India Flocks to Visa-Free Destinations, With Searches for Malaysia, the Philippines, and Palau Seeing Notable Spike – Travel And Tour World

Indian tourists are increasingly visiting Southeast Asia as more countries in the region have opened up visa-free travel for Indian nationals. Malaysia, the Philippines, Palau, and Sri Lanka have undergone a major transformation regarding their visa policy, permitting easier travel for Indian citizens.

These policy changes have created a measurable increase in travel demand, as exposed by fresh statistics from Agoda, the online travel site. The relaxation of visa restrictions is redefining how Indian tourists organize their journeys and driving outbound vacations to these recently opened destinations.

Visa-Free Access Changes Travel Patterns

The recent surge in accommodation searches for countries offering visa-free access to Indian citizens is a direct result of these changes in visa policies. With fewer restrictions to navigate, more Indian travelers are venturing to countries that were once more difficult to visit due to visa barriers. Agoda’s analysis of accommodation searches for travel between January and May 2025 highlights the growing appeal of destinations that have relaxed their entry rules.

• Malaysia: Introduced visa-free access for Indian travelers in 2023, leading to a 47% jump in accommodation searches.
• Palau: Following its visa-free entry announcement in early 2025, the Pacific island saw a 49% increase in travel searches.
• The Philippines: After extending visa-free access in June 2025, this Southeast Asian country saw a 26% rise in search volume from India.

This shift reflects a broader trend of increasing travel to Southeast Asia, with countries in the region responding to rising demand by making entry simpler for international visitors, particularly Indian tourists.

Key Destinations on the Rise

As a result of the easing of visa rules, several key destinations in Southeast Asia travel have become more attractive for Indian travelers. From bustling cities to serene islands, these countries offer a range of experiences without the hassle of complicated visa applications.

• Malaysia: A major player in the visa-free destinations trend, Malaysia has seen the largest increase in search activity. Indian interest surged across various regions, including Langkawi (+118%), Kuala Lumpur (+28%), and the Highlands (+27%).
• Palau: Though a lesser-known destination, Palau’s decision to grant visa-free access for Indian nationals resulted in a remarkable 49% growth in travel interest. Known for its pristine beaches and secluded islands, Palau is now attracting more visitors than ever before.
• The Philippines: After introducing visa-free access for Indian nationals in June 2025, the Philippines experienced a 26% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches. Popular spots like Manila (+43%), Palawan (+30%), and Cebu (+25%) are seeing significant interest from Indian travelers.

The rise in searches reflects an eagerness to explore new regions and hidden gems that were previously harder to access.

Sri Lanka’s Continued Popularity

Sri Lanka, which implemented visa-free access for Indian travelers in October 2024, also saw positive results. Although the growth in searches was smaller compared to other countries, Sri Lanka experienced a 9% increase in overall travel interest. Notable gains were seen in destinations like Mirissa (+31%) and Nuwara Eliya (+16%), where Indian travelers are flocking for their scenic beauty and serene atmosphere.

Changing Travel Trends

Agoda search data highlights how the relaxation of visa policies has become a key factor influencing Indian travel trends. With fewer visa requirements, Indian tourists are more willing to venture beyond traditional destinations and explore a wider range of locations. These changes are not just benefiting popular countries like Malaysia and the Philippines but also encouraging visits to lesser-known destinations like Palau.

This new era of easier travel is transforming the way Indian travelers think about their next vacation. With more countries in Southeast Asia offering visa-free access, the region is becoming an increasingly popular choice for travelers seeking convenience and a rich cultural experience.

The Impact on Regional Travel Preferences

The shift in policy is reshaping Indian outbound travel, particularly when it comes to selecting destinations. While Malaysia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka have long been popular choices for Indian tourists, the new ease of entry is opening up opportunities for less-explored locations, especially Palau.

As more countries introduce visa-free access, Southeast Asia is becoming an even more attractive region for Indian travelers. Not only are these changes simplifying travel logistics, but they are also offering more varied options in terms of destinations, making it easier for tourists to discover both well-known and emerging spots.

Parting Thoughts

The relaxing of visa restrictions is generating new travel enthusiasm among Indian tourists to nations across Southeast Asia. The travel map of Southeast Asia is undergoing redefinition due to rising visa-free travel destinations like Malaysia, the Philippines, Palau, and Sri Lanka. Easier travel regulations are now bringing more Indians to experience Southeast Asia’s beauty and wealth, and Southeast Asian nations are receiving much-needed tourist traffic seeking to learn about their cultures, sceneries, and undiscovered wealth. Southeast Asia’s travel outlook remains encouraging, and these visa-free travel destinations are leading for Indian sightseers.