Before your next international trip, there are several India-side changes you need to know about. India launched Passport Seva Program 2.0 in February 2026. The chip-enabled ePassport rollout is underway. Japan tightened its VFS walk-in rules for South Indian cities. And the Ministry of External Affairs issued a rare public safety warning about Iran.
This article is the third in our 2026 visa series. For new easy-access destinations, see Article 1. For the US, UK, and Schengen changes, see “US Visa, UK eVisa, Schengen EES: Key Changes for Indians (2025-26)“.
| Change | Effective Date | Who It Affects |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Seva Program 2.0 rules | 15-Feb-26 | All Indians applying for / renewing a passport |
| ePassport chip rollout (ongoing) | 2025 onwards | Indians renewing passports in major cities |
| Japan VFS walk-in ban — South India | 2-Mar-26 | Indians in Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Puducherry |
| Fast Track Immigration at 13 airports | 2025 | Frequent international travellers returning to India |
| Delhi VFS new address (UK, Schengen) | 12-Jan-26 | Delhi applicants for UK, Ireland, Nordic visas |
| Iran visa-waiver suspended + safety warning | 22-Nov-25 | Any Indian considering travel to Iran |
| Bolivia: e-visa replaces VOA | 2026 | Indians planning South America trips via Bolivia |
India’s New Passport Rules Under PSP 2.0
India upgraded its Passport Seva Program to version 2.0, managed by the Ministry of External Affairs. New rules took effect from 15 February 2026:
- Stricter photo compliance: Passport photos must now meet full ICAO standards. Non-compliant photos result in application rejection — no second chance at the counter. Ensure your photo is taken against a plain white background, without glasses, with a neutral expression.
- No incomplete applications accepted: Applications with missing information or incorrect file uploads are rejected at the point of submission. There is no grace period or correction window after submission.
- Simplified children’s passport process: Documentation requirements for minors have been streamlined. Parents no longer need to produce the same volume of supporting documents as before.
- Digital-first approach: The upgraded system reduces dependency on intermediaries (agents and touts). Track your application status directly on the Passport Seva portal.
| 📝 Before your next passport appointment: Triple-check your photo meets ICAO standards, upload all documents clearly, and verify every field — especially name spelling, date of birth, and address. Even a minor error will get your application rejected. |
Should You Upgrade to an ePassport?
India is rolling out chip-enabled ePassports (also called biometric passports) in phases across major cities. If you are already due for renewal, here is why it matters:
- Faster e-gate entry: ePassports are compatible with automated e-gate systems at airports across Europe, the UAE, Singapore, and Australia. This can cut border wait times from 20–30 minutes to under 5.
- Reduced secondary checks: Biometric chip data provides stronger identity verification, making chip-enabled passport holders less likely to be flagged for manual secondary inspection at international borders.
- Future-proofed document: Several countries are moving toward requiring biometric passports for automated entry — getting ahead now saves hassle later.
| 📘 Tip: When booking your Passport Seva Kendra appointment, check whether your city’s office currently issues ePassports. The rollout is city-by-city. Cities with ePassport capability include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata (verify on the PSK portal for your city at the time of booking). |
ePassport vs Regular Passport: What Is Different?
Japan Visa: No Walk-Ins in South India from 2 March 2026
If you are applying for a Japan visa from South India, note this important change: as of 2 March 2026, VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centres in Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Puducherry no longer accept walk-in applications.
All applicants at these four centres must book an appointment online at the VFS Global website before visiting. Showing up without a prior appointment will result in being turned away.
- Unaffected cities: Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and all other VFS centres outside the four listed cities still allow walk-ins.
- How to book: Visit vfsglobal.com, select Japan as the destination and India as your country, and book an appointment at your nearest centre.
| 🗓️ If you are planning a Japan trip in spring 2026 (cherry blossom season), book your VFS appointment as early as possible. Demand is high and slots at South Indian centres fill up quickly under the new appointment-only system. |
Fast Track Immigration at 13 Indian Airports
India launched a Fast Track Immigration (FTI) clearance programme at 13 major airports in 2025. Frequent international travellers can enrol for biometric pre-clearance, significantly reducing immigration queues when returning to India.
The 13 airports include Delhi IGI, Mumbai CSMT, Bengaluru Kempegowda, Chennai, Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi, Kolkata Netaji Subhas, and others. To enrol, visit the Bureau of Immigration website or check the FTI enrolment desk at your nearest participating airport.
Delhi VFS Global Moved to New Address (From 12 January 2026)
Delhi-based applicants for UK, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and several other Schengen visas should note that VFS Global moved its Delhi hub to a new facility at VFS Global House, Connaught Place, New Delhi, from 12 January 2026.
Appointments booked before the move are automatically redirected. All new appointments are booked at the Connaught Place facility. Verify the exact address and floor number on the VFS Global website when booking.
Iran: Visa-Waiver Suspended + Official Safety Warning
This is the most important warning in this article. Two things happened regarding Iran in late 2025:
- Visa-waiver suspended (22 November 2025): The visa-free access that Indian passport holders previously had to Iran has been withdrawn. A visa is now mandatory for all Indians travelling to or transiting through Iran.
- MEA safety advisory: The Ministry of External Affairs issued a formal public advisory warning that Indian nationals are being lured to Iran with false promises of employment or tourism opportunities, and then kidnapped and held for ransom after arrival.
| ⛔ Do not travel to Iran based on third-party assurances, job offers, or social media invitations. The MEA advisory is active as of March 2026. If you have concerns about someone you know who may have travelled to Iran under suspicious circumstances, contact the MEA helpline at 1800-11-2490. |
Bolivia: e-Visa Now Required for Indians
Bolivia quietly updated its entry requirements for Indian passport holders in early 2026, moving from a visa-on-arrival system to a prior-approval e-visa model. If Bolivia is on your South America itinerary, apply for the e-visa well in advance through Bolivia’s official immigration portal before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is India’s ePassport, and should I get one?
An ePassport contains a biometric chip that stores your fingerprints and a facial photograph. It enables faster automated e-gate entry at airports in Europe, the UAE, Singapore, and Australia, and reduces the likelihood of manual secondary checks. If you are renewing your passport and your city’s PSK issues ePassports, it is strongly recommended to request one.
Q: What changed with Passport Seva Program 2.0 from 15 February 2026?
PSP 2.0 enforces stricter photo compliance (ICAO standards), does not accept incomplete applications, simplified the process for children’s passports, and takes a digital-first approach to reduce intermediary dependency. Any error in your application results in immediate rejection.
Q: Can I still walk in for a Japan visa in Chennai or Hyderabad?
No. From 2 March 2026, VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centres in Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Puducherry require an online appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted at these four centres.
Q: Is it safe for Indians to travel to Iran in 2026?
No. The Ministry of External Affairs has issued an active advisory against travel to Iran, citing multiple verified cases of Indians being kidnapped for ransom after being lured with false job or tourism offers. The visa waiver has also been suspended, so a visa is now required.
Also Read
- New Countries Indians Can Visit Without a Visa in 2025–2026
- US Visa, UK eVisa, Schengen EES: Key Changes for Indians (2025-26)
⚠️ Disclaimer: Rules change frequently. Always verify requirements at official government and embassy websites before applying or travelling. This article is for informational purposes only.