International travel rules can change quickly, and 2026 has brought an important update for Indian passport holders. Even though India’s global passport ranking has improved, access to a few destinations has become more restricted. Two countries that earlier allowed easier entry for Indians have now changed their rules: Iran and Bolivia.
India’s Passport Rank Improves, But Access Drops Slightly
India has moved up in the Henley Passport Index for 2026, climbing from 85th place last year to 80th. This reflects better global mobility overall.
However, there is a small downside. The number of destinations Indian citizens can visit without arranging a visa in advance has fallen from 57 to 55. This change is directly linked to updated entry rules introduced by Iran and Bolivia.
Why Iran Is No Longer Visa-Free for Indians
Indian travellers heading to Iran now need to apply for a visa before travel.
In November 2025, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a warning after reports emerged that several Indians were being misled by agents. These individuals were told they could travel to Iran visa-free for jobs or onward journeys. On arrival, some were kidnapped and held for ransom.
To prevent further incidents, Iranian authorities suspended visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders from 22 November 2025.
What This Means Now
Iran’s Visa-Free Policy in 2025: A Quick Look Back
Until late 2025, Iran allowed short visits by Indians without a prior visa. Such arrangements usually depend on diplomatic agreements and come with conditions like limited stay duration and proof of funds.
That policy has now ended, and advance planning is mandatory for all regular travellers.
Bolivia Introduces an e-Visa for Indians in 2026
Bolivia has also updated its entry process for Indian citizens.
From 2026 onwards, Indians must apply for a Bolivian e-Visa before travelling. The process is fully online and includes:
Once approved, the visa is issued digitally and must be shown during arrival checks.
Although e-Visas are convenient, they are still counted as “visa required” in global passport rankings because approval is needed before travel.
Bolivia’s Visa on Arrival in 2025: What Changed
Bolivia offered Indians a visa upon arrival in 2025. Travellers could land in the country, complete paperwork at the airport, and pay the fee on the spot. This made travel almost as easy as visa-free entry.
Since this option did not require pre-approval, it contributed positively to India’s visa-free count. The shift to an e-Visa has now removed that advantage.
What This Means for Indian Travellers in 2026
With Iran and Bolivia changing their rules:
Despite this, India’s overall passport strength has improved, showing progress even with a slight drop in easy-entry destinations.
A Reminder for All International Travellers
Visa policies are never permanent. Rules related to visa-free travel, visas on arrival, and electronic travel authorisations can change due to:
Before booking tickets, travellers should always check the latest official entry requirements.
Final Takeaway
In 2026, Indians can no longer visit Iran and Bolivia without prior approval. While this reduces the number of easy-access destinations, India’s passport ranking continues to move in a positive direction. The key for travellers is simple: stay informed, verify rules early, and plan ahead for a smooth journey.
No longer visa-free talk to Visabud for expert visa assistance.
