1. Thailand: The Visa-Free Rollercoaster
Thailand has been a favourite for Indian tourists, largely thanks to its friendly visa policies. However, 2026 has been a year of rapid changes, making it essential to double-check the rules. After a period of offering 60-day visa-free entry, Thai authorities
have revised the policy. In mid-2026, the Thai Cabinet approved a shift to a 30-day visa-free stay for Indian passport holders. This decision came after a proposal to move India to a paid Visa-on-Arrival category was scrapped following a noticeable dip in travel bookings from the Indian market. As of August 2026, the official publication of this change was still pending, meaning the 60-day rule was technically still in effect for arriving tourists. However, this can change with very little notice. Before you book that trip to Phuket or Bangkok, verify the current visa-free stay period on the official Thai Immigration Bureau website. Regardless of the duration, the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) must still be completed online within 72 hours before arrival.
2. Malaysia: Free Entry, But Don't Forget the MDAC
Good news continues for those dreaming of a Malaysian holiday. The government has extended its popular visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens until the end of 2026, allowing for a stay of up to 30 days. This makes exploring Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers or Penang's street food scene incredibly convenient. However, "visa-free" does not mean "document-free." The most crucial step that travellers must not miss is completing the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This online form must be submitted within three days prior to your arrival in Malaysia. Forgetting this simple step is a common mistake and can lead to unnecessary delays at the immigration counter. Additionally, be prepared to show a confirmed return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. For trips longer than 30 days, a standard e-visa is still required.
3. Sri Lanka: The Free ETA With a Catch
Sri Lanka also remains a highly accessible destination for Indian travellers. Effective from May 25, 2026, the island nation offers a free tourist visa to Indian citizens as part of a scheme covering 40 countries. This free visa allows for a 30-day stay and permits double entry, meaning you can enter the country twice within that 30-day validity period. Here’s the important catch: while the visa is free, it is not automatic. You are still required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before you travel. The process is straightforward and done through the official Sri Lankan ETA portal, but it is a mandatory prerequisite. Arriving without a pre-approved ETA could cause issues, even though a visa-on-arrival facility may technically exist. To ensure a hassle-free start to your trip, secure your free ETA online after booking your flights and hotel.
4. The Schengen Area: Navigating the New Digital Border
A trip to Europe now involves a significant new step at the border. As of April 10, 2026, all 29 countries in the Schengen Area have fully implemented the new Entry/Exit System (EES). This system replaces manual passport stamping with a digital, biometric process. For Indian travellers (who still require a pre-approved Schengen visa), this means your facial image and fingerprints will be captured at the border on your first entry into the zone under the new system. The EES automatically logs your entry and exit dates, precisely tracking your 90-day limit within any 180-day period. While this modernises border control, travellers have reported significant queues, sometimes lasting hours at major airports, during the initial rollout. It's crucial to factor in extra time for immigration clearance. Also, do not confuse EES with ETIAS; the latter is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationalities and has been delayed, so it does not currently apply to Indian passport holders.
