Tag Archives: Visa

Reacting to the Budget-2025, Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI, said, “The Indian government’s recent budget reflects a strong commitment to boosting tourism. With initiatives like visa waivers to attract international tourists and upgrading 50 major tourist sites in collaboration with states, the focus is on positioning India as a top global destination. These measures, including investments in infrastructure and connectivity, are designed to enhance India’s tourism appeal. Visa waivers, in particular, will ease travel hurdles, inviting more foreign tourists and driving revenue.” He added that the government also emphasises medical tourism, recognising India’s world-class healthcare facilities. Through partnerships with the private sector, medical tourism is poised for growth. Furthermore, the Udaan scheme’s expansion to 120 destinations will facilitate travel, while Mudra loans for homestays will support affordable accommodation options.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of the Russian Federation on mutual recognition of visas and other issues related to the rules of Entry/Exit of foreign citizens and stateless persons to/from the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation with Visas/residence permits of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation (procedure for checking electronic visas) has already entered into force from 11 January, 2025. Foreign citizens and stateless persons may enter/exit, transit through the territory of the Republic of Belarus or the territory of the Russian Federation upon presentation of one of the following valid documents: a Visa (single-entry, multiple-entry) of the Republic of Belarus or a residence permit in the Republic of Belarus, valid at the time of entry. a Visa (single-entry, multiple-entry), including an electronic visa of the Russian Federation or a residence permit in the Russian Federation, valid at the time of entry. Thus, a foreign citizen upon presentation of one of the valid documents (visa, residence permit) of the Republic of Belarus or the Russian federation will be able to: enter the Russian federation and exit the Republic of Belarus; enter the Republic of Belarus and exit the Russian Federation; Travel between these countries. 2. The procedure of the checking the availability of an electronic visa of the Russian Federation: The visa shall be presented in printed form; The QR code on the visa shall be scanned. The barcode contains a link to the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs evisacheck.kdmid.ru to check the availability/ absence of an electronic visa for a foreign citizen. 3. Foreign citizens with a Diplomatic passport: foreign citizens accredited in accordance …

Malayasia has extended visa exemption for Indians until 31 December 2026. Awang Alik Jeman, Secretary General, Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), Malaysia said, “As part of this plan, 30- day visa exemption is granted to Indians and it is in line with our preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”

As South Africa and India commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa, will visit India in December. She will engage in bilateral discussions to strengthen tourism ties, focusing on streamlined visa processes, digital innovation, enhanced air connectivity, and rural tourism.

Sharing updates on visas at Explore France 2024 workshop in Goa, Sami Boukaze, Deputy Consul – Consulate General of France in Mumbai, said, “The approval rate of visa applications is almost 85-90% of the total applications received in Mum- bai.” The workshop was attended by travel agents as well.

As per CRISIL’s report, India’s inbound is still healing from the pandemic, with FTA at 90 per cent of 2019 levels in H1 2024. Though, forex eamings have surged by 23 per cent, indicating higher spending per tourist. India must simplify visa process to attract inbound in comparison to global numbers.

The New Zealand travel and tourism industry is facing a storm as the government’s recent decisions on visa fees and the International Visitor Levy (IVL) threaten to derail its recovery efforts. The double whammy has significantly increased the cost of visiting the country, making it less attractive to international travellers. According to Dr. Xie Xingquan, Regional Vice President, IATA, North Asia and Asia-Pacific, the combined impact of these changes could delay the return of visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels well beyond 2026. This is a major setback for the industry, which is a crucial contributor to the New Zealand economy. IATA had strongly opposed the increase in the IVL during the public consultation process for the IVL, arguing that it would harm the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. Unfortunately, the government ignored these concerns and applied the levy in the 2024 budget despite ongoing discussions. Dr. Xie also expressed concern about the lack of transparency regarding the allocation of funds collected through the IVL. He urged the government to consider investing these resources in initiatives that support the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. As the industry struggles with these challenges, it is clear that the government’s approach to tourism policy needs to be reassessed. By fostering a more welcoming environment for international travellers, New Zealand can position itself as a leading destination and drive economic growth.

Immigration authorities in the UAE have intensified inspection and screening at the country’s airports to detect individuals arriving on a visit visa to seek employment. Now, all passengers arriving on visit or tourist visas will undergo strict profiling, including verification of funds and other information. Visitors engaging in tourist activities should provide information on their hotel accommodations, return tickets, and available funds.

Teleport – India’s Most Trusted Visa Platform, invites Indian travel agents to attend a B2B webinar today at 3 PM IST. Participants will learn tips for easy visa appointments; tricks to avoid visa rejections, and all of it at the lowest rates. To register contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com, or call 9650196532.

Teleport –  India’s Most Trusted Visa Platform, invites Indian travel agents to attend a B2B webinar on 23 April at 3 PM. Participants will learn tips for easy visa appointments; tricks to avoid visa rejections, & all of it at the lowest rates. Contact: jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com, 9650196532.