If you are holding a valid U.S. visa then it can be much more powerful than you think.
Basically it holds a great importance especially if you’re an Indian passport holder.
If you are wondering, it goes much beyond granting access to the U.S. as it unlocks visa-free entry to 17 other countries starting from the Caribbean to Eastern Europe and South America.
As usual there is a catch – according to this, the U.S. visa must be multiple-entry, used at least once, and often valid for six months or more at the time of travel.
Indian Travellers Holding A Valid US VISA Can Enter These Countries Visa-free
Let’s go through a full breakdown of the destinations one can visit, and need to know the information before you start packing your bags.
1. Albania: Up to 90 days in a 180-day period. A US visa must be used at least once.
2. Argentina: Enter via Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), stay up to 90 days. US B2 visa must be used on prior US entry.
3. Bahamas – Up to 90 days, it requires a US visa that has been used on entry to the US.
4. Belize – Up to 30 days, valid multiple-entry US visa or Green Card.
5. Chile – Up to 90 days, needs a multiple-entry US visa valid for at least 6 months beyond entry.
6. Colombia – Up to 90 days with a US visa or US residence permit valid for at least 180 days.
7. Dominican Republic – Tourist card on arrival, 30 days; requires valid US visa or residence permit.
8. Georgia – Up to 90 days in 180 days, valid US visa or residence permit for duration.
9. Guatemala – Up to 90 days, valid US multiple-entry visa or residence permit.
10. Mexico – Up to 180 days, valid US multiple-entry visa or green card.
11. Montenegro – Up to 30 days with valid US visa or residence permit.
12. North Macedonia – Up to 15 days, requires a US visa valid at least days beyond stay and multiple-entry.
13. Panama – Up to 30 days, US visa used once, valid at least 6 months; proof of funds (US $500) and return ticket needed.
14. Peru – Up to 180 days in a year, a US visa valid at least 6 months at entry.
15. Philippines – Up to 30 days, valid US visa or residence permit; return ticket, accommodation, and financial proof required.
16. Serbia – Up to 90 days in 180 days, valid multiple-entry US visa used previously.
17. Singapore – Up to 96 hours with a valid non-eVisa US visa; onward departure by air or sea required.
Important Details Which Are Needed To Know Before The Travel
One should know that these countries often prefer Multiple-entry visas. Besides this US visa must be valid throughout the trip and ideally used at least once to enter the US.
In most of the cases, they have mandated 6 months of remaining validity on the US visa.
At the entry, supplementary documents (proof of funds, return tickets, accommodations) are often required even where visa-free access applies.
There is a possibility that the Immigration rules may change and in addition to this, always confirm the latest rules with the official immigration website or the embassy of your destination country before booking your trip.
