Three of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers — the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area — all introduced significant rule changes in 2025 and 2026. The US became dramatically more expensive. The UK replaced physical visa stickers with a fully digital system. And Europe now collects your biometrics at the border on your first visit.
This article covers only the changes that require more planning, more money, or a different process. If you are looking for new destinations that got easier for Indians, see our companion article on new visa-free and visa-on-arrival access.
| Destination | Old Process / Cost | New Process / Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| USA B1/B2 | ~₹20,000 total visa cost | ₹39,000–42,000+ (new USD 250 fee added) |
| UK Standard Visa | Physical vignette sticker in passport | Digital eVisa only, from 25 Feb 2026 |
| Schengen Entry | Passport stamp on arrival | Biometric scan via EES system (Oct 2025) |
United States — Visa Process Gets Costlier and Stricter
The US introduced a series of significant changes in 2025 that hit Indian applicants hardest among all nationalities due to the sheer volume of Indian travellers.
New ₹20,000+ Visa Integrity Fee (From October 2025)
A new USD 250 “Visa Integrity Fee” now applies to most Indian visa applicants on top of the standard B1/B2 application fee. At March 2026 exchange rates, this brings the total to approximately ₹39,000–42,000 per person.
| 💰 Family planning a US trip? Budget ₹1,50,000 or more just for visa fees for four people — before a single rupee is spent on flights or hotels. |
Social Media History Is Now Reviewed
The US State Department now examines applicants’ social media history as part of standard background checks. Your public posts, profiles, and online presence may be reviewed before a visa decision is made. Key steps before applying:
- Review all public posts on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn.
- Remove or archive any content that could be misread as political extremism, illegal activity, or opposition to US interests.
- Ensure your occupation and travel history stated on the application match what is visible on your professional profiles.
Applications Only from India
Indians can no longer apply for US visas from third countries like Singapore or Thailand to access shorter appointment wait times. All applications must now be submitted from India. This is adding to already long queues at US consulates in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
In-Person Passport Collection (From August 2025)
Passport collection is now in-person only at US consulates after visa processing. Home delivery is still offered but at an extra charge. Factor this into your planning if you have other travel booked around your visa appointment.
Interviews Mandatory for All Ages
In-person interviews are now required for applicants of all ages, including children under 14 and senior citizens over 79 — age groups that were previously exempt from interviews.
FIFA Pass for World Cup 2026 Tickets
Indians with confirmed FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets can access the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA Pass) to get faster B1/B2 interview slots. If you are planning to attend the World Cup in the US this year, use FIFA Pass to avoid the standard queue backlog.
United Kingdom — Digital eVisa Replaces Physical Sticker
The UK made a process change that is mostly positive for Indians, even though it requires setting up a new digital account.
What Changed from 25 February 2026
The UK abolished physical visa vignette stickers pasted into passports and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). All successful UK visa applicants now receive a fully digital eVisa, linked to their passport via a UKVI online account.
The key practical change: you keep your passport
Previously, Indian applicants surrendered their passports to a VFS Global centre for weeks during processing, locking them out of other international travel. Now:
- Biometrics only at VFS: You visit a VFS Global Centre to give fingerprints and a photograph. Your passport is handed back the same day.
- Digital approval: Your eVisa is issued to your UKVI online account when the application is approved — no physical document.
- Airlines check electronically: Before boarding, airlines verify your eVisa through the Advance Passenger Information System. UK Border Force confirms it on arrival by scanning your passport.
Processing times and costs
Standard service: approximately 15 working days (3 weeks) from your biometrics appointment. Priority service adds approximately ₹63,800. Super-priority (next working day) adds approximately ₹1,27,600.
| 📌 Important: After approval, you must create a UKVI account via the UK Immigration: ID Check app and link the exact passport you will travel with. If you renew your passport after getting the eVisa, update your UKVI account before travelling. |
| 💼 Business travel benefit: Indian executives who previously lost 2–3 weeks of passport access during UK visa processing can now apply for UK and US visas simultaneously. |
Schengen / Europe — Biometric Entry/Exit System (EES)
The European Union rolled out its Entry/Exit System (EES) from October 2025. This replaces traditional passport stamping with a digital biometric record for all non-EU travellers, including Indians.
What EES Means for Indian Travellers
- First entry: You provide fingerprints and a facial photograph at the Schengen border. A digital travel file is created, linked to your passport.
- Subsequent entries: Your identity is verified against your stored biometric data. No new fingerprinting needed.
- Passport stamp gone: The traditional ink stamp in your passport is replaced by a digital record. Manual stamping continues during the transition period until April 2026.
- Visa eligibility unchanged: EES does not affect your right to enter or your permitted stay duration. It only changes how you are identified at the border.
| ⏳ Allow 15–20 extra minutes at Schengen borders on your first entry under EES, especially at Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris CDG, and Rome Fiumicino. Queues have been longer than usual during the rollout period. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a US B1/B2 visa cost for Indians in 2026?
Approximately ₹39,000–42,000 per person at current exchange rates, including the new USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee added from October 2025. A family of four should budget ₹1,50,000+ in visa fees.
Q: Does the UK eVisa mean I no longer submit my passport?
You still visit a VFS Global centre for biometrics, but your passport is returned the same day. You no longer have to wait weeks for your passport to be processed. Your approved UK visa is fully digital, accessible through your UKVI account.
Q: Does Schengen EES change my visa requirements?
No. EES does not change visa eligibility, permitted stay duration, or required documents. It only changes how you are verified at the border — a biometric scan instead of a passport stamp.
Q: Can Indians still apply for US visas from Singapore or Dubai?
No. From 2025, all Indians must apply for US visas from within India. Third-country applications are no longer accepted regardless of residency status in another country.