ELIGIBILITY FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS
IATO welcomes simplification of Indian visa regime
The Indian Association of Tour Operators has welcomed the government's efforts to simplify the visa process. The number of main visa categories has been reduced to enhance accessibility for international tourists. A new Visitor Visa is being introduced, allowing for multiple entries and covering various short-term activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to implement these changes by the end of 2026.
ICICI Bank credit card rule changes in November and December 2026: Higher replacement fees; insurance benefits discontinued; what cardholders should know
ICICI Bank is set to implement revisions to certain credit card fees and will eliminate some complimentary benefits for its cardholders. Beginning in December 2026, eligible credit cards will see increased replacement costs, along with the termination of specific associated insurance covers.
Kazakhstan introduces QazETA travel authorisation for Indians, makes electronic approval mandatory from July 2027
The Embassy of India in Astana has issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Kazakhstan, highlighting the country's new QazETA electronic travel authorisation system. Indian travellers are advised to apply for an ETA through the official platform at least 72 hours before arrival. The authorisation will remain recommended rather than mandatory for eligible visa-exempt travellers.
Stocks in news: Tata Power, Cupid, Garden Reach, ITC, Aurobindo Pharma and Vodafone Idea
Indian benchmark indices have extended their winning streak, closing positively after the Muhurat trading session. Key stocks such as life insurance companies and Tata Power reported notable quarterly earnings results. HDFC Life and LIC showed healthy premium growth, while Tata Power recorded a record profit in Q2 FY27. Other companies like Cupid and Mishra Dhatu Nigam also reported impressive profit increases during the quarter.
Schengen travel rules to change in 2027 as Europe introduces new ETIAS authorisation
Travellers from visa-exempt countries visiting the Schengen Area will need a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) approval when the system launches in 2027. The authorisation will not be a visa but will be mandatory for eligible visitors before travel. It will remain valid for up to three years, subject to passport validity, and allow multiple visits within the existing 90-day limit in any 180-day period.
US flags visa fraud involving sham staffing firms and fake student records, warns applicants
The US State Department has exposed multiple visa fraud schemes involving sham staffing companies, forged employment documents and fake academic records across several international jurisdictions. The cases include fraudulent recruitment of foreign workers, fabricated student exchange applications and falsified criminal records submitted by immigrant visa applicants.
- Go To Page 1
India’s product landscape is changing: Which products are setting the benchmark across technology, finance, and consumer markets?
The ET Product of the Year Awards 2026 showcase India's rapidly growing product ecosystem by honoring groundbreaking innovations across diverse sectors such as enterprise technology, financial services, and consumer markets. These awards place emphasis on products that have made a significant market impact, gained customer adoption, and demonstrated exceptional innovation, motivating companies to present their tangible successes and contributions to the industry.
South Africa expands Electronic Travel Authorization to Indian travellers
South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorization system now allows online visa applications for 53 countries including India. The new ETA system simplifies the visa process for eligible travellers and their families. Minors can now apply online, enhancing accessibility for younger visitors. The expansion aims to support tourism growth ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. The transition from the eVisa system to ETA will be completed by December 1, 2026.
Indian parents getting US residency? 6 financial implications to consider before applying
Investments in bank accounts, mutual funds, shares and other assets will have to be reviewed and modified. It is illegal under India’s FEMA to hold resident bank and demat accounts after moving abroad on a permanent resident status. All such accounts must be converted to non-resident, and FATCA forms disclosing the residential status abroad should be filled up.
Travelling for Chhath Puja This Week? 8 Last-Minute Train and Bus Booking Tips to Reach Home on Time
Travelling home for Chhath Puja 2026 but still struggling to find confirmed train or bus tickets? With the festival approaching, demand for routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major cities with Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand can make last-minute bookings difficult. From checking special trains and Tatkal quotas to considering nearby railway stations and alternative bus routes, here are practical ways to plan your journey before November 13.
India Inc lights up Diwali with longer weekends, flexible work and extra pay for festive shifts
Companies across India are making Diwali more employee-friendly through extended holidays, work-from-home options, practical gifts and workplace celebrations. Zepto advanced its holiday, while Hitachi India offered employees a choice of gifts. NoBroker.com organised celebrations involving support staff, and Trev Mobility announced additional payouts for driver-partners working during the festival.
Lithuania changes residence permit rules, creating fresh hurdles for Indian workers and students
In a move to tighten immigration control, Lithuania has established new residence permit rules that pose challenges for foreign nationals, especially from India. This shift affects Indian workers and students looking for work or study opportunities within the country. Particular visa types will now encounter more scrutiny, necessitating that employers assess the eligibility of candidates accurately.
Bringing gold jewellery, bars, coins from Dubai to India? Know how much a passenger can bring duty-free
A passenger who has been abroad for at least 6 months can bring up to 1 kg of gold, including bars, coins and ornaments, by paying a concessional duty in foreign currency. Ornaments studded with stones or pearls don't qualify for that concession. Know customs rules for different passengers for bringing gold from Dubai to India.
UAE Golden Visa: International graduates from top 100 universities can qualify for 10-year residency
The UAE has rolled out a remarkable 10-year Golden Visa aimed at graduates from the world's top 100 universities. Candidates must boast a minimum GPA of 3.5 and submit their applications within two years of graduation. The Golden Visa permits these graduates to reside and work in the UAE without needing a local sponsor.
OCI passport update: India removes $25 late fee for applications submitted by December 31
In a significant move to aid Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, the Government of India has implemented a temporary two-month waiver of late fees for those updating their passport details.
Indian travellers in Dubai can get up to AED 100 off at Dubai Duty Free using UPI
Indian travellers can now enjoy a 10% discount at Dubai Duty Free by using India's UPI for payments. This initiative, introduced by NPCI International, simplifies transactions for shoppers while eliminating the need for cash. With this exclusive offer, Indian visitors can experience a more rewarding shopping journey in Dubai, enhancing the convenience of their travel experience.
What if humans fought against AI job loss anxiety? Indian director's idea gets Priyanka Chopra's backing, enters Oscar race
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has joined Indian short film We Were Here, directed by Pranav Bhasin, as an executive producer. The 11-minute comedy revolves around three retired men protesting against AI taking human jobs by disguising themselves as household appliances. The film has won over 20 awards across more than 80 festivals and qualified for the 99th Academy Awards following its success at Palm Springs International ShortFest.
Austria opens Working Holiday visa programme to Indians aged 18-30, including 11 other countries
Young Indians can now embrace adventure through Austria's Working Holiday Programme, allowing them to explore the country while engaging in temporary jobs and education. With eligibility extended to 12 nations, this initiative offers a unique cultural experience. Interested applicants should consult the nearest Austrian embassy to initiate their journey and check eligibility requirements.
Lighting lives beyond Diwali: How everyday Indians are making a difference through giving
An RBI officer, a Bengaluru retailer, a safari lodge owner and a 24-year-old money coach tell us how giving a little, steadily, lights someone else’s life, long after Diwali.
Digi Yatra starts international passenger trials at seven airports on select Air India, IndiGo flights
Touch points while travelling on select international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo. According to Ministry of Civil Aviation, the trials are being conducted at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar airports. Eligible passengers will be able to use the facility at terminal entry points, Security Hold Areas (SHA) and boarding gates, wherever the required infrastructure is available.
Australia's new biometric rule for Indian visa applicants: Who will have to comply? High Commission clarifies
Australian High Commission in India has exclusively mentioned that Australia’s expanded biometric requirements will cover most temporary and permanent visa applicants in India, including visitor, student, skilled-worker and permanent-migration applicants, while the requirement will be determined by individual circumstances; Indian officials travelling on official business are exempt.
New Zealand expands business visitor visa rules and specialist work visa eligibility for foreign professionals and providers
New Zealand has expanded the scope of activities permitted under its Business Visitor Visa for foreign nationals. Indian professionals planning business engagements should determine the appropriate visa pathway for their activities. The eligibility framework for the Specific Purpose Work Visa has also been clarified to include service suppliers and independent specialists.
US green card backlog explained: Why Indian EB-2 and EB-3 applicants face an eight-year disadvantage over Chinese nationals
Indian professionals face stark challenges in their pursuit of US green cards, with waits far longer than their Chinese counterparts. The November 2026 Visa Bulletin reveals a staggering eight-year backlog for Indian applicants in the EB-2 category, driven by limited annual visas and intense demand. Many find themselves changing jobs during this protracted period, which can complicate their green card applications.
Digi Yatra to start international passenger trials at 7 Indian airports for Air India and IndiGo flyers
Starting November 1, eligible Indian nationals can participate in international passenger trials for Digi Yatra at seven airports. Using the Digi Yatra mobile app, passengers with e-passports can generate digital identity credentials by scanning their passports and verifying information. The updated app focuses on improving user experience and expanding service capabilities globally, while ensuring that existing travel documentation requirements remain in effect.
US begins approving H-1B petitions without Trump's $100,000 fee: What it means for workers, employers
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has started approving H-1B visa petitions without the $100,000 fee. This change follows federal court orders that blocked the enforcement of this fee requirement. Many employers previously avoided hiring overseas candidates due to these costs, but approvals may open new opportunities. Petition processing is currently uneven, and some applications are still pending beyond premium processing deadlines.
7 discount, cashback credit cards for online festive shopping in 2026: One of them is lifetime free
Most of us will engage in festive shopping, making credit cards an appealing choice for discounts and cashback offers. But before choosing a card, analyse fees, rewards, and conditions on cashback. Check these 7 credit cards that are offering up to 10% cashback on online shopping, among other offers. These cards also have a low joining fee and one of them is lifetime free.
Want to work in Japan? Skills, language tests and job routes Indians should know about
Indians can explore job opportunities in Japan through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, nursing care and food services. Applicants generally need to pass a Japanese language test and an occupation-specific skills examination. Here is how to understand the visa routes, find legitimate employers, estimate living costs and avoid recruitment scams.
S7, 57: Two passengers get the same confirmed train seat from IRCTC, and it wasn't RAC: Here's what the TTE did
IRCTC Train Ticket Booking Confusion: Two passengers claimed the same confirmed seat, S7, berth 57, in a viral train video. TTE Jitendra Mishra resolved the confusion by explaining that one passenger's ticket had been upgraded to a higher class through the Indian Railways auto-upgradation facility.
Air India and Standard Chartered offer Maharaja Club status to eligible clients in the UAE and Singapore
Air India has announced a partnership with Standard Chartered to enhance services for affluent clients. Eligible clients in Singapore and the UAE will gain access to the Maharaja Club loyalty program. Members can enjoy various travel benefits, including additional baggage allowance and airport lounge access. The partnership also aims to provide dedicated banking and wealth management services for international needs.
Load More
