1. The United States: Plan for Long Waits
Patience remains a virtue for Indians planning a trip to the United States. In 2026, first-time applicants for the popular B1/B2 tourist and business visa are still facing significant waiting periods for an interview appointment. Depending on the consulate,
waits can range from four to over nine months. For example, as of mid-2026, cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad have seen waits of around 9.5 months, while Kolkata has been comparatively faster at about four months. These long queues are a lingering effect of high demand and backlogs from previous years.While the situation has improved from the post-pandemic peaks that saw wait times stretch beyond 800 days, planning well in advance is non-negotiable. The US Department of State regularly updates appointment availability, so checking the official portal frequently can sometimes reveal earlier slots. However, the clear advice for travellers is to start the visa process at least six to twelve months before your intended travel date. For those with urgent medical or business needs, expedited appointments are still an option, but for a standard family holiday or visit, the only strategy is to apply early.
2. The United Kingdom: E-Visas Are In, But No ETA for Indians
There has been significant buzz around the UK's move to a fully digital border system, including the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, it's crucial for Indian passport holders to understand that the ETA scheme does not apply to them in 2026. The ETA is designed for nationalities that were already visa-exempt for short visits to the UK (like citizens of the US, EU, and Australia). Indian citizens are still designated as 'visa nationals' and must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before travelling.What has changed is that the visa itself is now an 'eVisa'. As of February 2026, the UK has phased out the old system of physical visa stickers (vignettes) in passports. The new eVisa system means your permission to travel is linked digitally to your passport. While the application process still requires submitting biometrics at a VFS Global centre, you will no longer need to leave your passport behind during the processing period. This move aims to streamline immigration, but the core requirement for Indians remains: a full visa application is mandatory, and you should not attempt to travel with just an ETA.
3. Thailand: The End of the Visa-Free Era
For the past couple of years, Thailand was a go-to destination for spontaneous trips, thanks to a generous visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists. That has changed in 2026. Citing concerns over visa misuse, Thai authorities have removed India from the visa exemption list. Indian passport holders now need to obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA).This brings back a few extra steps. The VoA typically costs around 2,000 THB and allows for a shorter stay of approximately 15 days, a significant reduction from the previous 60-day visa-free period. Furthermore, all travellers must now complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before their flight. You will also be expected to show proof of a return ticket, accommodation, and sufficient funds upon arrival. For longer stays, you must apply for a proper e-Visa in advance through the official government portal. While Thailand remains incredibly welcoming, the days of just booking a flight and showing up are over for now.
4. Australia: Higher Fees and Stricter Checks
Planning a trip down under now costs a bit more. On July 1, 2026, the Australian government increased the application charge for the Visitor visa (subclass 600), which is the standard tourist visa for Indians. The fee rose by 25%, from AUD 200 to AUD 250. At current exchange rates, this fee translates to roughly INR 16,875, a noticeable increase for families and solo travellers alike.Beyond the cost, applicants should be prepared for a stricter application of the 'Genuine Temporary Entrant' (GTE) requirement. This is not a new rule, but officials are applying it with more scrutiny. You must provide strong evidence of your ties to India—such as employment, property, or family commitments—to convince the visa officer that you intend to return after your visit. It is important to remember that Indian citizens are not eligible for Australia's simpler Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visas; the subclass 600 application through the official ImmiAccount portal is the only route for tourists.
