Two Countries Indians Can No Longer Visit Visa-Free In 2026

India's passport has risen from the 85th spot in 2025 to 80th in the Henley Passport Index 2026, reflecting an improvement in global mobility. However, despite the higher ranking, the number of destinations Indian passport holders can enter without a prior visa has dropped from 57 to 55. This shift is due to updated entry rules in two countries that previously offered easier access: Iran and Bolivia.

Why Iran No Longer Offers Visa-Free Entry

Indian nationals travelling to Iran now require a visa. On 17 November 2025, India's Ministry of External Affairs announced that several Indians had been tricked into travelling to Iran through the visa waiver system under false promises of employment or onward travel. Many such travellers were kidnapped for ransom upon arrival. As a result, Iran suspended visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders from 22 November 2025.

Travellers must now apply for a visa before visiting or transiting Iran. Authorities also urged Indians to avoid agents offering visa-free transit through Iran.

Also Read: 6 Budget-Friendly Visa-Free Places To Explore In 2026

Iran Was Visa-Free In 2025: What It Means

Visa-free travel allows short stays without applying for a visa beforehand. These arrangements depend on bilateral agreements or tourism policies, often with conditions such as limits on length of stay, proof of funds, and valid travel documents.

Bolivia Now Requires An e-Visa For Indians In 2026

Indian passport holders can travel to Bolivia after getting an e-Visa. An e-Visa is applied online, requiring a form, document uploads, and an electronic fee payment. The approved visa is sent digitally and must be carried for arrival checks. The Henley Passport Index counts both traditional visas and e-Visas as "visa required", since approval must be secured before travel.

Bolivia Was 'Visa On Arrival' In 2025: What It Means

In 2025, Bolivia offered Indians a Visa On Arrival, which allowed travel without any pre-approval. Travellers simply filled out a form and paid a fee at the airport, making the process similar in convenience to visa-free access. A Visa On Arrival scores 1 on the Henley index because it allows travel without prior paperwork.

Also Read: Latest List Of Countries That Are Visa-Free For Indian Passport Holders In 2026

What This Means For Indian Travellers

With Iran and Bolivia no longer offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, India's tally of easy-entry destinations stands at 55 in 2026. Despite the improved global ranking, travellers heading to these two destinations must now prepare in advance.

In general, it is important to note that visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) rules can be updated, amended, or adjusted at any time due to changes in diplomatic, security, health, migration, or reciprocal policies.