Indonesia Dominates as the Ultimate Visa-on-Arrival Destination, While Thailand and Malaysia Lead the Way for Hassle-Free Travel in 2026! - Travel And Tour World
Home » Latest Travel News of Indonesia » Indonesia Dominates as the Ultimate Visa-on-Arrival Destination, While Thailand and Malaysia Lead the Way for Hassle-Free Travel in 2026! Indian travellers have increasingly turned their attention to destinations with simple entry requirements and diverse leisure and cultural experiences in 2026, according to new accommodation search data from the global digital travel platform, Agoda. Indonesia has emerged as the top destination for visa-on-arrival (VOA) travel, while Thailand and Malaysia continue to reign as the most preferred visa-free countries among Indian tourists. These findings, based on accommodation search data from January 1 to 18, 2026, underscore the growing appeal of travel spots offering ease of access combined with rich cultural offerings.Visa-Free and VOA Destinations for Indian TravellersThe report highlights that Indian travellers are drawn to a range of international destinations, especially those that offer visa-free or VOA entry, simplifying the travel experience. Among the top five searched destinations, Thailand has secured the top position, followed closely by Indonesia and Malaysia. Sri Lanka and the Maldives also made the cut, showcasing an uptick in interest toward regions that provide unique travel experiences coupled with relaxed entry requirements.Indonesia, which has long been a popular destination for Indian travellers, continues to dominate the VOA segment. Its status as a leader in this category is reflective of the country’s successful tourism strategies, which combine natural beauty, rich culture, and easily accessible travel policies. This year, Indonesia’s position as a VOA leader remains strong, capturing the attention of Indian tourists seeking hassle-free travel experiences in 2026.Sri Lanka and the Maldives See Significant GrowthAmong the more notable growth trends, Sri Lanka has shown a 61% increase in accommodation search interest when compared to the previous year. This surge can be attributed to Sri Lanka’s proximity to India and its vibrant offerings for both budget and luxury travellers. The country’s diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to cultural heritage sites, continue to attract Indian tourists eager for enriching experiences without the added complexities of long-haul travel.AdvertisementAdvertisementSimilarly, the Maldives, which remains a visa-free destination for Indian travellers, continues to draw significant interest. Known for its exclusive island escapes, the Maldives appeals to Indian travellers seeking luxury and high-end vacation experiences. The Maldives’ appeal as a short-haul, luxurious getaway has solidified its position as one of the top destinations for Indian tourists looking to unwind in an exotic setting.Philippines, Nepal, and Emerging Destinations Lead Search GrowthBeyond the top five, the Philippines ranks sixth among the most searched destinations, marking an impressive 73% year-on-year growth in accommodation searches. Its increasing popularity can be attributed to the country’s cultural richness, stunning beaches, and vibrant local experiences that attract both adventurous and leisure travellers.Nepal follows closely behind in seventh place, continuing to captivate Indian travellers with its close proximity and spiritual allure. Bhutan, another nearby destination offering visa-free travel, remains a consistent favourite, known for its unique culture and natural beauty.Emerging destinations such as Laos and Kazakhstan have seen notable surges in accommodation searches. Laos, with a remarkable 97% increase in search interest, stands out as one of the fastest-growing destinations, while Kazakhstan’s appeal grows as more travellers look to explore Central Asia. These increases reflect a broader shift in travel preferences, with more Indian tourists seeking out new, less-explored destinations alongside well-established favourites.A Surge in Interest for Hassle-Free TravelThe growing search interest in these visa-free and VOA destinations underscores a broader trend among Indian travellers seeking simplicity in travel. Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report highlighted that 84% of Indian travellers would travel more frequently if visa restrictions were not a factor. This openness to travel more freely is further reflected in the report’s finding that 91% of Indians are keen to explore new destinations, a sentiment that is the highest among their Asian peers.The increasing interest in regions like Laos and the Philippines, alongside more popular destinations such as Thailand and Indonesia, indicates a shift towards culturally immersive and diverse travel experiences that are not hindered by complex visa processes.The Growing Appeal of Culturally Rich, Accessible DestinationsIn conclusion, the 2026 travel outlook for Indian travellers shows a clear preference for destinations that offer a combination of accessible entry requirements and enriching experiences. As visa-free and VOA destinations continue to lead the way, countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives remain at the forefront of travel interest. At the same time, emerging destinations like Laos and the Philippines are seeing rapid growth, reflecting an evolving demand for diverse, hassle-free travel experiences. These trends highlight the growing desire for both ease of access and culturally immersive travel, marking an exciting year for Indian outbound tourism in 2026.
