Indians can now book a vacation to these international destinations and free themselves from the lengthy period of confinement. A list of countries Indians can travel to. By Yagnoseni Das
With a downward trend in COVID-19 cases across the country, people are once again marking their calendars and gearing up for a much-needed vacation. Earlier this year, many countries had shut their doors to Indian tourists, due to the overwhelming rise in COVID-19 cases summoned by the second wave. Even though a vast majority of countries are yet to allow tourists from India.
Here are 20 countries that you can still travel to from India
Afghanistan
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Indians holding a valid visa for Afghanistan can travel to the country. The must-visit sites here are City walls, Buddha Niches, Gazar Gah, Babur’s Gardens, Bala Hissar and Heart Citadel.
COVID-19 requirements: Visitors need not carry an RT-PCR test certificate but are urged to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Armenia
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When visiting the country, one must visit Yerevan, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Tatev Monastery, and Lake Sevan.
COVID-19 requirements: Travellers, upon entering Armenia, must present either a negative RT-PCR taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure, or present their COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
Costa Rica
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San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal volcano, Monteverde and the cloud forests are the most well-known destinations of this Central American country.
COVID-19 requirements: No vaccination certificates or RT-PCR test results are required. However, visitors must fill out a health pass upon arrival.
Egypt
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Even though Indians can travel to Egypt, the means are quite limited. The government of Egypt has imposed restrictions for tourists arriving in the coastal governorates of the Red Sea, Matrouh and South Sinai.
COVID-19 requirements: Passengers will be screened upon arrival and will be required to mandatorily fill up a health declaration form. From August 15 onwards, visitors will have to present a negative RT-PCR test result, issued no longer than 72 hours before departure.
Ethiopia
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Consider visiting rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Semian Mountains National Park; feeding hyenas at the town of Harar Jegol, or exploring the Danakil Depression and the Gondor Castles.
COVID-19 requirements: A negative RT-PCR test, issued no longer than 120 hours before departure is mandatory. Upon arrival, filling up a self-declaration form is mandatory.
Iceland
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Pure Luxe By KFT, a travel company, is offering special packages to fully vaccinated Indians. The ‘Work from Hotel’ package spans 11 nights, priced at INR 58,000 for single occupancy and INR 98,000 (plus five per cent GST) for double occupancy. ‘Explorer’ packages cost INR 2.44 lakh+ (plus five per cent GST).
COVID-19 requirements: All incoming visitors must carry a valid vaccination certificate and a negative RT-PCR test upon arrival. Visitors will also have to undergo a COVID-19 test at the border. If found negative, visitors will be exempt from quarantine.
Kyrgyzstan
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Issyk-Kul lake, Ala Archa National Park, and Abandoned Pension Utyos are some of the more well-known tourist destinations in this Central Asian landlocked country.
COVID-19 requirements: In case one is not fully vaccinated, they will need to carry a negative RT-PCR test, issued no longer than 72 hours before arrival. Self-quarantine is mandatory for such cases. However, those who can present internationally-recognised COVID-19 vaccination certificates need not abide by any such protocols.
Maldives
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A very popular holiday destination among tourists, the island offers the perfect setting for relaxing. The crystal-clear sea, powdery white sands and various leisure activities contribute to its popularity.
COVID-19 requirements: As per a tweet by the Ministry of Tourism Maldives, international passengers must have a negative RT-PCR test in their possession at all times. A COVID-19 test, taken within 96 hours from the scheduled time of departure, is also mandatory.
Mauritius
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Mauritius will be allowing international travellers from July 15 onwards. In phase 1 (July 15-September 30, 2021), vaccinated travellers can access pre-approved COVID-19 safe resorts. For phase 2, travellers will be allowed entry upon presenting a negative RT-PCR test, taken 72 hours prior to departure.
COVID-19 requirements: Visitors aged 18 and above must be fully vaccinated, and undergo an RT-PCR test before departure. A negative test result is mandatory to enter the island. Unvaccinated travellers will be put in a 14-day in-room quarantine during both, phase 1 and 2. Visitors will also need to undergo an RT-PCR test upon arrival at the airport, on day seven, and 14 of their resort holiday, as applicable.
Mexico
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The country of folklores, rich culture, delicious food and music, Mexico will satiate every travellers’ travel fantasy. Some of the must visit places in the country are Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, Izamal, and Mazatlán.
COVID-19 requirements: No vaccine or pre-flight testing is required to enter the country. However, the Mexican Embassy is not issuing any tourist visas right now. Travellers with a valid USA, UK, Schengen, or Japanese visa can enter visa-free.
Russia
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One might not be able to travel across all the 17 million square kilometres of the world’s largest country, but there are a few tourist spots in Russia that one must visit: St Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and Kremlin in Moscow; and Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace, and Winter Palace in St Petersburg.
COVID-19 requirements: Incoming passengers must carry a printed negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, issued 72 hours before arrival.
Rwanda
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Indians holding a valid visa can travel to Rwanda. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda offers a vast range of travel experiences–a safari in Akagera National Park, gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park, a visit to the Kigali Genocide memorial, and exploring King’s Palace Museum in the Nyanza District.
COVID-19 requirements: Travellers, upon arrival, must fill up a locator form and upload their negative COVID-19 test report. Then, travellers must proceed for a second test in a government-designated hotel.
Serbia
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Serbia has one of the most stunning landscapes! The country is a treat to the eyes, no matter whichever region you choose to visit. However, Kalemegdan, Church of St Sava, Studenica Monastery, Subotica City and House on the Drina are some of the must-visit spots.
COVID-19 requirements: Visitors must provide a negative RT-PCR test result, issued 48 hours before departure. However, this is not applicable to passengers below the age of 12 years.
South Africa
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Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, Cape Town, The Garden Route stretch are some of the top-rated tourist attractions in South Africa.
COVID-19 requirements: All international visitors must mandatorily present an RT-PCR test, issued no longer than 72 hours before taking the flight. Those failing to present the same will be subjected to self-quarantine at their own expense.
South Korea
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Once a developing country, South Korea is now considered one of Asia’s economic and cultural leaders. From Seoul, the capital city with a blend of modernism and ancient history, to the mountains and volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island, the country has a lot to offer.
COVID-19 requirements: The country has lifted its travel bans, along with the mandatory 14-day quarantine, for fully vaccinated Indian travellers. However, those vaccinated with COVAXIN® must remain in quarantine, as the vaccine is yet to be approved by WHO.
Spain
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Spain is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. With scenic attractions, historic monuments and Mediterranean beaches, the list is endless. Some of the must-visits in the country are La Sagrada Familia (Barcelona), Alhambra (Granada), Royal Palace of Madrid, and Seville Cathedral (Seville).
COVID-19 requirements: Visitors who are fully vaccinated with a WHO or EMEA-approved vaccine are allowed entry. This means, for Indian visitors, only Covishield recipients will be eligible to apply for visa as of now. Visitors must also present their proof of vaccination and have to take RT-PCR tests before departure.
Sri Lanka
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The island-country has one of the most gorgeous beaches, tea plantations and ancient cities. From a variety of delicacies to devour to visiting elephant orphanages, lagoons of singing fish and shrines surrounded by the jungles, visitors are bound to be entranced.
COVID-19 requirements: While Indian travellers are allowed entry to the country, visitors will be tested on the first, 11th and 14th day from their arrival, regardless of being COVID-19 vaccinated or not. A 14-day quarantine is mandatory for visitors who are currently only permitted to stay at hotels that are certified ‘Safe and Secure.’
Turkey
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Filled with stunning ancient monuments, Turkey is famous for its vibrant culture, food, and history. Consider a visit to the country’s largest city, Istanbul, and lazing on one of its many beaches, or wandering through the ancient ruins to uncover the country’s rich history.
COVID-19 requirements: Upon arriving to the country, visitors must undergo a 14-day institutional quarantine. On the 14th day hence, visitors must also take an RT-PCR test.
Ukraine
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Some of the must-visit locations and experiences in Ukraine are skiing and hiking in the Carpathian Mountains; exploring the Black Sea coastline; and visiting the many vineyards, unique structures like St. Sophia’s Cathedral, and broad boulevards of Kyiv.
COVID-19 requirements: In order to enter, travellers must present their COVID-19 vaccination certificate, RT-PCR test result as well as antigen test results. They might be subjected to frequent antigen tests at state borders and check posts.
Uzbekistan
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A few of the must-see spots in the country include Ark and Chor Minor (Bukhara); Amir Timur Museum, and Chorsu Bazaar (Tashkent); Registan, and Gur-e-Amir (Samarkand); The Walled City of Khiva, and Palace of Khudayar Khan (Kokand), and the Aydarkul Lake. Indians holding a valid visa for Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, excluding Russia, are eligible to travel to Uzbekistan. This makes Uzbekistan the last of the countries Indians can travel to.
COVID-19 requirements: Visitors must provide a negative RT-PCR test result, issued 72 hours before departure. Quarantine or self-isolation for 14 days is mandatory.
We will be updating this list of countries Indians can travel to.
Editor’s Note: Keeping the current situation of the pandemic in mind, T+L India recommends every reader to stay safe, and take all government-regulated precautions in case travel at this time is absolutely necessary. Please follow our stories on COVID-19 for all the latest travel guidelines.
Related: You Can Now Travel To These Indian States Without A Negative RT-PCR Report
