Four Countries End Visa-on-Arrival Benefits for Indian Passport Holders

International travel has become more challenging for Indian passport holders after four countries revised their visa policies, removing or restricting visa-on-arrival and visa-free entry options that were previously available to Indian citizens.

According to recent immigration policy updates, Iran, Bolivia, Cape Verde and Nicaragua have introduced new entry requirements, requiring Indian travelers to obtain visas or prior travel authorization before departure.

The policy changes coincide with a decline in India's position in the latest Henley Passport Index, which measures the global mobility of passport holders based on visa-free and visa-on-arrival access.

In the latest edition of the index, India's passport has fallen to 81st place from 75th earlier in the year. Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations worldwide, down from 57 in the previous assessment.


Among the countries introducing changes, Iran has suspended its visa waiver arrangement for ordinary Indian passport holders. The policy, which had allowed eligible Indian travelers to enter without obtaining prior approval, was halted in November 2025. As a result, Indian citizens must now comply with updated visa requirements before traveling to the Middle Eastern nation.

Bolivia has also ended its visa-on-arrival facility for Indian nationals. The South American country has transitioned to a fully electronic visa system, requiring travelers to submit applications online and receive approval before commencing their journey. Authorities have advised visitors to complete the process well in advance of their planned departure.

Cape Verde has implemented one of the most significant changes by abolishing its visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of 96 countries, including India, effective from January 1, 2026. Previously, Indian travelers could complete an online pre-registration, pay the required fee and receive entry permission upon arrival. Under the revised policy, visitors must now secure a valid visa before entering the island nation.

Nicaragua has also introduced stricter immigration rules for Indian passport holders. Since February 16, 2026, India has been placed under the country's "Category C" or consulted visa classification. This requires travelers to obtain advance authorization from Nicaraguan immigration authorities before boarding their flights, adding an extra layer of approval to the travel process.

Travel and immigration experts say the changes reflect the evolving nature of international border policies, which can shift rapidly due to diplomatic, security and administrative considerations. They advise travelers to avoid relying on outdated visa information and instead verify the latest entry requirements through official government or embassy channels before making travel arrangements.

The decline in India's passport ranking and the tightening of entry policies by several countries highlight the importance of careful travel planning. Experts recommend checking visa requirements, processing times, supporting documentation and validity conditions well before departure to prevent disruptions or denied boarding.

While many destinations continue to offer convenient travel options for Indian passport holders, the latest developments serve as a reminder that immigration regulations are subject to change. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and ensure all necessary travel permissions are obtained before embarking on international trips.