South America Visa Free Countries for Indian Citizens

Quick answer: Bolivia, Guyana and Suriname are the South America visa-free countries for Indian citizens covered in this list. Colombia and Peru offer entry to Indians holding a valid US visa (except C1 transit), UK visa or Schengen visa, while Argentina and Uruguay issue a free pre-arranged visa to Indian tourists.

As I am travelling through South America now, I have put together this list of visa-free countries for Indian passport holders based on my first-hand experience. Getting a tourist visa is often stressful, but thankfully, as Indians, we are among the fortunate few with easy access to many countries on this continent.

South America Visa Rules for Indian Citizens at a Glance

Country	Entry for Indian passport holders	Capital
Bolivia	Visa-free	La Paz
Guyana	Visa-free	Georgetown
Suriname	Visa-free	Paramaribo
Colombia	With a US visa (except C1 transit), UK visa or Schengen visa	Bogota
Peru	Visa on arrival with a US visa (except C1 transit), UK visa or Schengen visa	Lima
Argentina	Free pre-arranged visa	Buenos Aires
Uruguay	Free pre-arranged visa	Montevideo

Visa-Free Countries in South America for Indians

Bolivia

Often described as the “Tibet” of the Americas, Bolivia is the cheapest travel destination in South America. This landlocked country is home to the world’s largest salt flats, Salar de Uyuni, and the world’s most dangerous road, The Death Road. Bolivia welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

• Currency: Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) – BOB 1 = INR 9.8
• Capital: La Paz
• Cost of living: meal in an inexpensive restaurant BOB 10 (INR 99); 1 litre of beer BOB 20 (INR 196); coffee BOB 15 (INR 147); transportation (per hour) BOB 10 (INR 99)
• Places to visit: La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, Potosi, Copacabana

Guyana

Guyana is the only English-speaking country on the continent and is culturally connected to the Caribbean. It is popular for its dense rainforest, and the British colonial architecture of Georgetown, the capital, is well preserved.

• Currency: Guyanese dollar (GYD) – INR 1 = GYD 3
• Capital: Georgetown
• Cost of living: meal in an inexpensive restaurant GYD 1000 (INR 325); 1 litre of beer GYD 300 (INR 97); coffee GYD 646 (INR 210); transportation from GYD 60 (INR 20)
• Places to visit: Georgetown, Kaieteur Falls (often described as around five times the height of Niagara Falls), Shell Beach

Suriname

Once a Dutch colony, Suriname is known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture and melting-pot culture. The official language is Dutch, and vast swathes of the country are covered in tropical rainforest.

• Currency: Surinamese dollar (SRD) – SRD 1 = INR 9
• Capital: Paramaribo
• Cost of living: meal in an inexpensive restaurant SRD 25 (INR 229); 1 litre of beer SRD 6 (INR 55); coffee SRD 6 (INR 55); transportation (one-way ticket) SRD 1.35 (INR 12)
• Places to visit: Brownsberg Nature Park, Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Tafelberg, Fort Zeelandia

Visa on Arrival for Indians with a US, UK or Schengen Visa

These countries allow Indian citizens holding a valid US visa (except C1 transit visa), UK visa or Schengen visa to enter.

Colombia

Colombia is home to about 10 percent of the world’s species, making it the second most biologically diverse country on Earth after Brazil. It’s the only country in South America with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and it packs in all of South America’s allure.

• Currency: Colombian peso (COP) – INR 1 = COP 44.5
• Capital: Bogota
• Cost of living: meal in an inexpensive restaurant COP 6,000 (INR 134.5); 1 litre of beer COP 2500 (INR 56); coffee COP 2000 (INR 45); transportation (one-way ticket) COP 1800 (INR 44)
• Places to visit: Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, Medellin, Santa Marta, Popayan

Peru

Peru is as complex as its most exquisite and intricate weavings. Festivals mark ancient rites, nature brims with diversity and its cities buzz with innovation. It stretches from Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel set high in the Andes and one of the wonders of the world, to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and the lush green Amazon. Every return to the gastronomic capital of South America is rich and surprising. Click here to see the Peru Travel Guide.

• Currency: Peruvian sol (PEN) – PEN 1 = INR 20
• Capital: Lima
• Cost of living: meal in an inexpensive restaurant PEN 5 (INR 100); 1 litre of beer PEN 5 (INR 100); coffee PEN 6 (INR 120); transportation (one-way ticket) PEN 1.50 (INR 30)
• Places to visit: Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Laguna 69, Paracas, Lima

Countries Issuing a Free Pre-Arranged Visa to Indian Tourists

Argentina

From Iguazu, one of the world’s largest waterfall systems, in the north-east and the home of indigenous peoples in the north-west, to Ushuaia, the town nicknamed the “End of the World” in the south, Argentina is also home to the famous Malbec and Torrontés grapes used to make wine.

• Currency: Argentine peso (ARS) – ARS 1 = INR 4.2
• Capital: Buenos Aires
• Cost of living: meal in an inexpensive restaurant ARS 120 (INR 501); 1 litre of beer ARS 20 (INR 83); coffee ARS 35 (INR 146); transportation (one-way ticket) ARS 6 (INR 25)
• Places to visit: Iguazu Falls, Jujuy, Mendoza, Patagonia, Buenos Aires

Uruguay

Sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America, known for its lush interior and beach-lined coast. It’s called the “Switzerland” of South America, not for its scenery but for its economic stability. The cost of living isn’t that cheap, but Uruguay is worth every penny!

• Currency: Uruguayan peso (UYU) – UYU 1 = INR 2.3
• Capital: Montevideo
• Cost of living: meal in an inexpensive restaurant UYU 200 (INR 475); 1 litre of beer UYU 70 (INR 166); coffee UYU 84 (INR 199); transportation from UYU 60 (INR 142)
• Places to visit: Colonia Del Sacramento, Punta Del Este, Cabo Polonio, Punta Del Diablo, Montevideo

Prices above are rough estimates based on my experience and may vary. Visa rules can also change, so always check with the relevant embassy before you travel. If you have anything to contribute to better data reliability, please leave a comment below or e-mail me at explore@backpackways.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which South American countries are visa-free for Indian citizens?

Bolivia, Guyana and Suriname are the visa-free countries in this list.

Can Indians with a US visa visit Peru and Colombia?

Yes. Indian citizens holding a US visa (except C1 transit visa), UK visa or Schengen visa can enter Colombia and get a visa on arrival in Peru.

Do Indians need a visa for Argentina and Uruguay?

Yes, but both countries issue a free pre-arranged visa to Indian tourists.

Which is the cheapest South American country for Indian travellers?

Bolivia is the cheapest travel destination in South America, and it is also visa-free for Indians.

Conclusion

South America is far more accessible for Indian passport holders than many people think. Start with visa-free Bolivia, Guyana or Suriname, use a US, UK or Schengen visa to add Colombia and Peru, and apply for the free pre-arranged visa to explore Argentina and Uruguay.

Use Pinterest to plan your travels! If you love this post, hover over the image below to pin it!