New Visa Rules for Indians in 2026

Launched in late 2025 and fully operational in 2026, Slovenia now offers a unique pathway for Indian remote professionals. This visa permits residency for exactly one year. 

1. Key restrictions: The visa is strictly non-renewable. Applicants must remain outside Slovenia for at least six months before they are eligible to apply again. 

1. Schengen access: It serves as a gateway, allowing 90 days of travel within other Schengen member states during the one-year period. Applicants must prove a monthly income of approximately 3,200 euros (twice the Slovenian average salary). 

2. Visa Changes for the United States

The United States has introduced some of the most stringent changes in a decade.  

1. New mandatory fees: Starting fiscal year 2026, most non-immigrant applicants (including B1/B2, F, and H-1B) must pay a $250 Visa Integrity Fee. This brings the total cost for a standard tourist visa to nearly Rs.40,000. 

1. Social media scrutiny rules: All applicants for F, M, and J visas must now provide a five-year history of their social media handles. This is part of an “online presence review” aimed at enhancing security. 

1. Interview waiver curtailed: The “Dropbox” facility has been significantly reduced by the US government. Most applicants, including many children under 14 years of age, and seniors over 79, are now required to appear for an in-person interview. 

3. Argentina Reduces Requirements for Entry

Argentina continues to simplify its visa entry rules for Indians to boost its tourism. As of 2026, Indian passport holders with a valid U.S. (B1/B2, J, H-1B), UK, or Schengen visa can enter Argentina visa-free for up to 90 days. This allows Indian travellers for a seamless multi-country exploration across South America without the need for separate, costly consular filings. 

4. Digital Nomad Visa and Visa-Free Access to the Philippines

The Philippines has officially joined the ranks of visa free destinations for Indians. Indians will now be able to travel without a visa for 14 days. Visitors having valid visas to the United States, the United Kingdom, or Schengen may stay an additional thirty days. Up to a year of remote employment is allowed with a digital nomad visa. This entry is non-extendable and cannot be converted to a work permit while in the country. 

5. The Golden Visa for Switzerland

For high-net-worth Indians, Switzerland is offering a “Golden Visa” through two primary routes: 

1. Lump-sum taxation: Obtaining residency by paying an annual tax (negotiated per canton, starting around CHF 200,000). 

1. Direct Investment: Investing at least CHF 1 million into a local business that creates jobs. These permits provide premium access to the Schengen zone and world-class healthcare. 
   Short-term travel between Schengen countries is made possible by Swiss residency permits, which also provide excellent healthcare, education, and mobility for business owners.  

6. Malaysia 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Malaysia has officially extended its visa-free facility for Indian nationals until 31 December 2026. The maximum stay being provided is up to 30 days per visit. 

1. MDAC rule: It is mandatory to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online at least three days before you arrive.  

1. This is only for tourism. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a standard e-Visa. 

7. Strict Rolling Rules in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan remains visa-free for Indians in 2026, but the rules are very specific to prevent people from overstaying. 

1. Maximum Stay: You can stay for 14 days per visit. 

1. The 42 Day rules: You cannot stay in Kazakhstan for more than 42 days total in any 180-day period. This means if you visit frequently, you have to count your days carefully. 

1. Digital Registration: It is now highly recommended to use the QazETA app before you fly to speed up your immigration process. 

8. Thailand’s New Digital Arrival System (TDAC)

Thailand is still visa-free for Indians allowing a 60-day stay as of the latest 2026 update, but they have added a new security layer. 

1. The TDAC form: All tourists must now finish the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online 72 hours before landing. This replaces the old paper forms and is mandatory even if you don’t need a visa. 

1. Proof of Cash: Immigration officers are more strictly checking for “show money”. You should carry at least 10,000 Baht (approx. Rs.25,000) in cash or have proof of funds. 

9. South Africa: New e-Visa (ETA) 

South Africa has fully rolled out its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Indians in 2026. You can now apply for a 90-day stay completely online. 

Effects of the Latest Visa Changes on Indian Tourists

1. Slovenia's and the Philippines' digital nomad visas provide up new possibilities for Indian remote workers to spend time abroad. Slovenia’s 2026 policy requires a minimum monthly income of 3,200 euros, while the Philippines now allows for a 12-month stay that can be renewed every second year. 

1. The Philippines' visa-free entrance and Argentina's waiver for Indian visitors with valid U.S., Schengen, or UK visas or residency reduce documentation and expenses, facilitating short-term and regional travel 

1. At the same time, new obstacles are added by U.S. changes. Reduced interview waivers may delay approvals; social media disclosure increases scrutiny, and the integrity fee raises application expenses. Nearly all applicants including children and seniors over 79, now must attend in-person interviews, as the “interview waiver” eligibility has been strictly limited to B1/B2 renewals only.  

1. Access to Schengen via Slovenia and Switzerland continues to provide Indian tourists with more mobility in Europe for employment, study, or travel. 

Factors to Consider for Your Upcoming International Vacation

Let's now examine some factors that will help your trip go smoothly: 

1. Contracts, customer lists, or evidence of income abroad are frequently needed for remote work visas. For 2026, most digital nomad visas require bank statements from the last 3-6 months showing a consistent monthly income (e.g., $2,000 for the Philippines or 3,200 euros for Slovenia). 

1. Integrity fees, application fees, insurance, and medical examinations might raise expenses. 

1. Most “visa-free” destinations now require a digital form to be completed before you fly. This includes the Malaysia MDAC, the Thailand TDAC, and the Kazakhstan QazETA app. These must be filled out at least 72 hours before departure. 

1. Avoid posting anything that can cause issues because some visas mandate account disclosure. The U.S. now requires a five-year social media history for student and exchange visas, and “social media screening” has become a leading cause for visa delays.  

1. Verify the validity of your passport by making sure it has enough blank pages and is valid for at least six months beyond the day you intend to travel. With the rollout of Passport Seva 2.0, ensure your e-passport chip is functioning for faster biometric entry in the Schengen zone (EES system).  

1. Visa regulations are always changing. Check out information on the official immigration website or embassy.  

Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for Upcoming International Trip

Here are the reasons to buy travel insurance for upcoming international trip as follows: 

1. Travel insurance protects you against unknown expenses while traveling abroad, such as hospital stays, evacuations, and medical care 

1. Additionally, it offers support for lost luggage or stolen documents and covers travel cancellations, delays, or disruptions brought by visa problems or flight modifications 

1. A single-trip travel insurance coverage is best for short trips, while a yearly policy might be beneficial for frequent travelers.