Indian outbound travel is witnessing a sharp upswing, thanks to a wave of relaxed visa policies across Southeast Asia. According to new data released by global digital travel platform Agoda, Indian travellers are increasingly favouring destinations that have eased or eliminated visa requirements—leading to a notable surge in accommodation searches and trip planning.
Agoda reports that countries like Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, which recently relaxed entry norms for Indian passport holders, have seen a significant year-on-year rise in travel interest. The comparison, based on searches between July to December 2024 for travel from January to May 2025, shows a clear travel shift driven by greater accessibility and simplified visa processes.
Malaysia, which introduced visa-free travel for Indian citizens in 2023, recorded a 47% YoY increase in accommodation searches. Popular destinations like Langkawi (+118%), Kuala Lumpur (+28%), and the Highlands (+27%) have seen marked increases in interest, reflecting Indian tourists’ renewed enthusiasm for the country’s tropical beaches, urban culture, and cool-climate retreats.
Meanwhile, the lesser-known Pacific island of Palau witnessed an impressive 49% rise in search interest after its visa-free access policy for Indians was announced earlier this month. Though not traditionally on the Indian traveller’s radar, Palau’s natural beauty and tranquil waters are now attracting greater attention.
The Philippines, already a favourite for sun-soaked holidays, has also become more accessible to Indian tourists after easing visa restrictions in June. Agoda recorded a 26% YoY increase in Indian accommodation searches, with hotspots like Manila (+43%), Palawan (+30%), and Cebu (+25%) showing rising popularity.
Closer to home, Sri Lanka, which began offering visa-free entry to Indian citizens in October 2024, has seen a 9% YoY boost in travel interest. Agoda data reveals Indian travellers are looking beyond mainstays like Colombo and Kandy, with beach town Mirissa (+31%) and hill station Nuwara Eliya (+16%) experiencing growing appeal.
Commenting on the trend, Mr. Gaurav Malik, Country Director for 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.”
With more than 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities available, Agoda continues to empower Indian tourists to explore the world with ease. The Agoda mobile app and website make travel more affordable and seamless, helping tourists tap into the growing world of visa-friendly travel options.
