Iran: Visa-Free Entry Comes to an End
For years, Iran offered a straightforward entry process for Indian travellers, thanks to a visa-waiver program that made it an accessible destination for those interested in its rich history and culture. However, that policy has now been reversed. In late
2025, Iran suspended its visa-free arrangement for ordinary Indian passport holders. This is a significant shift, meaning that spontaneous trips are no longer possible. Indian citizens planning to visit must now go through the standard visa application process and secure approval before beginning their journey. This change requires travellers to plan further in advance, submitting the necessary documentation to an Iranian embassy or consulate to obtain a visa prior to departure. The previous convenience of simply arriving has been replaced with a more formal and structured entry protocol.
Bolivia: The End of Visa-on-Arrival
The South American nation of Bolivia was another destination that offered Indian travellers the convenience of a visa-on-arrival. This allowed visitors to obtain their entry permit upon landing, simplifying travel plans. That facility has now been discontinued. Bolivia has implemented a mandatory e-visa system for Indian citizens, requiring all applications to be submitted and approved online before travel commences. This is more than just a procedural tweak; arriving in Bolivia without a pre-approved e-visa could result in being denied entry. Airlines are also likely to enforce this rule at check-in, meaning you may not even be allowed to board your flight without proof of a valid e-visa. This change makes advance planning essential for any trip to see the famous salt flats of Salar de Uyuni or explore the vibrant city of La Paz.
Cape Verde: No More VOA Facility
The stunning archipelago of Cape Verde, located off the northwest coast of Africa, has also adjusted its entry policy. Effective from January 1, 2026, the island nation has withdrawn its visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders, along with citizens of 95 other countries. Previously, Indian visitors could use the EASE platform to pre-register and then finalize their visa upon arrival. This system is no longer active for Indians. Travellers must now secure a visa from a Cape Verdean diplomatic mission before leaving India. Arriving without a pre-arranged visa is a significant risk that could lead to immediate refusal of entry by immigration authorities. This policy shift brings Cape Verde in line with countries that require more formal vetting of visitors prior to their arrival, ending the flexibility that made it a popular last-minute holiday option.
Nicaragua: Prior Authorisation Now Mandatory
Central America's largest country, Nicaragua, has introduced one of the most notable changes for Indian travellers this year. The long-standing visa-on-arrival option for Indian citizens was officially removed as of February 16, 2026. In its place, Nicaragua now requires Indian passport holders to obtain prior authorisation from the country's immigration authorities. This is not a standard visa application but a specific pre-approval that must be secured before travel. The exact process may vary, but the key takeaway is that travellers can no longer simply show up and expect entry. This change adds an extra layer of administration and uncertainty to trip planning, as securing this authorisation is now a non-negotiable prerequisite for any Indian citizen wishing to visit the country's famous lakes, volcanoes, and colonial-era cities.
Other Notable Updates for Indian Travellers
Beyond these four countries, several other popular destinations have also made important tweaks to their rules. South Africa, for instance, implemented a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for Indians. While it was initially launched for free, a processing fee of ZAR 500 was officially adopted as of August 17, 2026. Meanwhile, Thailand, a perennial favourite, continues its visa-free scheme for Indians but has reduced the maximum permitted stay from 60 days back down to 30 days. In Japan, while the visa fee itself remains unchanged for Indians, a key procedural rule has been altered in some locations. Walk-in visa applications are no longer accepted at centres in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Puducherry, with mandatory online appointments now required to streamline the process.
