The cheapest foreign trips from India in 2026 are Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Nepal and Bhutan need no visa for Indians, Malaysia and Thailand offer 30 days visa-free, and Indonesia and Vietnam have simple online or on-arrival visas. A 7-day budget trip can cost Rs 15,000 to Rs 85,000 per person.
Short flights, cheaper stays and easier visa rules have made these countries popular with Indian travellers on a budget. Below, each destination comes with an approximate 7-day cost per person, the current entry rule for Indian passport holders and the places worth your time. Entry rules change often, so check the official source before you book.
Cheap foreign trips from India: quick facts
| Country | Approx. 7-day cost per person | Entry rule for Indians (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 | No visa; passport or Voter ID |
| Sri Lanka | Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000 | ETA or visa on arrival; free visa schemes announced |
| Bhutan | Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 | No visa; Rs 1,200 per night SDF |
| Malaysia | Rs 25,000 to Rs 48,000 | Visa-free up to 30 days until 31 December 2026 |
| Thailand | Rs 45,000 to Rs 60,000 | Visa-free up to 30 days from 15 September 2026 |
| Indonesia | Under Rs 50,000 | Visa on arrival or e-VOA, 30 days |
| Vietnam | Rs 60,000 to Rs 84,000 | E-visa, up to 90 days |
The costs are rough estimates for a budget trip with flights, basic hotels, local transport and food. They vary with the season, your departure city and how early you book.
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1. Nepal
Nepal is usually the cheapest foreign trip from India. Indian citizens do not need a visa and can enter with an Indian passport or a photo Voter ID card, which also makes road travel through border towns possible.
Spend a few days in Kathmandu for its temples and old squares, then move to Pokhara for the lakeside and mountain views. Chitwan National Park is the place for a jungle safari. Trekking routes suit travellers who want an active holiday at low cost.
2. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a short flight from Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi. It has offered free tourist visas to Indians under schemes announced since 2023, and in April 2026 All India Radio reported plans for a new six-month free visa programme for 39 countries, including India, subject to parliamentary approval. The government still recommends getting an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure.
Colombo works as a starting point. Kandy has the Temple of the Tooth, Galle Fort sits on the south coast and Sigiriya Rock is one of the island’s best-known sights. Trains between Kandy and the hill country are cheap and scenic.
3. Bhutan
Indian citizens do not need a visa for Bhutan, but they pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of Rs 1,200 per person per night. Children under 6 are exempt and children aged 6 to 12 pay half. The fee can be paid online while applying for the entry permit, at the entry point or through a licensed tour operator.
Thimphu, the capital, is calm and easy to explore. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery near Paro is the highlight for most visitors, and Punakha Dzong is worth the drive. Keep the SDF in mind when you plan the number of nights.
4. Malaysia
Malaysia has extended visa-free entry for Indian citizens for stays of up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. Travellers must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) and may be asked for a return ticket and proof of accommodation at immigration.
Kuala Lumpur has the Petronas Towers, street food and malls. Langkawi suits a beach break, and George Town in Penang is known for its heritage streets and food stalls.
5. Thailand
Thailand remains one of the most popular budget trips from India. From 15 September 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders travelling for tourism can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, according to the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi and media reports. Those who want to stay longer must apply for an e-visa.
Visitors must fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival and should carry a passport valid for six months, a return ticket, hotel bookings and at least 20,000 baht in cash per person, as reported by Khaleej Times. Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket cover city life, nightlife, culture and beaches.
6. Indonesia
Indonesia offers Indian citizens a visa on arrival, which can also be applied for online as an e-VOA. It allows a stay of up to 30 days for Rp 500,000 and can be extended once inside the country for another 30 days.
Bali is the main draw. Ubud has rice terraces and art markets, while Kuta and Seminyak are known for beaches. Yogyakarta is the base for Borobudur Temple, and Jakarta is the busy capital.
7. Vietnam
Vietnam is not visa-free for Indians, but its e-visa is simple to get online. Since August 2023 it has been available to all nationalities for single or multiple entry, with stays of up to 90 days. The fee is US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City and the lantern-lit town of Hoi An are the usual stops. Street food is cheap, and domestic flights help you cover the long country in a week.
Tips to keep your foreign trip cheap
- Book flights 6 to 8 weeks ahead and compare nearby airports.
- Travel in the shoulder season, just before or after peak months.
- Use local buses, trains and shared transport instead of taxis.
- Stay in guesthouses or homestays and eat where locals eat.
- Carry a forex card to cut currency conversion charges.
- Buy travel insurance; it costs little compared with a medical bill abroad.
For more ideas, see our travel section, and read our finance guides for help with planning a holiday budget. Quick reads on new trends are in lifestyle.
Further reading: cheap foreign trips from India.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest foreign country to visit from India?
Nepal is usually the cheapest, as Indians need no visa and flights or road trips are short. Bhutan and Sri Lanka are also low-cost options.
Which countries are visa-free for Indians in 2026?
Nepal and Bhutan need no visa. Malaysia allows 30 days visa-free until 31 December 2026, and Thailand allows 30 days visa-free from 15 September 2026.
Can I do a foreign trip from India under Rs 50,000?
Yes. Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Malaysia and Indonesia can fit within Rs 50,000 per person for about a week if you book early and travel on a budget.
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Indians need an e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days. It costs US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry.
Sources: Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi, Khaleej Times, All India Radio News, Wikipedia: Visa policy of Vietnam.
