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Thailand and Kazakhstan have agreed to waive visa requirements, aiming to enhance tourism between the two countries.
Under this policy, travelers from Kazakhstan will be allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days at a time, with a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Similarly, Thai travelers to Kazakhstan will be subject to the same regulations. This agreement will come into effect 30 days after confirmation that the internal procedures in both countries have been finalized to implement the agreement. Thailand has experienced a surge in tourist arrivals from Kazakhstan since the country introduced a temporary visa waiver program in September, which has now been extended until August.
Saudi Arabia has expanded access to Umrah pilgrimage, now allowing anyone holding a valid visa to perform Umrah.
Saudi Arabia has announced that individuals holding any type of visa can now perform Umrah, the minor pilgrimage, at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, according to the latest development. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated, "Umrah can now be performed effortlessly from any location, regardless of the entry visa type, ensuring convenience and peace of mind." All visa categories, including personal, family, transit, labour, and e-visas, are now eligible for participating in Umrah rituals, as per the Ministry. To ensure a seamless Umrah experience, the Saudi Ministry recommends using the Nusuk app to acquire Umrah permits. Pilgrims are also strongly encouraged to adhere to the specified timings for rituals at the Grand Mosque. The deadline for Umrah pilgrims to depart for the current year of 1445 AH is June 6, corresponding to the 29th of Dhu al-Qa’dah.
Thailand has extended its visa-free stay period for Russian tourists to 60 days as part of its tourism strategy.
Thailand's cabinet has approved a plan to extend the visa-free stay period for Russian tourists to a maximum of two months, allowing them to stay up to 60 days per trip. This decision is part of Thailand's tourism strategy aimed at supporting economic recovery. According to deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri, Russian passport-holders who enter Thailand between May and July will benefit from this new measure. The extension comes after the current arrangement, allowing Russians to stay up to 90 days, expires at the end of this month.
The Indian passport is the second-most affordable passport in the world, following the UAE passport.
In a recent update, the Indian passport emerged as the second most affordable passport to obtain globally, following the UAE. While the Indian passport is the cheapest in terms of cost per year of validity, it offers visa-free access to only 62 countries. In contrast, the UAE passport, which holds the top spot, is the cheapest to acquire and offers access to the most number of countries visa-free. The Indian passport is not just a travel document; it represents the aspirations and identity of millions of Indian citizens. With its deep blue cover adorned with the national emblem, it symbolizes opportunity and the spirit of global citizenship.
Bhutan has removed the mandatory travel insurance requirement for tourists, making it easier for visitors to explore this stunning Himalayan kingdom.
The Bhutan Department of Tourism has announced the removal of the mandatory travel insurance requirement for tourists. Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to cover unforeseen emergencies, especially medical expenses related to the pandemic, this requirement has been lifted to facilitate smoother travel experiences. The decision aims to streamline travel procedures and make the process more convenient for tourists visiting the country. While the mandatory requirement for travel insurance has been withdrawn for visa processing, the department still encourages tourists to possess travel insurance as a precautionary measure. This ensures they are adequately covered in case of any unlikely emergencies associated with international travel.
New Schengen visa rules have been announced, offering longer validity and easier access to Indian nationals.
The European Union has introduced a new visa scheme called 'cascade' for Indian citizens residing in India applying for Schengen visas. Under this scheme, Indian travelers can now obtain multiple-entry visas with longer validity. The aim is to facilitate easier access to visas for those with a proven travel history, as long as their passport permits it. This initiative by the European Commission, adopted on April 18, represents a departure from the standard Visa Code rules that previously applied to Indian nationals. These new rules offer more favorable conditions for obtaining multiple-entry visas, reflecting the EU's efforts to strengthen ties with India and promote tourism and business exchanges between the two regions.
Sri Lanka has introduced a new online visa system, streamlining the visa application process.
The Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration has recently introduced a new visa process and online application portal, marking a significant advancement in visa services. This initiative, outlined in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2360/24 dated November 27, 2023, brings a more streamlined approach with updated requirements, fees, and validity periods for visas in Sri Lanka. In collaboration with IVS Global Institute and GBS Technology Service, the department is launching the e-visa system, which replaces the current ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) method. This transition aims to enhance efficiency and convenience for travelers.
Saudi Arabia has modified the Umrah visa rule, extending its validity to three months from the date of issuance.
With the pilgrimage season approaching, prospective Umrah pilgrims must obtain the Umrah visa to visit Mecca. According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Umrah visa will now be valid for a duration of three months (90 days) from the month of issuance. It's important to distinguish the Umrah visa from the regular tourist visa: while the tourist visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days, the Umrah visa is a single-entry visa also valid for a maximum of 90 days. The recent adjustment in the visa rule is aimed at streamlining preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, scheduled from June 14th to 19th. According to reports, the previous Umrah visa rule stipulated that the three-month (90 days) validity period began upon entry into Saudi Arabia. However, under the new rule, the three-month validity of the Umrah visa starts from the day of issuance.
Fiji, with its "visa-on-arrival" program, aims to entice more Indian tourists to its shores.
Fiji is aiming for a 5-7% increase in tourist arrivals from India this year, utilizing targeted marketing campaigns and digital platforms to attract honeymooners, family travelers, and other segments. Robert Thompson, Tourism Fiji's Executive Director of Regions, stated that the South Pacific Island nation is focusing on various segments including honeymoon, sustainable and eco-tourism, wellness travel, and multi-generational families. He highlighted that Indian arrivals in 2023 had reached pre-Covid levels from 2019, indicating a growing demand for premium and experience-led travel.
The tightening of visa rules in New Zealand may affect Indians.
In response to a near-record influx of migrants last year, New Zealand has announced immediate modifications to its employment visa program. This decision, deemed unsustainable, follows a similar move by neighbouring Australia, which aims to halve its migrant intake over the next two years due to a significant increase in migration. The New Zealand Government has implemented several changes, including: Requiring proficiency in the English language for migrants applying for employment in lower-skilled level 4 and 5 roles. Establishing baseline requirements for skills and work experience for most Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) positions. Mandating that employers seeking authorization to recruit migrants for level 4 and 5 positions must engage with Work and Income. Reducing the maximum duration of continuous stay for the majority of level 4 and 5 roles from five years to three years.
