Indian Traveller Highlights Bias Faced by Passport Holders Abroad: “Even With a Visa, You’re Treated With Suspicion”
Indian Traveller Highlights Bias Faced by Passport Holders Abroad: “Even With a Visa, You’re Treated With Suspicion”
India may have emerged as the fourth-largest economy in the world, but for many Indian travellers, that milestone doesn’t translate to smoother international experiences. A recent Instagram video by travel creator Prateek Singh has gone viral for shedding light on the discrimination and excessive scrutiny faced by Indian passport holders—even in countries that allow visa-free access.
In his video, Singh offers a firsthand account of how Indian travellers are often treated with suspicion at immigration counters, despite having valid documentation and clean travel histories. He calls it a “30-minute viva” many are forced to endure before being allowed to proceed, regardless of their visa status.
Visa-Free Doesn’t Always Mean Hassle-Free
Singh described a recent layover in Hong Kong while en route to South Korea—one of the countries that offers visa-free entry to Indians. Despite holding visas from the U.S., Japan, and the Schengen region, Singh was pulled aside for additional questioning.
“I was asked to open my wallet so they could check how much cash I was carrying and count my credit cards,” he recounted. “No one else in the line faced the same treatment. I had every document in place—return ticket, hotel bookings, a planned itinerary, even a taxi waiting. Still, I was made to feel like a suspect.”
A Few Bad Apples, a Tarnished Reputation
Singh also pointed to how the actions of a few irresponsible travellers have led to wider consequences for all Indians. He referenced Serbia, which once allowed Indians to travel visa-free, but later revoked the privilege due to misuse by individuals seeking unauthorized entry into other European nations.
“The problem is that our passport is no longer judged by just the country name—it’s judged by past behavior of other passport holders,” Singh noted.
Social Media Weighs In
Singh’s video has triggered a wave of reactions online. Thousands of Indians shared their own frustrating experiences of being interrogated, profiled, or humiliated at foreign airports. While many applauded Singh for voicing what others have endured silently, others reflected on the deeper issues contributing to the global perception of Indian travellers.
One commenter wrote, “I’ve seen fellow Indians at airports chewing gutka, sitting on the floor, speaking loudly on phone calls. It may seem harmless at home, but abroad, it affects how all of us are seen.”
Another said, “We’re a growing power on the world stage, but our passport doesn’t carry that same respect. From applying for visas to facing extra scrutiny at borders—we’re still treated like second-class travellers.”
Emotional Toll of Global Travel
Beyond just the bureaucratic hurdles, the emotional strain of international travel is another recurring theme among Indians. One user remarked, “Applying for a tourist visa is already mentally draining—the interviews, documents, background checks. Once you finally make it abroad, you’re met with suspicion instead of welcome.”
Another added, “India is racing ahead in global rankings. But at every immigration counter, we’re still proving ourselves. It’s disheartening.”
A Plea for Reform
In his closing remarks, Singh urged the Indian government to take stronger action against individuals misusing travel privileges and to invest in improving the global credibility of the Indian passport.
His message has struck a chord with many who feel that true global mobility should accompany economic growth. Singh’s video serves as a powerful reminder that while India may be rising economically, its citizens still face hurdles that can’t be measured in GDP.
Until global perception catches up with the country’s economic progress, Indian travellers may continue to face challenges that go far beyond paperwork—and speak to the need for both image correction and institutional reform.
