Agoda: Indian Travellers Show Increased Interest in Southeast Asia as Visa Restrictions Lift

The landscape of international travel for Indian passport holders is shifting as visa restrictions across Southeast Asia become more relaxed. This change is making travel logistics simpler and inspiring more Indian travellers to explore destinations that have recently eased entry requirements.

Data from Agoda reveals that Indian travellers are responding enthusiastically to these developments. Comparing accommodation searches made on Agoda from July to December 2024 for stays between January and May 2025, with the same period the previous year, shows that countries like Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka — all of which have made visa procedures easier — are experiencing notable increases in interest.

Malaysia, which introduced visa-free entry for Indian citizens in 2023, saw a 47 per cent year-on-year rise in accommodation searches. Popular spots such as Langkawi (+118 per cent), Kuala Lumpur (+28 per cent), and the Highlands (+27 per cent) are attracting renewed attention, reflecting India’s ongoing enthusiasm for Malaysia’s diverse travel options. Likewise, Palau, a lesser-known paradise in the Pacific, experienced a 49 per cent increase in interest following its recent announcement of visa-free entry for Indian passport holders earlier this month.

The Philippines, a perennial favourite for sun-soaked escapes, has also embraced a more traveller-friendly approach from June, allowing Indian visitors visa-free entry. Agoda reports a 26 per cent year-on-year increase in searches for the Philippines, with Manila (+43 per cent), Palawan (+30 per cent), and Cebu (+25 per cent) as the most popular destinations.

Sri Lanka has also seen a nine per cent overall increase in interest compared to last year, since granting visa-free access to Indian travellers last October. Destinations like Mirissa (+31 per cent) and Nuwara Eliya (+16 per cent) are drawing more attention, as Indian tourists look beyond familiar favourites such as Colombo and Kandy.

Commenting on the trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, said, “The easing of visa restrictions across Southeast Asia is a welcome move that resonates strongly with Indian travellers. As barriers to entry fall, we’re seeing a direct impact on travel interest and planning. This new era of accessibility is helping travellers discover not just tourist-favourites like Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka but also hidden gems like Palau. Agoda remains committed to making travel seamless and affordable, and we’re excited to see where this heightened accessibility takes Indian tourists next.”