Which Countries Are Indians Visiting the Most? Tourism Data Shows Clear Winners

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 7:19 [IST]

Indian tourists are widening their travel map, looking beyond familiar holiday spots while still favouring established hubs. Ministry of Tourism data for 2024 shows the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the United States leading outbound preferences, even as countries like South Korea and Georgia gain attention in 2025.

Neighbouring and regional destinations also keep drawing heavy traffic from Indian tourists through short flights and flexible visas. Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Oman and Qatar stay popular for leisure, spiritual breaks, stopovers and business trips, helped by strong air links and simplified entry rules for many travellers.

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In 2024, the UAE led outbound travel for Indian tourists with approximately 7.78 million visits, followed by Saudi Arabia at 3.42 million, while the United States saw 2.14 million visitors, with countries like South Korea and Georgia gaining interest for 2025.

Top choices for Indian tourists by outbound numbers

The UAE holds the first position for Indian tourists, with around 7.78 million visits in 2024. Trips combine holidays, visits to Indian diaspora communities and business travel, underlining deep economic and social connections that keep the Gulf nation at the top of India’s outbound charts.

Saudi Arabia follows as the second most visited country by Indian tourists, with 3.42 million journeys recorded in 2024. Travel to the kingdom is supported by tourism, family reunions, official work trips and religious journeys, reflecting both historical ties and newer tourism initiatives aimed at international visitors.

Rank	Destination	Indian visitors in 2024	Main travel reasons
1	UAE	Approx. 7.78 million	Leisure, diaspora visits, business
2	Saudi Arabia	3.42 million	Tourism, family visits, business, pilgrimage
3	United States	2.14 million	Leisure, education, family ties
4	Thailand	Nearly 1.91 million	Leisure, spiritual and Buddhist heritage
-	Singapore	Not specified	Connectivity, safety, family attractions
-	United Kingdom	Not specified	Tourism, business, diaspora visits
-	Qatar	Not specified	Business, family visits, stopovers
-	Canada	Not specified	Leisure, family visits
-	Oman	Not specified	Cultural trips, landscapes, short-haul breaks
-	Malaysia	Not specified	Affordable holidays, family travel, diverse attractions

Regional patterns for Indian tourists and emerging interests

Among long-haul destinations, the United States takes third place for Indian tourists, attracting 2.14 million visitors. Journeys are supported by holidays, higher education and close family links. The United Kingdom and Canada also stay important for tourism, business connections and visits to large Indian communities.

Within Asia, Thailand continues to appeal to Indian tourists with beach holidays and Buddhist heritage sites, drawing nearly 1.91 million visitors. Singapore, Malaysia and Oman benefit from affordable packages, family-focused attractions, scenic landscapes and relaxed entry norms, while Qatar uses Doha’s connectivity to build stopover and business travel.

Alongside these established preferences, Indian tourists are starting to look at offbeat choices such as South Korea, Georgia and Japan, especially through 2025. Even with these newer options gaining curiosity, the main outbound flows still centre on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States and other long-standing favourites.