1. The Schengen Area: A New Digital Border
If you're planning a trip to popular European destinations like France, Germany, or Italy, be prepared for a new process at the border. The European Union has implemented its Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces manual passport stamping with a digital,
biometric process. For Indian travellers, this means that upon your first entry into any of the 29 Schengen countries, your fingerprints and a facial scan will be recorded. This digital record will then track your entries, exits, and ensure you comply with the 90/180-day short-stay rule. While this doesn't change the need for a Schengen visa, it's a significant change at immigration. First-time visitors under this system may experience slightly longer processing times, so it’s wise to factor in extra time at the airport. Your biometric data is stored for three years, which should streamline subsequent trips. You may have also heard of ETIAS, but that system is for visa-exempt nationals and does not apply to Indian passport holders who need a visa.
2. The United Kingdom: The Shift to eVisas
The United Kingdom has been digitizing its border, leading to some confusion around its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. It's important for Indian citizens to know that the ETA is for travellers from countries who do not need a visa to visit the UK. Indian passport holders are not eligible for the ETA and must still apply for a standard UK visitor visa. However, the UK has been transitioning to a mandatory eVisa system for Indian travellers, which became official in early 2026. This means that while you still go through the full visa application process, the final issued visa is digital rather than a physical sticker in your passport. Airlines will check for this digital permission before boarding, making it essential to have all your approvals in order. The core requirement—obtaining a visa before travel—remains unchanged, but the output is now fully digital.
3. Sri Lanka: Navigating the Free Visa Policy
In a bid to boost tourism, Sri Lanka has introduced a visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens, among other nationalities. This is a significant update, as it removes the cost barrier for a short holiday. Under this scheme, Indian passport holders can get a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for a 30-day stay with double-entry facility. However, "free" doesn't mean you can just show up. Travellers must still apply for this ETA online through the official Sri Lankan portal before their departure. The good news is that the application process itself is now free of charge. This policy was launched as a pilot project and has been extended, making it one of the most accessible destinations for a quick getaway. Always check the official ETA website before you book, as these policies can have specific conditions or end dates.
4. Indonesia: The Bali Tourist Levy
While not a visa, a new mandatory payment has been introduced for all foreign tourists visiting Bali, including those from India. Since February 2024, the Bali Provincial Government requires every international visitor to pay a one-time tourist levy of 150,000 IDR (approximately ₹800-900). This fee applies to every individual, regardless of age, and must be paid for each entry into Bali, even if you are arriving from another part of Indonesia. The funds are intended for the preservation of Balinese culture and nature. To avoid queues and potential scams, it is highly recommended to pay this levy online before your trip via the official "Love Bali" website or app. Upon payment, you will receive a QR code voucher via email, which you should keep handy to be scanned upon arrival. While payment at the airport is possible, doing it in advance ensures a smoother start to your holiday.
