If you're planning an international holiday this year, checking the latest visa rules before booking flights has become more important than ever. Four countries changed their entry policies for Indian passport holders in 2026, meaning travellers who could previously enter with a visa on arrival or visa-free access may now need approval before departure.
According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or similar simplified entry access to 55 destinations. That is down from 57 destinations in 2025 after changes introduced by Iran, Bolivia, Cape Verde Islands and Nicaragua.
The decline does not necessarily mean the Indian passport has become weaker. Passport rankings change regularly as countries revise visa agreements, tighten immigration policies or introduce new digital entry systems.
Four countries that changed visa rules in 2026
Iran: Visa-free access suspended
Iran suspended visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders after updating its security-related entry requirements. Indians must now obtain a visa before travelling.
Bolivia: Visa on arrival replaced by e-visa
Bolivia has replaced its visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens with an online e-visa system. Travellers must apply online and receive approval before boarding their flight.
Cape Verde Islands: Visa on arrival no longer available
Cape Verde ended its visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of 96 countries, including India, from January 1, 2026. Indian travellers now need to obtain a visa before arrival.
Nicaragua: Prior approval now required
Nicaragua has withdrawn visa-on-arrival access for ordinary Indian passport holders. Visitors must secure prior approval from immigration authorities before travelling.
India still has simplified access to 55 destinations
Despite these changes, Indian passport holders continue to have easier entry to 55 destinations through various arrangements.
The current breakdown includes:
- 27 visa-free destinations
- 25 visa-on-arrival destinations
- 3 destinations requiring an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Popular visa-free destinations include Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Mauritius, the Philippines and Kazakhstan. Countries such as Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Qatar and Jordan continue to offer visas on arrival, while Kenya, Seychelles and St Kitts and Nevis require an ETA.
India's passport ranking
The Henley Passport Index 2026 places India at 81st globally. India's ranking slipped from 80th in June and 75th in February this year as several countries revised their visa policies.
During 2026, the number of destinations accessible without a traditional visa before travel changed several times. It fell to 55 in January after Iran and Bolivia revised their rules, rose to 56 in February after The Gambia was added back, and returned to 55 in July after Cape Verde removed visa-on-arrival access.
Why visa rules keep changing
The Henley Passport Index, which uses International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, tracks access to 227 destinations across 199 passports.
Passport rankings and visa-free access can change when countries introduce or withdraw visa waivers, replace visa-on-arrival systems with online approvals, tighten immigration rules or adopt new digital entry requirements.
For travellers, the takeaway is simple: always verify the latest visa requirements before booking flights, as entry rules can change even after travel plans are made.
