, ranked
The Henley Passport Index ranks the most powerful passports in the world for visa-free travel. Singapore is in the top spot with its passport, which allows holders to travel to 193 countries. The US passport can access 182 countries — it's tied for 10th place with two other countries. Thinking of visiting Brazil, Australia, or India with a US passport this summer? Not so fast ... or at least not before securing a visa. Some of the best wonders of the world require US citizens to obtain a visa before takeoff, an inconvenience in planning that long-awaited international getaway. US passport holders can access 182 countries globally without a visa, putting it in 10th place among world passports on the global mobility spectrum, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Passports from 33 other countries provide more global mobility than a US passport and two other countries are tied with the US for mobility. The index is a ranking of passports based on how many countries their holders can access without a visa and is based on data from the International Air Transport Authority. Singapore is in the top spot with its passport, which allows holders to travel to 193 countries without first securing a visa. Japan had previously held the No. 1 position but has since fallen to No. 2, joining South Korea with access to 190 countries. Below are the countries with the most powerful passports, ranked by ascending number of visa-free travel options, based on the Henley Passport Index. This ranking is accurate as of May 2025. 10. Lithuania, Iceland, and the United States Passport holders from these countries can visit 182 countries without visas in 2025. Until April, US citizens were able to visit 183 countries visa-free. However, Brazil now requires US citizens to secure a visa before entering the country, dropping US passport holders one spot on the Henley Passport Index. 9. Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia Holders of these passports can visit 183 countries without a visa in 2025. 8. Estonia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates Travelers can visit 184 countries without a visa in 2025 if they have a passport from Estonia, Canada, or the United Arab Emirates. 7. Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, and Poland Travelers can visit 185 countries without visas in 2025 with a passport from Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, or Poland. 6. United Kingdom Holders of UK passports can visit 186 countries without a visa. 5. Greece, New Zealand, and Switzerland Travelers can visit 187 countries without a visa in 2025 if they have a passport from these countries. 4. Austria, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg, and Belgium These passport holders can visit 188 countries without visas. 3. Ireland, Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain These passports give access to 189 countries without a visa. 2. Japan and South Korea Holders of passports from Japan and South Korea can visit 190 countries without a visa. 1. Singapore Travelers can visit 193 countries without a visa in 2025 if they have a passport from Singapore. Zoe Rosenberg contributed to an earlier version of this report. This story was first published in January 2023 and updates were made in January 2024, June 2024, October 2024, March 2025, and May 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
The world's most powerful passports in 2025, ranked
The Henley Passport Index ranks the most powerful passports in the world for visa-free travel. Singapore is in the top spot with its passport, which allows holders to travel to 193 countries. The US passport can access 182 countries — it's tied for 10th place with two other countries. Thinking of visiting Brazil, Australia, or India with a US passport this summer? Not so fast ... or at least not before securing a visa. Some of the best wonders of the world require US citizens to obtain a visa before takeoff, an inconvenience in planning that long-awaited international getaway. US passport holders can access 182 countries globally without a visa, putting it in 10th place among world passports on the global mobility spectrum, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Passports from 33 other countries provide more global mobility than a US passport and two other countries are tied with the US for mobility. The index is a ranking of passports based on how many countries their holders can access without a visa and is based on data from the International Air Transport Authority. Singapore is in the top spot with its passport, which allows holders to travel to 193 countries without first securing a visa. Japan had previously held the No. 1 position but has since fallen to No. 2, joining South Korea with access to 190 countries. Below are the countries with the most powerful passports, ranked by ascending number of visa-free travel options, based on the Henley Passport Index. This ranking is accurate as of May 2025. 10. Lithuania, Iceland, and the United States Passport holders from these countries can visit 182 countries without visas in 2025. Until April, US citizens were able to visit 183 countries visa-free. However, Brazil now requires US citizens to secure a visa before entering the country, dropping US passport holders one spot on the Henley Passport Index. 9. Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia Holders of these passports can visit 183 countries without a visa in 2025. 8. Estonia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates Travelers can visit 184 countries without a visa in 2025 if they have a passport from Estonia, Canada, or the United Arab Emirates. 7. Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, and Poland Travelers can visit 185 countries without visas in 2025 with a passport from Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, or Poland. 6. United Kingdom Holders of UK passports can visit 186 countries without a visa. 5. Greece, New Zealand, and Switzerland Travelers can visit 187 countries without a visa in 2025 if they have a passport from these countries. 4. Austria, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg, and Belgium These passport holders can visit 188 countries without visas. 3. Ireland, Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain These passports give access to 189 countries without a visa. 2. Japan and South Korea Holders of passports from Japan and South Korea can visit 190 countries without a visa. 1. Singapore Travelers can visit 193 countries without a visa in 2025 if they have a passport from Singapore. Zoe Rosenberg contributed to an earlier version of this report. This story was first published in January 2023 and updates were made in January 2024, June 2024, October 2024, March 2025, and May 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
Travel alert: Two less visa-free entries for SA passport holders
SA passport drops in global ranking: South Africans were previously allowed visa-free access to 106 countries. South African passport holders have fewer choices for visa-free travel than they did at the start of the year. Picture: iStock The latest figures from the Henley Passport Index show that South African passport holders now have fewer visa-free travel options than they did earlier this year. The authoritative index, which ranks global passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa, places South Africa 50th worldwide in its most recent update. At the beginning of 2025, the passport — or 'green mamba' as it is often referred to — was ranked the 48th strongest passport globally and allowed visa-free access to 106 countries. Another blow to South African passport holders Over the years, South Africa's passport strength ranking position has dropped from a high of 35 in 2009 to a low of 97 recorded in 2016. At the start of 2024, South Africans were able to travel to 108 countries visa-free. According to the most recent information from the Henley Passport Index's comparison of the visa-free access of 199 different passports to 227 travel destinations, South Africa has lost visa-free access to two countries, Pakistan and Mauritania. What is the Henley Passport Index? The index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – the largest, most accurate travel information database – and Henley & Partners' research team. The total score for each passport is equal to the number of destinations for which no visa is required. Visa-free travel to top tourist destinations However, some of the world's top tourist destinations, such as Thailand, Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, and Mauritius, still feature among the 104 countries South Africans can travel to visa-free. Business hubs, such as Singapore, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, also do not require South African travellers' visas. 'Emigration hotspots' and SA passport? South African passport holders will need a visa for the most popular emigration 'hotspots', with the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, the United States (US) and Canada all requiring the country's citizens to have a passport. ALSO READ: Malema denied UK visa Change in Ireland's visa-free stance towards SA The Citizen previously reported on Ireland's removal in July 2025 of South Africa and Botswana from the list of countries that enjoy visa-free entry status into the country. A visa is also required for those travelling via Ireland when en route to another destination. According to Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee, the sudden decision came about due to an increase in asylum-seekers from the two countries. 'In recent years, a significant number of International Protection [asylum] applications have been received from nationals of Botswana and South Africa.' The minister added that Ireland's latest visa rule aligned the country with the Schengen Area's stance on the two countries, as well as that of the UK towards South Africa. Ireland was one of only four countries in Europe that offered visa-free travel to South Africans Georgia, Kosovo and the Russian Federation are the three remaining European countries that South Africa can still access without a visa. NOW READ: Big changes coming for ID, passport applications and birth registrations – Home Affairs
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Forbes
Europe's Most Beautiful Beaches, The World's Most Powerful Passports And Other Travel News
. Looking for a new beach getaway this summer? Europe's Best Destinations recently released its annual list of the most beautiful beaches in Europe for 2025. Based on the votes of thousands of global travelers, Port Glarokavos Lagoon Beach in Northern Greece was named the continent's most beautiful beach this year, Cala Brandinchi in Sardinia, Italy took the No. 2 spot, with Cala Pregonda in Menorca, Spain rounding out the top three. . The annual Henley Passport Index ranks the most powerful passports based solely on the number of countries they provide visa-free access to, while the Nomad Passport Index (NPI) has a broader approach to international travel. The NPI also weighs visa-free travel but expands its scope to include countries that value 'personal freedom and financial prosperity.' Based on that wider criteria, Ireland has the world's most powerful passport for 2025, according to NPI, with Switzerland and Greece tied for second. The two passport rankings do agree on one thing, however—Afghanistan has the least powerful passport in the world. . When it's not a business destination, Manila is usually thought of as a stopover for those traveling to some of the Philippines' extraordinary beach resorts. But the country's capital has emerged as a luxury travel destination in its own right with world-class hotels, fine dining and even a few casino resorts to rival Macau. The editors of Forbes Travel Guide recently released their list of the five most luxurious hotel suites in Manila. And just in case you actually leave the hotel, here's how to spend two days in the city known as the Pearl of the Orient. This is the published version of Forbes' Passport newsletter, which offers a first-class guide to luxury travel. Click here to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. . Last year, some 36 million checked bags were delayed, misplaced, misdirected, pilfered or stolen, according to a recent study. Here's how travel pros keep their checked luggage safe—and how you can, too. 'He who does not look back at where he came from will never get to his destination.' . Listen, anyone can pose near the Tower of Pisa and take the gag photo propping it up, but some of the other classic tourist photos in the world will actually cost money to get close enough. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, for example, charges a little more than $100 for entry and attracts more than 17 million visitors a year. From the Galapagos to Mount Kilimanjaro, here are the most expensive tourist photos in the world.
