The Schengen Area Goes Digital
Europe is overhauling its visa process, with major implications for Indian travellers. The EU is phasing out the traditional visa sticker in your passport and introducing a digital system. Applications will move to a single, unified online portal for all
29 Schengen countries, where you can upload documents and pay fees. Upon approval, you'll receive a secure digital barcode linked to your passport, which will be scanned at the border. This new process aims to streamline applications and enhance security. While the full transition is expected to be complete by 2028, the system is projected to start going live in 2026. However, first-time applicants will still need to visit a visa application centre in person to provide biometric data like fingerprints. For frequent travellers, the EU's "cascade" regime, which became fully active for Indians, offers a clearer path to receiving multi-year visas, starting with two-year and then five-year validities for those with a good travel history.
Germany Eases Transit Rules
In a significant move that simplifies travel to the Americas and Africa, Germany has removed the airport transit visa requirement for Indian nationals. Effective from June 3, 2026, Indian passport holders no longer need a separate visa to transit through major German airports like Frankfurt and Munich, provided their final destination is a non-Schengen country. This change eliminates a long-standing logistical hurdle for many travellers who use German hubs for connecting flights. Previously, flying through Germany to countries like the US, Canada, or others outside the Schengen zone required a specific transit visa, adding another layer of paperwork and planning to the journey. The removal of this rule makes travel smoother and opens up more convenient flight routes for Indians heading west or to other parts of the world via one of Europe's busiest air corridors.
Malaysia Extends Visa-Free Stays
Good news for those planning a trip to Southeast Asia: Malaysia has extended its visa-free facility for Indian citizens until December 31, 2026. This policy allows Indian passport holders to enter Malaysia for up to 30 days without needing to apply for a visa in advance. This extension continues a popular arrangement that makes short trips for tourism or business significantly easier. However, there is a key digital requirement. Before travelling, all Indian visitors must complete and submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online. This must be done within three days prior to arrival. Travellers should also ensure their passport has at least six months of validity and hold a confirmed return flight ticket. This continued visa-free access keeps Malaysia a highly accessible and attractive destination for Indian tourists.
Several Countries Adjust Entry Policies
The visa landscape saw several other notable adjustments in 2026. Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, suspended its visa-on-arrival facility for Indians from January 1, 2026; travellers must now secure a visa before departure. Similarly, Iran also suspended its visa-free arrangements for ordinary Indian passport holders, requiring a pre-approved visa for entry. On a more positive note for professionals, the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme continued in 2026, offering 3,000 visas to eligible young Indians through a ballot system, although all ballots for the year have now closed. Japan, however, introduced an appointment-only system for visa applications, discontinuing walk-in services, and also implemented a significant fee hike from July 1, 2026.
