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From visa-free getaways to remote work opportunities, new 2025 visa policies are opening exciting doors for Indian travellers across the globe.
Passport ready? 2025 brings big visa wins for Indian travellers—from digital nomad visas to visa-free island escapes.
International travel just got a whole lot easier for Indian passport holders, thanks to several major updates in visa policies worldwide. From visa-free access to streamlined processing and new digital nomad opportunities, here are the key changes you need to know before planning your next getaway:
1. Remote Work Now Allowed on New Zealand Visitor Visa
Starting January 27, 2025, New Zealand has updated its visitor visa rules to permit remote work for up to 90 days during a stay of up to six months. This means if you’re employed by a foreign company, you can work remotely while primarily enjoying New Zealand as a tourist.
2. South Africa Launches Express Visa via Tour Operators
South Africa has introduced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), allowing accredited tour operators to submit group visa applications directly. This move reduces the processing time to just three working days, offering a smoother experience for Indian group travellers.
3. Palau Grants Visa-Free Entry for Indians
The island nation of Palau now offers Indian citizens visa-free access for short visits of up to 30 days. Although there are no direct flights from India, convenient connections through cities like Singapore, Manila, Seoul, and Taipei make it a reachable paradise for Indian tourists.
4. The Philippines Offers Dual Options for Visa-Free Travel
The Philippines now grants visa-free entry to Indian nationals under two new provisions. Indians can visit for up to 14 days visa-free for tourism. Moreover, if you hold a valid visa or permanent residency from countries like the US, Japan, or within the Schengen zone, you’re eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay.
5. US to Add USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee
Indian travellers heading to the US should brace for increased costs. A new USD 250 (approximately ₹21,600) “visa integrity fee” will apply to most nonimmigrant visas, including student and work categories. This will raise the total application fee to around USD 473 (roughly ₹41,000). The implementation date is expected to be around October 1, 2025.
6. US Student Visa Applicants Face Social Media Scrutiny
Indian students applying for US visas will now be subject to mandatory social media disclosure. All handles and usernames used in the past five years must be declared, and applicants must keep their profiles public. Deactivating accounts or deleting posts just before applying may raise red flags.
7. Slovenia to Welcome Indian Digital Nomads
Slovenia is set to roll out its digital nomad visa on November 21, 2025. Indian remote workers employed by foreign companies can live in Slovenia for up to a year, with the option to bring their family. However, the visa is non-renewable, and a six-month break outside Slovenia will be required to reapply.
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Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N…Read More