1. Malaysia: Visa-Free Entry Confirmed for 2026
Good news for those dreaming of a trip to Kuala Lumpur or Langkawi. Malaysia has officially extended its visa-free entry policy for Indian passport holders through December 31, 2026. This popular scheme allows for a stay of up to 30 days for tourism purposes
without the need to apply for a visa in advance. The decision is part of Malaysia's 'Visit Malaysia 2026' tourism campaign, aimed at boosting visitor numbers. While there's no visa fee, travellers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days prior to their arrival. Be sure to have your passport with at least six months' validity, confirmed return tickets, and proof of accommodation, as immigration officials will check these upon entry.
2. Sri Lanka: Free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Our island neighbour Sri Lanka has also made it easier and cheaper for Indian tourists to visit. The country has rolled out a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for India and 39 other nations, which came into effect on May 25, 2026. Under this policy, the visa fee is completely waived for tourist visits. Indian travellers can get a 30-day tourist ETA with a double-entry facility at no cost. It is important to note that while the process is free, applying for the ETA online before you travel is still a mandatory step. Airlines will check for ETA approval before boarding, so be sure to visit the official government portal to complete the formality before you fly.
3. Kenya: The New Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System
For those planning a safari adventure, it's crucial to know that Kenya has overhauled its entry system. The country has discontinued its previous e-visa and visa-on-arrival options, replacing them with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for all international visitors, including Indians. This isn't a visa-free policy but a streamlined digital clearance system. Every traveller must apply and get approval for an eTA before their journey. The application is done entirely online and typically takes about three to five business days to process, though it's recommended to apply at least a week in advance. The eTA is valid for a single entry and allows for a stay of up to 90 days. Arriving without a valid eTA can result in being denied entry.
4. Thailand: Navigating the Visa Exemption Rules
Thailand's visa policy for Indians has seen some turbulence in 2026. After a proposal in May to scrap the visa-free scheme and move India to a paid visa-on-arrival category, Thai authorities reversed course. As of mid-July 2026, the government has reinstated a 30-day visa exemption for Indian nationals, though this is a reduction from the previous 60-day exemption that was in effect. This means Indian tourists can still enter for up to 30 days without needing a visa. The situation highlights how quickly policies can change and be reversed. Travellers should always check the latest announcements from the Royal Thai Embassy or the official tourism authority before finalising plans, as the implementation dates for these changes can be fluid.
