We all know applying for any overseas visa is the biggest headache when planning for a trip outside India. The amount of paperwork needed for visa applications, I more than I did for my college applications. Which is why you need to be updated with the new rules.
Some countries are relaxing norms for Indian passport holders, and the Schengen visas are going through a major change. Whilst the US visa has made some changes for tourists and Indian employees working in US.
Here's everything new in the world of visas for Indians
1. Indonesia just made its visa-free travel ban official
There was a ban during the pandemic for Indonesia visa free travel. This ban has now been made permanent for 159 countries due to disease concerns.
Although Indians can still continue to travel with a visa on arrival.
2. Visiting the United States is now a tad costlier
On top of the appointment waits, US Embassy has now increased its visa fees for business, tourism and other categories of travel since June 17, 2023.
Business and tourism (B1 and B2 categories) visitor visas; non petition-based NIVs have been increased from $160 (Rs13,125) to $185 (Rs15,176).
3. You can now skip the stretched wait times for US visas
The US embassy in India announced that if a traveler's passport has been stamped with "clearance received" or "department authorization" on their previous visas, they can now apply for an interview waiver while applying for a new visa.
Incase your passport does not have a waiver stamp on it, one can still ask for the waiver provided their visa is within 48 months of expiration.
4. Four-day transit visa free of charge through Saudi Arabia
The next time you are flying to a country through Saudi Arabia on Saudia Airlines or Flynas, you can obtain a four-day transit visa free of charge!
The transit visa will be issued on your ticket and remains valid for 90 days.
Check out more about the stop over visa here
5. Kazakhstan is the new visa-free travel list
Kazakhstan recently announced visa free travel for Indian travellers for upto 14 days. It also launched low-cost flights for Indians.
The airline carrier FlyArystan launched a direct return flight from Delhi to Shymkent this May, with fares as low as $55 (Rs. 4,500 approximately) one way.
6. Single-entry visa on arrival to Egypt
Now Indians can get a visa on arrival to Egypt valid for 30 days. This will soon be available to more than 180 nationalities for $25 (Rs.2,060).
Until now only those with visa holders from Schengen countries, the UK, the USA, Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand were allowed. But now India has made it to the revised list.
Check for visa on arrival to Egypt details here
7. China is back on the travel map
Valid visas issued to Indian passport holders before 28 March, 2020 can now be used to visit China.
If you love travelling overseas, it's important to stay on top of visa updates! And with India being added to the visa on arrival list it's getting easier to tick off that bucket list! Save these seven new visa updates to your list for your next overseas travels.
Also read: Now You Can Apply Your Schengen Visa Online, EU Has Agreed To Make The Schengen Visa Process Digital
Get Your Schengen Visa in Time With Tips and Tricks From Expert Travel Agents
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