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Myanmar To Offer Visa On Arrival To Indian Tourists: Report

Myanmar will offer visas on arrival to Chinese and Indian tourists, state media reported, as the ruling junta seeks to lure back foreign visitors and their cash. A start date for the one-year trial scheme "will be announced soon", the Global New Light of Myanmar reported, citing the junta's immigration ministry. Holders of the visas will be "allowed to visit all sites apart from restricted areas for security concerns", said the report in Thursday's newspaper. Currently citizens of both countries must apply for a tourist visa online, or at a Myanmar embassy. The military is struggling to crush opposition to its 2021 coup and has admitted there are swathes of the country it does not fully control. Countries such as the United States and Australia advise against all travel to Myanmar, due to the ongoing conflict. China and India, which both share long and porous borders with Myanmar, have maintained ties with the isolated generals since the coup. The junta's tourism ministry is also working to attract travellers from Russia, another major ally and arms supplier. Earlier this month the national carrier began direct flights to Russia's Novosibirsk, and the junta has said it is working to allow the use of Russia's Mir cards for direct payments. Myanmar opened up to tourists in 2011 following decades of military rule, becoming popular with travellers. It closed its borders during the coronavirus pandemic and the military's coup and subsequent bloody crackdown on dissent have kept visitors away. The economy has slumped, with the local kyat currency plunging against the dollar and rolling power outages roiling major cities, where access to ATMs and foreign exchange counters is patchy.

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AIFF announces partnership with IndiGo

New Delhi, Sep 15 (UNI) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday announced IndiGo as its global partner and the official airline for the Indian Football Team. Football is among the most popular sports in India, and IndiGo is the airline with the highest market share in the country, making this partnership even more significant, with a collective endeavour to unite fans and nurture the sport's growth, the AIFF sources said AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said, "It is indeed a pleasure for the All India Football Federation to partner with IndiGo. During my travels with IndiGo, I was impressed with the service and professionalism of the airline. Being the country's largest airline, we consider this as IndiGo’s first sports partnership. We are really honoured and happy." "With a population of 1.4 billion, is the fifth largest economy in the world. People say it's a cricket nation, but I often say it's a cricket-watching and a football-playing nation. It’s a mass sport, as every kid, you will find, is playing football," he said. "With this young population and this growing economy, we have partnered with IndiGo who can show leadership in the Indian airline market as well as in sports, where leaders from both organisations have also come up with a similar vision. I would request IndiGo to support us in every possible way and take this partnership and football forward together,” Chaubey added. As the official airline for the Indian Football Team, IndiGo's network is meticulously designed to cater to the diverse travel requirements of players, officials, and support staff. From domestic tournaments to international matches, IndiGo's comprehensive route map will ensure seamless and efficient journeys, allowing the team to focus solely on their game, unburdened by travel concerns. In IndiGo, the AIFF finds a reliable and supportive travel partner who shares their passion for the sport. IndiGo is equally excited to support the Indian women's football team as well, contributing to the empowerment of women in sports. This partnership empowers the Indian national teams to represent the nation with pride and excellence on the global stage, reinforcing the common bond they share with millions of fans. IndiGo, with its primary colour being blue, will be the carrier of the Blue Tigers and Blue Tigresses, flying them to new heights and across new frontiers. AIFF Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran said, “It’s a historic day for Indian football. The airline IndiGo is flying high, and I'm sure with this partnership, we will only fly high. We wish you will always be the market leader. We believe it's a great occasion that has never been seen in Indian football history. We never had a collaboration with any airline before; that is truly historic." "I'm sure that this partnership will take Indian football to greater heights and we will work together to take football to a level whereby the world will look at us as we are flying very high with our collaboration. We will be there – be blue, and the Blue Tigers will take us to the skies and paint blue across and we will make India proud with this partnership," he said. MUMBAI, SEP 15 (UNI):- Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan at a press meet after his film 'Jawan' success, in Mumbai on Friday. UNI PHOTO-86U UNIVARTA (News Agency) UNI-Urdu Service(News Agency) Newswrap Newswrap1 16/09/2023, 02:51 AIFF announces partnership with IndiGo www.uniindia.com/news/football/football-aiff-indigo/3051112.html 2/3 Saturday, Sep 16 2023 | Time 00:37 Hrs(IST) Home News Photo Hindi Urdu PRESS RELEASES Web Hits FeedBack Contact us at :- United News of India 9, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001 "The vision is very clear: we want to be in the incredible state of sport in India, get the attention of the world, and be the biggest talent hub in the world. Maybe one day, we will be exporting in big numbers, and we will use your airline to export those talents as we fly high,” Dr Prabhakaran added. IndiGo CEO Pieters Elbers said, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the All India Football Federation, as both organizations share a common vision of advancing Indian football to new heights. This marks the start of an official partnership for AIFF, while for IndiGo, it represents our inaugural foray into the world of sports." "Together, we are committed to a long-term collaboration that will not only elevate the sport but also touch the lives of fans across the nation. We aim to provide the Indian Football Team with IndiGo's well-established strengths: on-time performance, hassle-free service at affordable fares across our unparalleled network both domestically and internationally," Elbers said The partnership between the AIFF and IndiGo is set to span one year, commencing from September 1 to August 31, 2024.

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Best Time to Travel to Malaysia from India: A Seasonal Guide

Before visiting Malaysia and Best Time to Visit Malaysia Before visiting Malaysia, it is important to note that Indian nationals need to obtain a Malaysia visa for Indians. Luckily, as an Indian, you can get a Malaysia evisa for Indians, allowing you to apply and obtain your visa online without leaving your house.Malaysia is situated near the equator, meaning it has a warm climate throughout the year. But with that said, there are still favourable seasons in Malaysia. Let’s explore the best time to visit Malaysia. Understanding these weather patterns will help you plan your trip more effectively. Once you have obtained your Malaysia visa from India, you are ready to explore the wonders of Malaysia. December to February – The Peak Season Malaysia’s peak tourist season falls during the months of December to February when the weather is most pleasant. The temperature hovers between 23°C-30°C. This is supposed to be the winter season in Malaysia, but the day temperature is pleasant enough for outdoor activities. December to February is also the rainy season for the east coast of Malaysia, especially since Malaysia experiences the Northeast monsoons during this time. So expect some rain if you travel to Malaysia in these months. If you want fun events and celebrations, this is the time for you since it falls during Christmas, New Year, and the festival of Hari Raya. March to May – The Shoulder Season March to May is the shoulder season, offering a balance between favourable weather and lower crowds. This is Malaysia’s spring season. During these months, you can expect warm and humid weather, with occasional rainfall. It’s an excellent time to explore Malaysia for activities and attraction without the tourist crowds. The Sabah festival takes place in May, and while it might be a little busier then, visiting this week-long celebration is definitely worthwhile. June to August – Summar Peak Season June to August is Malaysia’s summer months. During these months, the monsoon season hits Malaysia, particularly on the Peninsula’s western side. The east coast, including destinations like the Perhentian Islands and Redang, experiences better weather during this time. If you’re a water sports enthusiast, consider visiting the east coast during these months. The weather these months are very unpredictable. It is the months with the least rain, but since it falls under the monsoon season, that can quickly change. Since it is summer this time of the year, it is also a peak season with plenty of tourists visiting the warm climate of Malaysia. And not to forget the Gawai festival is in June with plenty of music, dances, and good food. September to November – Another Shoulder Season September to November is another shoulder season, offering pleasant weather and lower prices. This is when Autumn starts in Malaysia, and It’s an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts as the rainforest comes alive with lush greenery and diversity. Another great aspect of these months is the pleasant weather. The daytime temperatures are warm, although not as hot as in the summer, but it also cools down nicely at night. This time of year is also rainy in the Western side of Malaysia. However, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy, including the international music festival and the Deepawali festival. Weather Overview Here, we will have a quick overview of the overall weather in Malaysia. This helpful guide will ensure you choose the best month for your travels. Peak Seasons Malaysia’s peak season is during winter and summer. Winter from December to February with all the holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s. Then summer from June to August due to amazing weather conditions. Low Seasons Malaysia’s low seasons are from March to May and then from September to November. So if you want to travel to Malaysia for a quiet and cheaper time, these are the months to go since Malaysia has the least number of tourists during these times. During low seasons, your Malaysia evisa for Indians generally processes faster since there are fewer tourists—just another reason to visit Malaysia during low seasons. Monsoon Season Overall, we have seen now that Malaysia experiences southwest monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from November to March. These seasons define Malaysia’s climate. While the east coast is hit worst by the northeast monsoon, the west coast gets more rain during the southwest monsoon. Kuala Lumpur and the centre region have a more consistent climate year-round. Tourist Attractions In Malaysia Now that you know when to visit Malaysia and what to expect weather-wise, let’s explore some of the must-visit places: Kuala Lumpur: This is Malaysia’s capital city, offering some amazing views from modern skylines to stunning beaches. This is a must-visit in Malaysia. Penang: Penang is known for its cultural mix and diverse street cuisine. There are plenty of beaches to visit along with world heritage sites. Borneo: This is the perfect place for relaxation and exploring wildlife. Borneo holds stunning beaches along with a few Oragotang sanctuaries. Langkawi: This region of islands in Malaysia is perfect if you want to escape the busy areas and just enjoy white sand beaches and mountain ranges. Bottom Line Ultimately, we have learned that as an Indian, you can obtain your Malaysia evisa for Indians quickly and easily online. The Malaysia evisa helps you to plan your travels easier and allows you to have a much easier application process. We also see that the weather in Malaysia is warm all year round, but during monsoon seasons, the country does experience a lot more rain. There is not really a bad season to go to Malaysia, just one that fits you best.Enjoy your travelling to this amazing country!

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Travel to over 100 cities in Europe on flight, train and bus with a single Air India ticket

Providing much convenience for travellers, flyers booking tickets on Air India to Europe can also travel on trains and buses to over 100 cities in the region with the same ticket. This arrangement would help travellers avoid the hassles of purchasing train tickets after arriving on flights in Europe. Our Correspondent Published: September 14, 2023 10:31 AM IST 15/09/2023, 02:21 Travel to over 100 cities in Europe on flight, train and bus with a single Air India ticket . Air India passengers can visit several cities in various European countries with a single ticket. Moreover, the baggage allowance for the flight journey would be applicable to the train as well as bus trips. “Air passengers arriving in Air India’s European gateways such as Amsterdam, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Milan and Vienna can travel seamlessly to destinations such as Austria, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and the United Kingdom,” said an Air India official. The intermodal facility will cover rail and bus services such as Avanti West Coast (UK), National Express (UK), Trenitalia (Italy), OBB Austrian Railway (Austria), SNCB Belgian Railway and Thalys (The Netherlands / Belgium). Tickets for intermodal travel would be available only from international travel agents initially. “However, Air India has plans to provide the booking facility in its own sales channels soon,” said the official. Incidentally, Vistara Airlines, a joint enterprise of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, had implemented the booking facility for train tickets along with flight tickets early this year. Vistara had entered into an agreement with Europe’s biggest railway operator Deutsche Bahn and World Ticket to enable its passengers to travel on trains to major cities in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.

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China temporarily relaxes visa rules for Indian travellers

The Chinese Embassy in India has made a significant announcement that will positively impact Indian travellers who are planning to travel to China. As per the reports, they have implemented temporary changes to visa regulations, granting Indian travellers some much-needed ease and flexibility. These adjustments will remain in effect until December 31, 2023. As per the new guidelines, eligible applicants seeking visas for various purposes, including tourism, business, short-term family visits, transit, will now no longer be required to provide biometric data. This means that Indian travellers can complete their visa applications without the added step of fingerprinting, making the process smoother and more convenient. This move will prove beneficial especially for specific groups, who fall into the age brackets of below 14 and above 70 years. Those who have had their fingerprints collected by the Chinese Embassy in recent times, or individuals whose fingerprints are considered ‘uncollectable’ will also benefit from this exemption. The Chinese Embassy in India has advised applicants to get in touch with the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre located in New Delhi to ensure that they have access to the latest information and guidance. For Indian travellers intending to secure a Chinese visa, it's important to follow the standard online visa application process. This includes having a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, ensuring that there are at least two blank visa pages in the passport, providing photocopies of relevant passport pages, submitting passport-sized photographs, and furnishing evidence to validate their residential and employment status. China temporarily relaxes visa rules for Indian travellersCredit: iStock The cost of a Chinese visa for Indian travellers varies depending on the type of visa required and its validity period. It typically ranges from INR 3,800 to INR 7,800. For Indian nationals seeking visa-related information or assistance, the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi has also established direct communication channels, which will address any queries or concerns that may arise during the application process. These recent changes to China's visa regulations for Indian citizens are reflective of the evolving dynamics between the two countries and hold the potential for further diplomatic progress on various fronts. As the BRICS summit approaches, there is increased attention on the outcomes of these changes and their potential impact on the broader landscape of bilateral relations.

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Festival season sparks surge in travel

With the festive season kicking off with Ganesh Chathiurti travel demand is at an all-time high from domestic as well as foreign travellers. Keeping in mind the high demand for destinations like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Varanasi, Pushkar and Jaipur – airfares and hotel tariffs, which have already seen a spike, are expected to remain high throughout the season. They have big groups coming in from different countries specially for trips planned around Indian festivals. “There is a lot of demand for Ganesh Chaturthi-themed trips in Maharashtra from Thai travellers. There is also a Thai group in Pune that is organising a big puja for Thai tourists. For Diwali, there is demand from travellers from the US and UK. They want to celebrate the festival in Varanasi and Rajasthan. Some travellers from France and Germany are coming to India to specially attend the Pushkar Fair and the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland,” says Anand Singh, director of Earthen Experiences based in Delhi. In the last one year, the number of travellers visiting Varanasi to attendDiwali (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/diwali) celebrations has increased significantly, says Sourabh Tiwari, director, Sushant Travels Pvt Ltd. “This year also we have tourists coming from Korea, US and UK, who want to see Diwali celebrations in Varanasi.” Despite an increase in airfares and hotel tariffs, tour companies say that they are witnessing over 100% surge in demand for travel for the festive season, and the World Cup fever has added to this. “Hotel tariffs are witnessing a surge of approx 200-300% (as compared to last year), especially in leading match destinations – Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow. Surface transportation has emerged on the radar given improved infrastructure coupled with supply constraints resulting in increased airfares. We are also witnessing customers displaying increased interest in train journeys,” says Daniel D’Souza, president & country head – holidays, SOTC Travel.

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