Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World: Best Tourist Country in 2026

Lakshmi

5 min read

Updated On Dec 18, 2025

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

Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World

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Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World (2024-2025 Projections)
Best Tourist Country Trending in 2026
Visa Requirements for Indian Travellers Abroad in 2026
Best Time to Visit Top Tourist Countries in the World in 2026
Which Country Attracts You the Most? Plan Your Travel with GetGIS

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

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	Valid passport (6+ months validity), Schengen visa application form Recent passport-size photographs Confirmed flight itinerary, hotel/accommodation proof Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage) Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements) Employment leave letter or student proof Income tax returns (if applicable)
Spain	Schengen Visa	Valid passport (6+ months validity) Schengen visa application form Recent passport-size photographs Confirmed flight itinerary, hotel/accommodation proof Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage) Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements) Employment leave letter or student proof Income tax returns (if applicable)
United States	B1/B2 Visa	Valid passport (6+ months validity) DS-160 confirmation page Visa appointment confirmation Recent photograph (US specifications) Travel itinerary Proof of financial ability, evidence of strong ties to India (employment letter, salary slips, property documents) Previous travel history (if any)
China	Tourist Visa (L)	Valid passport (6+ months validity) China visa application form Recent photographs Confirmed flight tickets, hotel booking or invitation letter, travel itinerary Proof of financial means Previous China visas (if applicable)
Italy	Schengen Visa	Valid passport (6+ months validity) Schengen visa application form Recent passport-size photographs Confirmed flight itinerary, hotel/accommodation proof Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage) Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements) Employment leave letter or student proof Income tax returns (if applicable)
Turkey	E-Visa	Valid passport (6+ months validity) Online e-Visa application, passport scan, Confirmed travel dates, proof of accommodation & return ticket (in some cases, a valid US/UK/Schengen visa or residence permit may be required)
Mexico	Tourist Card (FMM)	Valid passport (6+ months validity) Recent photograph Confirmed flight itinerary, hotel booking Proof of sufficient funds Employment proof Alternatively like, valid US/UK/Canada/Schengen visa for visa-exempt entry
Thailand	Visa Free	Valid passport (6+ months validity) Completed arrival card, Return or onward ticket Proof of accommodation Proof of sufficient funds Passport-size photographs (for Visa on Arrival, if applicable)
Germany	Schengen Visa	Valid passport (6+ months validity) Schengen visa application form Recent passport-size photographs Confirmed flight itinerary, hotel/accommodation proof Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage) Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements) Employment leave letter or student proof Income tax returns (if applicable)
United Kingdom	Standard Visitor Visa	Valid passport (6+ months validity) Online UK Standard Visitor Visa application form Recent photograph Travel itinerary and accommodation details Proof of funds Employment letter or business proof Evidence of ties to India Biometric submission at VAC

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:

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

Which five nations receive the highest number of tourists worldwide?

France is the most visited country in the world, followed by Spain, China, Italy, and the United States. France is the most visited country in the world, followed by Spain, China, Italy, and the United States.

What are the contributing factors to a nation ranking among the most visited in the world?

A country's rich history and cultural legacy, range of activities, mouthwatering regional food, and accessibility to luxurious lodgings are some of the elements that make it one of the most visited destinations in the world.

Do these countries have a particular peak travel season?

Indeed, based on variables like the local climate and festivals, each nation has a peak travel season.

What is the cost of lodging in France, the nation that receives the most tourists worldwide?

In France, a single person's daily accommodation costs around $87.

What are the most expensive tourist attractions in the most visited countries?

The most expensive tourist attractions are found in countries like Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia. These countries are known for their high costs for accommodation, transportation, dining, and tourist activities.

Which are the top visited cities in the world?

As per the data from Euromonitor International, the list of most visited cities in the world include Istanbul, London, Dubai, Antalya, Paris, Hong Kong, Bangkok, New York, Cancun, and Mecca.