Visa-Free Travel Rises Among Indians as Alike Makes Global Holidays Frictionless

Visa-Free Travel Rises Among Indians as Alike Makes Global Holidays Frictionless

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 6, 2025

Indian travellers are increasingly setting their sights on global getaways, and the latest campaign by travel-tech platform Alike is helping make those dreams a reality. Titled Free Visa Holidays, the campaign addresses one of the biggest hurdles in international travel – the cost and complexity of visa processing.

With destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bali leading the charge, the campaign has struck a chord with audiences across Tier 1 metros and even among working professionals and urban migrants from smaller towns planning their first international trips. The appeal lies in its simplicity — visa-free holidays and a no-hassle booking experience that makes international travel feel not just possible, but personal.

"We launched this campaign to remove the most common red tape Indian travellers face – the cost and complexity of the visa process," said Ashish Sidhra, Co-founder of Alike. "The response has reinforced that people are ready to explore the world; they just want the friction taken out of the way."

This sentiment reflects a broader shift in Indian outbound tourism. In 2005, Indian passport holders had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 25 countries. Today, that number has more than tripled to around 90 countries, thanks to simplified e-visas and visa-on-arrival options. Meanwhile, India’s outbound travel has skyrocketed — from under 7 million trips in 2005 to over 28 million in 2024, driven largely by first-time leisure travellers looking for short-haul, visa-easy vacations.

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Alike’s campaign rides this wave, not just offering access, but encouraging action. By simplifying travel discovery, removing bureaucratic barriers, and enabling tech-first planning, it’s creating a more inclusive and intuitive travel experience.

"We aren't just handing out a freebie," Ashish added. "We're raising the bar for what travel should feel like — personal, smooth, far more convenient and accessible. This is about building confidence in international travel again, especially for those doing it for the very first time."

Beyond the visa waiver, Alike also offers optional itinerary support and tools for digital trip planning, giving travellers the flexibility to design journeys their own way.

About Alike

Alike is a global travel-tech platform reimagining how Indians travel abroad. Built for modern explorers who prioritise flexibility and personalisation, Alike combines instant bookings, free visa processing, curated experiences, and eSIM add-ons into one seamless platform. From search to stay, Alike is designed to make travel simpler, smoother, and more personal.


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