If you’re planning an international trip from India, it’s time to catch up on some new travel updates. From new visa-free destinations to faster immigration and higher visa fees, 2025 brings several big changes that can impact your next trip. Here are five key travel updates every Indian traveller should know before heading abroad.
1. Fast Track Immigration now at 13 Indian airports
Frequent flyers can now skip long queues with the new Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP). This free service lets Indian citizens and OCI cardholders use e-gates for quick immigration clearance.
Currently available at 13 airports—including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad—travellers can register by submitting fingerprints, facial scans, and basic details. Once approved, you can breeze through the airport with biometric verification.
2. Europe introduces new Entry/Exit System (EES)
Europe’s Schengen Area has replaced passport stamping with a digital biometric Entry/Exit System. Travellers will now have their photo and fingerprints scanned instead of a stamp on their passport.
The system is being gradually rolled out and will be fully implemented by April 2026, making travel to Europe faster and more secure.
3. IndiGo launches flights to major European cities
IndiGo has expanded its international network, now flying directly from Mumbai to Amsterdam, Manchester, London, and Copenhagen.
This marks the first time an Indian low-cost airline connects India directly with major European destinations, offering travellers more affordable ways to explore Europe.
4. US visa rules get stricter and more expensive
The United States has updated several visa policies affecting Indian travellers. Key changes include:
-
A $250 (₹21,500) “visa integrity fee,” making the total cost around ₹40,000+ depending on the visa type.
-
Stricter interview rules — fewer applicants are eligible for interview waivers, and most must now attend in person.
-
Visa interviews must now be held only in your country of residence or nationality.
-
Applicants must make their social media accounts public for security review.
These updates make the process longer and costlier, so plan ahead before applying.
5. Two new visa-free countries for Indians
Good news for island lovers — Palau and the Philippines now allow visa-free entry for Indian citizens!
-
Palau: 30 days visa-free stay (accessible via Manila, Singapore, or Seoul).
-
Philippines: 14-day visa-free entry for tourists, or 30 days if you hold a valid visa from the US, Japan, or Schengen countries.
These new additions give Indian travellers more easy and affordable getaway options in Asia and the Pacific.
Summary
From smoother airport experiences to new visa-free destinations, 2025 is full of exciting updates for Indian travellers. Whether you’re flying to Europe, the US, or tropical islands, staying informed will help you plan smarter and travel stress-free.
#IndianTravelers #TravelUpdates #VisaFreeCountries #EuropeTravel #USVisa #IndiGoFlights #FastTrackImmigration #InternationalTravel #IndianTourism #TravelTips #Travel2025 #ExploreTheWorld #BudgetTravel #AirportTips