It’s probably the visa that stresses people out the most. But all that procedure means that US visa opens several doors across the world. Turns out, Indian citizens can visit as many as 40 beautiful countries as long as they have a valid US visa. Here are the details. (Do note: visa rules can change without notice, so check with the visa office of the country before you pack your bags)
*** Asia ***
Oman
Reason to go: Local souks, Muscat’s Grand Mosque, and delectable Omani food
Visa information: Indian citizens with a valid US visa can apply for evisa valid for 30 days. More
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How to get there: Fly direct to Muscat.
Malaysia
Reason to go: Visit the lush green rainforests, some of which have the world’s largest flower—the Rafflesia. Oh, and the street food!
Visa information: Valid for five days with a US visa, as long as you’re in transit to the US. More
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How to get there: Direct flight to Kuala Lumpur
Philippines
Reason to go: Crystal clear waters, emerald green rice terraces and karaoke bars
Visa information: One can visit the country for 14 days with a US visa. More
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How to get there: Fly via Singapore to Manila
Singapore
Reason to go: Singapore Zoo, Gardens of the Bay, Universal Studios and the night safari
Visa information: The transit visa allows you stay in Singapore for 4 days with a valid US visa. More
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How to get there: Fly direct to Singapore
South Korea
Reason to go: Powder-white slopes, traditional teahouses and the kimchi and Korean barbeque
Visa information: Visit for 30 days with a valid US visa, as long as you’re in transit to the US. More
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How to get there: Fly via Hong Kong to Seoul
Taiwan
Reasons to go: Night markets, beautiful temples and quirky hotels
Visa information: A multiple-entry US visa exempts you from acquiring a visa to visit Taiwan for a period of 14 days. However, one must apply for a Republic of China Travel Authorization Certificate—not the same as a Chinese visa or ETA—valid for 90 days after arrival. More
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How to go there: Fly via Bangkok to Taipei
Qatar
Reason to go: Deals at the many souks, the desert safari or simply the now famous brunches with bottomless mimosas….
Visa information: Eligible for visa on arrival valid for a period of 30 days. More
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How to get there: Fly directly to Doha
Dubai
Reason to go: So many! How about the fastest rollercoaster, the tallest building and largest mall, the dune-bashing…?
Visa information: Eligible for visa on arrival for 14 days. More
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How to get there: Fly directly to Dubai
*** Europe ***
Montenegro
Reason to go: This little Balkan marvel is home to the UNESCO site of Kotr with quaint houses, breathtaking beaches and majestic mountains
Visa information: Enter for up to 30 days with a valid US visa. More
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How to get there: Fly via Abu Dhabi and Belgrade to Podgorica
Albania
Reason to go: The ancient castles and fortress towns in Europe’s hidden gem.
Visa information: Can visit for 90 days with a valid US visa. More
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How to get there: Fly via Frankfurt to Tirana
Bosnia and Hercegovina
Reason to go: Cities rich with history, hamlets straight out of fairy tales, medieval castle ruins and the warm and welcoming people
Visa information: Can stay for 30 days with a valid US visa. More
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How to get there: Fly via Istanbul to Sarajevo
Georgia
Reason to go: Cobblestone alleys, sulphur baths or take a dip in the Black Sea
Visa information: Multiple-entry US visa for a visit of not more than 90 days. More
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How to get there: Fly via Doha to Tblisi
Macedonia
Reason to go: The under-explored region in Europe boasts of quiet walking trails, beautiful lakes and mountains
Visa information: A US visa valid for five days more than the intended period of stay. Maximum period of stay is 15 days. More
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How to get there: Fly via Doha to Skopje
Serbia
Reasons to go: Historic cities, vibrant nightlife, vineyard, monasteries and museums
Visa information: Entry up to 90 days with a valid US visa. More
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How to get there: Fly via Abu Dhabi to Belgrade
Turkey
Reason to go: Istanbul’s blue mosque, Cappadocia’s hot-air balloon rides, powdery Turkish delight, flaky baklavas, Turkish baths, and not to forget the one-leg-in-Asia-and-one-leg-in-Europe-photo-op
Visa information: With a valid US visa, Indian passport holders may get their single-entry e-visas valid for one month via
this website, provided they meet certain conditions. More
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How to get there: Fly directly to Istanbul
*** North America ***
Mexico
Reason to go: The beaches, the architecture and the food
Visa Information: Valid USA visa to stay in Mexico for a period of 180 days. More
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How to get there: Fly to Mexico City via Newark
***Central America***
Honduras
Reason to go: Dive into the second-largest coral reef full of turtles, colourful fish and blooming corals, explore the Mayan ruins and go bird watching. Keep your fingers crossed, you spot the beautiful scarlet macaw
Visa information: With a US visa valid for six months, one can enter Honduras for a period of 90 days. More
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How to get there: Fly via New York and Orlando to San Pedro
Belize
Reason to go: An absolutel paradise for scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts. Besides pristine beaches, it also has lush rainforests
Visa information: Valid US visa to stay in Belize for 30 days. More
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How to get there: Fly via Newark and Houston to Belize city
Costa Rica
Reason to go: Hikes along dormant, extinct or even active volcanoes, national parks rich with flora and fauna, and rafting in the beautiful white-waters
Visa information: Valid US visa to stay in Costa Rica for a maximum of 30 days. More
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How to get there: Fly to San Jose via Newark
El Salvador
Reason to go: Glorious beaches, lush green national parks and coffee plantations
Visa information: Stay for 90 days against a valid US visa and a tourist card available on arrival for $10, one can get entry for 90 days. More
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How to get there: Fly via Zurich and Toronto to San Salvador
Guatemala
Reason to go: Fried chicken! They say almost every street in Guatemala has a fried chicken store. And there’s the Moorish architecture, candy-coloured markets and volcanoes, if that’s your thing
Visa information: A valid USA visa to stay for a period of 90 days. More
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How to get there: Fly via Amsterdam and Panama to Guatemala city
Nicaragua
Reason to go: Colonial-era architecture, beautiful beaches and pristine forests
Visa information: With a valid US visa, Indians can enter by acquiring a tourist card with a validity of 90 days in the country itself. More
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How to get there: Fly via Amsterdam, Panama City to Managua
Panama
Reason to go: Turquoise seas, cloud forests and coffee farms
Visa Information: A US visa valid for at least a year. The visa should have been used to enter the US at least once before. More
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How to get there: Fly via Frankfurt and then Panama City
*** The Caribbean ***