Visa Rules for Indians have changed in several countries in 2026, affecting how Indian passport holders need to prepare before travelling abroad.
Travellers should check the latest visa, ETA and entry requirements before booking flights because rules can change.
Sri Lanka has introduced a free tourist ETA for Indian travellers from May 25, 2026. The facility covers nationals of 40 countries, including India,
and provides a 30-day tourist visa with double-entry permission. Travellers still need to obtain the ETA before arrival.
Visa Rules for Indians in Sri Lanka
Indian travellers can apply for the Sri Lanka tourist ETA without paying the usual visa fee under the new arrangement. The 30-day validity and double-entry facility apply from the date of first arrival.
The change does not mean travellers can simply arrive without completing the online process. An approved ETA is still required before entering Sri Lanka.
Visa Process Changes in Iran and Chile
Iran has moved towards an e-visa process for Indian travellers, meaning passengers should check the current online application procedure before travelling instead of relying on older information about visa-on-arrival arrangements.
Chile has also introduced a digital visa process for Indian travellers. Indian passport holders planning a trip should check the latest eligibility conditions, required documents and application procedure before making travel arrangements.
Chile also announced a multiple-entry business visa for Indian businesspeople in May 2026, with the new visa valid for two years and allowing multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days.
Laos Requires Careful Entry Checks
Laos offers an eVisa facility to Indian passport holders. The official Lao eVisa system lists India among the eligible countries for the online tourist visa.
However, the eVisa is valid only at designated entry points. The official system currently lists nine designated ports, including Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and Boten Railway Station.
Travellers using an eVisa must therefore check whether their planned entry point is covered. The Lao eVisa system states that entering through a non-designated port requires a visa-on-arrival process instead.
Check Visa Rules Before Booking Flights
Ghana and Venezuela have also been mentioned among countries with changes to online visa procedures for Indian travellers.
However, travellers should verify the latest eligibility and application rules directly through the respective country’s immigration or embassy channels before relying on an e-visa facility.
Visa and entry requirements can change without much notice. Travellers should check their passport validity, visa or ETA approval, permitted stay, entry point and any additional documents required for their specific trip before departure.
Checking the latest rules before booking tickets can help Indian travellers avoid problems at check-in, immigration or the destination airport.
