Planning an overseas holiday from India? Keeping up with the latest International Travel Updates for Indians can help you prepare for changes to visas, passport fees, airport connectivity, currency rules and entry requirements.

From shorter visa-free stays in Thailand and extended digital nomad visas in Asia to changes in Japan's tourist tax and a new direct route from Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi, here are 10 international travel updates for Indians worth knowing before your next trip.

1. Thailand has shortened its visa-free stay

Indian passport holders can still travel to Thailand without applying for a visa, but the maximum visa-free stay has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

The change is particularly important for travellers planning longer holidays. Those visiting Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi or Chiang Mai for shorter trips can continue to benefit from visa-free entry, while travellers intending to stay beyond 30 days should check the relevant visa options before departure.

2. Taiwan has extended its Digital Nomad Visa

Taiwan has extended its Digital Nomad Visa from six months to up to two years, giving eligible remote workers more flexibility to live and work in the country.

The visa is initially granted for six months and can be extended through three additional six-month periods. Applicants must meet specific income requirements, provide proof of remote employment, have international health insurance and demonstrate sufficient savings.

For Indian remote workers, the longer validity could make Taiwan an appealing destination for an extended workcation.

3. South Korea has relaxed its digital nomad visa rules

South Korea has officially launched its F-1-D Digital Nomad or Workcation Visa after running the scheme as a pilot programme.

Applicants aged 18 to 34 now need to earn 1.5 times Korea's GNI per capita, which is around Rs51.2 lakh annually, compared with the previous requirement of twice the GNI. Applicants aged 35 and above continue to follow the higher income threshold.

The maximum stay has also increased from one year to up to three years. The visa is designed for people employed by overseas companies or running businesses abroad, with at least one year of experience in their field.

4. Japan has increased its tourist tax

Japan has increased its International Tourist Tax from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 for international visitors leaving the country.

There is also a major change coming for tourists who enjoy shopping. From 1 November, Japan will replace its current tax-free shopping system with an airport refund system. Visitors will initially pay the full, tax-inclusive price and can then claim an eligible refund before departure.

Travellers should keep qualifying purchases accessible as customs may need to inspect them before the refund is processed. The ¥5,000 minimum spend per store per day, excluding tax, remains unchanged.

5. Navi Mumbai now has direct flights to Abu Dhabi

International connectivity has received a boost for travellers from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with the opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The airport began international operations on 15 July 2026, with Air India Express launching direct flights to Abu Dhabi. The service initially operates three times a week, with an additional Sunday flight.

The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving travellers another convenient option for reaching the UAE.

6. Indian passport fees have increased

Passport fees in India have been revised for the first time in 14 years.

From 1 July, applying for or renewing a standard 36-page passport costs Rs. 2,500, compared with the previous Rs. 1,500. The Tatkal fee has also increased from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 5,000.

If your passport is due for renewal, check the current fee and application requirements before submitting your application.

7. OCI cards are now being issued digitally

The Ministry of Home Affairs has moved to digital OCI cards for fresh applications from 8 July.

The initial registration process remains in place, but applicants can now generate and save a digital version of their OCI card on their device.

This is an important change for overseas citizens of India planning to apply for a new OCI card.

8. Indian currency rules have changed in Nepal

Indian travellers visiting Nepal can now carry and use Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 Indian banknotes.

The Nepal Rastra Bank announced the change on 23 July 2026, ending a restriction that had been in place since January 2019.

The update should make spending easier for Indian visitors, particularly those travelling by road or exploring areas outside Nepal's main tourist centres.

9. The US is testing expedited B visa appointments

Indian travellers applying for B-1 business or B-2 tourist visas may have another appointment option under a US Department of State pilot programme.

Eligible applicants at participating US embassies and consulates can pay an additional US$750 to request an expedited visa interview within 10 business days, subject to availability and eligibility. The pilot is scheduled to run until 31 December 2026. The additional payment only provides access to the expedited appointment process and does not guarantee visa approval.

10. Saudi Arabia introduces a digital Package Visa for Indians

Saudi Arabia has introduced a digital Package Visa for eligible travellers from India and several other countries.

Instead of arranging the tourist visa separately, eligible visitors can obtain it as part of a travel package. The package includes confirmed return flights, accommodation at a Ministry of Tourism-licensed hotel with at least a four-star rating and an electronic tourist visa application.

Current destinations include Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea and Diriyah. The package starts at around SAR. 4,000 per adult for the first two days, although prices and availability can vary.

For Indians considering a holiday in Saudi Arabia, the package could make the booking process more convenient by bringing flights, accommodation and visa arrangements together.