Thailand: The Visa-Free Reversal
Thailand has long been a favourite for Indian tourists, but its visa policy saw some confusing changes in mid-2026. In May, the Thai Cabinet announced plans to scrap the popular visa-free scheme and move India to a paid Visa on Arrival (VOA) category.
This would have meant a shorter stay of 15 days and a fee of around THB 2,000. However, after a reported decline in Indian tourist interest due to the confusion, the government reversed its decision. As of a cabinet decision on July 14, 2026, Indian passport holders have been restored to the visa exemption list. You can now enter Thailand for up to 30 days for tourism without needing a visa or paying an entry fee. This replaces the previous 60-day visa exemption scheme but is a welcome clarification for travellers. The key takeaway is that the planned paid VOA was cancelled, and visa-free entry is back, although for a shorter 30-day period. Always check the Royal Thai Embassy's official announcements before booking your flights.
Malaysia: Visa-Free, But With Conditions
Good news continues for those planning a trip to Malaysia. The government has officially extended its visa-free entry programme for Indian citizens until December 31, 2026. This allows for a stay of up to 30 days for tourism or social visits. While this sounds straightforward, a crucial new step has become mandatory: completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This free online form must be filled out within three days prior to your arrival. Failure to do so can cause issues at immigration. In fact, there have been instances of travellers being denied entry despite the visa-waiver policy for not meeting all the requirements. To ensure a smooth entry, make sure you have your completed MDAC, a passport valid for at least six months, confirmed return flight tickets, and proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay. The visa is free, but preparation is key.
The Schengen Area: Digital Borders and Longer Visas
Travelling to Europe is undergoing a major digital transformation in 2026. The most significant change for Indian travellers is the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES). This automated system is replacing manual passport stamping at the borders of the 29 Schengen countries. When you enter, your fingerprints and a facial scan will be recorded digitally, creating an electronic record of your entry and exit, which automatically calculates your permitted stay. On the application side, there's a positive development for frequent travellers. The 'cascade regime' is now fully active, creating a clear pathway to longer-term visas. If you have a clean travel history with previous Schengen visas, you can become eligible for a two-year, and subsequently a five-year, multiple-entry visa. While you still need to apply for a visa for every trip initially, this change rewards compliant travellers with greater future flexibility. The entire system is also moving towards fully digital visas, which will eventually replace the sticker in your passport.
New Zealand: A Shift to Online Applications
For those planning a trip to see the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, the visa application process itself is changing. As of September 24, 2026, most visitor visa applications must be submitted through a new, enhanced Immigration Online system. This is part of a broader move by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to digitise its services. If you have already started a draft application in the old online system, you must submit it before October 8, 2026, or it will be deleted. After that date, all new applications must go through the new portal. This change does not affect the visa requirements themselves—Indian citizens still need to apply for a visitor visa in advance and cannot get one on arrival. The key is to ensure you are using the correct and current online platform to avoid delays or lost applications. This is especially important for those applying for skilled migrant visas, which also saw significant rule changes on August 24, 2026.
