Atlys Travel Access Report 2026 ranks Sri Lanka, Thailand and the UAE as the most accessible destinations for Indian travellers, driven by streamlined visas, strong air links and affordability.
Summary: The Atlys Travel Access Report 2026 places Sri Lanka, Thailand and the UAE at the top for Indian travellers, citing simplified visa processes, strong flight connectivity and affordable on‑ground costs.
The Atlys Travel Access Report 2026 evaluates practical travel accessibility for Indian passport holders and identifies Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates as the easiest destinations to reach and enjoy this year. The ranking looks beyond theoretical passport strength and focuses on real-world barriers and conveniences that shape a traveller’s experience.
How Atlys Measures Accessibility
Unlike conventional passport indices that concentrate mainly on visa‑free destinations, the Atlys report combines four weighted pillars to reflect how easy a place is to visit in practice: Visa Friction (25%), Flight Connectivity (25%), Affordability (15%) and Popularity (35%). This mix aims to capture both the administrative and logistical hurdles travellers face as well as demand from Indian tourists.
1. Sri Lanka — Visa Simplicity and Value
Sri Lanka tops the Atlys list for Indian travellers, largely because of its low visa friction and overall affordability. Indian visitors benefit from visa‑free entry or visa‑on‑arrival options supported by bilateral arrangements, which reduces pre‑travel paperwork and turnaround times.
Strong air links from major Indian hubs — including Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai — to Colombo further lower travel barriers. Combined with relatively inexpensive accommodation, transport and food, Sri Lanka presents a cost‑efficient choice for beach holidays, cultural trips and food tourism.
2. Thailand — Seamless Entry and Established Tourism Infrastructure
Thailand ranks second thanks to easy entry mechanisms such as visa‑on‑arrival and electronic travel authorisations (eTAs) that keep visa friction minimal for Indian nationals. The country’s mature tourism sector and broad range of services make planning straightforward for visitors.
Frequent direct flights from India to destinations like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, together with a wide choice of budget and premium options for food and lodging, sustain Thailand’s popularity among Indian travellers across leisure and short‑break segments.
3. UAE — Connectivity, Multiple Visa Routes and Business Appeal
The United Arab Emirates sits at number three, helped by straightforward online visa applications and visa‑on‑arrival routes for travellers who hold valid visas for the US, UK or Schengen Area. The UAE’s airports offer extensive direct connections from New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, making travel planning simple and fast.
While the UAE is often viewed as a premium destination, its range of accommodation and dining options means it can also cater to budget travellers. The country’s mix of luxury tourism, shopping and business travel ensures steady demand from Indian visitors.
Top 10 Most Accessible Countries for Indian Travellers (Atlys)
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Nepal
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- Maldives
- Oman
- Mauritius
What This Means for Indian Travellers in 2026
For Indian travellers, the Atlys findings point to more options for quick getaways, short‑notice trips and budget‑conscious holidays. Countries that reduce visa friction and offer frequent direct flights make last‑minute travel and short business trips more feasible. Affordability and popularity further ensure that a wide range of services and experiences remain accessible.
Travel industry stakeholders should note that improvements in visa processes and connectivity directly influence demand from India. Airlines, tour operators and hoteliers can capitalise by tailoring fares, routes and packages to this growing market for 2026.
Why this matters: The Atlys Travel Access Report 2026 offers a practical view of where Indian travellers can go with the least friction. For readers planning trips, it highlights destinations that are easier to reach, cheaper to enjoy and already favoured by peers—helping with quicker decisions and smoother itineraries.
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