Tourexpi
Agoda Sees Increase in Indian Travel to Southeast Asia as Visa Rules Relax
This
shift is reducing entry barriers and encouraging more Indians to travel abroad,
especially to countries that have recently simplified their visa requirements.Data
from the digital travel platform Agoda highlights a significant uptick in
interest.
Comparing
accommodation searches made between July and December 2024 for stays between
January and May 2025 with the same period a year prior, destinations such as
Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka — all of which have eased visa
rules — show notable increases.
Malaysia,
which introduced visa-free access for Indian travelers in 2023, recorded a 47%
year-on-year increase in accommodation searches. Popular destinations within
the country have seen even sharper rises: Langkawi up by 118%, Kuala Lumpur by
28%, and the Highlands by 27%.
Palau,
a lesser-known but emerging destination in the Pacific, experienced a 49% surge
in interest after recently granting visa-free entry to Indian citizens.
The
Philippines, long favored for its tropical escapes, joined the list of
visa-friendly countries in April 2025. Since then, Agoda has recorded a 26%
year-on-year rise in Indian travel interest. Specific hotspots include Manila
(+43%), Palawan (+30%), and Cebu (+25%).
Sri
Lanka also reported a 9% overall rise in interest after lifting visa
requirements for Indian visitors. Lesser-traveled destinations such as Mirissa
(+31%) and Nuwara Eliya (+16%) are gaining attention alongside well-known
cities like Colombo and Kandy.
Gaurav
Malik, Country Director for India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, noted:
"The easing of visa restrictions across Southeast Asia is a welcome
development for Indian travelers. As borders become more accessible, we’re
seeing immediate growth in travel planning. Destinations like Malaysia, the
Philippines, and Sri Lanka are thriving, and even lesser-known gems such as
Palau are now gaining recognition. Agoda is proud to support this growth by
making travel more accessible and affordable."
Agoda
offers access to over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and
300,000 activities, helping Indian travelers explore the world with greater
ease. More information and the best deals can be found on Agoda.com or via the
Agoda mobile app.
Image
Credit: © Agoda
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