Visa Rules Are Shifting for Indian Travellers: What's New for the Rest of 2026

International travel demand is holding up well this year. UN Tourism counted 307 million international arrivals in the first four months of 2026, even though conflict in the Middle East and higher airfares are slowing growth. For Indian travellers, the bigger story is on paper: visa rules are moving in both directions.

Where the Indian passport stands

India sits at 80th place in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, up five spots. Indian passport holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations, which is slightly down from 57 a year earlier. The reason is that new gains were offset by a few losses.

The new openings

• Malaysia: a 30-day visa-free stay, extended through 31 December 2026 as part of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. A digital arrival card is required.
• Kazakhstan: a visa-free stay of up to 14 consecutive days per visit, with cumulative limits, so check them before planning a long itinerary.

The tightening

Iran, Bolivia, Cape Verde and Nicaragua have all revised entry requirements, ending visa-free access or visa on arrival for Indian citizens. Iran suspended its visa-waiver programme for ordinary Indian passport holders in November 2025. If any of these were on your list, apply for the proper visa well ahead of travel.

Visa-free does not mean paperwork-free

Even where no visa is needed, officers can still refuse entry. Carry:

• a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date
• a confirmed return or onward ticket
• proof of accommodation and travel insurance
• any required digital arrival form

Tip for year-end planners

Malaysia's exemption currently ends on 31 December 2026, so confirm whether it has been extended before you book travel that crosses into the new year. Rules can change quickly, and the official government or embassy page is always the final word.