Malaysia Sees 47% YoY Increase In Accommodation Searches From Indian Travellers As Visa Restrictions Ease

Is your social media also filled with people travelling to beautiful countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka? If you’re also surprised by this sudden rise in interest of Indian travellers to Southeast Asia, then let us break it down for you. The growing trend of relaxed visa policies across Southeast Asian countries have spiked the interest of Indian travellers and a recent report by Agoda has revealed some interesting details as well. Scroll on to know more about it.

Rise In Indian Travel To Southeast Asia As Visa Restrictions Ease

According to a report by Agoda, Indian travellers are loving the recently simplified entry requirements to countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. The report compared data on accommodation searches made on Agoda between July to December 2024 for check-ins between January to May 2025 to the same timeframe a year earlier. They found that countries with eased visa requirements have seen a clear rise in interest among Indian travellers.

Commenting on the trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, said, “The easing of visa restrictions across Southeast Asia is a welcome move that resonates strongly with Indian travellers. As barriers to entry fall, we’re seeing a direct impact on travel interest and planning. This new era of accessibility is helping travellers discover not just tourist-favourites like Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka but also hidden gems like Palau.”

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Malaysia Witnesses Significant Increase In Interest By Indians

Malaysia introduced visa-free entry for Indians in 2023 and has recorded a 47% year-on-year (YoY) increase in accommodation searches on Agoda. Travellers are appreciating Malaysia’s diverse travel offerings and cities like Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, and Highlands have spiked great interests.

Sri Lanka also saw 9% overall YoY increase following the country’s decision to grant visa-free access to Indian passport holders last October. The Philippines recently joined the club of visa-friendly destinations for Indians and has already caught the attention of travel lovers in India. Agoda observed a significant increase in searches for cities of Manila, Palawan, and Cebu.

An interesting addition to this list is the Pacific Island nation of Palau. The lesser-known gem witnessed a 49% increase in interest after its recent announcement of visa-free entry for Indian passport holders earlier in June.

Also Read: Kailash Parbat Lands At Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia! Dive Into Sindhi Kadhi, Pav Bhaji, And Global Indian Flavours

So, where are you planning to travel to next? Let us know in the comments.

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