How Relaxed Visa Rules Are Fueling Indian Tourism Growth to Moscow, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea

Indian Tourists Boost Visits to Key Global Destinations

Indian travellers are increasingly making their mark on international tourism, with destinations such as Moscow, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea experiencing significant surges in visitors from India. Relaxed visa policies coupled with improved flight connections have opened doors, leading to tourism growth rates in some places exceeding 40%. These trends not only shape global travel patterns but also influence how local transportation services—including taxis and transfers—adapt to meet growing demand.

Visa Relaxation and Flight Connectivity: Opening New Pathways

Countries like Russia have simplified entry procedures by introducing e-visas, allowing Indian tourists to obtain travel permissions within four days, without the hurdles of hotel confirmations or invitation letters. This streamlined process has positioned Moscow as a top destination for Indian visitors, making India the second largest source market in the first half of 2025, trailing only China. Moscow’s premium hotel segment has particularly thrived, as Indian travellers increasingly favour high-end accommodation options.

Emerging Hotspots in Vietnam and Southeast Asia

Vietnam has reported a remarkable 42.2% year-on-year increase in Indian tourists, totaling over 443,000 arrivals in the first eight months of 2025. The launch of direct Air India Express flights to Phu Quoc island—previously lacking direct connectivity from India—has further fueled interest. Alongside Vietnam, destinations within Thailand and the Philippines have also benefited from visa-free access, captivating Indian travellers with diverse experiences and affordable offerings.

Japan and South Korea: Cultural Magnetism and More

Japan’s Indian visitor count rose substantially, with popular urban centers like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka seeing more attention, alongside emerging destinations such as Sapporo. Cultural curiosity and extended trip durations drive this upward trend. South Korea continues to charm Indian tourists with its vibrant cultural exports—in music, dramas, and beauty trends—while expanding air routes and promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations like Busan and Gangneung.

Regional Impacts and Travel Industry Adaptations

This influx of Indian tourists does not just benefit ticket sales and hotels; it also sparks demand for reliable transfer services, taxis, and limousine rides from airports to city centers and popular tourist locations. Platforms like LocalsRide.com meet this demand by providing travelers the option to select the exact vehicle they desire—from private cars to seater SUVs—with full transparency on drivers’ credentials, vehicle models, and fare estimates well before booking. This level of clarity helps smooth the transfer experience, ensuring tourists can relax and enjoy their journey without worrying about hidden charges or last-minute hassles.

Other Destinations and Market Shifts

While places like Azerbaijan and Turkey have seen a decline in Indian tourist arrivals, likely influenced by geopolitical factors, destinations such as Georgia and the Philippines are emerging as fresh favorites thanks to their cultural richness and convenient visa norms. India now ranks among the fastest-growing origin countries for tourists in Georgia, highlighting strong collaborative efforts with travel trade partners and enhanced connectivity.

Economic and Currency Advantages

The appreciation of the Indian Rupee against currencies like the Sri Lankan Rupee and Vietnam’s Dong has further boosted the appeal of these destinations by improving currency value during trips. This makes spending more affordable for Indian tourists, encouraging longer stays and greater expenditure on experiences, dining, and shopping, all of which stimulate local economies and tourism services, including transfer firms and private hire companies.

The Bigger Picture: What It Means for Travelers and Transfers

• Ease of Travel: Visa relaxations translate to simpler, faster trips, prompting last-minute bookings and requiring flexible transfer options.
• Diverse Preferences: Indian tourists show increasing interest in niche destinations and extended stays, impacting transfer service demand across a wider geographic scope.
• Service Quality Demand: As upscale travelers visit these destinations, expectations for premium transfers, punctual taxis, and comfortable rides rise accordingly.

With this growing footprint of Indian travellers globally, relying on trusted platforms like LocalsRide.com ensures seamless journeys by allowing users to pick vehicles and drivers based on clear, pre-disclosed details. This feature helps minimize surprises on price and service, which is crucial when booking transfers in unfamiliar cities.

Summary of Key Highlights

Indian tourist influx to destinations such as Moscow, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and Georgia is soaring thanks to relaxed visa regulations and boosted air connectivity. Emerging hotspots within larger markets and currency advantages add to the appeal. These trends create fresh opportunities and challenges for taxi and transfer services, making transparency and vehicle options vital for a smooth travel experience.

While reviews and feedback offer valuable insights into destinations and service quality, nothing truly replaces firsthand experience—especially when navigating unfamiliar airports, city centers, or resort towns. By hiring a car with a professional driver from verified providers through LocalsRide, Indian travellers gain convenience, affordability, and a diverse selection of vehicles to suit their needs. This direct approach removes guesswork and surprises, ensuring every ride complements the overall travel journey. Book your ride with LocalsRide.com.

Looking ahead, this surge in Indian outbound tourism may have a modest but positive influence on the global travel landscape. Staying on top of these evolving traveler patterns allows transfer providers and taxi services worldwide to better cater to an expanding segment of international travellers. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.