Indian travellers are increasingly rethinking their international travel choices following recent geopolitical developments. Visa processing platform Atlys has reported a 42% drop in visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan, driven by strong public sentiment after the two nations publicly expressed support for Pakistan in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor. This sudden shift is reshaping the travel landscape, with Southeast Asian destinations emerging as preferred alternatives for Indian tourists.
Political Support Sparks Swift Backlash
The decline follows Turkey and Azerbaijan’s vocal backing of Pakistan, a move that came shortly after India’s launch of Operation Sindoor, a military operation aimed at counterterrorism. In response, Indian travellers appear to have voted with their wallets. Atlys noted a sharp behavioral response, with 60% of users abandoning their Turkey or Azerbaijan visa applications midway through just 36 hours of the geopolitical development.
This pattern illustrates the growing emotional and political awareness among Indian travellers, especially as global politics increasingly intersects with consumer choices.
Metro Cities Lead the Rejection
According to Atlys’ data, the drop in visa applications was most pronounced in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, where there was a 53% decline in Turkey-bound applications. In contrast, travellers from tier II cities like Indore and Jaipur showed more resilience, with only a 20% decrease.
The sharper fall in metros may be attributed to a higher concentration of younger, digitally-savvy, and politically-aware travellers who are quicker to respond to such developments.
Group Travel Hit the Hardest
Among different travel profiles, group visa applications—typically for families or large tours—took the steepest hit, declining by nearly 49%. Solo and couple travellers showed more gradual changes, with a 27% drop. This suggests that group travellers, who often plan well in advance and are more risk-averse, were more sensitive to the geopolitical context.
Atlys added that this trend may also reflect the longer lead times and higher financial commitments involved in group travel, making them more susceptible to cancellations amid uncertainty.
Younger Travellers and Women Lead the Shift
The data highlights a clear demographic pattern: travellers aged 25 to 34 were the most responsive, accounting for over 70% of mid-process visa drop-offs for Turkey. This age group, known for high digital engagement and real-time decision-making, was quick to adapt to the changing scenario.
Interestingly, women travellers demonstrated a greater likelihood of switching travel plans altogether. They were 2.3 times more inclined to restart visa applications for alternative destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Thailand.
Southeast Asia Emerges as the Big Winner
As interest in Turkey and Azerbaijan waned, countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Egypt experienced a surge in visa applications, up to 31% according to Atlys. These destinations are increasingly seen as attractive alternatives due to their affordability, accessibility, and political neutrality.
This shift also underscores the agility of modern Indian travellers, who are willing to recalibrate their itineraries based on political sentiment and social awareness.
The Rise of Emotionally Intelligent Travel
Atlys CEO Mohak Nahta described the trend as “sharp and behavioural,” emphasizing that modern travellers are emotionally intelligent and logistically agile. “People didn’t need to be told to avoid certain destinations. They simply moved on, guided by instinct, information, and access to alternatives,” he said. The company has also halted all marketing campaigns related to Turkey and Azerbaijan in a show of solidarity with Indian public sentiment.
Summing Up
The 42% drop in visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan marks a significant moment in the evolution of Indian outbound tourism. Travellers are now more influenced by global politics and national sentiment, and they are acting decisively through digital platforms that enable quick shifts.
With Southeast Asia now emerging as the preferred region, particularly among younger and female travellers, the travel industry must adapt to this changing dynamic. If current trends persist, the summer of 2025 may well be dominated by a surge in short-haul, politically-neutral destinations that align better with Indian travellers’ emotional and practical considerations.
