These 8 International Destinations You Can Visit In Under 5 Hours From India
Before you set off on an excursion to far-off lands, check out these places which are near India. These destinations not only are cheaper but have less flight time, and promise an experience worth remembering.
Most of us dream of travelling to European destinations like London, Paris, and Switzerland, but we forget that there's a lot of beauty in our neighbouring countries and that are not too far from us!
Therefore, before you set off on an excursion to far-off lands, check out these places which are near India. These destinations not only are cheaper but have less flight time, and promise an experience worth remembering.
1. Laos
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A trip to Laos is nothing short of a meditative experience. Life moves mindfully, the cuisine is soulful and the ambience is pure bliss. Temples, caves, forests, waterfalls, mountains, and adventure sports are some of the unique features of a holiday in Laos.
A flight to Laos will be for 4 hours and 14 minutes.
Visa: Indian nationals do not need to apply for a Laos visa in advance. They can get a visa upon arrival in Laos, provided they have the valid travel documents. Laos Visa on arrival is issued for 30 days. All visitors must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the time of entry into Laos.
Covid-19 guidelines: If you decide to travel in Laos, review the travel health notice for COVID-19 and International Travel.
Laos Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health, Dr. Sisavath Soutthanilaxay said during an announcement by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on April 15 that the country is now actively preparing for a full reopening.
Under new entry regulations, which will be officially announced at a future press conference, arrivals in Laos will be required to undergo two Covid-19 tests.
According to Dr. Sisavath, tourists will be required to take an RT-PCR test 72 hours before departure, as well as an RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) on arrival.
2. Dubai
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All we need is one night in Dubai...And Abu Dhabi... UAE is famous among Indians and a place that you must visit. There are too many attractions to list down including the likes of the adrenaline rush-driven desert safari to diving in the world's deepest swimming pool and not to forget shopping at Global Village.
This destination is a powerhouse for all things glam! With several places of interest to explore and experience the adrenaline rush, Dubai is almost like Las Vegas that is complemented with desert safaris, private islands, Michelin-starred restaurants and so much more that you will wish to extend your stay here.
You can reach Dubai in mere 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Visa: There is a visa on arrival in Dubai (UAE) for Indian citizens and is valid for 14 days.
Covid-19 guidelines: From 26 February 2022, passengers travelling to Dubai from all countries (GCC included) must fulfil one of the below requirements:
- Present a valid vaccination certificate(s) reflecting that the passenger is fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and includes a QR code.
- Present a valid negative COVID?19 PCR test certificate issued within 48 hours after the sample was collected and issued by an approved health service provider with a QR code.
- Present a valid medical certificate issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from COVID?19 within 1 month from the date of recovery to the date of arrival.
3. Oman
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The Sultanate Of Oman is ranked as one of the safest and the most peaceful countries in the world and it is perfect to visit with your family and friends. It¡¯s breathtakingly beautiful and with its world-class resorts stunning and secluded locations, Oman is also a superb honeymoon destination. Visit the traditional mountain villages like Misfat Al Abryeen made up of stone buildings in orange and brown shades, Salalah, hiking in Jebel Akhdar, and of course, the beaches, forts, palaces, and museums of Muscat!
You can reach Oman in mere 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Visa: Indian citizens can get an eVisa for Oman. Travelers with a valid residence permit or visa from Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, the USA, or a Schengen country can apply for an Oman visa online.
Covid-19 guidelines:
- Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 CRISPR, RT-LAMP or RT-PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.
- Passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated.
4. Maldives
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Yes, Bollywood¡¯s favourite holiday destination is just a short flight away from all major Indian cities. Maldives is home to stunning, crystal blue waters and stunning white sand beaches. If a luxury, laid-back vacation is on your mind, then look no further than the island nation¡¯s gorgeous resorts overlooking the Indian Ocean!
To reach Maldives it will take you 4 hours to reach there.
Visa: Indian Passport holder does not need to carry a visa when travelling to Maldives. It will be issued once you reach the country.
Covid-19 guidelines:
- Anyone arriving to the Maldives will be required to fill out a health declaration form 48 hours before arriving and again before leaving.
- Passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated.
5. Seychelles
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Seychelles is one of those destinations that manages to draw a large number of holidaymakers thanks to its magnificent beaches, mind-blowing coral reefs, and natural reserves.
Seychelles flight takes only 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Visa: Indian citizens visiting Seychelles do not require a visa to enter the country. However, as a tourist you must still acquire a permit from the country's immigration department after reaching the island nation.
Covid-19 guidelines: All travelers to Seychelles must have certification of vaccination against COVID-19 and a valid negative RT-PCR test result of not more than 72 hours and 48 hours depending on the country.
6. Thailand
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The "Land of Smiles" is one of the jewels of Southeast Asia. Thailand is well-developed and provides all kinds of modern comforts ¨C yet it's also still wild enough to offer off-the-beaten-path adventure and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Whether you are here for the world-class beaches in the south or the mountain villages in the north, Thailand will not disappoint.
Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are bustling hives of activity and commerce, but you haven't really seen the country until you've trekked in the mountains or enjoyed some face-time with elephants or the bold monkeys always ready to steal your lunch (or your camera, if you're not careful). Thailand's attractions are diverse, and each provides a rewarding and memorable experience in its own way.
You can reach Thailand in around 4 hours.
Visa: Indians need a visa to enter Thailand. Depending on the purpose of your visit. If you're solely going for tourism, for not more than two weeks- you can get a visa on arrival.
Covid-19 guidelines: All travellers above 18 need to be fully vaccinated to enter Thailand and will have to undergo an exit screening at the point of departure at the airline check-in counter. COVID-19 vaccination certificate and a certificate of recovery for those who have been infected with COVID-19 within three months of their travel date.
A negative RT-PCR lab for all adults was conducted within 72 hours of the travel date.
7. Singapore
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To explore a land of futuristic marvels and sky-kissing buildings you must visit Singapore. Singapore is ahead of its time. With the brilliantly lit lights that sway around at night highlighting its modern architecture, it almost feels like the stars have landed on earth. Singapore is known for its fast-paced growth, impressive and new shopping malls, exquisite dining venues and luxe hotels with spectacular views being inaugurated in the country.
Singapore flight from India takes only 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Visa - Indians do need a visa for Singapore. However, the rapid increase of tourists traveling to Singapore has made the process a lot easier and quicker. The tourist visa issued by the embassy permits tourists for a maximum stay of 30 days and comes with a validity of 2 years.
Covid-19 guidelines: In order to manage travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors.
- All fully vaccinated travellers can now enter Singapore from most cities in Malaysia, Indonesia and India without quarantine.
- All passengers must possess a negative RT-PCR test administered no more than 72hours prior to their travel to Singapore.
8. Bhutan
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Bhutan is the last Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in amazing snow Peak Mountains and shadowy forests that create picturesque landscapes. But that¡¯s not all; the unique and best thing about Bhutan is that it is the only country that is 72% covered in forests making it not only carbon-neutral but the world¡¯s only carbon negative country.
Apart from this, Bhutan is a place where traditional Buddhist culture meets majestic fortresses like dzongs and monasteries, it is undoubtedly a magical and mystical place to be. Its unique monastic architecture and the graffiti on the walls that bear paintings of penises as a sign to drive away the evil make Bhutan a sui generis destination.
To explore this beautiful Dragon Land, Bhutan is only 2 hours from India.
Visa: Indian passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Bhutan.
Covid-19 guidelines: All those who want to visit Bhutan are fully vaccinated and must carry an RTPCR Negative report that was done within the last 72 hours.
Which one of these amazingly pretty yet surprisingly cheap international destinations near India are you gonna make plans to visit ASAP?
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Anuj Tiwari writes stories for SEO and is a Youtube wizard. An engineer turned social media champ, he keeps a track of all that goes around the world. His interest areas include historic events, political and social-sciences.