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Turkey mandates e-ATV requirement for Indians travelling to South America via Istanbul

As per the latest development, the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi recently announced a significant update regarding travel procedures for Indian and Nepalese passport holders transiting through Istanbul Airport to Mexico, Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela. As per the reports, effective April 15, 2024, Turkish authorities have made it mandatory for all those travelling via Istanbul Airport to the said places to carry Electronic Airport Transit Visa (e-ATV). In an official statement posted on X, the Türkiye Embassy conveyed the initiation of this requirement, emphasising its applicability to Indian and Nepalese nationals. To obtain the e-ATV, individuals falling under this category can check the website ‘evisa.gov.tr’ from the aforementioned date, with the service offered at no cost, aligning with existing protocols. Furthermore, the embassy stressed the necessity for affected passengers to carry a hard copy of their e-ATVs during their journey. Airlines and service providers at departure airports are mandated to verify these documents in accordance with international aviation regulations. Additionally, Turkish authorities stationed at the visa checkpoints in the transit passenger arrival area of Istanbul Airport will conduct further inspections. This measure aims to streamline transit processes and uphold international aviation standards. Travellers subject to this requirement are urged to proactively secure their e-ATVs through the designated portal and adhere to the outlined guidelines by carrying the print-out throughout their travel. This proactive approach ensures compliance and facilitates smoother transit experiences for affected Indian and Nepalese passport holders. If reports are to go by, Türkiye is ramping up its efforts to regulate irregular migration. This recent development reflects the country's position as a crucial transit and destination point within global migration dynamics. In light of the increasing influx of irregular migrants utilising air routes via Türkiye from diverse regions such as the Middle East and Latin America to reach North America, enhanced inspection measures are being enforced in accordance with international aviation protocols. Turkish authorities have confirmed the completion of the electronic application process for airport transit visas by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Travellers can now acquire these visas at no cost through the ministry's website. To initiate the e-Visa application, passengers are required to provide precise personal information, residential addresses, and ticket numbers.

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Hajj package announced: Pilgrims travelling via Kozhikode to pay highest amount

The Hajj Committee of India has announced Hajj packages for the current year. As per the announcement, pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia from Kozhikode airport will have to pay the highest amount compared to other embarkation points in Kerala. Apart from Kozhikode's Karipur airport, Kannur and Kozhikode are the boarding points for Hajj pilgrims. As per the circular, each pilgrim traveling for Hajj via Kozhikode, the favored embarkation point for pilgrims from the Malabar region, has to pay Rs 3.73 lakh. For those traveling through Kochi airport, the fee fixed is Rs 3,37,100 each, while for Kannur airport it is Rs 3.38 lakh. The variations within the state are due to the difference in the flight tickets. In Kerala, Karipur airport handles the largest number of Hajj pilgrims. Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the Holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It's a mandatory religious duty for physically and financially capable Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime. As per the Hajj Committee's circular, pilgrims from Guwahati in Assam, Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir, Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, and Gaya in Bihar have to pay over Rs 4 lakh. The travel via Gaya is the costliest at Rs 4,11,600. The circular said the amount calculated was tentative. “It may increase or decrease based on actual expenditure incurred,” the document stated. Pilgrims, who have deposited the advance and second installment, should pay the balance amount on or before April 27. The rituals of the Hajj begin on the eighth day of Dhul Hajj and end on the 12th or 13th day of the month. Muslims celebrate Eid ul Adha on the 10th day of Dhul-Hajj.

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Delhi Airport ranked among world’s top 10 busiest airports

The Airports Council International (ACI) World, an international organization that evaluates airport standards, ranked Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in the 10th position among the busiest airports globally in 2023. If reports are to go by, Delhi airport has hosted more than 72.2 million passengers, which signifies a steady year-on-year growth of 20.36%, highlighting the robust recovery of India's aviation sector. However, Delhi Airport experienced a slight dip in its ranking, conceding its position to Chicago and potentially missing the 9th spot that it secured in 2022. ACI's recent release of the world's busiest airports for 2023 showcases a shifting landscape driven by the resurgence of international air travel. ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira stressed that global air travel in 2023 was chiefly fueled by the international segment, propelled by several factors. This revival is evident in the rankings, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport maintaining its status as the busiest airport globally. Notably, Dubai International Airport made a significant leap to the second position, surpassing Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, now ranked third. Despite not retaining its 2022 position, Delhi Airport maintained a formidable presence within the top 10 busiest airports. In this scenario, Oliveira commented, "The unwavering strength of Istanbul and New Delhi airports keeps them in top ranks, marking significant progress over 2019." Delhi Airport's handling of over 72.2 million passengers in 2023 represents a remarkable year-on-year growth of 20.36% compared to 2022. This positive trajectory signifies a robust recovery within India's aviation sector. However, data indicates a slight descent from the 9th place in 2022, with Chicago O'Hare Airport surpassing Delhi in 2023.

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Italy and Spain launch Digital Nomad Visa.

If you're a remote worker or digital nomad, and love excellent food and breathtaking scenery, Spain and Italy can be perfect destinations for your remote work. As reported earlier, Italy recently introduced a visa program tailored for digital nomads, which will be enabling professionals to work remotely while immersing themselves in the country's beauty. This initiative commenced on April 4, which started off by offering visas valid for up to one year. Meanwhile, Spain's visa guidelines were also updated on April 13. What constitutes a digital nomad? As per the Italian Government's definition, a digital nomad is a non-EU citizen who is involved in "highly qualified work activities." These individuals can operate as employees of a company, self-employed or as collaborators, irrespective of their location. In essence, digital nomads are individuals who work virtually from diverse locations, often spanning the globe. Which essentially means that one day you might find them working from their home office, while the next could see them working in Central Park in New York, or even on a beach in Spain. Eligibility criteria for Digital Nomad Visas in Spain and Italy Citizens from non-EU countries are eligible to apply for digital nomad visas in both Italy and Spain. All those who wish to apply for this visa, will be required to demonstrate their status as digital nomads or remote workers for a minimum of six months and furnish evidence of accommodation in the respective countries. Additionally, it's important to note that applicants have not been convicted of any criminal offenses within the past five years. Process of applying for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa To obtain Italy's Digital Nomad Visa, individuals need to visit the Italian consulate in their country of residence. Once approved, they must obtain a residence permit within eight days of their arrival in Italy. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of their annual income of at least three times the minimum amount necessary to be exempt from healthcare contribution fees, which is nearly €28,000 ($29,826). Family inclusion and renewal This visa is renewable in both the countries, provided the applicant continues to satisfy the eligibility criteria. Additionally, this visa allows for the inclusion of family members under certain circumstances. Benefits within the Schengen Area Both the countries belong to the Schengen Area, which encompasses 29 European countries, thereby enabling smooth and unrestricted travel among them.

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Saudi Arabia changes Umrah visa rule; to remain valid for 3 months from issuance date

With pilgrimage season right around the corner, we are also looking at Umrah pilgrimage. If you are planning to visit Mecca for pilgrimage, travellers must apply for the Umrah visa. As per the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Umrah visa will last for three months (90 days) from the month of issuance. Now, how is the Umrah visa different from the normal tourist visa? The normal Saudi Arabia tourist visa is a multiple-entry visa, valid for 90 days. The Umrah visa is a single-entry visa valid for a maximum of 90 days. If reports are to go by, the recent change in the visa rule is to streamline preparations for the upcoming Hajj season (June 14-19). As per the reports, under the older visa rule, the three-month (90 days) validity period for the Umrah visa began upon entry into Saudi Arabia. Now, under the new Umrah visa rule, the three-month validity of the visa begins from the day of issuance. For someone with an Umrah visa, it will be possible to enter the country and perform the Umrah pilgrimage. It is also important to keep in mind that an Umrah visa does not mean that the visa holder can use the visa for employment or activities not related to pilgrimage. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised visitors to respect the new visa rules, not to misuse the visa, and most importantly, leave Saudi Arabia before the visa expires. Are Hajj and Umrah same? For those wondering if the two are the same, they are not. Though both Hajj and Umrah are pilgrimages, Hajj has a particular season every year. This year, the Hajj season starts from June 14 and ends on June 19. Hajj is considered to be a mandatory pilgrimage that a Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime. An Umrah pilgrimage can be done anytime during the Islamic calendar. Interestingly, the Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa allows travellers to take part in tourism-related activities such as events, family visits, leisure and even Umrah, but excluding Hajj.

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Canada reduces staff at Indian missions: Will visa services be impacted?

The recent move by the Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government to reduce the number of local staff at its missions across India has raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity about the decision. Last year, in October, Ottawa withdrew 41, or more than two-thirds, of its diplomats from India. Canada has cited a shortage of Canadian supervisory personnel as the primary reason for reducing diplomatic personnel in its High Commission in New Delhi and its consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. Effective management of operations in India necessitates a certain number of Canadian supervisory staff, and the current shortage seems to have prompted this adjustment. This decision underscores the importance Canada places on maintaining operational efficiency and effectiveness in its diplomatic endeavours. While it may appear as a reduction in manpower, it reflects a strategic realignment to ensure that the available resources are optimally utilised to fulfil Canada's diplomatic objectives in India. Despite the reduction in staff, Canada reassures that it will continue to deliver core services to Canadians in India. This includes consular support and initiatives for trade and business development. The statement from a High Commission official emphasises Canada's commitment to sustaining the longstanding ties between Canadians and Indians. If you plan to visit Canada for tourism, to meet family or friends, or for official purposes, you can apply for a Canada Visitor Visa or short-stay visa. The starting fee for a Canada Visitor Visa is $100 (INR 6051). Typically, a Canada Visitor Visa from India is processed within 47 days.

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