International travel requirements for Indian passport holders have seen several changes in 2026. While some countries have introduced online visa facilities, others have replaced visa-on-arrival arrangements with e-visas or Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs).
For Indian travellers, these changes can affect how far in advance a trip needs to be planned. Entry rules that were applicable in 2025 may no longer be valid, making it important to check the latest requirements before travelling.
Visa Rules for Indians Have Changed Across Several Destinations
A comparison of the 2025 and current listings on Passport Index shows multiple changes affecting Indian passport holders.
According to the comparison, India is currently ranked 73rd in the Passport Index’s global ranking, which covers 199 countries. The changes include both easier online application options and the withdrawal of visa-on-arrival facilities.
Here are nine countries where the entry process for Indian travellers has changed:
Laos Moves From Visa on Arrival to E-Visa
Indian passport holders previously had the option of obtaining a visa after arriving in Laos. The current Passport Index listing now shows e-visa access.
Travellers therefore need to complete the relevant online visa process before setting out for Laos instead of relying on a visa issued upon arrival.
Qatar Also Shifts to E-Visa
Qatar has made a similar change in its listed entry procedure for Indian citizens.
While Indian travellers previously had access to a visa-on-arrival facility, the current Passport Index listing shows e-visa as the applicable route.
Sri Lanka Introduces ETA Requirement
Sri Lanka has changed the process listed for Indian visitors as well.
In 2025, Indian passport holders were shown as having access to e-visa on arrival. The current listing instead specifies an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
This means travellers need to arrange the required authorisation before beginning their journey.
Iran Changes From Visa on Arrival to E-Visa
Iran has also moved away from the previous visa-on-arrival arrangement for Indian visitors.
The change was introduced in November 2025, with the current process requiring Indian travellers to use an e-visa.
Chile Now Offers an E-Visa Route
Not all of the changes have made the process more restrictive.
Chile, for example, was listed as visa required for Indian passport holders in 2025. The current listing shows an e-visa option, allowing travellers to complete the process electronically.
Ghana Shifts From Regular Visa to E-Visa
Ghana has made a comparable change.
Indian travellers who were previously listed under the regular visa-required category are now shown as having access to an e-visa facility.
Venezuela Introduces E-Visa Access
Venezuela has also changed its listed visa category for Indian passport holders.
The country was previously shown as requiring a regular visa, while the current listing provides an e-visa option.
Cape Verde Removes Visa on Arrival for Indians
Cape Verde has taken a different approach by withdrawing its visa-on-arrival facility.
From January 1, 2026, the country ended visa-on-arrival access for citizens of 96 countries, with India among the countries affected.
Indian travellers therefore need to follow the applicable visa procedure before travelling to Cape Verde.
Nicaragua Takes Its Visa Application Process Online
Nicaragua changed the way Indian citizens can apply for a visa from February 14, 2026.
Indian passport holders now have two application routes mentioned by the Nicaraguan authorities:
- Submit an electronic visa application online
- Send the visa application form by email to the country’s immigration authorities
What These Changes Mean for Indian Travellers
The latest changes underline why travellers should not depend on older visa information when planning an international trip.
A destination that offered visa on arrival in an earlier year may now require an e-visa or another form of pre-travel authorisation. In other cases, countries that previously required a conventional visa have introduced an online application option.
Indian travellers planning overseas holidays in 2026 should therefore verify the applicable entry requirements before booking flights and accommodation.
