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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
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Korea Herald
28-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[Graphic News] South Korean passport falls to 39th in global ranking
South Korea's passport ranking has steadily declined over the past six years, dropping to 39th place in the '2025 Passport Index' published by global consulting firm Nomad Capitalist. This marks a seven-spot fall from its 32nd-place position last year. The Passport Index evaluates countries based on five key criteria: visa-free travel, taxation, global perception, the ability to hold dual citizenship and personal freedom. Korea received relatively low scores in areas such as its taxation system, restrictions on dual citizenship and limitations on personal freedom, contributing to its lower overall ranking. Ireland topped the list, followed by Switzerland and Greece in joint second place. Portugal came in fourth, with Malta and Italy tied for fifth. European countries dominated the top 10, claiming nine of the highest-ranking positions. The United States ranked 45th. Among Korea's neighbors, Japan shared 37th place with Malaysia, while China came in at 119th.
National Geographic
04-04-2025
- National Geographic
United States passport holders can travel visa-free to these countries
U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 120 countries without a visa, including Thailand. So, plan your stress-free trip that includes seeing Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya. U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 120 countries without a visa, including Thailand. So, plan your stress-free trip that includes seeing Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya. U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 120 countries without a visa, including Thailand. So, plan your stress-free trip that includes seeing Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya. U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 120 countries without a visa, including Thailand. So, plan your stress-free trip that includes seeing Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya. U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 100 destinations without a tourist visa, but some popular vacation spots require them. We explain the different types of visas and how to apply. Everything to know about tourist visas—and where you can go without one Avid travelers are always dreaming about the next trip, whether it's an idyllic family vacation in the Caribbean, a romantic couples trip to Paris, or an immersive culinary tour in Japan. A stress-free journey is always in the forefront of every traveler's mind when planning a trip. If you own a U.S. passport, your ease of travel increases. According to the Passport Index, a U.S. passport currently ranks eighth in the world in terms of mobility. U.S. passport holders can currently travel to more than 120 destinations without a visa, whereas the remaining destinations require some form of visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). However, several important questions remain for some travelers, such as: What's the difference between a visa and an eTA? How much do visas cost? What are the countries that U.S. passport holders can visit without a visa? To bring some clarity to the visa confusion, we pulled together answers to a list of important questions to provide you with everything you need to know about traveling with or without a visa, as well as a few travel ideas to inspire your next trip. How can I find out if I need a visa? E-visas tend to be broader in scope and length of stay, such as travel for business purposes. They may also require more information on the application, including a digital photo. In contrast, eTAs are primarily for short tourist stays and take less time to process—sometimes as little as a few minutes. They also tend to cost less. However, both need to be presented when boarding a plane and at immigration or border control. What do I need to apply for a visa or an eTA? Most eTAs and some visas require more than personal details, such as name, home address, and passport number. Travelers may have to provide additional details such as their dates of travel and the name and address of the hotel where they are staying during their trip. Passport photos may also be required, so have both digital and paper copies on hand. Other visa applications may ask for copies of hotel and flight bookings and even proof of funds, such as a bank statement. Also, it's a pretty common query, but don't be surprised if visa applications and/or border control officials ask if you have a criminal record. How much do tourist visas and eTAs cost? Tourist visas and eTAs vary widely in cost. Some can cost as little as $10, whereas visas that require lengthy application processes can cost more than $100. Brazil's new e-visa, for instance, will cost $80.90. Also, beware of commercial visa sites, because they usually charge more than the actual fee. Whenever possible, use your destination's e-visa or eTA portal. Application and processing fees are usually non-refundable. How long can I stay on a tourist visa or eTA? Tourist visas and eTAs can be issued for single or multiple entries for as little as a week or two and as long as 180 days. If you plan to move between countries, make sure you have a multiple-entry visa. How soon before traveling should I apply for a visa or eTA? While eTAs and e-visas can often be processed in days if not hours, it's wise to apply as soon as possible—even prior to booking flights and hotels. However, sometimes countries do not allow you to apply until close to the departure date. For example, to get Indonesia's visitor visa, you can start to apply for it 14 days before your departure date. Tourist visas that require you to send your passport should be done months in advance to factor in the processing time. Do I need a visa or eTA to go to Europe? In March, the European Union announced that it is further delaying the implementation of its version of an eTA, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS. So, travelers heading to Europe don't have to worry yet. The new rollout date, which will apply to the 29 members of the Schengen Area and Cyprus, will be in the last quarter of 2026. Similarly, the EU's introduction of its new Entry/Exist System, or EES, has been delayed until October 2025. No action is required before your departure to an EU country. (Related: Everything you need to know about EES, the new EU visa scheme.) Do I need a visa to visit the UK, Australia, and New Zealand? The United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand are three of the eight countries that require U.S. nationals to have an eTA before traveling. The eTA for the U.K. is valid for multiple entries two years after purchase and costs £10 ($13), whereas the Australian eTA costs $20 AUD and is valid for stays of up to 3 months within one year. The New Zealand eTA only costs $17 NZD, but visitors are now charged a tourist levy of $100 on arrival. Both costs are valid for multiple entries for up to two years. Where can I go without a visa or eTA? Americans with U.S. passports can travel to more than 120 destinations without any form of visa or eTA. They can travel to the nation's top two destinations, neighboring countries Canada and Mexico, without a visa. Most South American and Caribbean countries also do not require visas or eTAs. Two of the Best of World 2025 destinations in Asia are visa-free, including perennial favorite Japan. While there, skip the tourist swarms of Kyoto and head instead to the historic garden city of Kanazawa. Thailand is another popular destination. In Bangkok, visit the newly restored 17th-century temple Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The attraction's emphasis on conservation is even more relevant now after the March 28 earthquake in the region. While most countries in Africa require a tourist visa, some incredible destinations do not. If you're looking for a culinary adventure, travelers can retrace Antoni Porowski and Issa Rae's journey in Senegal documented in the first season of No Place Like Home. Sample the national dish of ceebu jën, a combination of fish, vegetables, and rice that received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2021. Abu Dhabi is one of the few visa-free destinations in the Middle East. It's something to think about if you're planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates, specifically the capital city to visit its new Saadiyat Cultural District. What other requirements need to be considered for international travel? Even if your destination does not require a visa, you may need to meet other necessary requirements. Most countries require that your passport is valid for at least three months and usually up to six months after your entry date into your desired destination. Renewing your passport can take up to 4-6 weeks, not counting mailing time, according to the U.S. State Department. (There are options to expedite the process.) Other possible requirements for entry include: Proof of an outbound or return flight Proof of residence, such as a hotel or relative's address As many as four blank passport pages (if your passport does not have enough pages, you cannot add more; you'll have to renew it) Vaccination records, particularly yellow fever (consult the Center for Disease Control's destination list for all recommended and required vaccines) Proof of funds (bank statement) or a certain amount of money on hand Green card holders should carry their legal passports as well, as some countries will require it upon entry. More information on reentering the United States can be found here. The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other outlets. Sara Murphy is a freelance writer based outside of Asheville, North Carolina who has written for, and other outlets.
Gulf Today
07-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Emiratis can renew passports in 5 minutes at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Airport
Emiratis travelling via Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH) can easily renew their UAE passports if the passport is valid for less than six months or has expired, without having to leave the airport premises, according to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP). This can be done through the Customer Happiness Centre, which is available round the clock to ease procedures for travellers and enhance the position of Zayed International Airport as one of the most important international airports that provides integrated services to Emiratis, giving them a smooth and fast travel experience according to the highest standards, it said. The service enables a new passport valid for up to 10 years to be issued in less than five minutes without the need for any additional documents other than the expired passport, it added, noting that this ensures that travelers complete their travel procedures smoothly and without delay. The ICP pointed out that its office at Zayed International Airport not only provides the service of renewing Emiratis' but also offers a range of other electronic services including amending travellers' status and data and taking out entry and exit movements and visa and residence details. This contributes to easing the travel experience and providing integrated solutions for travelers, it said. The ICP affirmed that the passport renewal service is available 24 hours a day at Zayed International Airport to ensure that the necessary support is provided to Emiratis at any time. This reflects the ICP's continuous efforts to enhance the efficiency of procedures at border crossings and provide innovative solutions that contribute to raising the level of customer satisfaction. The UAE has retained its position as the most powerful passport for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Passport Index. It has achieved a total score of 180 points, which enables its citizens to access more than 90% of the world's countries. A total of 133 countries accept UAE passports without the need for a visa, while 47 countries offer the option of obtaining a visa upon arrival. In contrast, only 18 countries require that visas be arranged in advance.
