Thailand: A Shift in Tourist Visa Policy
Thailand's visa policy for Indians has seen significant back-and-forth in 2026. After a period of offering 60-day visa-free entry, the Thai Cabinet announced an end to this scheme in May. The initial plan was to move India to a visa-on-arrival category
with a shorter stay and a fee. However, following a reported drop in travel bookings from India, the policy was revised again in July 2026. The latest decision places Indian nationals in a 30-day visa-free entry category. This means that while the stay duration has been reduced from the previous 60-day special scheme, Indian tourists can still enter without needing a pre-approved visa or a visa-on-arrival. The key takeaway is that the visa-free status is retained, but for a shorter period. It's crucial for travellers to note that these changes take effect 15 days after being published in the Royal Gazette, and the 60-day stamp may still apply until that official publication. All foreign travellers must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entry.
United Kingdom: Focus on Young Professionals
The United Kingdom continues to refine its visa system, with a notable recent update concerning the India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS). This scheme offers 3,000 places annually for Indian citizens aged 18 to 30, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to two years without needing a sponsor. The key change in 2026 has been the schedule and closure of the application ballots. Most of the 3,000 places for 2026 were offered in a February ballot. A final, smaller ballot for the remaining places was held in late July 2026, which is now closed. This means that for the rest of 2026, there will be no further opportunities to apply under this popular scheme. Those who were unsuccessful or missed the window will need to wait for details of the 2027 scheme to be announced. The IYPS remains a highly competitive route, requiring a bachelor's degree and proof of savings, with successful entrants chosen randomly from the ballot. For skilled workers, other UK visa routes have also seen changes, such as a stricter English proficiency requirement and a high general salary threshold of £41,700 for many roles.
Germany: Easing Transit for Indian Travellers
In a move designed to strengthen ties and ease travel, Germany has eliminated the requirement for an airport transit visa (ATV) for Indian nationals. Announced on June 2, 2026, and effective the following day, this change means Indian passport holders no longer need a separate Schengen visa to transit through German airports like Frankfurt and Munich, provided their final destination is outside the Schengen Area. This simplifies the journey for many Indians travelling to destinations in the Americas or the UK with a layover in Germany. This follows a similar move by France earlier in the year, signalling a trend towards smoother transit for Indian passengers through major European hubs. For those planning to visit Germany itself, the standard Schengen visa application process remains in effect, and authorities have noted that high demand can lead to processing times of around 15 days or more after the application reaches the consulate.
Australia: Higher Salary Thresholds for Skilled Workers
Australia has implemented significant updates to its employer-sponsored visa programs, which will impact many Indian professionals looking to work there. Effective from July 1, 2026, the minimum salary thresholds for several skilled visas have been increased. The Core Skills Income Threshold, which applies to the popular Subclass 482 and 186 visas, has been raised. Similarly, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold for highly specialized professionals has also seen an increase. These changes mean that employers looking to sponsor foreign workers, including those from India, must offer a higher base salary to meet the new requirements. The adjustments are part of Australia's annual indexation and are aimed at ensuring that sponsored workers' wages are aligned with local market rates. These new thresholds only apply to nominations lodged on or after July 1, 2026. This makes it more expensive for companies to hire from abroad and raises the bar for skilled professionals seeking to migrate to Australia.
