Visa requirements remain key barrier for Asian tourists: Agoda

By Hoang Phong December 3, 2025 | 06:28 pm PT

Members of a family from India during their holiday trip to Thailand, at Patong beach in Phuket, on July 14, 2023. Photo by Reuters

A recent survey by online travel platform Agoda reveals that visa requirements continue to significantly affect travel plans for Asian tourists, with 35% of respondents citing visas as a limiting factor.

Tourists from India, the Philippines and Indonesia show the biggest interest in exploring new destinations if visa barriers are removed, according to the survey conducted in October.

Agoda surveyed 3,353 respondents across nine Asian markets — India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, India’s passport ranked 82nd, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 of 227 destinations.

The Philippines ranked 76th with access to 64 destinations, while Indonesia was 67th with 73 destinations.

Agoda said that visa changes could play a key role in boosting tourism.

Both Malaysia and Thailand have seen a significant increase in Indian tourists after easing or removing visa restrictions for Indian travelers.

In 2024, Malaysia welcomed over 1.13 Indian tourists, a significant increase of 71.7% compared to 2023 thanks to its visa waiver.

India was one of Thailand's five biggest source of visitors.