Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World: Best Tourist Country in 2026
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An increase of 19% throughout the world in the tourism industry has been witnessed in the year 2024-25. France, Spain, the US, Thailand, Germany, and the UK are ranked among the 10 most visited countries in the world according to the 2024-25 projection
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The world has seen an increase of 19% in the tourism industry in the year 2024-25. The most visited countries in the world include France, China, Italy, Turkey, and more. While Europe remains the most popular region for travellers, with 793 million international trips recorded for the year, Asian destinations are making significant gains.
Moving on, the United States, Turkey, and China are likely to see a huge growth in the number of international arrivals by 2030. A notable mention to the capital of Thailand – Bangkok, with a continued growth rate of over 30%, was the most-visited city last year (2024-25).
Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World (2024-2025 Projections)
According to the projections made based on 2024-2025. France, Spain, United States will remain the most visited cities in the world. However, other countries are securing their ranks up to 10.
Here are the 10 most visited countries in the world in 2026, according to the projections made in 2024-25:
|
Rank |
Country |
Tourist Arrivals (in Millions) |
|
1 |
France |
89.4 |
|
2 |
Spain |
83.7 |
|
3 |
United States |
79.3 |
|
4 |
China |
65.7 |
|
5 |
Italy |
64.5 |
|
6 |
Turkey |
51.2 |
|
7 |
Mexico |
45.0 |
|
8 |
Thailand |
39.8 |
|
9 |
Germany |
39.6 |
|
10 |
United Kingdom |
39.4 |
Also Read: The Ultimate List of 30 Visa-Free Countries for Indians
Best Tourist Country Trending in 2026
While France and China remain on top. Many other countries have implemented strategies to up their tourism game. Like Japan (hosting Expo 2025 in Osaka) and Saudi Arabia (investing heavily in tourism with NEOM & Red Sea projects)
|
Country |
Highlights |
Average Travel Cost/Budget in Rupees (approx) |
|
France |
Famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Versailles), cultural heritage, and top global visitor numbers |
Travelling Cost: 40,000 - 1,20,000 (Round-trip flight from India) Accommodation:2,800 - 8,800 per night (Budget to Mid-range) Daily Expenses:3,600 - 11,000 per day |
|
Spain |
Vibrant culture, architecture, beaches (Madrid, Barcelona, Santorini-like islands) |
Travelling Cost: 25,000 - 1,00,000 (Round-trip flight) Accommodation:2,200 - 5,300 per night (Budget to Mid-range) Daily Expenses:2,500 - 5,500 per day |
|
Japan |
Expo 2025 in Osaka, future-oriented exhibits, and cultural tourism |
Travelling Cost: 48,000 - 96,000 (Round-trip flight from India) Accommodation: 4,400 - 8,800 per night Daily Expenses: 4,400 - 11,000 per day |
|
Saudi Arabia |
Luxury resorts, NEOM, Red Sea, AlUla heritage |
Travelling Cost: 25,000 - 50,000 (Round-trip from India) Accommodation: 2,500 - 8,000 per night Daily Expenses: 2,000 - 6,000 per day |
|
South Korea |
K-pop, tech tourism |
Travelling Cost: 42,000 - 75,000 (Round-trip from India) Accommodation: 3,500 - 8,000 Daily Expenses: 1,600 - 4,400 per night (Budget to Mid-range) |
|
Greece |
Santorini, Athens, and island hopping |
Travelling Cost: 40,000 - 1,00,000 (Round-trip from India) Accommodation: 3,000 - 15,000 per night Daily Expenses: 1,500 - 5,000 per day |
|
Vietnam |
Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, natural beauty |
Travelling Cost: 20,000 - 40,000 Accommodation: 2,500 - 6,000 per night Miscellaneous: 2,000 - 3,000 total |
Get the complete overview of the Top 10 Cheapest Countries To Travel From India, to plan your affordable travel accordingly.
Visa Requirements for Indian Travellers Abroad in 2026
Indian travellers require visas for most major destinations in 2026, but options like visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival (VoA), and e-visas simplify access to about 59 countries. Popular visa-free spots like Thailand (up to 60 days with a digital arrival card from May 2025), Malaysia (30 days until December 2026), and Nepal. However, it is crucial to always ensure a passport valid for at least six months, return tickets, and proof of funds or accommodation.
|
Country |
Visa Type |
Key Documents Typically Required |
|
France |
Schengen Visa |
|
|
Spain |
Schengen Visa |
|
|
United States |
B1/B2 Visa |
|
|
China |
Tourist Visa (L) |
|
|
Italy |
Schengen Visa |
|
|
Turkey |
E-Visa |
|
|
Mexico |
Tourist Card (FMM) |
|
|
Thailand |
Visa Free |
|
|
Germany |
Schengen Visa |
|
|
United Kingdom |
Standard Visitor Visa |
|
Explore the complete details of Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa from India in 2026, along with types, costs, and the process to buy
Best Time to Visit Top Tourist Countries in the World in 2026
Before we conclude, so far we have learnt everything about the most visited countries in the world, along with tourist visa requirements. Let us further explore the details of the best time to visit these countries in 2026
|
Country |
Best Time to Visit |
|
France |
April - June or September - October |
|
Spain |
April - June or September - October |
|
United States |
April - June or September - October |
|
China |
April - May or September - October |
|
Italy |
April - June or September - October |
|
Turkey |
April - May or September - October |
|
Mexico |
November - April |
|
Thailand |
November - February |
|
Germany |
May - September |
|
United Kingdom |
May - September |
Also Read:
- Best Places to Visit in Canada
- 10 Best Places to Visit in Sweden
- Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
- 12 Best Places to Visit in Dubai
- Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in London
- Top 10 Must See Places in New York
- Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Germany
- 10 Best Places to Travel in the World
Which Country Attracts You the Most? Plan Your Travel with GetGIS
This concludes our list of the Top 10 Most Visited Countries Worldwide for 2026. There are a variety of opportunities available when you travel the world, including fantastic climates, abundant natural resources, and high living standards. However, here's an intriguing twist: these are the world's most visited nations.
However, what is surprising is that each of these locations has something unique to offer, leaving you to wonder which one, in terms of earning a living, actually merits your attention. If you need help organizing your upcoming trip, GetGIS can handle it all just for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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