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:

3. United States – ~2.14 million travelers

Visa options:

B-1/B-2 visitor visa
F-1 student visa

4. Thailand – ~1.91 million travelers

Visa options:

5. Singapore – ~1.53 million travelers

Visa options:

6. United Kingdom – ~1.32 million travelers

Visa options:

Standard Visitor visa

7. Qatar – ~1.14 million travelers

Visa options:

8. Kuwait – ~906,965 travelers

Visa options:

9. Oman – ~864,251 travelers

Visa options:

10. Canada – ~945,652 travelers

Visa options:

Why This Matters to B2B Travel & Aviation Professionals

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

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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