2026 Travel Updates for Indians - Europe Travel Rules Explained

Winter, Christmas, and New Year are almost here, and travel plans for Europe are picking up, but the rules around entry are changing. The 2026 travel updates for Indians bring small but important changes that quietly affect trips across the Schengen region. From new border checks in Europe to procedures at Indian airports, these updates are worth knowing early. Visa applications from India to Schengen countries have been rising sharply, especially for winter travel windows, showing strong demand even as entry systems become stricter. This is why staying updated on even the smallest changes has become more important than ever.

1. Europe Introduces Digital Borders in 2026
2. ETIAS: Who Needs It, Who Doesn’t
3. UK To Introduce ETA
4. Costs Are Rising Across Europe
5. Bulgaria And Romania Became More Accessible
6. Flight and Travel Planning Gets a Boost
7. India Tightens Immigration Laws, Adds Fast Lanes
The Bottom Line
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1. Europe Introduces Digital Borders in 2026

Laufenburg Old Town on the Rhine River is a popular day trip spot near Basel, Switzerland, right on the Swiss-German border — Laufenburg Old Town on the Rhine River, Basel, Switzerland, right on the Swiss-German border
Image Credit: Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

If someone plans travel to Europe in 2026, the biggest update is the new border system. The EU Entry/Exit System will be fully active by April, a digital system replacing passport stamps with recorded data. Also known as EES, it replaces passport stamps with digital records. First-time Schengen entrants will go through Schengen biometrics, which include facial scans and fingerprint checks. Children under 12 may only have photos taken for this system.

Visa rules stay the same, and Schengen visa online applications continue as usual. Many border officials emphasize allowing extra time during this transition as both manual stamps and digital checks operate together initially.

2. ETIAS: Who Needs It, Who Doesn’t

Passport with visa stamps
Image Credit: Global Residence Index/Unsplash

Two new approvals are coming up in Europe. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected in late 2026, with a small application fee and an advanced online form, similar to the US ESTA. It is mandatory for all travelers who enter the Schengen area without a visa, including those from UK and US

Also Read: Have a Valid UK, Schengen Visa? Get Dubai Visa on Arrival

3. UK To Introduce ETA

Also, from February 2026, the United Kingdom will introduce UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) pre-departure permission. However, Indian passport holders who already require a standard UK visa will continue with the same UK visa online application process; the ETA does not replace it. These travel updates for Indians still matter when travelling in mixed groups or transiting via London, where additional pre-travel checks may be required.

4. Costs Are Rising Across Europe

Louvre Museum, Paris
Image Credit: Ambre Vaudry/Pexels

Europe is becoming more expensive as several destinations are either adding or increasing tourism taxes. Cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, and Edinburgh are among those affected. Some countries are applying nightly tourist taxes, while others are adding extra charges on accommodations.

Many popular tourist attractions across Europe are also set to become more expensive. One of the most noticeable changes is at the Louvre in Paris, which will increase its ticket price for non-EU and non-EEA visitors from €22 to €32 starting 14 January 2026. Several other landmarks in France and across Europe are expected to follow similar steps. For travellers visiting France, it makes sense to book some of the best hotels in Paris in advance and be prepared to pay a little extra to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa.

Also Read: Best European Vacation? Find Regularly Repeated Mistakes to Avoid

5. Bulgaria And Romania Became More Accessible

Sophia, Bulgaria
Image Credit: Alexandr Bormotin/Unsplash

There are some good travel updates for Indians planning to explore Europe. Romania and Bulgaria can now be fully accessed using a Schengen visa by air and sea. Bulgaria has also adopted the euro from 1 January 2026, making multi-country travel simpler since there is no need to switch currencies.

6. Flight and Travel Planning Gets a Boost

Indian airlines are adding more direct routes to Europe in early 2026. Earlier, Air India was among the few Indian carriers operating direct flights to Europe, but IndiGo is now set to operate direct flights to cities like London, Manchester, and Amsterdam. This expansion helps reduce layovers at a time when airport processes are slowing down, so if you’re travelling to Europe, this is a good time to book cheap flight tickets online.

7. India Tightens Immigration Laws, Adds Fast Lanes

Domestic arrival point at Delhi Airport — Domestic arrival/departure point at Delhi Airport
Image Credit: Wandering Indian/Unsplash

India’s new Immigration and Foreigners Act came into force on 1 September 2025, tightening penalties for fake visas, passports, and overstays. So make sure to carry the correct documents while traveling to or from India.

On the brighter side, India’s Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) has expanded to 13 Indian airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Amritsar, Trichy, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode) with biometric e-gates for registered flyers. This upgrade improves exit and entry experiences.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the year ahead brings a mix of convenience and caution for Indian travellers. These 2026 travel updates for Indians don’t affect your visa requirements, but they do change the overall experience, especially at borders, airports, and for your budget. From digital border checks in Europe and rising tourism costs to better flight connectivity and faster immigration lanes back home, travel in 2026 will feel different in small but noticeable ways.

The key takeaway is simple: these 2026 travel rules for Indian travellers mean planning early is no longer optional. It’s the only way to stay calm, on budget, and on time amid all the 2026 travel updates, whether you’re heading to Europe or navigating airports closer to home.

Tell us in the comments, are you excited to explore Europe in 2026, or planning to wait it out?

FAQs – 2026 Travel Updates For Indians

Which countries are visa-free for Indians in 2026?
Lots of places are opening up! Some popular visa-free spots for 2026 include Thailand (up to 60 days), Malaysia (until end of 2026), Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, and several Caribbean islands like Barbados and Dominica.

What are the new travel rules for India?
India has expanded its FTI-TTP program to 13 airports, so eligible citizens can use e-gates for faster immigration when returning home, which is a nice perk.

Are there new travel rules for 2025?
Yes, a major one is for the US, where it’s tougher to get a visa now, with higher fees and a strict new rule that you must interview in your home country, stopping previous workarounds in places like Dubai.

Which country introduced visa-free travel for Indian tourists starting in 2025?
Both the Philippines and the Republic of Palau introduced visa-free entry for Indian passport holders in 2025.

Is Dubai visa free for Indians?
No, you still need to apply for a Dubai visa online (UAE). However, Indian citizens holding a valid US or Schengen visa may be eligible for a simpler visa-on-arrival process. That said, it is advisable to get your visa pre-approved, as the online process is simple and approvals are often issued within a day.

Can Indians go to the USA visa free?
Unfortunately, no, Indian citizens are not part of the US Visa Waiver Program and need a valid visa to enter the United States.

Which are the 57 countries visa free for Indians?
There are actually over 60 countries offering either visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa access, but the specific list of purely visa-free ones changes, so you’ll find around 30-40 reliable options, mostly in Asia and the Caribbean.

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2026 Travel Updates for Indians – Europe Travel Rules Explained

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Europe Introduces Digital Borders in 2026

2. ETIAS: Who Needs It, Who Doesn’t

Also Read: Have a Valid UK, Schengen Visa? Get Dubai Visa on Arrival

3. UK To Introduce ETA

4. Costs Are Rising Across Europe

Also Read: Best European Vacation? Find Regularly Repeated Mistakes to Avoid

5. Bulgaria And Romania Became More Accessible

6. Flight and Travel Planning Gets a Boost

7. India Tightens Immigration Laws, Adds Fast Lanes

The Bottom Line

FAQs – 2026 Travel Updates For Indians

Enjoyed This? Check Out These Next:

Akbar Travels Services

Best Flight Deals

Domestic Flights

International Flights

Best Hotel Deals

Apply Visa Online

International Tour Packages

Domestic Tour Packages

Packages by Themes

2 Comments

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