At a time when most countries are becoming stringent about their visa regulations, these 12 new rules from different countries serve as a breath of fresh air for Indian travellers. If you're planning an international trip this year, be sure to check out these new guidelines before you finalise your destination.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
If you plan your vacation to these two places between July 15 and September 15 , tourists will be exempted from paying visa fee for dependants under the age of 18. However, children need to be accompanied by their parents to avail this offer.
- Another new ruling allows travellers flying between India and the rest of the world through Dubai and Abu Dhabi a free transit visa valid for 48 hours. This validity can be extended up to 96 hours by paying approximately ₹930 only.
Uzbekistan:
Now, Indian travellers do not need to present a 'Letter of Invitation' while visiting Uzbekistan. All you have to do is apply for an online visa and show it on arrival. Moreover, this visa allows you to stay in the country for 30 long days!
Japan:
Japan too has relaxed its visa rules for Indians, now allowing applications for easy multiple-entry-visa. All you need to submit is a visa application form along with documents to prove financial capacity for the period of your visit. 'Applicant's Employment Certificate' and 'Explanation Letter stating the reason of applying for multiple-entry-visa' will not be required anymore. Moreover, students enrolled in/ graduates from Indian Universities do not need to present financial documents for Japan visa anymore.
Myanmar:
Road trips to Myanmar just got easier; now Indian travellers don't need a special land route permit to enter into the country. Apply for an e-visa prior to your departure and present it at the check-post. You will receive your e-visa in less than 24 hours which will be valid for 28 days after your entry.
Saudi Arabia:
A historic move by the government now allows issue of visa to women above the age of 25 years, even if they are not escorted by a male.
Kazakhstan:
Following the footsteps of numerous other countries, Kazakhstan has now started issuing e-visa (valid for 30 days) to Indian travellers. In addition, if you're travelling to a country on a Kazakh airline, you can obtain a 72-hour transit visa for Kazakhstan, free of cost.
Zimbabwe:
An exotic experience of Africa is not difficult anymore as Zimbabwe begins issuing visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders.
France:
If you're transiting through the international zones of any airport in France, you need not apply for an airport transit visa.
Oman:
In case you hold a visa for US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan or the Schengen states, you will be eligible for a visa-on-arrival in Oman, which will be valid for 30 days. This new rule also allows your dependants for visa-on-arrival, as long as they are accompanied by you.
Israel:
In order to promote tourism, Israel reduces its visa application fee from ₹1,700 to ₹1,100 for B2 visa category that includes visits for tourism purpose, business meetings and conferences.
UAE:
Here's another destination where Indian investors as well as specialists in science, medicine and research can apply. UAE now offers 10-year work visa to Indian passport holders.
With such easy and relaxed visa rules, ditch your next Indian vacation for an epic international trip with your friends and family. Tag them and start planning now!
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