Thailand: A Shift in Visa-Free Stays
Thailand has long been a favourite for Indian tourists, thanks to its simple visa process. However, recent changes have altered the visa-free scheme. After a period of offering 60-day visa-free stays, the Thai government has adjusted this policy. As of mid-2026,
the visa-free stay for Indian passport holders has been reduced to 30 days. While this is a reduction, the government has affirmed its commitment to keeping the visa-free facility in place, which had been a point of uncertainty. For most holidaymakers planning a one or two-week trip, this 30-day window is more than sufficient and continues to make Thailand an accessible option. However, for those who were planning longer stays, such as digital nomads or slow travellers, this change requires a new approach, likely involving applying for a formal tourist visa for stays exceeding 30 days.
Kenya: End of an Era for Visa-on-Arrival
Kenya, famous for its incredible wildlife safaris in the Maasai Mara, has implemented a significant overhaul of its entry system. The country has phased out its visa-on-arrival facility for all international travellers, including Indians. In its place, a new mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system is now in effect. Every visitor must apply for and receive an approved eTA online before starting their journey. Airlines will verify the eTA status before boarding, and immigration officials will scan it upon arrival. The process is entirely digital and typically takes about three working days for approval. While this move aims to streamline entry, it removes the spontaneity of the previous system. Travellers must now plan ahead and secure this digital permission, which is generally valid for a single entry of up to 90 days.
United Kingdom: New Schemes and Stricter Rules
The UK's visa landscape has seen several adjustments affecting both tourists and professionals. For skilled workers, the government has raised the minimum salary thresholds and skill levels required for sponsorship, making it more challenging for some to secure work visas. On the other hand, the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme continues to offer opportunities for young Indians to live and work in the UK for up to two years, with places allocated through a ballot system. For professionals under specific trade agreements, new pathways like the Global Business Mobility Service Supplier route have been introduced for Indian nationals. While visitor visa processes are being digitised, applicants should be aware of potentially stricter scrutiny and the importance of a clean travel history for future applications.
Schengen Area: The Move to Digital
For those dreaming of a European holiday, the Schengen Area is undergoing its most significant transformation in years. A new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, which will replace manual passport stamps with a digital, biometric record of entries and exits. This system will automatically track a traveller's 90-day stay allowance within any 180-day period. Furthermore, the plan is to phase out the traditional visa sticker in passports and replace it with a digital Schengen visa in the form of a barcode. While the full transition to digital visas is expected over the next couple of years, the EES is already becoming operational. These changes are designed to modernize border control and enhance security, requiring travellers to be more diligent in tracking their travel history and adhering to visa rules.
