Iran Suspends Visa-Free Programme
Indian travellers could previously enjoy visa-free entry to Iran, making it an accessible destination for those interested in its rich history and culture. However, that policy has now been suspended. Citing updated security-related entry requirements,
Iran now mandates that ordinary Indian passport holders obtain a visa before travelling. This change removes the country from the list of spontaneous travel options and reintroduces a layer of bureaucracy that requires travellers to complete the visa process well in advance of their departure date. The shift means that what was once a simple decision to book a flight has become a more drawn-out process involving applications and approvals.
Bolivia Scraps Visa on Arrival for E-Visa
The convenience of securing a visa upon landing in Bolivia is no longer an option for Indian citizens. The South American nation has replaced its visa-on-arrival facility with a mandatory online e-visa system. While an e-visa is still a digital process, it fundamentally alters the travel timeline. Instead of getting the visa after landing, travellers must now apply online, submit their documents, and crucially, wait for approval before even beginning their journey. This move effectively ends the possibility of a spur-of-the-moment trip to see the famous salt flats or explore La Paz, forcing travellers to build in a pre-trip administrative window.
Cape Verde Ends Island Welcomes on Arrival
The picturesque archipelago of the Cape Verde Islands was another destination that offered Indian travellers the ease of a visa on arrival. That facility was officially withdrawn for citizens of 96 countries, including India, in early 2026. This was a significant policy change that impacts a large number of global tourists. For Indian passport holders, it means a trip to the scenic Atlantic islands now requires securing a valid visa before departure. Arriving without one could result in being denied entry, turning a dream holiday into a logistical nightmare. The previous system, which allowed for a simple online registration and payment upon arrival, has been completely dismantled.
Nicaragua Introduces Prior Authorisation
Perhaps one of the most significant changes comes from Nicaragua, which has scrapped its visa-on-arrival rule and introduced a stricter requirement for prior authorisation. Indian passport holders have been placed under a 'Consulted Visa' category, which means they must receive clearance from Nicaragua's immigration authorities before they can even board a flight. This is a notable hurdle, as airlines may refuse to let a passenger board without proof of this pre-approval. This change adds a significant and potentially uncertain waiting period to travel planning, making a last-minute visit to the Central American nation virtually impossible.
