Planning an overseas holiday in 2026? Before booking your flights, check the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Several countries have revised their processes for Indian passport holders, introducing e-visas or updating existing travel-authorisation systems. Here are the changes Indian travellers should know about.
1. Laos
Indian passport holders travelling to Laos can apply for an e-visa. However, the electronic visa is accepted only at designated entry points.
Before travelling, check the approved border checkpoints, required documents, visa validity and processing time on the country’s official e-visa portal.
2. Sri Lanka
From May 25, 2026, Sri Lanka offers a free 30-day tourist Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, to citizens
of 40 countries, including India.
Although the tourist ETA is free, travellers must obtain it before their journey. Indian visitors are eligible for a 30-day stay with double-entry permission. The second visit must take place within the validity period granted upon the first arrival. Travellers should confirm the latest conditions through Sri Lanka’s official ETA portal.
3. Iran
Indian travellers planning to visit Iran must apply for an e-visa before departure under the current system. They should not assume that a visa will automatically be issued upon arrival.
Check the application requirements, processing period and permitted entry points in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
4. Chile
Chile has also introduced a digital visa application option for Indian passport holders. Travellers can apply online instead of relying entirely on the conventional paper-based process.
Applicants should verify their eligibility, upload the required documents and check the expected processing time through official Chilean consular channels before finalising their trip.
5. Ghana
Ghana now provides an electronic visa option for Indian passport holders, allowing eligible travellers to submit their applications before departure.
Before applying, check the permitted purpose of travel, supporting documents, applicable fee and validity period on the official immigration or embassy website.
6. Venezuela
Indian travellers heading to Venezuela can also use an electronic visa application process. Since entry conditions may vary according to the purpose and duration of the visit, applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria before making travel arrangements.
What To Check Before Travelling
Visa and immigration rules can change at short notice. Before purchasing non-refundable tickets, visit the destination country’s official immigration, consular or embassy website and confirm the latest requirements. Keep these documents ready while travelling:
- A passport with the required validity
- Approved e-visa or travel authorisation
- Return or onward-flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance (if required)
Checking these details in advance can help you avoid delays, denied boarding or unexpected trouble at immigration.
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