Kenya: Visa-Free, But With a Mandatory ETA
Kenya made headlines by announcing a visa-free policy for all international visitors. For Indian travellers who previously navigated an e-visa process, this sounded like a significant simplification. However, the reality is more nuanced. While the visa itself
is gone, it has been replaced by a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system. All visitors, including children, must apply for and receive an approved eTA before their journey begins. The process is done online and requires submitting documents like your passport, travel itinerary, and accommodation confirmation. This change means that while you no longer apply for a traditional visa, a pre-travel digital authorisation is still an essential and compulsory step. Arriving without an approved eTA will result in being denied entry, so it's crucial to factor this application into your travel planning.
Malaysia: Visa-Free Status Extended, For Now
Malaysia has been a popular destination for Indian tourists, thanks in large part to its visa-free entry policy. The good news is that this facility, which allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism purposes, has been extended until December 31, 2026. However, the key for travellers is to not treat this as a permanent arrangement. Such policies are often reviewed and can change based on governmental decisions. Along with the visa-free status, it is mandatory for all arrivals to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before arriving. While the process is currently straightforward, it is vital to remember the end date and always check official sources before booking a trip, as assuming the policy will be extended again could lead to complications.
Thailand: A Rollercoaster of Policy Changes
Thailand's visa policy for Indians has been a source of considerable confusion in 2026. After a period of offering a generous 60-day visa-free stay, the Thai Cabinet announced in May that it would end this scheme, planning to move India to a 15-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) category with a fee. This caused a significant drop in bookings from India, a key tourism market. In response, the government reversed its decision in July, reinstating visa-free entry, but for a shorter period of 30 days. This new 30-day visa-free rule is pending publication in the Royal Gazette to become official, but it has been approved by the cabinet. This rapid back-and-forth highlights the volatility of travel policies. What was true last month may not be true today, making it absolutely essential for travellers to check the very latest announcements from the Royal Thai Embassy or official tourism news channels before making any plans.
Iran: Conflicting Information on Visa-Free Status
The situation with Iran presents a major caution for travellers relying on news headlines. In early 2024, Iran announced a visa-waiver program for Indian passport holders for tourism, allowing a 15-day stay without a visa when arriving by air. However, multiple travel and news outlets later reported in mid-2026 that Iran had ended this visa-free entry for Indians due to policy revisions. Yet, the official website of the Iranian consulate still lists the visa waiver plan as being in effect as of August 2026. This discrepancy is a perfect example of why travellers must be extremely careful. While the official government source should be the most reliable, the conflicting reports create uncertainty. For a destination like Iran, where rules can be strict, the only safe approach is to directly contact the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate to confirm the current and exact entry requirements before booking any part of a trip.
