Which Country Is Most Friendly to Indians? Top Picks for Hassle-Free Travel

Thinking about traveling outside India, but worried about landing somewhere you won’t feel welcome? You’re definitely not alone. Plenty of Indians want to explore the world, but getting a warm vibe, finding food that reminds you of home, and knowing you won’t have trouble at the border are big priorities.

Some countries go out of their way to make Indian tourists feel at ease. A lot of this comes down to simple things—like staff who smile when they spot your Indian passport, plenty of Indian restaurants, or even locals who know a bit about Bollywood. It’s not just about avoiding discrimination. It’s about enjoying your holiday from the moment you get off the flight.

Let’s peel back the layers on which nations have built a reputation for being extra friendly to Indian visitors. You want to land somewhere you can step into your comfort zone and actually relax—no constant bargaining or searching for veggie food required.

• Why Friendliness to Indians Matters
• Top Countries That Welcome Indians
• Visa Policies and Easy Entry
• Indian Culture Abroad: Food, Festivals, and Community
• Travel Tips for Indians Abroad

Why Friendliness to Indians Matters

If you’re an Indian tourist planning your next adventure, feeling genuinely welcome can make or break the whole trip. When a country is open and friendly toward Indians, you’ll probably deal with less stress, have more fun, and avoid awkward situations like language problems or weird stares. Plus, nobody wants travel hassles over simple things like food, language, or being misunderstood at the airport.

Here's a simple truth—India is one of the world’s biggest sources of travelers. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Indians made over 29 million international trips in pre-pandemic 2019, and those numbers are climbing back up. So, when destinations treat Indian visitors well, it’s not just good for travelers—it's smart business for those countries.

"The Indian outbound travel market is a major force, and countries that adapt to Indian tastes enjoy repeat visitors." – Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators

Here’s why friendliness matters for Indian tourists and travelers:

• Easy Entry: Countries known for being friendly to Indians usually have less strict visa rules or offer fast-track services. Nobody likes standing in endless lines or collecting piles of paperwork just to visit a new place.
• Food Choices: A warm welcome often means finding Indian food or at least plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. Whether you miss your chai or just want a simple dal, it’s a big comfort.
• Cultural Respect: Spots that recognize Indian festivals, respect dress codes, and have Indian communities around make it much easier to adjust and feel at home.
• Safety: Friendly countries tend to be safer for tourists. Local people are more likely to help if you’re lost or in a pinch, so you travel with less worry.

For people who travel with family—especially kids or elders—these things matter even more. It’s the difference between a smooth, happy trip, and one where you can’t wait to fly back home.

Top Countries That Welcome Indians

So, where do Indian tourists feel the most at home? While a lot depends on your idea of travel—beaches, history, shopping or just chilling—some countries are standouts when it comes to treating Indians like VIPs.

Thailand is pretty much everyone’s go-to. They offer visa-on-arrival for Indians, and just about every market or street food corner has someone who can throw together a solid vegetarian meal. The Indian rupee also stretches further here than most places, so you don’t have to worry about busting your budget.

Singapore isn’t just close to India, it’s packed with Indian heritage sites, temples, and even an entire Little India district. A huge part of Singapore’s population is Indian, so nobody blinks when you look for dosas at 2am. According to the Singapore Tourism Board, “India has consistently remained among our top five sources of tourists.”

Heading west, you’ll find UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, rolling out the red carpet. Over 3 million Indians currently live in the UAE, so connecting with folks from back home is never hard. Shopping, job opportunities, and familiar food are always within reach. Visa approval is quick, and Indian festivals are celebrated all year round.

If nature is more your scene, New Zealand easily makes the list. Friendly locals, English as the main language, and surprisingly accessible visa processes for Indians. The Indian High Commission in Wellington points out that “the Indian community, though small, is influential and well-liked by locals.”

Within Europe, Switzerland used to get a huge Bollywood push and still attracts a lot of Indian honeymooners. Locals there tend to greet Indian tourists warmly (they know a Shah Rukh Khan shooting location when they see one). Cities like Zurich and Interlaken offer Indian food and you’ll spot plenty of other Indians at major sights.

Here’s a quick look at five of the most friendly countries for Indians on a practical level:

As the World Tourism Organization puts it:

“Countries that embrace Indian visitors do so by blending easy access, local communities, and familiar cuisine, making them top choices in the global tourism scene.”

One underrated tip: check out local Indian associations when you arrive. Most major cities in these countries have support groups, WhatsApp chats, and even emergency helplines for Indian tourists. Never hurts to have that backup in a new country!

Visa Policies and Easy Entry

The headache of visa paperwork can ruin the travel buzz before your trip even starts. When it comes to friendly countries for Indians, nothing beats hassle-free entry. Some places have nailed this with simple visa rules or even visa-free access for holders of Indian passports.

Here’s the reality: Indian citizens still need visas for most countries, but the good news is there are a bunch of places where the process is either super smooth or doesn’t exist at all. Think countries with visa-on-arrival, e-visa options, or even zero visa needed if you’re on holiday. For example:

• Thailand: Fast online e-visa or visa-on-arrival at the airport. You can be eating Pad Thai the same day you land.
• Indonesia: Visa-on-arrival for up to 30 days. Show your passport, pay a small fee, and you’re in.
• Sri Lanka: Apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is usually approved in less than 24 hours.
• Maldives: Offers visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 90 days. All you need is a return ticket and proof of accommodation.
• Serbia: No visa needed for up to 30 days if you’re coming just to explore.
• Mauritius: Visa-free entry for Indian citizens for up to 60 days. Step off the plane and straight onto the beach.

If you’re looking for easy destinations, here’s a quick breakdown showing how welcoming these countries are for Indian tourists on the visa front:

Always double-check the latest visa rules before you book, as things can change overnight. But if you’re aiming for travel with minimal red tape, stick with countries known for easy entry for Indians. Less paperwork and more adventure—sounds like a win to me.

Indian Culture Abroad: Food, Festivals, and Community

If there’s one thing most Indian tourists seriously care about, it’s not missing dal chawal or biryani too much while traveling. The good news? In countries like the UK, USA, UAE, Singapore, and Canada, you’ll find Indian restaurants lined up almost everywhere—sometimes they’re even run by folks from your own city back home. London’s Southall is basically a mini Punjab, and Dubai’s Bur Dubai feels like a slice of Mumbai. It’s honestly hard to go hungry when you’re surrounded by choices, whether you’re craving quick chaat, dosa, or even mithai during festivals.

But the warm welcome doesn’t stop at food. Festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Eid are celebrated with almost the same energy as in India, especially in cities with large Indian populations. Toronto, London, and Melbourne organize open-air Diwali melas complete with dance, music, and lots of food stalls. Last year, Singapore even lit up its famous Serangoon Road with hundreds of lights for Deepavali, drawing both locals and tourists into the party. And it’s not just about the big celebrations—Indian expat communities host smaller events too, like pujas, yoga classes, and cricket matches where everyone’s welcome.

If you’re someone who enjoys community vibes or just wants to feel at home, it’s worth knowing where these expat hotspots are. Here’s a quick snapshot of where you can find big Indian communities and what they’re known for:

The bonus of these places is feeling less homesick and having an instant network. Got an issue? Someone’s probably gone through it too and can help out. You get the comfort of home, plus the adventure of being in a new country—all rolled into one.

Travel Tips for Indians Abroad

Traveling to another country as an Indian can feel overwhelming, but a bit of prep goes a long way. If you want a smooth experience, keep a few key things in mind that others have already figured out the hard way.

• Visa paperwork is your starting line. Always check the most recent requirements on the official embassy website. Don’t just trust hearsay or old articles—rules change often. Some places need your bank statements, flights, and hotel bookings, while others use easy e-visas. Double-check what’s needed so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.
• Pack plug adapters. The plug sockets abroad will probably be different, especially in Europe, Southeast Asia, or Australia. Get a universal adapter before you leave, since airport shops charge crazy prices for these.
• Money matters. Cash is still king in a lot of popular friendly countries for Indians like Thailand, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. But don’t carry big wads. Use a forex card—banks like HDFC and ICICI offer solid travel cards that are safer than carrying rupees or dollars, and they work almost everywhere you need them abroad.
• Indian SIM cards won’t work everywhere. Data roaming is expensive; it’s smarter to buy a local SIM as soon as you land. In destinations like Dubai or Singapore, you can walk out of the airport with a local connection in minutes.
• Keep food in mind. Vegetarian or Jain? Know where to find Indian restaurants or supermarkets that stock your favorites. For example, in London, Brick Lane is famous for its curry houses, while Singapore’s Little India feels like home but with fancier malls. Also, carry snacks like theplas or ready-to-eat dal for emergencies—you’ll thank yourself when hunger hits at odd hours.

Be smart about costs by checking for Indian-specific travel discounts. Airlines like Air India or Indigo sometimes have cheaper return deals for Indian passports. Want to save on roaming? Look for eSIM options designed for Indian tourists—that way, you just scan a QR code and never swap SIMs.

Above all, respect local rules, keep digital copies of your passport and visa, and let someone back home know your itinerary. The best experiences come when you blend street-smart planning with a spirit of adventure—just don’t forget the dhokla!