Indian travel to Southeast Asia surges following visa relaxations, says report

Indian Travel to Southeast Asia Surges Following Visa Relaxations

Indian passport holders are increasingly drawn to Southeast Asia as several countries relax visa restrictions, sparking notable growth in travel interest. Destinations such as Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka have seen marked increases in accommodation searches, highlighting a quiet but meaningful shift in outbound travel patterns.

This transformation is powered by streamlined visa policies across the region, removing barriers that once limited access and inviting a broader spectrum of Indian travellers to rediscover these culturally rich and geographically diverse locales. According to the recent data by Agoda, compares accommodation searches made by travellers from India on Agoda between July and December 2024 for check-ins between January and May 2025, against the same period the previous year. The results reveal clear winners benefiting from these eased entry requirements.

Malaysia Leads the Charge

Since granting visa-free entry to Indian nationals in late 2023, Malaysia has experienced a 47% year-on-year rise in accommodation searches from Indian travellers. This renewed enthusiasm spans beyond Kuala Lumpur, with Langkawi attracting particular attention through a staggering 118% increase. The capital and the highland retreats of Pahang have also drawn more visitors, up 28% and 27%, respectively. From lush rainforests to bustling street food scenes and modern skylines, Malaysia’s diverse offerings are being embraced anew.

Palau: The Unexpected Contender

Palau, a remote Pacific archipelago seldom on Indian travel radars, is beginning to captivate with its recent visa-free access for Indian visitors. The island nation has registered a 49% increase in travel interest. Pristine marine sanctuaries, crystal-clear lagoons, and striking limestone formations make Palau a quietly emerging destination for those seeking unspoiled natural beauty.

The Philippines: Old Favourite with New Momentum

Long a staple for sunseekers, the Philippines has invigorated its appeal by lifting visa requirements for Indian travellers starting June 2025. Agoda data shows a 26% year-on-year rise in accommodation searches, with Manila leading the surge at 43%, followed by Palawan’s white sand beaches (+30%) and Cebu’s vibrant diving culture (+25%).

Sri Lanka’s Quiet Revival

Sri Lanka has also witnessed a resurgence since introducing visa-free entry for Indian tourists in October 2024, with a 9% overall increase in interest. Beyond the familiar attractions of Colombo and Kandy, travellers are exploring coastal and hill regions—Mirissa’s popularity rose 31%, while Nuwara Eliya’s cooler climes attracted 16% more visitors. This signals a move toward deeper, more varied travel experiences within the island nation.

A New Chapter for Indian Outbound Travel

This surge in interest is more than a fleeting trend; it represents a profound recalibration in travel behaviour. The easing of visa restrictions fosters spontaneity, encourages longer stays, and enables multi-destination itineraries. What was once a complex bureaucratic hurdle has evolved into an open invitation to explore.

As more Southeast Asian nations embrace relaxed visa policies, India’s outbound tourism is poised for a renaissance. Whether drawn by coral reefs, colonial towns, misty highlands, or tranquil shores, 2025 promises Indian travellers a year marked by unprecedented access and enriching adventures.