Visa platform Atlys reported a five-fold jump in searches and completed applications for Sri Lanka by Indian users this December compared with the previous winter season. South Africa and Oman followed with nearly triple the interest, reflecting a diversification of outbound leisure travel beyond traditional short-haul favourites like Dubai and Bangkok.
Travel-industry executives attribute Sri Lanka’s surge to the island’s decision to extend fee-free visas for Indian tourists until 31 March 2026 and aggressive airline capacity additions out of Chennai and Bengaluru. Meanwhile, South Africa’s forthcoming Trusted Tour Operator Scheme and a stronger rupee-rand exchange rate are making long-haul safaris more affordable.
For Indian travellers mapping out these newly attractive destinations—or for corporate mobility planners juggling multiple passport requirements—VisaHQ can streamline the entire visa process, from online application to doorstep document pickup. The company’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) offers real-time requirements for Sri Lanka, South Africa, Oman and dozens of other countries, helping travel managers keep itineraries on track and avoid last-minute surprises.
![Sri Lanka tops Indians’ winter-holiday wish-list, says Atlys report]()
Corporate mobility planners may see knock-on effects: higher demand is pushing up airfares on peak-season dates, potentially complicating last-minute business trips. Firms should secure flexible corporate fares early or consider virtual meetings during the year-end rush.
The trend also signals opportunity for incentive-travel managers looking for new destinations offering value and simplified visa processes. Oman’s 14-day e-visa waiver for Indian Schengen or US visa holders has positioned Muscat as a credible MICE alternative to Dubai.
Atlys expects Sri Lanka to maintain pole position into Q1 2026 if political stability holds and the rupee remains strong.
Travel-industry executives attribute Sri Lanka’s surge to the island’s decision to extend fee-free visas for Indian tourists until 31 March 2026 and aggressive airline capacity additions out of Chennai and Bengaluru. Meanwhile, South Africa’s forthcoming Trusted Tour Operator Scheme and a stronger rupee-rand exchange rate are making long-haul safaris more affordable.
For Indian travellers mapping out these newly attractive destinations—or for corporate mobility planners juggling multiple passport requirements—VisaHQ can streamline the entire visa process, from online application to doorstep document pickup. The company’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) offers real-time requirements for Sri Lanka, South Africa, Oman and dozens of other countries, helping travel managers keep itineraries on track and avoid last-minute surprises.
Corporate mobility planners may see knock-on effects: higher demand is pushing up airfares on peak-season dates, potentially complicating last-minute business trips. Firms should secure flexible corporate fares early or consider virtual meetings during the year-end rush.
The trend also signals opportunity for incentive-travel managers looking for new destinations offering value and simplified visa processes. Oman’s 14-day e-visa waiver for Indian Schengen or US visa holders has positioned Muscat as a credible MICE alternative to Dubai.
Atlys expects Sri Lanka to maintain pole position into Q1 2026 if political stability holds and the rupee remains strong.
