Quicker immigration processes at Indian airports
India has broadened its Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme to include 13 airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Amritsar, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, and Kozhikode.
This complimentary programme enables eligible Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India cardholders to utilize biometric e-gates instead of standard immigration counters.
Travelers are required to register by providing fingerprints, a facial scan, and other necessary information, which will be verified. Enrollment can be paused if mandated by law enforcement or judicial authorities.
Europe adopts biometric border controls
European Union nations within the Schengen Area have begun implementing the Entry/Exit System. Initiated in October, this system replaces the traditional passport stamping for most non-European passengers.
During their first visit, travelers must submit personal details, facial images, and fingerprints. For subsequent trips, officials will verify the stored biometric information. The implementation of this system will occur gradually, with passport stamping continuing during a transitional phase. A full rollout is anticipated by April 2026.
Budget airlines expand into Europe and the UK
IndiGo has expanded its long-haul services from India, launching direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam in July, breaking Air India’s monopoly on India–Europe routes.
The airline subsequently introduced daily flights to London. Beginning January 2026, IndiGo will also add direct flights to Greece from Mumbai and Delhi, marking a significant milestone as the first Indian low-cost carrier to establish direct connections with major European destinations.
Non-stop flights to Shanghai are back
Air India has declared the resumption of non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai starting 1 February 2026, after nearly a six-year interruption. The airline has also indicated plans to initiate non-stop services from Mumbai to Shanghai later in 2026.
US visa regulations become stricter and more expensive
The United States has implemented numerous modifications to its visa procedures. As of June 2025, applicants for student and exchange visitor visas are required to maintain public access to their social media accounts for review.
A $250 visa integrity fee was introduced in July, effective from October for travelers from countries outside the US Visa Waiver Program, including India. This adjustment has raised the average visa cost for Indian applicants to approximately $473, depending on the visa type.
The Department of Homeland Security may refund the fee to travelers who adhere to visa regulations and exit the US on schedule. Interview policies have also become more stringent, with fewer applicants qualifying for interview waivers, necessitating in-person interviews for most Indian applicants.
In August, the US Embassy in New Delhi ceased third-party passport collection, with exceptions for minors. Starting in September, visa interviews must be scheduled in the applicant’s country of origin or legal residence, eliminating a common method to bypass long wait times.
New visa-free island getaways
Two island nations have extended visa-free access to Indian travelers. The Republic of Palau now permits Indians to stay without a visa for up to 30 days. Although there are no direct flights from India, Palau can be accessed via connections through cities such as Manila, Singapore, Seoul, or Taipei.
The Philippines has also revised its rules for Indians, introducing two visa-free options. One allows a 14-day stay for tourism, contingent on conditions such as having a passport valid for at least six months, confirmed accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket.
The second option allows a 30-day visa-free stay for Indians possessing valid visas or permanent residence permits from select countries, including Japan, the United States, and Schengen countries.
