Five Key Travel Advisories for Indians Planning Trips Now

By Govind Gaur, Founder & CEO, WanderOn
The US-Iran ceasefire is a positive trigger for Indian travel sentiment. While it will not bring immediate boost to the travel segment, but travel costs may stabilize as oil prices would soften slightly following the announcement. In the medium term, if the ceasefire holds and transitions into a longer peace agreement, we could see, stronger outbound recovery from India, stabilization of airfares and renewed confidence in long-haul travel corridors via the Middle East.
On one hand, there would be suppressed demand for Europe and the U.S., it could start picking up as routes via the Middle East reopen. On the other hand, Indian travellers are extremely sentiment-driven, and given the recency of the conflict, many may adopt a wait-and-watch approach in the short term. We can expect a gradual resumption of flights to the Gulf, especially if airspace restrictions ease and shipping routes stabilize. Airlines usually wait for sustained geopolitical stability and safety clearances before increasing capacity, so frequency additions will be phased, rather than making it immediate.
With summer travel plans round the corner, a lot of people might start planning for international destinations, coupled with the announcement of the ceasefire. However, below are five key travel advisories for consumers, to ensure their safety and security in travel.
West Asia routes are volatile- It is important to reconfirm flights, even hours before departure: If any consumer’s itinerary includes transit via the Gulf (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi), this is critical. Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, several countries have intermittently closed or restricted portions of their airspace, particularly over Iran, Israel, and surrounding regions, forcing airlines to reroute flights at short notice. This is leading to sudden rerouting and even mid-air returns of flights. Delhi’s IGI Airport has already issued advisories asking passengers on west-bound routes to reconfirm flight timings before reaching the airport, as schedules are changing at short notice. It suggested to avoid tight transit connections in the Middle East and keep a 4–6-hour buffer and enable real-time airline alerts.
Some destinations have quietly tightened entry: Visa-on-Arrival is not guaranteed anymore: There is a major shift in 2026, where many countries are rolling back visa-on-arrival access and moving to pre-approved digital visas. Places like Bolivia previously offered visa-on-arrival, but is now asking Indians to apply for an e-visa in advance, and one must carry the digital approval at arrival. While Thailand is still visa-friendly, it has tightened financial proof requirements and stay scrutiny. Travellers without confirmed hotel bookings or sufficient funds are increasingly being questioned at immigration. Indonesia continues visa-on-arrival, but has introduced stricter checks on return tickets, accommodation, and a tourist levy, along with closer monitoring of traveller intent. United Arab Emirates is enforcing stricter documentation checks, including confirmed hotel bookings and return tickets, especially for tourists entering Dubai.
Similarly, countries like the UK are transitioning toward fully digital visa systems, while others are adding stricter appointment-based processes.
One should ensure passport validity and documentation readiness: While this might sound basic, but it is one of the most common reasons travellers face last-minute issues. One’s passport must have at least six months of validity from your return date, along with sufficient blank pages, especially during the situation of geo-political tensions across the world. Many countries are also asking for proof of accommodation, return tickets, travel insurance, and financial capacity at immigration. Physical and digital copies of passport, visa, insurance, Identity cards, flight and hotel booking should be carried without fail.
Some regions are effectively “No-Go Zones” for Indians: There are several destinations that are currently either restricted or strongly discouraged for Indian travellers due to ongoing or recently de-escalated conflicts. Travel to Yemen remains officially banned, while countries such as Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and parts of Iraq continue to have active advisories urging Indians to avoid non-essential travel. Similar caution applies to regions like Ukraine and Sudan, where instability persists. Importantly, even in situations where ceasefires are announced, restrictions on airspace, limited on-ground support, and the risk of sudden escalation mean these destinations remain unsuitable for travel. Travellers with itineraries that include—even as transit points—such high-risk zones should actively reconsider their routes.
Travel Insurance should now be treated mandatory: Travel insurance is no longer just a safety net; it should be treated mandatory. Several countries now mandate insurance coverage for entry, especially in Europe and parts of Asia. Medical emergencies abroad can be extremely expensive, and disruptions like flight cancellations or lost baggage are more common than ever in a volatile travel environment.
At WanderOn, we believe that great travel experiences begin with smart planning. So before you fly, take a moment to prepare—because the best journeys are the ones where nothing unexpected gets in the way of your adventure.