In 2026, Indian passport holders can visit about 55 destinations visa-free, on arrival or with a simple online authorisation. India sits at 80th place in the Henley Passport Index. The total barely moved, but several popular destinations changed their rules.
What got easier
| Country | Change |
|---|---|
| Thailand | Still visa-free, but 30 days instead of 60 since 15 Sep 2026 |
| Malaysia | Visa-free entry extended to 31 Dec 2026, stays up to 30 days |
| Uzbekistan | 30 days visa-free from 1 Sep 2026 for Indians holding a valid multiple-entry visa from the US, UK, a Schengen state, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea or Japan |
| Argentina | Visa waived for Indians holding a valid US visa |
| UAE | Visa on arrival extended to Indians with visas or residence permits from more countries |
| Spain, France, Germany | Airport transit visa removed when transiting to a non-EU country (Spain from 4 Mar 2026, France from 10 Apr 2026, Germany from 3 Jun 2026) |
What got harder
| Country | Change |
|---|---|
| Iran | Visa-free entry suspended; prior visa needed |
| Bolivia | Visa on arrival replaced by an e-visa before departure |
| Cape Verde | Visa on arrival suspended from 1 Jan 2026 |
| Nicaragua | Visa on arrival removed for ordinary passports |
Easy-entry picks for a winter holiday
| Destination | Entry for Indians | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Visa-free, 30 days | File the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours of landing |
| Malaysia | Visa-free, 30 days | Valid until 31 Dec 2026; file the MDAC digital arrival card before arrival |
| Sri Lanka | Free online ETA | Apply before you fly |
| Indonesia (Bali) | Visa on arrival | Can also be applied for online in advance |
| Maldives | Free visa on arrival | Carry a confirmed resort or hotel booking |
| Mauritius | Visa-free | Carry a return ticket and accommodation proof |
| Nepal and Bhutan | No visa needed | Carry a passport or voter ID; Bhutan charges a daily Sustainable Development Fee |
| Uzbekistan | Visa-free, 30 days, with a qualifying visa | A growing option for culture and history trips |
Travel tips
- Visa-free is not document-free. Carry return tickets, hotel bookings and proof of funds; immigration officers can ask.
- Fill digital arrival cards in advance. Thailand, Malaysia and others now require them before arrival.
- Check the date rules take effect. Several 2026 changes, like Thailand’s, were announced months before they applied.
- Confirm on official sites before booking. Rules changed more than once this year.
Frequently asked questions
About 55 destinations offer visa-free, visa-on-arrival or ETA access.
Yes, until 31 December 2026, for stays of up to 30 days.
You don’t need one. Indians now enter visa-free for 30 days.
Iran, Bolivia, Cape Verde and Nicaragua.
Sources
- Gulf News: India’s visa-free travel map changed in July 2026
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for Indian citizens
- BankBazaar: New visa rules for Indians in 2026
- Platinumlist: India in the Henley Passport Index 2026
Disclaimer: Visa rules, fees and processing times can change. Confirm the latest details with the embassy or official immigration website of the country you are visiting before you book.