News

Foreigners with e-visa can now enter via Port Blair seaport

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are buzzing with a new sense of excitement. As per the latest news reports, the Ministry of Home Affairs had officially approved an Integrated Check Post (ICP) for foreign nationals holding e-visas, a move that is all set to transform the region's tourism landscape. Referring to this, Vishwendra, Tourism Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said, “October to May will be the prime period for yacht charters. Our tropical climate ensures calm seas during these months, making it perfect for exploring the stunning beaches and lagoons.” The islands, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and tranquil waters, are ready to welcome a new wave of travelers. The announcement will not just affect Port Blair. Reports add that the new policy also extended to five other major seaports across India, including Mumbai, New Mangalore, Cochin, Mormugao, and Chennai. This interconnected network would streamline entry for e-visa holders, making the Andaman and Nicobar Islands more accessible than ever. Prashant Kumar, Former Chief Port Administrator and Special Secretary (Home), reflected on the meticulous evaluations that led to the e-visa decision. He added that they considered every detail to ensure a smooth experience for our international guests, and that the approval aligns with their vision of making the islands a premier destination for global tourists. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, the Director General of Police, was equally optimistic. He said this development will significantly boost yacht tourism in the region and elevate Andaman and Nicobar to the global tourism map. Meanwhile, local tour operators echoed his sentiments, noting that the e-visa system would attract not only foreign travelers, but also Indian yacht enthusiasts and businessmen eager to explore the islands’ adventure tourism offerings. The leaders of FORTO and AATO, R. Ratnam and M Vinod, were at the forefront of this transformation. The introduction of e-visas will be a game-changer, they asserted. Previously, yachts and cruise ships could only pass by the islands. Now, they can dock and bring direct and indirect revenue to our shores. Despite the excitement, challenges are there. The high import tax on yachts, hovering around 50 percent, was a concern among travel agents. At the recent India International Travel Mart in Bengaluru, the AATO delegation had championed the cause for lower taxes to truly unlock the potential of yacht tourism.

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Preparing for a Schengen Visa: A comprehensive guide

Securing a Schengen visa opens the door to travel across 27 European countries. This also means you need to be a bit careful while applying for the same. To ensure a smooth application process, thorough preparation is also essential. So, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the complexities of obtaining a Schengen visa. Determine your visa type and duration Before starting your application, identify the type of Schengen visa you need based on your travel purpose—be it tourism, business, or family visit. Decide whether you need a short-stay visa (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) or a long-stay visa. Once you make that decision, it will be easier for you to sort out appropriate documents and understand the specific requirements for your application. Gather required documents A successful Schengen visa application relies on providing the right documentation. Common requirements include: Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the Schengen visa application form. Ensure all details are accurate and match your supporting documents. Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay, with at least two blank pages. Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos that meet Schengen visa photo standards. Travel insurance: Obtain travel insurance for medical emergencies and repatriation. Proof of accommodation: Provide hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host in the Schengen area. Travel itinerary: Submit your travel plans, including flight reservations and a detailed itinerary of your stay. Proof of financial means: Show evidence that you can support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters. Book an appointment Schedule an appointment with the consulate or visa application center (VAC) of the Schengen country you plan to visit. Some countries require you to apply through their VACs, while others handle applications directly. Be mindful of appointment wait times and plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues. Visa fee Pay the non-refundable visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your age. The fee is usually payable in the local currency or as specified by the consulate. Track your application After submission, you can track the status of your application through the consulate’s or VAC’s tracking system. Processing times vary, but it’s advisable to apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date. Collect your visa Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Review the visa details to ensure accuracy regarding your travel dates and personal information.

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Indigo’s new route to Jafna from Chennai to boost travel between India and Sri Lanka

IndiGo launches daily direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna starting September 1, 2024, boosting connectivity and supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism revival. IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has announced the addition of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, to its international route network. Starting September 1, 2024, the airline will offer non-stop daily flights between Chennai and Jaffna. Jaffna becomes IndiGo’s second destination in Sri Lanka after Colombo, marking its 34th international and 122nd overall destination within the expansive 6E network. This strategic move aims to strengthen the cultural and trade ties between India and Sri Lanka, characterized by cooperation in commerce, infrastructure development, and air connectivity. Flight bookings will open on August 1, 2024. India consistently ranks as the top primary market for international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. In June 2024, Indian arrivals accounted for 25.2% of the total, with over 28,631 travelers, compared to a 26.7% share in June 2023, with around 26,830 passengers. With growing interest in travel to Jaffna, IndiGo’s new route will enhance regional accessibility. The addition of Jaffna will complement IndiGo’s existing flights to Colombo, providing travelers with an additional access point in Sri Lanka. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce Jaffna as our new destination in Sri Lanka, which will serve as a catalyst in enhancing trade & tourism between our two countries. In addition to these daily flights from Chennai to Jaffna, we also offer 30 weekly frequencies from 4 points in India to Colombo. This 75-minute flight would significantly reduce travel time, making Jaffna, Sri Lanka even more accessible. We are continuously working towards providing our customers with superior connectivity and enhanced accessibility to explore new horizons with our ever-expanding range of travel options.” The demand for travel between Chennai and Jaffna is clear, with over 21,000 passengers flying this route in just nine months last year. IndiGo’s new direct flight provides a timely boost to this resurgence, offering seamless connectivity and tapping into a key market for Sri Lanka’s tourism revival. India and Sri Lanka share a profound legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious, and trade relations that have flourished for over 2,500 years. Jaffna, located in the northern province of Sri Lanka, is a city rich in history and cultural significance. Its vibrant Tamil heritage is reflected in its traditions, festivals, and historical landmarks, showcasing the resilience and diversity of its people. Visitors can explore iconic sites such as the Jaffna Fort, an architectural testament to the region’s colonial past, and the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a revered Hindu temple with significant religious and cultural importance. The community’s resilience, cultural treasures, and culinary delights make Jaffna a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and enriching experience.

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Domestic travel operators to see 15-17% revenue growth in FY25

Rising domestic tourism and increasing propensity to travel overseas will expand the revenue of India's tour and travel operators by 15-17 per cent this fiscal, CRISIL Ratings said on Thursday. Factors like improving infrastructure, rising disposable incomes, a behavioural shift in travel patterns, and the government's increasing focus on boosting domestic tourism will further support the sector's revenue growth. The assessment was based on an analysis of the country's four major travel operators, who account for about 60 per cent of the sector's revenue. "The credit profiles of travel operators, too, are expected to remain healthy, supported by strong balance sheets and steady operating margins of 6.5-7 per cent, in line with last fiscal, resulting in sizeable cash flows and continuing low reliance on debt," CRISIL Ratings stated. In the domestic tourism market, growth is being fuelled by 'micro holidays' (e.g., quick getaways or staycations over long weekends), growing spiritual tourism, and better infrastructure (improved last-mile connectivity) facilitating travel to newer destinations. An increase in inbound travel (foreign tourist arrivals) to pre-pandemic levels and high demand from the corporate and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) segments are also supporting domestic travel, the rating agency said. For overseas leisure travel, growth is being led by higher disposable incomes, visa-free facilities from 37 countries, simplified visa processes, including visa-on-arrival and e-visa facilities, among others, and easing visa-related challenges related to long-haul destinations. In addition, attractive travel packages and increased focus of Indian airlines on new destinations in southeast Asia and central Asia are spurring international trips, driving outbound travel to a record high this calendar year, it said. Poonam Upadhyay, Director at CRISIL Ratings Ltd, observed that the trend of 'revenge travel' seen after the pandemic has evolved into 'regularised travel' in recent years with a significant shift towards shorter and frequent vacations, for both domestic and overseas trips. "Moreover, growing middle-class aspirations, rising urbanisation, affordable packages, steadily increasing income levels, and the government's focus on boosting Indian tourism will maintain the strong momentum in the tour and travel sector. This will, in turn, ensure healthy double-digit revenue growth for travel operators this fiscal as well," Upadhyay stated.

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US announces second round of H-1B visa lottery for FY 2025

As per the latest news reports, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has unveiled plans for a second round of random selection for H-1B visa applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2025. This decision follows the first lottery held in March, which covered both the regular H-1B cap and the advanced degree exemption, commonly known as the master’s cap. The initial lottery enabled selected individuals to file their H-1B petitions between April 1 and June 30, 2024. If reports are to go by, the necessity for a second lottery arises because the number of petitions filed during the initial period did not fulfil the numerical allocation for the regular H-1B cap. Consequently, there are still available slots for the regular cap, prompting the USCIS to conduct an additional selection from the pool of previously submitted electronic registrations. This provides an opportunity for more applicants to be considered. Eligibility criteria for the second round The upcoming lottery will randomly select additional registrations from those who had already submitted their electronic applications. This includes candidates eligible for both the regular cap and those who initially indicated eligibility for the master's cap. However, the second selection does not pertain to the master's cap itself. The initial lottery sufficiently met the numerical limits for this category, so no further master's cap visas will be available in the second round. About the H-1B Visa Program The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for temporary workers in specialty occupations. It enables US companies to employ foreign professionals in fields requiring specialised knowledge, such as science, information technology, and engineering. Major Indian IT companies, including TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, are significant beneficiaries of this program, utilising it to bring thousands of skilled employees to the US annually. Reportedly, each year, 85,000 H-1B visas are issued, with a substantial proportion allocated to Indian nationals. Understanding the H-1B lottery system The H-1B lottery system operates to randomly select applications from a pool of eligible candidates due to the high demand and limited number of available visas. The process ensures a fair opportunity for applicants, given the cap on the number of visas issued each fiscal year. This system includes a regular cap of 65,000 visas and an additional 20,000 visas under the master’s cap for individuals with advanced degrees from US universities. The US Government annually issues 85,000 H-1B work permits. Out of these, 65,000 are designated for individuals in specialty occupations, while an additional 20,000 are set aside for those with a Master’s degree or higher from a US institution. Employers seeking to sponsor a foreign worker on an H-1B visa must submit a registration form that includes details about the employee’s qualifications, job role, and offered salary. The second lottery presents a fresh opportunity for applicants who were not chosen in the initial round, allowing them to compete for the remaining regular cap slots for the fiscal year 2025. With the second round of selections underway, prospective applicants have another chance to secure an H-1B visa for the upcoming fiscal year, continuing to contribute to the dynamic U.S. labor market.

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Japan’s surge in outbound travel: Visa-free access to 192 countries from August 2024

Japan’s outbound travel industry is set to experience terrific growth with the new visa-free entry policy for Japanese citizens to 192 countries, effective from August 2024. This includes major travel destinations such as the UK, Canada, UAE, USA, and Schengen countries. The new regulation is anticipated to enhance Japanese tourism abroad by offering greater freedom and convenience for travelers exploring various global destinations. Japan, located in East Asia, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and advanced economy. Stretching approximately 1,500 miles from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, Japan comprises four main islands that offer a rich blend of historical sites and modern attractions. This broad mobility is pivotal in promoting outbound tourism, particularly among younger travelers attracted to South Korea’s K-Pop culture, while older generations often prefer destinations like China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Economic overview As of late 2023, Japan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms was officially estimated at $5.735 trillion. However, World Economics suggests that this figure might be understated, proposing an adjusted GDP of $6.287 trillion when accounting for the informal economy and outdated data, representing a potential increase of about 10%. Japan’s outbound tourism sector is on an impressive growth trajectory, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27.1% from 2023 to 2033. The market value, estimated at $5,271.0 million in 2023, is expected to rise dramatically to $57,856.2 million by 2033. In 2023 alone, Japanese travelers spent nearly 0.9 trillion yen on outbound travel, with a significant 39.4% increase in travelers noted in May 2024. Visa-Free and Visa-On-Arrival Destinations Japanese citizens will now enjoy visa-free access to a diverse range of countries, including Albania, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the UK, the USA, and many more. For destinations requiring Visa on Arrival (VOA) or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), such as Australia, Canada, Kenya, and the United States, travelers can still benefit from streamlined entry processes. Top outbound destinations Popular destinations for Japanese travelers include South Korea, which saw approximately 2.32 million Japanese visitors in 2023, and the United States, attracting about 1.52 million Japanese visitors. Taiwan and Thailand also remain favored destinations, despite recent fluctuations in visitor numbers. Japan’s airports and airlines Japan’s major airports play a crucial role in facilitating international travel. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, handling a record 19.1 million international passengers in fiscal 2023, is a vital hub. Kansai International Airport and Fukuoka Airport also play significant roles in connecting Japan with global destinations. Prominent airlines such as Japan Airlines (JAL), Air Japan, and Peach Aviation support Japan’s robust international connectivity. Japan’s enhanced visa-free travel policy is poised to boost outbound tourism, strengthen cultural exchanges, and solidify Japan’s status as a leading player in global tourism and economic development.

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