What Exactly Has Changed?
In a series of policy revisions during 2026, the governments of Bolivia, Cabo Verde (also known as Cape Verde), and Nicaragua have suspended their visa-on-arrival (VOA) facilities for Indian citizens. This change means that spontaneous trips to these
destinations are no longer possible, and travellers must now secure the appropriate travel authorisation before they depart from India. Previously, Indians could land in these countries and complete immigration formalities upon entry. Now, airlines are likely to deny boarding to anyone without the required pre-approved visa or entry permit. This shift brings these nations in line with more traditional visa regimes, requiring more advance planning from tourists and business travellers alike.
New Rules for Each Country
The new procedures vary by country, making it crucial for travellers to understand the specific requirements for their destination. For Bolivia, the visa-on-arrival has been replaced with a mandatory online e-visa system. Applicants must submit their documents and receive an electronic approval before their journey. Cabo Verde, an Atlantic island nation, ended its VOA facility for India and 95 other countries effective January 1, 2026. Indian visitors must now obtain a visa before arrival. Nicaragua has introduced the most significant change, moving Indian passport holders to its 'Category C' or 'Consulted Visa' system as of February 2026. This requires travellers to get prior approval directly from Nicaraguan immigration authorities before even booking a flight.
Why the Sudden Policy Shift?
Official reasons for the coordinated policy changes have not been explicitly detailed, but such shifts in immigration rules are often linked to broader reviews of national security, immigration patterns, and bilateral relations. Sometimes, countries update their visa frameworks to streamline entry processes, while at other times, changes are made to manage the flow of visitors or in response to the misuse of visa facilities. For instance, reports mention that Iran, another country that recently revoked its visa-waiver program for Indians, did so after updating its security-related entry requirements. The moves by Bolivia, Cabo Verde, and Nicaragua could be part of a larger, independent assessment of their visa policies or a reflection of evolving diplomatic postures. For travellers, the key takeaway is that international visa landscapes are dynamic and can change with little warning.
Impact on Indian Travellers
While Bolivia, Cabo Verde, and Nicaragua are not among the most common destinations for the average Indian tourist, they hold significant appeal for backpackers, adventure travellers, and those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Bolivia is famed for the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats and Andean landscapes, while Nicaragua offers a rich mix of volcanic scenery and colonial history. The changes primarily affect the flexibility and spontaneity that visa-on-arrival offered. What was once a simple process of booking a ticket and showing up now involves paperwork and waiting periods. This adds another layer of complexity and cost to travel planning. More importantly, it highlights a potential trend of countries re-evaluating their open-door policies, requiring Indian travellers to be more vigilant about visa rules.
The Bigger Picture for the Indian Passport
These policy changes have had a tangible impact on the perceived strength of the Indian passport. According to the Henley Passport Index, India's ranking fluctuated in 2026, slipping to 81st in July from a high of 75th earlier in the year. The number of destinations offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Indian passport holders fell from 57 in 2025 to 55 in mid-2026. This was a direct result of the policy shifts in these three countries as well as Iran. While the overall power of the passport is determined by many factors, the loss of even a few simplified entry options serves as a crucial reminder for citizens. The global mobility landscape is constantly shifting, and access granted one year is not guaranteed the next.
