Key Takeaways
- As an American, it’s easy for me to travel the world. My dollar goes far and I only have to worry about visas to a few countries around the world. But
- Today, we talk to Vikram and Ishwinder, an Indian couple who not only managed to save money for their round-the-world trip but also navigated the toug
- Nomadic Matt: Tell everyone about yourselves! Vikram: We are an Indian couple in our late 20s that loves to travel. I am from a city called Aurangabad
Updated: 12/04/19 | December 4th, 2019
As an American, it’s relatively straightforward to travel internationally—strong passport power, favorable visa exemptions, and wide acceptance. But for many global travelers, especially those holding passports with limited visa-free access, navigating international entry requirements is a major logistical and emotional hurdle.
Today, Route for Less speaks with Vikram and Ishwinder, an Indian couple who not only saved deliberately for a round-the-world journey but also mastered the complex, often frustrating process of securing tourist visas with an Indian passport.
Route for Less: Tell everyone about yourselves!
Vikram: We’re an Indian couple in our late 20s with a deep passion for travel. I’m originally from Aurangabad, near Mumbai, while Ishwinder is from New Delhi. We were both working in London when we married in January 2012.
Within a year, we made the decision to leave our jobs, downsize our belongings, and begin long-term travel. So far, we’ve spent 15 months on the road across 25 countries—and we’ll keep going until our savings reach their natural end.
What inspired this big trip?
Ishwinder worked in consulting, and I was a software engineer. While our careers provided financial stability, they also imposed rigid schedules—we were constantly racing back to work after short breaks. The more we explored on weekends and holidays, the more we craved extended immersion.
The turning point came during a hike up Snowdon in Wales. It was a crowded Sunday—people jostling for space at the summit. We imagined returning on a quiet weekday, savoring that landscape without distraction. That moment crystallized our decision to step away from conventional timelines and embrace full-time travel.
As Indians, do you find getting visas challenging? What difficulties do you commonly face?
Vikram’s visa applications have been rejected three times—by Belgium, Spain, and the United States—while Ishwinder has had no rejections.
Visa requirements are a non-negotiable part of our itinerary planning. Ignorance isn’t an option. Most countries demand proof of funds, bank statements, income tax returns, confirmed return flights, hotel reservations, and sometimes formal cover letters.
Do visa requirements prevent you from visiting certain destinations?
They don’t outright block us—but they add layers of effort and uncertainty that deter many travelers. For Schengen applications, for example, we must submit income tax documents, detailed bank records, and verified return transportation. Immigration officers apply strict scrutiny; even minor oversights—like insufficient blank passport pages—can result in denial. This rigidity makes spontaneous travel nearly impossible.
How do you increase your chances of visa approval?
There’s no magic formula—just meticulous preparation. We start by studying each country’s official immigration website, then compile every required document exactly as instructed. Attention to detail is critical: one missing stamp or unverified booking can derail the entire application.
Commonly requested items include confirmed return transport, sufficient liquid funds held over time, and pre-booked accommodations. Platforms like Booking.com offer free-cancellation hotel reservations—ideal for visa submissions. If traveling from the UK to the EU, low-cost bus tickets (some under £10) serve well as return evidence. We maintain a dedicated bank account solely to demonstrate consistent, accessible funds for visa purposes.
Even with flawless documentation, rejection remains possible—and we treat it as part of the process, not a failure.
Which countries offer smoother visa access for Indian passport holders?
We can enter Bhutan and Nepal visa-free. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Mauritius also grant easy e-visas or visa-on-arrival. Most Southeast Asian nations—including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam—offer accessible visa-on-arrival or online options.
Based on research, many South and Central American countries—including Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru—are increasingly visa-friendly for Indian nationals. Additionally, holding a valid UK, U.S., or Schengen visa often streamlines subsequent applications—sometimes enabling visa-on-arrival or expedited processing.
