The Schengen Area: Digitalisation and New Rules
Europe remains a top destination, and the Schengen visa process is undergoing a major digital transformation in 2026. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully active, replacing traditional passport stamping with a digital, biometric record. For Indian
travellers, this means your fingerprints and a facial photo will be captured on your first entry, creating a record valid for three years. While India is not on the visa-exempt list, the EU has implemented a 'cascade' system for Indian nationals, which creates a structured path to receiving longer-term, multiple-entry visas based on a clean travel history. This is designed to reward frequent, trusted travellers with two-year and then five-year visas, simplifying future trips. The standard visa fee for adults is €90. However, the core requirements, such as mandatory travel insurance and applying to the country of your main destination, remain unchanged.
United Kingdom: New Routes for Professionals
The UK's visa landscape for Indian citizens has seen targeted changes, particularly for skilled professionals. As of March 2026, Indian nationals can apply under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) Service Supplier route, a benefit of the UK-India trade agreement. This allows for stays of up to 12 months, although it is subject to an annual cap. For young professionals, the India Young Professionals Scheme visa continues to be a popular but competitive option. It allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Entry is managed through a ballot system, and all ballots for 2026 have already closed, so aspiring applicants will need to watch for the 2027 schedule. For tourists, the process remains document-driven, with authorities recommending that first-time applicants apply for shorter visas before attempting to secure long-term 10-year visitor visas to build a travel history.
Thailand: A Reversal on Visa-Free Travel
Thailand's visa policy for Indians has been a source of confusion in 2026. After a proposal in May to scrap the popular 60-day visa-free scheme and move India to a paid Visa on Arrival (VOA) category, the Thai Cabinet reversed its decision in July. The initial plan, which would have limited stays to 15 days for a fee, was dropped after it reportedly caused a significant decline in travel bookings from India. Instead, a new framework was approved that places India on a 30-day visa-free list. As of mid-August 2026, the previous 60-day visa-free rule was still in effect because the new regulation had not yet been published in the Royal Gazette. Once published, the new 30-day visa-free entry will become the standard. It is still a visa exemption, meaning no fee is required upon entry, unlike the VOA plan that was withdrawn. All travellers must still fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before their trip.
Saudi Arabia: E-Visas and Evolving Rules
Saudi Arabia is actively working to attract more tourists from India, primarily through its e-visa system. For 2026, Indian passport holders are not eligible for an e-visa based on nationality alone; they must qualify through other criteria. These include holding a valid residence permit from a GCC country, or having a valid, used tourist or business visa from the US, UK, or Schengen area. The tourist e-visa is a multiple-entry visa, valid for one year, and allows for stays of up to 90 days per visit. However, some reports indicate that the one-year multiple-entry visa for Indian nationals was suspended in early 2025, with only single-entry visas being issued since. Travellers should also be aware that there is a seasonal suspension on tourist visa processing for Indians during the annual Hajj period. The application is primarily done online, requiring documents like a valid passport, photo, flight and hotel bookings, and travel insurance.
