Sri Lanka Tops Search Growth for Indian Travellers as Easier Visas Shape Choices

Indian travellers are increasingly shortlisting destinations that make entry simpler, and Sri Lanka stands out in the latest search data. Agoda recorded an 86 per cent year-on-year rise in accommodation searches for Sri Lanka between October 2025 and September 2026 — the highest increase among the destinations highlighted.

Key facts

• Sri Lanka: 86 per cent year-on-year growth in accommodation searches by Indian travellers (Agoda, October 2025–September 2026)
• India departures: 19.84 million year-to-date departures in January–August 2026, down 7.6 per cent from 21.48 million a year earlier, per the Ministry of Tourism
• Indian passport: ranked 84th in the October 2026 Henley Passport Index, up from 85th in October 2025, while destinations reachable without a traditional visa in advance fell from 57 to 55
• Traveller sentiment: 84 per cent of Indian travellers would travel more often if visa restrictions were not a factor, according to Agoda's 2026 Travel Outlook Report

Which destinations are Indian travellers searching for?

Agoda's accommodation search data for October 2025 to September 2026 placed ten international destinations among the most searched by Indian travellers: Thailand, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the United States and Nepal. Behind Sri Lanka's 86 per cent increase came Vietnam at 58 per cent, Japan at 55 per cent and Thailand at 54 per cent.

Agoda noted that these figures measure accommodation searches rather than completed bookings or actual arrivals, so they show where travellers are exploring options rather than how many ultimately travel.

EaseMyTrip's destination rankings for the same 12-month period listed Thailand, the UAE, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom and Japan. Thailand and the UAE kept the first and second positions year on year, Vietnam moved from fifth to third, Malaysia from sixth to fifth, Azerbaijan from 12th to eighth, and Japan entered the top ten at tenth.

How much does visa ease influence the choice?

Travel platforms point to entry rules as one factor among several. Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, identified Thailand, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka as destinations drawing interest because of relatively convenient entry arrangements, while Vietnam and Azerbaijan gained traction through their electronic visa (e-Visa) processes. EaseMyTrip recorded some of the strongest growth in searches and bookings for Azerbaijan, Vietnam and Kazakhstan, followed by Sri Lanka and Georgia, but did not give exact growth percentages or booking totals.

S. D. Nandakumar of SOTC Travel said destinations with easier entry requirements, such as Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, can appeal to travellers planning quick getaways and long weekends when flights and airfares are competitive.

Why Japan and Europe still attract travellers

Japan shows that simpler entry is not the only driver. Agoda recorded 55 per cent growth in accommodation searches for the country, and EaseMyTrip placed it tenth in its latest rankings. Both companies cited cherry blossom season, cultural attractions, food, shopping and sightseeing as reasons travellers plan trips despite additional formalities.

Rajeev Kale of Thomas Cook (India) said Japan and European destinations continue to draw interest despite advance visa requirements, driven by distinctive cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, seasonal attractions and established holiday circuits.

What this means for travellers

For Indian passport holders, the data suggests that destinations such as Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia remain practical options for short-notice breaks and long weekends, where lengthy visa preparation may not be workable. Travellers weighing Japan or European destinations should factor in advance visa applications alongside airfares, connectivity and timing.

India's slight improvement in the Henley Passport Index ranking does not mean easier access: the number of destinations reachable without a traditional visa in advance fell from 57 to 55.

India's Ministry of Tourism recorded 19.84 million departures in January–August 2026, down 7.6 per cent year on year. Thailand remains one of the top five global choices for Indians, with searches up 55 per cent year on year in late 2026, while Malaysia's arrivals grew 14.6 per cent to 1.56 million in 2025, with Tourism Malaysia targeting 2.1 million Indian arrivals in 2026.