As the world reopens in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, information is trickling in about which countries are open for non-essential travel, which ones are taking visa applications from Indians, and the respective countries’ Covid-specific asks and flight schedules.

It obviously helps to know about available options (and requirements) before we make any plans. In that spirit, here’s an updated list of the countries that are now taking visa applications from tourists, businesspeople, expats and employees from India:

Countries like Croatia, Switzerland, UAE, and many others have started accepting visa applications for business and tourism purposes. Here are a few countries that are currently accepting visa applications from Indian passport holders.

1. Croatia

Croatia: This country has opened its doors to Indian passport holders for tourism purposes. They are allowing entry to Uniform Visa (C) holders for two of multiple entries, valid for all Schengen Area Member States.(Unsplash)

Croatia: This country has opened its doors to Indian passport holders for tourism purposes. They are allowing entry to Uniform Visa (C) holders for two of multiple entries, valid for all Schengen Area Member States.

2. Iceland.

Iceland: They are accepting short-stay visa applications from Indian tourists.(Unsplash)

VFS centres have started accepting short-stay visa category applications across seven Indian cities. The service is offered strictly by appointment. Courier return of processed application and passport is mandatory.

Mumbai: Centre open every Monday from 8 am until 2 pm

Bengaluru: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 am to 1 pm

Kolkata: Every Monday

Website: For more details on operational days and timings, visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/isl

Currency: 1 Icelandic Krona = INR 0.60

VFS centres have started accepting short-stay visa category applications across seven Indian cities. The service is offered strictly by appointment. Courier return of processed application and passport is mandatory.

Mumbai: Centre open every Monday from 8 am until 2 pm

Bengaluru: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 am to 1 pm

Kolkata: Every Monday

Website: For more details on operational days and timings, visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/isl

Currency: 1 Icelandic Krona = INR 0.60.

3. Norway.

Norway | Nordea

VFS has resumed accepting visa applications for Norway

Mumbai: Every Wednesday from 8 am to 2 pm

Bengaluru: Every Monday from 9 am to 3 pm

Currency: 1 Norwegian Krone = INR 8.60

4. The Netherlands.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to The Netherlands

You can now apply for The Netherlands’ visa across six cities in India for select visa categories.

For more details, visit: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/nld

As of July 1, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers are allowed entry. Fully vaccinated persons may travel for any purpose.

Vaccine Declaration for Covid-19 to be presented with visa application.

Currency: 1 Euro = INR 88.37.

5. UAE

UAE: Transit passengers halting at Dubai airport can for a minimum of five hours get a 96 hours Dubai Visa.(Unsplash)

UAE: Transit passengers halting at Dubai airport can for a minimum of five hours get a 96 hours Dubai Visa.(Unsplash).

6. Switzerland

Switzerland: This country is accepting Indian visas for up to 90 days.(Unsplash)

Switzerland: This country is accepting Indian visas for up to 90 days.(Unsplash).

7. Canada

Canada: Canada visa application centres started passport submission service for Indian travellers from July 5, 2021.(Unsplash)

Canada: Canada visa application centres started passport submission service for Indian travellers from July 5, 2021.(Unsplash)