The Good News: Easier Entry and Visa-Free Perks
For Indian travellers, 2026 brought a mix of welcome news. Malaysia has extended its popular visa-free entry program until December 31, 2026, allowing for stays of up to 30 days without a visa. The only catch is the mandatory Malaysia Digital Arrival
Card (MDAC), which must be completed online before you fly. Similarly, Thailand continues to offer visa-free entry, though the stay period was adjusted. Effective September 15, 2026, the visa-exempt stay was reduced from 60 days to 30 days. This change still comfortably accommodates most tourist itineraries. Beyond Southeast Asia, both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have opened their doors, adding Indian passport holders to their visa-free lists this year. In South America, Argentina has also eased its rules; Indians holding a valid visa from the US, UK, or Schengen zone can now enter without needing a separate Argentinian visa, simplifying multi-country travel plans. These moves reflect a growing trend of countries simplifying entry to boost tourism from India.
The Digital Shift: More E-Visas and Online Authorisations
Several nations have embraced digitalisation, swapping cumbersome visa processes for streamlined online systems. Sri Lanka now offers a free 30-day Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Indian tourists, which can be secured online before departure. This replaces the previous system and simplifies pre-travel arrangements. Further afield, a trio of countries—Chile, Ghana, and Venezuela—have moved away from traditional sticker visas and now offer an e-visa option for Indians. While this still requires an application, the process is entirely online, saving travellers a trip to an embassy or consulate. This shift to digital systems is a significant step towards modernising travel, but it underscores the need for diligence. Travellers must ensure they use the official government portals for these applications and check the specific requirements for entry points, as some e-visas are only valid at certain airports or land borders.
New Hurdles: Countries Tightening Their Rules
While many countries are opening up, some have made spontaneous travel more difficult. A handful of nations that previously offered visa-on-arrival have tightened their policies in 2026. Cape Verde, Iran, Bolivia, and Nicaragua have all discontinued their visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian citizens. This means travellers must now secure a visa before departing for these destinations. Arriving without one could lead to denied entry. Laos and Qatar have also adjusted their policies, shifting from a visa-on-arrival model to a mandatory e-visa system. This requires travellers to apply and receive approval online ahead of their trip. While an e-visa is more convenient than a traditional visa, it removes the option of simply showing up and getting a visa at the airport. These changes highlight a crucial point for all travellers: never assume that a previous rule is still in effect. A last-minute check can prevent major disruptions.
Major Hubs: What’s New in Europe and The US
Travel to Europe and the United States has also seen important updates. The Schengen Area is rolling out its new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces manual passport stamping with electronic records of entry and exit dates. For frequent flyers to Europe, the good news is the full implementation of the 'cascade' regime, which makes it easier for travellers with a good visa history to obtain multi-year visas for two or even five years. Some Schengen countries like Spain, France, and Germany have also relaxed rules for airport transit visas for Indians in certain situations. Meanwhile, the United States has introduced a new USD 250 'visa integrity fee' for some non-immigrant visas, adding a new cost to the application process. For tourists to the UK, the process remains largely unchanged; Indian citizens still require a Standard Visitor visa, as the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system does not apply to them.
