The best cheap foreign trips from India in 2026 are Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Nepal and Bhutan need no visa for Indians, Sri Lanka gives a free 30-day ETA, Thailand and Malaysia allow 30 days visa-free, and a week in most of them costs under Rs 60,000 per person.
Visa rules for Indians changed a lot in the past year. Thailand cut its visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days from 15 September 2026, Sri Lanka expanded its free ETA in May 2026, and Malaysia’s visa exemption runs till 31 December 2026. We have updated every destination below with the latest entry rules.
Cheap foreign trips from India: quick facts
| Country | Entry rule for Indians (Oct 2026) | Rough 7-day budget per person |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | No visa, passport or voter ID | Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 |
| Sri Lanka | Free 30-day ETA | Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000 |
| Bhutan | No visa, permit plus Rs 1,200 per night fee | Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Malaysia | Visa-free 30 days till 31 Dec 2026 | Rs 25,000 to Rs 48,000 |
| Thailand | Visa-free 30 days, TDAC form needed | Rs 45,000 to Rs 60,000 |
| Indonesia | e-visa or visa on arrival, 30 days | Under Rs 50,000 |
| Vietnam | e-visa, up to 90 days | Rs 60,000 to Rs 84,000 |
The budgets are rough estimates for a week, including return flights from a metro, budget stays and local food. Fares change by season, so book flights early and avoid peak holidays like Diwali and Christmas.
Also read9 Best Train Journeys in India You Should Not Miss in 2026
1. Nepal
Nepal is the easiest and cheapest foreign trip for Indians. You do not need a visa, and you can enter by air or by road with a valid Indian passport or a voter ID card with photo. The Indian rupee is also widely accepted.
Spend two days in Kathmandu for Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Durbar Square. Then head to Pokhara for Phewa Lake and mountain views, and end with a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park. Travelling by bus from the border keeps costs very low.
2. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka gives Indian passport holders a free tourist ETA for 30 days, with double entry. You still need to apply online at the official ETA website before flying. Flights from Chennai, Bengaluru and Kochi to Colombo are short and often cheap.
Plan a loop from Colombo to Kandy for the Temple of the Tooth, then Sigiriya Rock, and finish on the southern coast at Galle and its old Dutch fort. Trains through the hill country are scenic and inexpensive.
3. Bhutan
Indians do not need a visa for Bhutan, but you need an entry permit to travel beyond the border towns. Indian visitors pay a Sustainable Development Fee of Rs 1,200 (Nu 1,200) per person per night. Children under six are exempt.
The classic route covers Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery near Paro and visit Punakha Dzong. Entering by road through Phuentsholing from West Bengal is cheaper than flying into Paro.
4. Malaysia
Malaysia allows Indians to visit visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, and this exemption has been extended till 31 December 2026. You must fill the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within three days before arriving.
Kuala Lumpur has the Petronas Towers and Batu Caves, while Langkawi and Penang offer beaches and street food. Budget airlines make this one of the cheaper long-haul options from South India.
5. Thailand
Thailand still lets Indians enter without a visa, but the stay has been cut to 30 days from 15 September 2026, according to the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi. Longer stays now need an e-visa. Indians also have to fill the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before landing.
Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket are the usual first-timer picks, while Chiang Mai in the north is cheaper and calmer. Street food and local transport keep daily costs low if you avoid resort areas.
6. Indonesia
Indians can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Indonesia, valid for a 30-day tourist stay. The fee is IDR 500,000. Bali is the main draw, with beaches, rice terraces in Ubud and temples like Tanah Lot.
If you have more time, Yogyakarta on Java is close to the Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Off-season months bring down hotel prices in Bali sharply.
7. Vietnam
Vietnam offers Indians an e-visa valid for up to 90 days. Apply online at least a week before travel. Direct flights from major Indian cities have made it more popular with Indian travellers.
Start in Hanoi, take a cruise in Ha Long Bay, then fly south to Hoi An’s old town and Ho Chi Minh City. Food is cheap and good everywhere. For more travel reads, browse our listicles.
Tips to keep your foreign trip cheap
- Book flights six to eight weeks ahead and compare fares across days of the week.
- Stay in hostels, guesthouses or homestays instead of chain hotels.
- Use local buses, trains and ride apps instead of private cabs.
- Carry a forex card to avoid high card markups.
- Check visa and arrival card rules a week before travel, since they change often.
Looking for something to watch on the flight? Our series section has the latest picks.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest country to visit from India?
Nepal is the cheapest. There is no visa, you can travel by road, and a week can cost Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 per person.
Which countries are visa-free for Indians in 2026?
Nepal and Bhutan need no visa. Thailand and Malaysia allow 30 days visa-free, and Sri Lanka offers a free 30-day ETA, which you must apply for online.
Is Thailand still visa-free for Indians?
Yes, but from 15 September 2026 the visa-free stay is 30 days instead of 60. You also need to fill the TDAC arrival card.
Can I do a foreign trip from India under Rs 50,000?
Yes. Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Malaysia and Indonesia can all be done for a week under Rs 50,000 per person if you book early and travel on a budget.
Sources: Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi, New Straits Times, Wikipedia: Visa requirements for Indian citizens.
