Agoda Sees Increase in Indian Travel to Southeast Asia as Visa Rules Relax

International

Travel opportunities for Indian passport holders are expanding rapidly thanks to a wave of relaxed visa policies across Southeast Asia.

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.