As summer travel plans take shape, Indian travellers are facing a changing set of visa rules that can affect flight routes, paperwork, and overall trip costs. Several popular destinations have updated their entry and transit rules, some making travel easier, others adding new digital steps or increasing fees. From smoother airport connections in Europe to extra online checks in Southeast Asia and higher long‑stay charges, these changes are important to check before finalising your international trip.
1. France: No more airport transit visa for Indians
From 10 April 2026, Indian passport holders do not need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) when transiting through French airports, as long as they stay in the international transit area and are flying onward to a non‑Schengen country. Earlier, Indians without a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa had to apply for an ATV even for short layovers, which added cost and extra paperwork.
This change applies to major hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly, making France a more convenient and cheaper stopover for long‑haul flights to North and South America.
2. Vietnam: Mandatory digital arrival card for Ho Chi Minh City
If you are flying into Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you now need to complete an online Digital Arrival Card before landing. From 15 April 2026, this declaration is compulsory for all foreign travellers, including Indians.
Key points:
- The form must be filled within 72 hours of arrival and is free of charge.
- You get a QR code that you must show at immigration.
- It works alongside Vietnam’s existing e‑visa system and, for now, applies only to Ho Chi Minh City, though authorities may extend it to other airports later.
3. Thailand: Higher visa fees for long and repeated stays
India–Thailand tourism remains strong, with 60‑day visa‑free entry still allowed for Indian tourists. However, rules for longer or repeated visits have become more expensive. From 27 April 2026:
- A single‑entry tourist visa now costs ₹3,000.
- A multiple‑entry tourist visa costs ₹13,500.
- Fees for non‑immigrant, SMART, and Long‑Term Resident visas have gone up sharply, with some categories now around ₹1.4 lakh.
Short holidays within the 60‑day visa‑free window are not affected, but digital nomads, business travellers, and people planning extended stays will see a clear rise in costs.
4. South Korea: Group visa fee waiver extended till June 2027
South Korea has extended its group visa fee waiver for Indian travellers until 30 June 2027. This removes the standard KRW 18,000 visa processing fee (about ₹1,155), making group trips cheaper.
Important conditions:
- The waiver is for organised group tours only, booked via authorised travel agencies.
- Visas are applied for as a group, not individually.
- Solo or independent travellers cannot use this benefit.
This makes South Korea especially attractive for families, student groups, and corporate tours planning summer trips based on K‑culture, food, and heritage experiences.
What this means for Indian travellers
Before locking in your summer 2026 itinerary, you should:
- Check if your route uses France as a transit hub (no ATV needed now).
- Book ahead for Vietnam and fill the digital arrival card in time.
- Factor in the higher visa costs in Thailand if you plan stays beyond 60 days.
- Consider South Korea group packages to take advantage of the fee waiver.
These changes can influence your flight choices, total budget, and scheduling, so it’s wise to review visa rules and costs as early as possible.
