Crucial 2026 Travel Changes: What Indian Travellers Need to Know About the US Visa Fee Hike and EU EES Biometrics
Planning a trip abroad in the near future? Indian travellers need to be aware that the landscape of international travel is rapidly changing, especially with major updates coming into effect. The 2026 Travel Rules are introducing new procedures that will impact everything from your budget to your time spent at border control. Get ready to learn about the significant US Visa Fee Hike and the implementation of EU EES Biometrics , alongside positive developments like India's own Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP). We’ve compiled the key information you need to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
Europe: Goodbye Passport Stamps, Hello Digital Checks
If Europe is on your bucket list, you should prepare for the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System, or EU EES Biometrics. This system, which began rolling out in late 2025 and is expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026, marks a major shift under the 2026 Travel Rules. It’s designed to replace the old-fashioned passport stamping with digital, biometric checks at external Schengen borders. As Indian travellers, your fingerprints and facial biometrics will be recorded upon your first entry, and subsequent entries will be verified using these stored details. While this system promises efficiency down the line, be ready for a slightly longer "onboarding" process on your initial trip. We will also touch upon the Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) later, which is India's answer to this kind of modernization. These digital changes come alongside other cost factors, like the impending US Visa Fee Hike.
United States: Higher Fees and Tighter Interview Rules
Traveling to the States? Budgeting for your trip just became a little heavier due to the upcoming US Visa Fee Hike. Starting in 2026, the US is implementing a mandatory "Visa Integrity Fee" of USD 250 for most non-immigrant visas, including visitor and student categories. This significant cost increase means that Indian travellers applying for popular B-1/B-2 visas may now face total fees around INR 40,000 or more, making it a critical aspect of the 2026 Travel Rules. Additionally, the rules for interview-waivers have been tightened, meaning many applicants who previously used the drop-box option for renewals will now have to attend an in-person interview. Although unrelated to the EU EES Biometrics, this change requires careful planning. Finally, remember that third-party passport pickup has been discontinued since August 2025; you must now use a paid courier or collect it yourself. Stay on top of this while you also look into the benefits of India's Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for your domestic travel ease.
India’s Border Control: Fast Lanes and Strict Laws
While international borders are getting stricter, India is simultaneously modernizing its own systems, which is great news for frequent Indian travellers. On a positive note, the Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) is expanding biometric and e-gate-based immigration processing to 13 major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, streamlining airport passage. However, domestic compliance is tightening under the 2026 Travel Rules. The new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which came into force in September 2025, introduces severe penalties, including potential imprisonment (2 to 7 years) and heavy fines (INR 1 to 10 lakh), for anyone using or circulating forged travel documents. While the US Visa Fee Hike and EU EES Biometrics focus on outbound travel, these domestic laws demand that Indian travellers ensure all documents are legitimate and up-to-date to avoid serious offenses like overstaying.
Final Takeaway for Indian Travellers
In summary, 2026 will be a year of transition for Indian travellers, marked by both stricter compliance globally and increased convenience domestically. Whether you're navigating the new EU EES Biometrics for your Schengen trips or budgeting for the considerable US Visa Fee Hike, careful preparation is essential under the evolving 2026 Travel Rules. Remember to apply early, verify your documents, and, if you're a frequent flyer, consider enrolling in the Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) to make your passage through Indian airports significantly faster. Staying informed is the best way to ensure your journeys remain seamless.
Europe: Goodbye Passport Stamps, Hello Digital Checks
If Europe is on your bucket list, you should prepare for the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System, or EU EES Biometrics. This system, which began rolling out in late 2025 and is expected to be fully operational by April 10, 2026, marks a major shift under the 2026 Travel Rules. It’s designed to replace the old-fashioned passport stamping with digital, biometric checks at external Schengen borders. As Indian travellers, your fingerprints and facial biometrics will be recorded upon your first entry, and subsequent entries will be verified using these stored details. While this system promises efficiency down the line, be ready for a slightly longer "onboarding" process on your initial trip. We will also touch upon the Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) later, which is India's answer to this kind of modernization. These digital changes come alongside other cost factors, like the impending US Visa Fee Hike.United States: Higher Fees and Tighter Interview Rules
Traveling to the States? Budgeting for your trip just became a little heavier due to the upcoming US Visa Fee Hike. Starting in 2026, the US is implementing a mandatory "Visa Integrity Fee" of USD 250 for most non-immigrant visas, including visitor and student categories. This significant cost increase means that Indian travellers applying for popular B-1/B-2 visas may now face total fees around INR 40,000 or more, making it a critical aspect of the 2026 Travel Rules. Additionally, the rules for interview-waivers have been tightened, meaning many applicants who previously used the drop-box option for renewals will now have to attend an in-person interview. Although unrelated to the EU EES Biometrics, this change requires careful planning. Finally, remember that third-party passport pickup has been discontinued since August 2025; you must now use a paid courier or collect it yourself. Stay on top of this while you also look into the benefits of India's Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for your domestic travel ease.India’s Border Control: Fast Lanes and Strict Laws
While international borders are getting stricter, India is simultaneously modernizing its own systems, which is great news for frequent Indian travellers. On a positive note, the Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) is expanding biometric and e-gate-based immigration processing to 13 major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, streamlining airport passage. However, domestic compliance is tightening under the 2026 Travel Rules. The new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which came into force in September 2025, introduces severe penalties, including potential imprisonment (2 to 7 years) and heavy fines (INR 1 to 10 lakh), for anyone using or circulating forged travel documents. While the US Visa Fee Hike and EU EES Biometrics focus on outbound travel, these domestic laws demand that Indian travellers ensure all documents are legitimate and up-to-date to avoid serious offenses like overstaying. Final Takeaway for Indian Travellers
In summary, 2026 will be a year of transition for Indian travellers, marked by both stricter compliance globally and increased convenience domestically. Whether you're navigating the new EU EES Biometrics for your Schengen trips or budgeting for the considerable US Visa Fee Hike, careful preparation is essential under the evolving 2026 Travel Rules. Remember to apply early, verify your documents, and, if you're a frequent flyer, consider enrolling in the Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) to make your passage through Indian airports significantly faster. Staying informed is the best way to ensure your journeys remain seamless.Next Story