Malaysia: Visa-Free Travel Extended
Malaysia has long been a favourite for Indian tourists, and the good news continues. The Malaysian government has officially extended its visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals all the way through December 31, 2026. This allows Indian passport holders
to enter the country for tourism or business meetings and stay for up to 30 days without needing to apply for a visa beforehand. While this simplifies travel, it’s important to remember that “visa-free” doesn’t mean “requirement-free.” All travellers must complete the mandatory Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days prior to their arrival. This is a free but essential step. You will also be expected to carry your valid passport (with at least six months of validity), a confirmed return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. For stays longer than 30 days, or for purposes like work or study, a standard visa is still required.
Sri Lanka: Tourist Visa Fees Waived
Our island neighbour, Sri Lanka, has made itself even more welcoming to Indian visitors. As of May 2026, the country has launched a new scheme that waives the fee for the tourist Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for citizens of India and several other countries. This means that while you still need to get travel authorisation before you fly, it is now completely free of charge. It is crucial to understand that this is not an automatic visa-on-arrival system; you must apply for your free ETA through the official government portal (eta.gov.lk) before your departure. Arriving without a pre-approved ETA could lead to complications. The free tourist ETA allows for a stay of up to 30 days and permits double entry, meaning you could potentially visit another nearby country and re-enter Sri Lanka within that 30-day window. This change makes a spontaneous trip to explore Sri Lanka's beaches, tea estates, and ancient ruins more affordable than ever.
Thailand: Visa-Free Entry Confirmed, With a Twist
There has been some confusion surrounding Thailand's visa policy for Indians in 2026, but the situation is now clear. After a proposal in May to move India to a paid Visa on Arrival category caused a stir, the Thai Cabinet officially reversed its course on July 14, 2026. The final decision is that Indian passport holders will continue to enjoy visa-free entry into Thailand. However, there is one significant change: the maximum period of stay under this exemption has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. For the vast majority of Indian tourists, whose holidays typically last one to two weeks, this reduction has little to no practical impact. The key takeaway is that you can still travel to Thailand for a holiday of up to 30 days without applying for a visa or paying any visa fee upon arrival, putting an end to months of uncertainty.
Kenya: A New Digital Travel System
Kenya, famous for its incredible wildlife safaris, has overhauled its entry system for all foreign visitors. Since the beginning of 2024, the country has abolished the traditional visa system. Instead, all travellers, including those from India, must now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before their journey. It's important to note that while this is often described as a "visa-free" policy, obtaining the eTA is a mandatory step and involves a processing fee of approximately USD 32.50. The previous visa-on-arrival facility is no longer available, so planning ahead is essential. The eTA is valid for a single entry and allows for a stay of up to 90 days. The system was designed to streamline the arrival process, but travellers must ensure they complete their application and receive approval before heading to the airport. This digital-first approach marks a significant shift in how one enters Kenya, requiring a bit of pre-trip online administration.
