Planning a foreign trip? These four countries have changed visa rules for Indians

Planning an overseas holiday? Four countries have changed their visa rules for Indian passport holders in 2026. While Indians still enjoy simplified entry to 55 destinations, travellers should check the latest requirements before booking, as visa ...

Agencies
If you're planning an international holiday this year, checking the latest visa rules before booking flights has become more important than ever. Four countries changed their entry policies for Indian passport holders in 2026, meaning travellers who could previously enter with a visa on arrival or visa-free access may now need approval before departure.

According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or similar simplified entry access to 55 destinations. That is down from 57 destinations in 2025 after changes introduced by Iran, Bolivia, Cape Verde Islands and Nicaragua.

The decline does not necessarily mean the Indian passport has become weaker. Passport rankings change regularly as countries revise visa agreements, tighten immigration policies or introduce new digital entry systems.


Four countries that changed visa rules in 2026

Iran: Visa-free access suspended

Iran suspended visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders after updating its security-related entry requirements. Indians must now obtain a visa before travelling.

Bolivia: Visa on arrival replaced by e-visa

Bolivia has replaced its visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens with an online e-visa system. Travellers must apply online and receive approval before boarding their flight.

Cape Verde Islands: Visa on arrival no longer available

Cape Verde ended its visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of 96 countries, including India, from January 1, 2026. Indian travellers now need to obtain a visa before arrival.
ADVERTISEMENT

Nicaragua: Prior approval now required

Nicaragua has withdrawn visa-on-arrival access for ordinary Indian passport holders. Visitors must secure prior approval from immigration authorities before travelling.

India still has simplified access to 55 destinations

Despite these changes, Indian passport holders continue to have easier entry to 55 destinations through various arrangements.

The current breakdown includes:

  • 27 visa-free destinations
  • 25 visa-on-arrival destinations
  • 3 destinations requiring an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Popular visa-free destinations include Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Mauritius, the Philippines and Kazakhstan. Countries such as Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Qatar and Jordan continue to offer visas on arrival, while Kenya, Seychelles and St Kitts and Nevis require an ETA.
ADVERTISEMENT

India's passport ranking

The Henley Passport Index 2026 places India at 81st globally. India's ranking slipped from 80th in June and 75th in February this year as several countries revised their visa policies.

During 2026, the number of destinations accessible without a traditional visa before travel changed several times. It fell to 55 in January after Iran and Bolivia revised their rules, rose to 56 in February after The Gambia was added back, and returned to 55 in July after Cape Verde removed visa-on-arrival access.
ADVERTISEMENT

Why visa rules keep changing

The Henley Passport Index, which uses International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, tracks access to 227 destinations across 199 passports.

Passport rankings and visa-free access can change when countries introduce or withdraw visa waivers, replace visa-on-arrival systems with online approvals, tighten immigration rules or adopt new digital entry requirements.

For travellers, the takeaway is simple: always verify the latest visa requirements before booking flights, as entry rules can change even after travel plans are made.

6 affordable international destinations for Indians in 2026
1/7

Planning an overseas trip without overspending? Several countries continue to offer Indian travellers a mix of affordable accommodation, local transport, food and sightseeing, making them ideal for budget-friendly holidays in 2026. From tropical beaches and mountain escapes to historic cities and cultural hotspots, these destinations let you explore more while spending less.

Planning an overseas trip without overspending? Several countries continue to offer Indian travellers a mix of affordable accommodation, local transport, food and sightseeing, making them ideal for b..
Read More

Bali continues to be a favourite among Indian travellers looking for an affordable tropical holiday. The island offers budget villas, guesthouses and local eateries alongside beaches, temples, waterfalls and rice terraces.

Travellers can rent scooters, visit cultural attractions, enjoy beach clubs or take short island excursions while keeping costs manageable. Travelling during the shoulder season can further reduce accommodation and flight expenses.

Bali continues to be a favourite among Indian travellers looking for an affordable tropical holiday. The island offers budget villas, guesthouses and local eateries alongside beaches, temples, waterf..
Read More

Thailand continues to attract Indian tourists thanks to its balance of affordability and diverse experiences. Whether you're visiting Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi or Chiang Mai, travellers can find accommodation across all budget ranges, inexpensive local food and economical transport options.

The country offers bustling markets, island hopping, cultural landmarks, nightlife and adventure activities, making it suitable for families, couples and solo travellers alike. Budget airlines also help keep overall travel costs low.

Thailand continues to attract Indian tourists thanks to its balance of affordability and diverse experiences. Whether you're visiting Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi or Chiang Mai, travellers can find accommo..
Read More

Vietnam remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations for Indian travellers. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer affordable hotels, inexpensive street food and low-cost public transport, while destinations such as Da Nang, Hoi An and Ha Long Bay combine scenic beauty with reasonable travel costs.

Indian visitors can enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine, explore ancient towns, cruise through limestone islands or relax on beaches without stretching their travel budget. Domestic flights within Vietnam are also relatively affordable, making it easy to visit multiple destinations during one trip.

Vietnam remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations for Indian travellers. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer affordable hotels, inexpensive street food and low-cost public transpo..
Read More

Nepal offers Indian travellers an international holiday without many of the expenses associated with long-haul travel. From Kathmandu's temples to Pokhara's lakes and the Himalayan mountain views, the country provides a mix of spirituality, adventure and nature.

Accommodation, food and local transportation remain budget-friendly, while trekking enthusiasts can choose routes suited to different fitness levels and budgets. Indian citizens also benefit from simplified travel arrangements compared with many other international destinations.

Nepal offers Indian travellers an international holiday without many of the expenses associated with long-haul travel. From Kathmandu's temples to Pokhara's lakes and the Himalayan mountain views, th..
Read More

Located just a short flight from India, Sri Lanka is an economical destination offering beaches, wildlife, tea plantations and historic sites. Travellers can explore Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Galle and Mirissa using the country's affordable train and bus network.

Local guesthouses, traditional Sri Lankan meals and reasonably priced attractions make it easier to travel across the island without spending heavily. Its proximity to India also helps reduce airfare costs.

Located just a short flight from India, Sri Lanka is an economical destination offering beaches, wildlife, tea plantations and historic sites. Travellers can explore Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Galle and M..
Read More

Malaysia combines modern cities with nature and cultural attractions at relatively affordable prices. Kuala Lumpur offers budget hotels, efficient public transport and inexpensive dining, while destinations such as Langkawi and Penang provide beaches, heritage sites and island experiences.

Indian travellers can enjoy shopping, street food, theme parks and rainforest adventures without significantly increasing their travel budget. Low-cost airlines and good connectivity also make Malaysia an economical choice for a short international vacation in 2026.

Malaysia combines modern cities with nature and cultural attractions at relatively affordable prices. Kuala Lumpur offers budget hotels, efficient public transport and inexpensive dining, while desti..
Read More
Download
The Economic Times Business News App
for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
READ MORE
ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE:

LOGIN & CLAIM

50 TIMESPOINTS

More from our Partners

Loading next story
Business News › NRI › Visit › Planning a foreign trip? These four countries have changed visa rules for Indians
Text Size:AAA
Success
This article has been saved

*

+