Europe's High-Tech Welcome
The Schengen Area, covering 27 European countries, is undergoing a major digital transformation in 2026. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational, replacing manual passport stamps with a faster, biometric process. For Indian travellers,
this means your fingerprints and a facial scan will be recorded on your first entry, creating a digital record that simplifies subsequent visits for the next three years. More importantly for frequent flyers, the EU has implemented a new 'cascade' system for Indian nationals. This policy provides a clearer path to obtaining multiple-entry visas with longer validity—potentially up to five years—based on your travel history. If you have a clean Schengen record, your chances of being granted a long-term visa that allows for multiple trips have significantly improved, making spontaneous European holidays a much easier proposition.
Thailand's Visa-Free Status Clarified
There has been considerable confusion surrounding Thailand's visa policy for Indians in 2026. Earlier in the year, the Thai Cabinet announced plans to end the popular 60-day visa exemption and move India to a paid Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) scheme. This news caused a drop in tourist bookings and widespread uncertainty. However, in a welcome reversal, this plan was scrapped. As of August 2026, the 60-day visa-free entry for Indian passport holders remains active until new regulations are formally published. Looking ahead, the Thai government has approved a new framework that will grant Indians a permanent 30-day visa-free entry, cementing its status as a hassle-free destination. The key takeaway for holidaymakers is simple: travel to Thailand remains visa-free, and while the duration of stay might be adjusted from 60 to 30 days in the future, the costly VOA plan is off the table.
Malaysia's Straightforward Visa Waiver
For those planning a trip to Southeast Asia, Malaysia has rolled out a very attractive and simple offer for Indian tourists. The country is now providing 30 days of visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. This is not a complex visa-on-arrival process but a straightforward visa waiver, making entry smooth and cost-effective. This policy has been a significant factor in the Indian passport's improved ranking in 2026 and opens up another excellent option for a short-haul international holiday. It's important to note that this is a temporary scheme, currently slated to be valid until December 31, 2026. This makes the remainder of the year the perfect time to explore Kuala Lumpur's cityscapes, the beaches of Langkawi, or the historical streets of Penang without the usual visa paperwork and fees.
The UK: Sticking to the Standard Visa
While the UK is rolling out a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for many nationalities, it's crucial for Indian holidaymakers to know that India is not currently on the ETA-eligible list. This means you still need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa through the traditional process. The cost for a standard six-month visa remains around £127 (approximately ₹13,500), plus VFS service fees. While this may seem less convenient than an ETA, the process is well-established, and approval rates for Indian applicants have been consistently high. Another point of interest for younger travellers is the India Young Professionals Scheme, which allows eligible degree-holders to live and work in the UK for two years. However, this is a separate ballot-based system, and all ballots for 2026 have already concluded. For holiday travel, the message is clear: plan for the standard visa application and do not assume you can use the ETA system.
