- Easier transits, new digital forms and higher fees: visa rules Indians should note this summer
- From France layovers to Thailand long stays, key visa changes shaping Indian travel plans
- Group travel to South Korea gets cheaper, while Southeast Asia adds new visa fine print
As summer travel plans come together, Indian travellers are navigating a shifting visa landscape that could impact everything from flight routes to paperwork and costs. Several popular destinations have updated their entry and transit rules, some easing long‑standing restrictions, others adding new digital requirements or fee revisions. From smoother airport transits in Europe and extra arrival formalities in Southeast Asia to rising long‑stay costs and fee waivers for group travel, these recent visa changes are important to factor in before locking your international summer itinerary.
Also Read: South Korea Extends Group Visa Fee Waiver For Indians Travellers Till June 2027
Here Are 4 New Visa Rule Changes Indians Should Track Before Finalising Summer Travel Plans
1. France Has Removed The Airport Transit Visa Requirement For Indians
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From 10 April 2026, Indian passport holders are no longer required to obtain an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) while transiting through French airports, provided they remain within the international transit zone and are travelling onward to a non‑Schengen country. Earlier, Indians without valid US, UK or Schengen visas had to apply for an ATV even for short layovers, adding cost and planning time. The exemption applies to major hubs, including Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly, making France a far more convenient connection point for long‑haul routes to North and South America.
2. Vietnam Now Mandates A Digital Immigration Declaration For Ho Chi Minh City Arrivals
India‑bound travellers flying into Ho Chi Minh City will now face an additional pre‑arrival requirement. From 15 April 2026, Vietnam has made its Digital Arrival Card mandatory for all foreign passport holders arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The declaration must be submitted online within 72 hours of arrival, is free of charge, and generates a QR code that must be shown at immigration. This is an added step alongside Vietnam's existing e‑visa requirement and currently applies only to Ho Chi Minh City, though authorities have indicated a possible rollout to other airports later.
Also Read: Spirit Airlines' Passengers Report Over Rs 2 Lakh Worth Of Items Missing From Bags, Handler Arrested
3. Thailand Has Increased Visa Fees For Extended And Repeat Stays
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While Thailand continues to allow Indian tourists visa‑free entry for up to 60 days, visa fees for longer or multiple stays have risen sharply. Effective 27 April 2026, a single‑entry tourist visa now costs ₹3,000, while a multiple‑entry tourist visa costs ₹13,500. Fees for non‑immigrant, SMART and Long‑Term Resident visas go much higher, with some categories now touching ₹1.4 lakh. The revision does not impact short holidays but significantly affects digital nomads, business travellers and those planning extended stays beyond the visa‑free allowance.
4. South Korea Extends Group Visa Fee Waiver For Indians Till June 2027
South Korea has extended its group visa fee waiver for Indian travellers until 30 June 2027, eliminating the standard KRW 18,000 (approximately ₹1,155) processing fee. The waiver applies strictly to travellers booking organised group tours through authorised travel agencies, with applications submitted collectively. Independent and solo travellers remain ineligible. The extension is aimed at boosting inbound tourism and makes South Korea an especially attractive summer destination for families, student groups, and corporate tours interested in K‑culture, food, and heritage trails.
So, make sure to keep these updates in mind before finalising your international summer getaways.
