Visa Rules for Indians are changing in several countries in 2026, making it important for travellers to check the latest entry requirements before booking flights.
Visa, ETA and entry procedures can vary by destination and may change during the year.
Sri Lanka, Iran, Chile, Laos and Ghana have updated or expanded their digital visa and entry processes, while travellers should check the current requirements for Venezuela separately before making travel plans.
Sri Lanka Offers Free ETA to Indians
Sri Lanka has introduced a free tourist ETA for Indian passport holders under a scheme covering 40 countries. The facility took effect from May 25, 2026
and provides a 30-day tourist visa with double-entry facility. Travellers must still obtain the ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan immigration department has also advised travellers to use the official ETA system when applying.
The free facility applies to eligible ordinary, official, service and diplomatic passport holders from the listed countries.
Visa Rules for Indians in Chile and Iran
Chile has moved its visa application process online. Its consular system allows applicants to submit visa applications electronically, and an approved visa can be issued in electronic form.
Indian travellers should check the current visa requirement applicable to their passport and circumstances before travelling.
Chile also has a specific exemption for Indian nationals holding a qualifying US visa or Green Card with the required validity. The conditions should be checked before relying on this exemption.
Iran has also been moving travellers towards its electronic visa process. Indian passengers should verify the latest visa requirement and application procedure with the relevant Iranian authorities before departure.
Laos Requires the Right Entry Point
Laos offers an official eVisa system for eligible foreign travellers. However, the eVisa can be used only at designated entry points.
The official Lao eVisa system currently lists nine designated ports, including Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, Boten Railway Station and Khamsavath Railway Station.
Travellers should therefore check their intended route before applying. An eVisa holder entering through a non-designated port may need to obtain a visa on arrival, and the eVisa fee is not refundable in that situation.
Ghana Has Launched an E-Visa Portal
Ghana launched its electronic visa portal on May 25, 2026, replacing manual visa procedures with an online system. The Ghanaian government said the new system is designed to make visa processing more technology-driven and efficient.
Indian ordinary passport holders should check their current visa requirements before travelling. Ghana’s official information also lists separate visa exemptions for certain categories of Indian diplomatic and service passport holders, so travellers should not assume that the same rules apply to all passport types.
Check Visa Rules Before Booking Flights
Visa Rules for Indians can differ depending on the country, passport type, purpose of travel and entry point. A visa or ETA approval also does not necessarily remove other entry requirements imposed by immigration authorities.
Before booking an international flight, travellers should check the latest information on the destination country’s official immigration, embassy or consular website.
They should also keep their passport, visa or ETA approval and other required travel documents ready.
Checking the rules shortly before departure is especially important because visa and entry procedures can be revised during the year.
