Visa rules for Indian travellers saw many changes in 2025, and most of them brought good news. Several countries made it easier for Indians to travel, work remotely, or stay longer. The Philippines and Slovenia introduced digital nomad visas, South Africa promised much faster visa approvals, and Palau added India to its visa-free list.
Not all updates were positive. The United States introduced a new $250 visa integrity fee, making US visas more expensive for Indians. Even so, overall 2025 has been a friendlier year for Indian passport holders planning international travel. Below is a detailed look at the biggest visa updates affecting Indians this year.
Here are 12 key points About New Visa Rules:
- New Zealand allows remote work on a Visitor Visa: Indians can now work remotely for a foreign company for up to 90 days while staying in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa. There is no minimum income requirement, and applications are done online.
- South Africa visa now processed in 3 days: Under the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, Indian tourists can receive a digital visa within three days through approved tour operators, without visiting the embassy.
- Palau becomes visa-free for Indians: Indian passport holders can visit Palau visa-free for 30 days. While there are no direct flights from India, travel is possible via major Asian hubs.
- Philippines offers 14-day visa-free entry: Indians visiting the Philippines for tourism can now stay visa-free for 14 days, provided they meet passport validity and travel document requirements.
- Philippines offers 30-day visa-free stay with select visas: Indians holding valid US, UK, Japan, or Schengen visas can stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Philippines launches Digital Nomad Visa: Remote workers can now live and work in the Philippines for up to one year, with an option to extend for another year, as long as income is earned outside the country.
- Slovenia introduces Digital Nomad Visa: Slovenia now allows Indians to stay for one year while working remotely for foreign companies. The visa also allows short travel across Schengen countries.
- US introduces a new $250 visa integrity fee: The United States added a mandatory $250 fee for most non-immigrant visas, increasing the overall cost for Indian tourists, students, and workers.
- Social media checks added to US student visas: Indian students applying for F, M, or J visas must now make their social media accounts public for official background checks.
- Argentina allows entry with a US visa: Indians holding a valid US tourist visa can now enter Argentina without applying for a separate Argentine visa.
- US passport collection must be done in person: From August 2025, Indian applicants must personally collect their passports from US embassies or consulates. Home delivery is available at an extra cost.
- Switzerland opens Golden Visa option for Indians: Switzerland now offers residency to Indians through investment or lump-sum tax payment, along with access to the Schengen region and a long-term residency pathway.
New Zealand now allows remote work on a Visitor Visa
From January 27, 2025, Indians travelling to New Zealand on a Visitor Visa can legally work remotely for a foreign employer for up to 90 days. Self-employed professionals who work with clients outside New Zealand are also eligible.
Unlike many digital nomad visas, New Zealand has not set any minimum income requirement. Instead of launching a new visa category, New Zealand has simply added a remote work option under its existing Visitor Visa.
Tourists can stay for up to six months on a multiple-entry visa or nine months on a single-entry visa. Out of this period, 90 days can be spent doing remote work. Students can also study for up to 90 days under the same visa.
Remote workers must be employed by companies outside New Zealand. Anyone working for a New Zealand employer still needs a separate Work Visa. Applications can be made online, with a visa fee of NZD 341 (around Rs16,689). Processing usually takes 20–25 days, and applicants may also need to pay a tourism levy of NZD 100.
South Africa visa for Indians now available in just three days
To increase tourism, South Africa launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) on 12 February 2025. This scheme allows approved tour operators to submit visa applications directly on behalf of travellers.
Indian tourists no longer need to visit embassies, stand in queues, or submit individual applications. Under TTOS, visas are issued digitally within three days.
So far, 65 tour operators from South Africa, India, and China have been approved. Since India currently accounts for only 3.9% of South Africa’s foreign tourists, the scheme aims to remove visa delays and language barriers that previously discouraged travel.
Palau is now visa-free for Indians
Indian passport holders can now visit Palau without a visa for up to 30 days. Palau is a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, known for coral reefs, volcanic islands, and untouched natural beauty.
Although there are no direct flights from India, travellers can reach Palau via cities like Manila, Singapore, Seoul, or Taipei. This visa-free move is expected to boost tourism and strengthen relations between India and Palau.
The Philippines offers visa-free entry to Indians
From May 2025, Indians can enter the Philippines without a visa under two categories.
The first option allows a 14-day visa-free stay strictly for tourism. This stay cannot be extended. Travellers must carry a passport valid for at least six months, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket.
The second option allows a 30-day visa-free stay for Indians who already hold valid visas or permanent residence from countries like the US, Japan, or Schengen nations.
Entry is allowed through major international airports, seaports, and even cruise terminals.
Philippines launches a Digital Nomad Visa
In April 2025, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved a Digital Nomad Visa to attract remote workers. This visa allows foreigners to live and work remotely in the Philippines for up to one year, with an option to extend for another year.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, work remotely for non-Philippine companies, and have sufficient income from abroad. They must also submit proof of employment, clean criminal record, and valid health insurance.
Visa fees range from USD 65 to USD 145, depending on validity. This visa officially launched in late June 2025.
Slovenia introduces its first Digital Nomad Visa
In November 2025, Slovenia launched a one-year digital nomad visa for non-EU nationals, including Indians. Remote workers must be employed by companies outside Slovenia or work with foreign clients.
The visa cannot be renewed, and applicants must leave Slovenia for at least six months before reapplying. Family members can join but cannot work locally.
Since Slovenia is part of the Schengen Area, visa holders can travel freely across 29 European countries for short stays.
US adds a $250 visa integrity fee
Travelling to the United States became more expensive in 2025. A new $250 visa integrity fee now applies to most nonimmigrant visas, including tourist, business, student, and work visas.
This fee is charged on top of existing visa application and processing fees. For Indians, total visa costs now range between $425 and $473, depending on the visa type.
The fee cannot be waived, though the US government may reimburse it if travellers fully follow visa rules.
Social media checks added to US student visas
From June 23, 2025, Indian students applying for US F, M, or J visas must make their social media accounts public. Applicants also need to list all social media handles used in the last five years.
US officials will review posts, comments, likes, and group affiliations for security concerns. Applicants are advised not to delete accounts or content before applying.
Indians can enter Argentina using a US visa
Indians holding a valid US tourist visa can now enter Argentina without applying for a separate Argentine visa. The decision aims to boost tourism and strengthen ties between India and Argentina.
US visa applicants must collect passports in person
From August 2025, Indian visa applicants must personally collect their passports from US embassies or consulates. Third-party collection is no longer allowed.
Parents can collect passports for minors with an original consent letter. A paid home delivery option is also available for Rs1,200.
Stricter US interview waiver rules
From September 2025, most US visa applicants must attend in-person interviews. Interview waivers are now limited mainly to tourists renewing B1/B2 visas, and even then, consular officers can still request an interview.
Switzerland offers Golden Visa to Indians
Switzerland now allows Indians to apply for residency through its Golden Visa program. Applicants can qualify by paying a yearly lump-sum tax starting at CHF 200,000 or investing at least CHF 1 million in a Swiss company.
The visa offers residency, Schengen travel access, and a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship over time.
Final Word
From visa-free island nations to digital nomad opportunities and faster processing times, 2025 has brought many positive visa changes for Indian travellers. While the US has tightened rules and increased costs, Indian passport holders now enjoy wider global access than ever before.