Indian Travelers Flock Overseas: Moscow, Vietnam See Over 40% Arrival Surge Amid Eased Visa Norms

Indian travelers are increasingly exploring overseas destinations, with significant growth reported in markets like Moscow, Vietnam, South Korea, Georgia, Thailand, and Japan. Moscow, in particular, saw a 40% increase in Indian tourists in the first half of 2025, making India its second-largest source market after China. This boost is partly due to simplified e-visa processes, which are issued within four days, eliminating the need for invitations or hotel confirmations. By 2030, Moscow aims to attract up to six million international tourists annually, with Indian travelers being a key demographic.

Vietnam recorded a remarkable 42.2% rise in Indian visitors in the first eight months of 2025. To capitalize on this demand, MakeMyTrip has introduced holiday packages to Phu Quoc, with Air India Express launching exclusive direct flights. Rajesh Magow, cofounder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, noted the emergence of new destinations within popular countries and visa-free policies as drivers. Similarly, Japan experienced a 36.6% increase in Indian arrivals during January-September. Destinations like Japan, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka are performing strongly, further supported by an appreciating Indian Rupee against their local currencies, making them more attractive. Thomas Cook (India) reports extended stays and new locales being explored, like Sapporo in Japan.

Georgia saw a 19% rise in Indian visitors in the first nine months, highlighting India as a fast-growing source market due to enhanced flight connectivity and Georgia's diverse appeal. South Korea also reported a 13% increase in Indian tourists. Conversely, Azerbaijan and Turkey have seen a decline in favor among Indian travelers following their support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

Impact

This news has a positive impact on the Indian travel and tourism sector, benefiting airlines, travel agencies, and hospitality companies that cater to outbound tourists. Companies like Thomas Cook (India) are likely to see increased revenue and booking volumes. The trend also highlights potential for growth in international aviation and related services.

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Terms Explained

• Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): A regional organization formed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, comprising several former Soviet republics. It promotes cooperation in various fields like economics, defense, and politics.
• e-visa: An electronic visa that allows foreign nationals to apply for and receive a visa online, typically for tourism or short business trips. It simplifies the application process compared to traditional visas and often has a faster processing time.
• MICE: An acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions. It refers to a specialized sector of tourism focused on business-related travel and events, often involving large groups.
• Appreciating Indian Rupee: When the value of the Indian Rupee increases relative to another currency. This means one Indian Rupee can be exchanged for a larger amount of foreign currency, making imported goods and international travel cheaper for Indians.