The Republic of Palau has introduced visa-free entry for Indian passport holders for stays of up to 30 days, joining a growing list of countries looking to attract Indian outbound tourism.
The visa waiver, which took effect recently, is expected to help raise the profile of the western Pacific island nation among Indian travellers.
While Palau remains relatively unfamiliar to the Indian market, its marine biodiversity, World War II-era relics, and commitment to eco-tourism are likely to appeal to a niche segment of nature and adventure-focused travellers.
Although there are no direct flights between India and Palau, access is possible via connections through Manila, Taipei, or Seoul. Air India’s expected launch of direct flights from India to the Philippines could make routing through Manila more convenient for Indian tourists. The Philippines’ recent visa-free entry for Indian citizens may also create opportunities for multi-country itineraries in the region.
Palau’s announcement follows similar moves by other countries easing entry for Indian travellers.
In Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka have all introduced temporary visa-free or relaxed visa policies to attract Indian tourists.
In the Middle East, Iran has waived visa requirements for Indians, while the UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian passport holders with valid visas from countries like the US, UK, or EU.
Although China has not yet offered visa-free access, it has eased visa procedures and significantly ramped up visa issuance for Indian nationals, indicating a growing interest in attracting travellers from India’s fast-expanding outbound market.