Indian Outbound Tourism in 2024: Top 10 Destinations & Best Visa Pathways

India’s outbound travel surged to a new high in 2024, with over 30.8 million departures recorded—marking a pivotal shift in global tourism patterns.

This uplift in travel was fueled by rising incomes, a booming middle class, and expanding global connectivity. Industry experts anticipate India becoming the world’s fifth-largest outbound travel market by 2027.

Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 destinations Indians visited in 2024—plus the most effective visa options for B2B travel professionals to advise clients.

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – ~7.78 million travelers

Visa options:

• 30/60-day tourist visa (on arrival for holders of valid US/UK/EU/US Green Card)

• Popular among frequent travelers: multi-entry long-term visas.
  
  

2. Saudi Arabia – ~3.42 million travelers

Visa options:

• Umrah visa (for religious pilgrimage)

• Tourist e-Visa (now available for Indians)

• Employment visa for work assignments.
  
  

3. United States – ~2.14 million travelers

Visa options:

• B-1/B-2 visitor visa

• F-1 student visa

• H-1B work visa
  
  Note: June 2025 saw an 8% drop in Indian arrivals, ending a 23-year growth streak—mainly due to delays in student visa issuance.

4. Thailand – ~1.91 million travelers

Visa options:

• Visa-on-arrival (up to 15 days)

• Tourist visa (up to 60 days)
  Thailand also introduced visa-free travel for Indians for 60 days starting mid-2024.
  
  

5. Singapore – ~1.53 million travelers

Visa options:

• Short-term visit pass (tourist visa)

• Multiple-entry visas valid up to 2 years—ideal for frequent business travel.
  
  

6. United Kingdom – ~1.32 million travelers

Visa options:

• Standard Visitor visa

• Student visa (for educational stays)

• Skilled Worker visa for long-term professional assignments.
  
  

7. Qatar – ~1.14 million travelers

Visa options:

• Tourist visa (commonly 30 days)

• Transit visa (up to 96 hours)

• Employment visa via sponsorship.
  
  

8. Kuwait – ~906,965 travelers

Visa options:

• Visit visa (for family or short tourism)

• Employment visa arranged by local employers.
  
  

9. Oman – ~864,251 travelers

Visa options:

• e-Visa (10 or 30-day options) for leisure visits.

• Employment visa for long-term assignments.
  
  

10. Canada – ~945,652 travelers

Visa options:

• Visitor visa for family visits or tourism

• Study permit for education

• Express Entry pathway for skilled professionals seeking permanent residence.
  
  

Why This Matters to B2B Travel & Aviation Professionals

This data equips you with strategic insights to guide clients across corporate, consolidation, and airline sectors:

• Optimize product offerings based on destination popularity and visa complexity.

• Offer tailored visa support services, especially for high-demand markets like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the US.

• Prepare for shifts in student and leisure segments, e.g., the recent decline in US student travel signals emerging opportunities elsewhere like Southeast Asia.
  
  

Conclusion & Takeaway

India’s outbound tourism in 2024 soared to historic levels, propelled by economic prosperity and global connectivity. From Middle East powerhouses like UAE and Saudi Arabia to emerging hotspots like Singapore and Canada, visa strategies vary widely. As B2B professionals, mastering those nuances is critical to delivering seamless solutions and building trust with airlines, corporates, and student travelers alike.

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