France: Transit Made Easy
Indian citizens embarking on journeys through France's international transit zones will be pleased to know that the Airport Transit Visa (ATV) requirement
has been abolished. Effective April 10, 2026, this change means that if you're merely passing through French airports like Charles de Gaulle or Orly and are not entering the Schengen Area, you no longer need to secure an ATV. Previously, travelers without existing visas from countries like the US, UK, or Schengen nations were obligated to obtain this transit visa, even for short layovers. This deregulation significantly simplifies transit experiences for Indian nationals, removing a bureaucratic hurdle for those connecting flights in France en route to non-Schengen destinations.
Vietnam: Digital Arrival Card
For Indian travelers utilizing Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport as a transit point, a new pre-arrival procedure is now in effect since April 15. All foreign nationals, including Indians, are now mandated to complete Vietnam's Digital Arrival Card online. This declaration must be submitted no later than 72 hours before your arrival. Upon successful submission, a unique QR code will be generated, which you will need to present at immigration. This digital step aims to streamline the arrival process for international visitors transiting through this key Vietnamese gateway.
Thailand: Extended Stays Costlier
Indian passport holders can continue to enjoy visa-free entry into Thailand for short stays, allowing for up to 60 days of exploration. However, a significant alteration was implemented on April 27: the visa fees for individuals wishing to extend their stay beyond this initial 60-day period have been substantially increased. This policy shift means that while short trips remain convenient, longer sojourns in the Kingdom of Thailand will now incur considerably higher costs for visa extensions, a point of considerable importance for those planning extended travel or residence.
South Korea: Group Visa Perk
Good news for Indian travelers planning organized group tours to South Korea! A notable fee waiver has been introduced for group visas, specifically for those traveling as part of recognized travel agencies' curated packages. The processing fee, previously set at KRW 18,000 (approximately Rs 1,155), has been waived for these collective applications. This initiative is designed to encourage and facilitate group tourism from India, making organized trips to South Korea more economically appealing for Indian tourists joining official tour groups.
