(IBNS): Are you an Indian passport holder with a valid US visa? Then why not maximise its use to travel to countries which are ready to allow entry to Indian passport holders with valid US visas?
Indian travellers may also find it an attractive option at a time when many Indian passport holders are complaining about the delay in issuance or failure to obtain a Schengen visa for their travel to European nations that are signatories to the Schengen agreement.
The advantage may be availed only with a combination of a valid Indian passport and a valid US visa subject to terms and conditions. They may also ask for return air tickets, confirmed hotel booking, etc. Some countries require evidence of multiple entry US visas or those with a validity of a minimum number of months, etc.
Do remember that visa approvals depend on each country’s visitor policy and may be changed or withdrawn any time.
Therefore, we advise you to check with the embassy/consulate of the country you intend to visit for the latest rules.
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Also, it depends on the visiting country to approve or reject any application even though the visitor apparently fulfilled all requirements.
According to latest reports, over 40 countries allow entry (visa on arrival/visa free transit/e-visa, etc.) to Indian passport holders with valid US visas.
Here is our top pick of 15 countries.
Argentina
Are you a soccer enthusiast and eager to visit the land of Maradona and Messi? Do you possess a valid US tourist (B2) visa? If your US visa is valid for at least three months, then you may apply for the Argentina Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) on the strength of this visa.
Bahamas
Enjoy up to 90 days stay in this picture postcard island in the middle of the ocean if you have a valid US visa.
Bahrain
A US visa is your key to obtaining a visa on arrival at Bahrain.
Egypt
A visa on arrival is granted to visitors on production of a valid US visa.
Georgia
You may enjoy a stay of up to 90 days in Georgia, a country straddling Eastern Europe and Western Asia, if you have a multiple entry US visa.
Malaysia
If you have not been to this popular Asian destination, then add it to your itinerary if you are travelling to the US. Because Indian passport holders with a valid US visa are allowed a five-day stay on transit to the US. The entry and departure has to be through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Mexico
Why not club a visit to Mexico if you are travelling to the US? Because a valid US visa allows a 180-day stay to visitors
Montenegro
A valid US visa entitles a visitor to transit or stay in this picturesque Balkan country for 30 days. It can be clubbed with a trip to Türkiye.
Oman
A valid US visa entitles Indian passport holders to obtain a 30day visa for Oman.
Peru
Home to a big slice of the Amazonian rain forest, Peru allows visitors to stay for a maximum period of 180 days provided your US visa has a minimum validity of six months.
Philippines
This picturesque Asian country allows a 14-day stay with a valid US visa.
Saudi Arabia
A US visa allows travellers to obtain a visa on arrival for a 90-day stay to explore Saudi Arabia.
Singapore
Another popular travel destination, Singapore allows Indian passport holders with valid US visa to enjoy a four-day halt on a transit to or from a third country.
Taiwan
While a valid US visa allows you to take a 14-day break here, make sure you have applied for and received the Republic of China Travel Authorization Certificate.
Türkiye (Turkey)
This famous transcontinental country (spread across Western Asia and South Eastern Europe) allows Indian passport holders to apply for and obtain single entry month-long e-visa on the strength of their US visa.
