Tourist Visa Guide for Indians
Everything you need to know about applying for a tourist visa—from documents to approval tips.
Popular Tourist Destinations Requiring Visa
For Indian passport holders, the following popular destinations typically require a tourist visa:
🇦🇷 Argentina
Processing: 2-3 weeks
🇦🇺 Australia
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇦🇹 Austria
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇧🇪 Belgium
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇧🇷 Brazil
Processing: Online - 5 days
🇨🇦 Canada
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇨🇱 Chile
Processing: 2-3 weeks
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇩🇰 Denmark
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇫🇮 Finland
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇫🇷 France
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇩🇪 Germany
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇬🇷 Greece
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇭🇺 Hungary
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇮🇸 Iceland
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇮🇪 Ireland
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇮🇱 Israel
Processing: 2-3 weeks
🇮🇹 Italy
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇯🇵 Japan
Processing: 5-7 working days
🇰🇼 Kuwait
Processing: Online - 3-5 days
🇲🇽 Mexico
Processing: 2-3 weeks
🇲🇦 Morocco
Processing: 2-3 weeks
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Processing: Online - 3-5 days
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Processing: Online - 20 days
🇳🇴 Norway
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇵🇱 Poland
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇵🇹 Portugal
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇷🇺 Russia
Processing: 2-3 weeks
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Processing: Online - 24-72 hours
🇪🇺 Schengen (Europe)
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇿🇦 South Africa
Processing: 2-3 weeks
🇪🇸 Spain
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇸🇪 Sweden
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇹🇷 Turkey
Processing: Online - 24 hours
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Processing: 3-4 weeks
🇺🇸 United States
Processing: 2-4 weeks
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Processing: Online - 2-3 days
Typical Documents Required
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Visa application form (online or paper as per country)
- Passport-size photographs (as per specifications)
- Round-trip flight tickets or dummy ticket for visa
- Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
- Bank statements (usually 6 months)
- Employment certificate or leave approval
- Cover letter stating purpose and itinerary
- Travel insurance (mandatory for Schengen)
Tourist Visa Tips
Apply Early
Start your visa application at least 2-3 months before your travel date. Peak seasons can cause appointment delays.
Complete Documentation
Ensure all documents are properly attested and translated if required. Incomplete applications get rejected.
Book Appointments Early
Visa appointment slots fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons (summer, Diwali, year-end). Book your appointment as soon as you decide to travel, even if your travel is months away. You can always reschedule if needed.
Prepare for the Interview
Practice common interview questions: purpose of visit, duration, accommodation details, financial means, ties to India. Be confident, concise, and honest. Bring all documents even if not asked.
Show Strong Ties to India
Demonstrate you will return: employment letter, property documents, family photos, bank statements showing regular income. Students should show enrollment proof. Retirees can show pension statements.
Travel Itinerary Matters
Have a detailed day-by-day itinerary. Include flight bookings, hotel reservations, and planned activities. Vague plans like "I'll figure it out there" raise red flags.
Financial Proof Requirements
Most countries require bank statements for 3-6 months. Ensure consistent balance. Rule of thumb: ₹50,000-1,00,000 per person per week of travel. Include fixed deposits and investments.
Travel Insurance is Mandatory
Schengen countries require minimum €30,000 coverage. Other countries highly recommend it. Buy from reputable providers. Keep policy documents handy during travel.
Avoid Last-Minute Applications
Rush processing costs 2-3x more and isn't guaranteed. Plan at least 2-3 months ahead. Some countries allow applications up to 6 months before travel.
Previous Visa Rejections
If you've been rejected before, address it honestly. Explain what changed. Stronger financial proof, better travel history, or clearer purpose can help. Don't hide rejections.
Need a Flight Reservation for Your Tourist Visa?
Many embassies require confirmed flight bookings. Get an instant dummy ticket that meets visa requirements—no payment to airlines needed until you're approved.
Get Dummy Ticket →