As cases in India continue falling, many are considering traveling once again. However, a host of travel restrictions mean that the number of destinations is far fewer than usual. Here's a list of the countries currently open to travelers from India.
It's important to note that while several countries have now opened their borders, many require strict health checks in addition to vaccines. Currently, domestic travel remains the best option for most, especially given that eight states are allowing vaccinated passengers without a negative test too. However, if you are looking to travel abroad this summer, read on!
Europe
Usually, one of the busiest continents for travelers from India, Europe has been closed to Indian travelers for well over a year. However, with vaccinations now widely available, a handful of countries have opened their border. This includes some interesting and popular countries too.
In the European Union, currently Spain, Croatia, and Switzerland have opened their borders from India. Spain and Switzerland allow fully vaccinated passengers from India to arrive with a negative test and no quarantine. Meanwhile, Croatia is also allowing travelers from India but requires a 7-day quarantine with a negative test take on the last day.
It is important to note that all Indians require a Schengen visa to enter the EU. While Croatia and Switzerland have both confirmed visa processing, Spain is currently not accepting applications at the time of writing. Moreover, only those who have taken the WHO-certified Covishield (Oxford-AstraZeneca) can travel.
Outside the EU, both Serbia and Russia remain open to travelers from India. Serbia, in particular, has emerged as a popular destination since it only requires a negative test (taken with 48 hours of arrival) and is a visa-on-arrival country. Meanwhile, Russia requires a visa for Indians tourists to visit along with a negative test but does not need vaccinations.
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Asia
Closer to home, one island is opening its border to Indian travelers again. Starting July 15th, the Maldives will once again accept travelers from India and begin issuing visas-on-arrival. The archipelago has emerged as a favorite for Indians due to its proximity and its relatively relaxed entry requirements.
Moreover, several airlines now serve the capital of Malè, providing connectivity from several cities in India. While the exact conditions of entry are yet to be confirmed, the government has confirmed that only PCR tests are mandatory for entry.
Looking further west, Egypt is currently allowing vaccinated Indians to visit the country quarantine-free. While Turkey is also allowing passengers from India, all must quarantine for at least 14 days, making it a less desirable option for a holiday.
Latin America
For those looking to fly far, Latin America is currently accepting passengers from India. Travelers can enter Mexico with no negative test, while a host of other Caribbean states are also allowing in passengers. According to Wego, Belize, Costa Rice, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, and several others are accepting travelers from India.
Currently, there are dozens of potential countries that fully vaccinated travelers can visit. It is important to note that travel rules can change quickly during the pandemic, so be sure to recheck before booking and flying. However, if you are looking for a destination this summer, there are many open!
Will you be traveling abroad this summer? Let us know in the comments!