Croatia may be gorgeous in June, when the kids have their summer vacation, but if you have just started planning your holiday, it may just be too late for you to hang out on the Adriatic Sea. There is no visa slot open for the next two months. The same holds for several European countries, where delays and strict document requirements leading to rejections, are leaving both travellers and travel agents exasperated and people venting out their frustration on Visa providers for alleged delays.While post-Covid revenge travel, especially to international destinations, continues to hit the roof, getting the Schengen visa has become a problem—especially for certain countries.
Take the case of Croatia, which has become a popular destination and became part of the Schengen agreement last year. “We regularly check for appointment availability and have not been successful in catching even one slot since the beginning of 2024,” says visa and immigration consultant Cyrus Sethna. “If an appointment is miraculously secured, the visa process takes a staggering 60 days before the passport is returned to the traveller.” Dates for Iceland are also not available.
A leading Visa provider firm in India – is facing the heat of customers over the delays.
Travel agents say that people who have been rejected or have not found an opening to apply, are forced to lie about their destinations and sometimes go via the Scandavian countries where slots tend to be more available. But, warns a travel agent, know that you can’t apply to Norway if you really want to go to Spain, because they are geographically too far apart and it is likely that you might get caught out. There’s also a parallel system where some visa agents charge double the price and somehow procure a slot.
“VFS Global does not control processing timelines of visa applications, neither does it control appointment availability. These are governed and controlled by our client governments,” says a VFS Global spokesperson.
“Applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments, using VFS Global’s name or independently.”
Greece is a bit of a hit and miss, say travel agents, pointing out that last year it had halted visa applications for the entire month of May. While some visas are processed quickly, in certain instances, they can take up to six weeks, with no option for expedited service. Another travel agent points out that her client had booked an island-hopping trip in Greece for her family, but the visas got declined and she eventually applied for a Schengen from Hungary, even though Budapest was afar cry from the Grecian agenda. It also was a needlessly additional cost for the family of four.
Solo travellers constitute the majority, representing approximately 65 per cent of visa applications in the UAE, 60 per cent in Egypt, 40 per cent in Singapore, and 45 per cent in Vietnam. Groups of two travellers make up around 20 per cent in the UAE, 30 per cent in Egypt, 25 per cent in Singapore, and 20 per cent in Vietnam.
Last year, Italy opened no appointment slots the entire summer. However, this year they have been lenient, allowing quick appointments to those who have previously held a Schengen visa. But if there is no prior visa, thenthere are virtually no dates. Spain has been fairly consistent about giving visas, but as of now, there are no appointment slots.
Before March, things were quite easy and we were getting slots but suddenly they seem to have disappeared, says travel agent Vipul Bhuva. “I had booked so many tickets thinking that the client wo-uld get the visa and now we have to change the itinerary. But it causes too much anxiety.” Main problem countries tend to be Spain, Italy, France and Switzerland because they are more popular among Indian tourists.
The pile-ups and confusion are forcing vacationers to look at other destinations. Despite the heat, some are op-ting for Asia trips which might take them to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, or travelling to African countries, both of which have eased their visa requirements. Australia and New Zealand are too far. “Pre-Covid, if you wanted to travel in May, you could apply in April, and you’d be fine,” says Sethna. “Clearly, consulates and embassies are not able to keep up with the numbers which are going up every year.”
[ad_2]
Source link
Expecting over 1.5 million Indian tourists this year, Singapore is focusing on increasing its hospitality infrastructure such as hotel rooms, and working on seamless and easy visas for them, a senior tourism official said on Wednesday. Before the pandemic-induced lockdown, Singapore had received 1.4 million tourists from India in 2019, which then recovered to 1.1 million in 2023.
In 2024, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) expects the number to go past the 2019 strength even as it acknowledged the potential of getting over 1.5 million visitors though it has not set any target given “the huge tourism potential of the Indian market.”
With three offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, the STB is working on getting seamless and easy visas for Indian tourists, Poh Chi Chuan, executive director of Exhibition & Conference at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) told PTI.
The island state is building infrastructure for tourists and business travellers, such as 9,000 new hotel rooms that are being added to about 72,000 existing rooms.
“We need visitors to come and fill these rooms,” Poh underlined and hoped “The flights between India and Singapore get back to the pre-pandemic level.”
New carriers are operating in India and once they start flying internationally, the number of tourists would increase, Poh added at a press conference.
The press conference was held to announce the inaugural APAC edition of the world-renowned National Retail Federation (NRF) Retail Big Show to be held here on June 11-13, six months after NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show in New York City.
Singapore is just not looking at the tourist traffic out of India but also business travellers given that both countries have growing trade and a prospering Indian economy, he said.
“We also see a lot of opportunities coming up in India in sectors such as pharma, BioMed, IT and FinTech. These are very strong industries for Singapore to increase bilateral trade,” said Poh, adding that Singapore has large-scale exhibitions and conferences catering to these sectors covering advanced technologies.
The APAC edition of NRF is expecting between five per cent to 10 per cent of delegates for its 5,000-participant strong Singapore show in June, said Ryf Quail, managing director of the global retail event that is held annually in New York.
The introduction of these codeshare connections enhances travel options for Indian tourists, as well as business and leisure travellers, especially during the upcoming summer season. IndiGo already provides travel options to Singapore, further complemented by seamless connectivity to Qantas’ flights between Singapore and Australia. Both airlines had signed a codeshare agreement in 2022.
Industry stalwarts addressing the mega gathering include Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, the Retailers Association of India, Shireesh Joshi, Chief Business Officer, The Open Network for Digital Commerce, and Mathsy Kutty, APAC Leader, The Climate Pledge, Amazon.
[ad_2]
Source link
The UN Tourism, formerly UNWTO has unveiled its latest Tourism Visa Openness report, showcasing a resurgence in international travel accessibility to pre-pandemic standards. The study delves into the dynamic realm of global visa regulations, highlighting significant shifts in travel facilitation strategies.
Tourism Visa Openness Index is a metric designed to gauge the extent to which destinations promote tourism and the degree of visa facilitation they offer. It also evaluates mobility scores, reflecting the impact of visa policies on citizens worldwide, alongside an intricate analysis of visa policy reciprocity.
Key findings of the Tourism Visa Openness report revealed that international travel openness has returned to pre-pandemic levels after the relaxation of Covid-19 travel restrictions. The pandemic has led to the emergence of innovative travel facilitation measures, including “nomadic visas.”
Moreover, the proportion of individuals requiring traditional visas has decreased globally, from 77 per cent in 2008 to 47 per cent in 2023. In addition, an increasing number of people are enjoying visa-free travel, marking an increase from 17 per cent in 2008 to 21 per cent of the global population. Furthermore, approximately 14 per cent of the world population can avail themselves of visa on arrival facilities, a significant rise from 6 per cent in 2008. Finally, around 18 per cent of the world population can apply for eVisas, witnessing a substantial increase from 3 per cent in 2013.
The UN Tourism report also provided a comprehensive analysis of visa regulations worldwide, based on different regions. The highest openness score was recorded in Asia and the Pacific, while South East Asia, East Africa, and the Caribbean emerged as the most open sub-regions.
According to the report, total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), surged by 16.6 per cent, marking a significant uptick. Concurrently, total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), witnessed a commendable increase of 14.1 per cent. The load factor, a crucial indicator of operational efficiency, stood at 79.9 per cent, reflecting a notable rise of 1.7 percentage points.
South Asia and West Africa witnessed a significant increase in openness since the last report. On the other hand, Central and North Africa, North America, and Northern and Western Europe were found to be the most restrictive regions. The prevalence of visa exemptions was particularly notable in the Caribbean and Central America. East Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, and West Africa were found to have common visa on arrival policies. The Tourism Visa Openness report further emphasises the pivotal role of visa policy enhancements in fostering tourism growth. Key suggestions include integrating tourism perspectives into visa strategies, introducing targeted visa-exemption programs for low-risk traveller markets, and expanding visa on arrival facilities.
Additionally, clear communication on visa policies, streamlined application processes, expedited processing times, and optimized entry procedures are crucial for enhancing the overall visitor experience.
[ad_2]
Source link
The US Embassy in India has seen a significant increase in tourist visa adjudications this year according to recent remarks by a senior embassy official. In Fiscal Year 2023, the embassy adjudicated over 700,000 tourist visa applications, an 185 per cent increase from the previous year.
Highlighting the immense scale of operations, the consulate officer revealed that the US embassy, along with its four consulates, constitutes the second-largest consular operation globally, following Mexico. With a total staff of almost 350, the embassy’s workforce has expanded significantly, indicating a concerted effort to manage the increasing demand for visa services.
“We had over 700,000 adjudications in 2023 representing a remarkable 185 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Moreover, India ranks as the largest source of work and student visas globally, further underscoring US’s significance in the visa landscape,” the officer stated.
This makes it the highest single year volume for tourist visas ever processed in India. The official noted they expect the volume to surpass the previous record of 745,000 applications set in 2018.
“I think this year we might actually surpass that we hit records and everything else we do,” the officer said.
While tourist visas make up over 50 per cent of the embassy’s total visa workload, the official stressed they prioritise other visa categories like work and student visas as per US law. However, they have increased staffing levels by over a third to handle the growing demand.
In terms of overall tourist numbers, Indonesia welcomed a staggering 11.67 million visitors in 2023, almost double the number in 2022. Bali alone received 5.23 million visitors, accounting for nearly half of Indonesia’s total tourism arrivals. To boost arrivals from India, plans for Vistara direct flights from Bombay and strengthening Delhi departures are in the pipeline.
To address the surge in demand, the embassy has implemented measures to enhance efficiency and reduce wait times. Despite technical challenges, such as the transition to a new appointment system, efforts to streamline the process have yielded positive results. Notably, wait times have decreased by 75 per cent over the past year, with further improvements expected in the future.”Our wait times have dropped by 75 per cent in the last year. There were over 1000 days in December of 2022 and now they range low to hundreds to around four now,” he stated.
One significant change involves preventing the hoarding of appointment slots by visa travel agents, ensuring fair access to all applicants. This has contributed to a more equitable distribution of appointments and reduced instances of exploitation.
However, the officer acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by India’s vast population and the corresponding demand for visas. While the embassy remains committed to addressing these challenges, resource limitations necessitate a strategic approach to managing visa operations effectively.
[ad_2]
Source link
Currently sitting at the sixth or seventh position, India has the potential to become one of the top three source markets for South Africa tourism, according to Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India, and South East Asia, South African Tourism. She emphasises that achieving this goal hinges majorly on two key factors: establishing direct flights from India and streamlining the visa process for Indian travellers.
“There have been ongoing conversations for improved accessibility through e-visa pilot programs and direct air-connectivity to polish the bond between the two nations,” she said.
“We’ve engaged extensively with South African Airways to explore direct flight opportunities in the Indian market. Discussions include feasibility studies to ensure any potential direct flights are sustainable in the long term. While progress is ongoing, we understand the need for a comprehensive approach to address connectivity challenges effectively,” Nkani told ETTravelWorld.
At present, several stop-over flights fly from India to South Africa, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Seychelles.
When asked about possible codeshare, she informed that various discussions have taken place with Indian airlines regarding the said agreements. “We’ve been in talks with various airlines, including Vistara, to explore potential collaborations. For instance, Emirates, part of the Star Alliance, has already established such agreements, enhancing connectivity to South Africa. We’re eager to see direct flights from India, which would be a significant milestone. It aligns perfectly with our desire to mark 30 years of partnership by landing a flight in South Africa,” she added.
Regarding current visa requirements, Nkani said that Indian travellers need to provide bank statements and a valid itinerary when applying for visas through VFS. Typically, visas are processed within five to seven days, although occasional delays may occur. “We are consistently piloting e-visas to streamline the process further, ensuring it is user-friendly and aligns with Indian travellers’ and other tourists’ needs,” she said, adding that South African Tourism is working closely with the Consulate General, and the embassy to ensure swift visa processing.
43% increase in Indian arrivals from previous year
With India boasting a population of 1.4 billion, including 950 million visa holders and a significant proportion of Millennials, representing a promising demographic for tourism, South Africa sees India as a key market. Emphasising India’s status as the fifth-largest economy and its substantial projected spending by 2024, Nkani expressed optimism about India’s role in contributing to Africa and South Africa’s tourism sector.
“Post-pandemic recovery figures are reflecting a 43 per cent increase from previous year. Although I acknowledge this progress, I am optimistic about the potential for further growth. This year presents a unique opportunity for us to capitalise on recovery efforts, especially considering that tourism sustains approximately eight jobs per tourist in our country. Celebrating 30 years of bilateral relations with India and South Africa’s own freedom anniversary, we aim to strengthen ties and boost tourism from India, especially with upcoming events like the 2027 World Cup cricket to be hosted in South Africa,” informed Nkani. Interestingly, some official stats from the tourism board show that the Indian city Mumbai remains a consistent frontrunner as the primary source city for South African Tourism in India. Reflecting this trend, inbound tourism from Mumbai saw a substantial 37 per cent year-on-year growth in 2023, significantly contributing to the overall surge in leisure and business travel.
Noteworthy is that 46 per cent of Mumbai arrivals expressed a keen interest in exploring South Africa’s natural attractions.
Speaking on the overall tourism arrivals from other markets, Nkani shared that the figure stood at 8 million post-pandemic, marking an 83 per cent recovery rate. “Our core markets include the US, UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, benefiting from direct flights and visa exemptions. However, we must consider these advantages when comparing India, which lacks direct flights and faces visa requirements. Nonetheless, markets like China and Australia have also shown promising growth potential. Africa also contributes significantly to our tourism numbers, with countries like Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe playing crucial roles,” she informed.
The collaboration between Kazakh Tourism and Salvia Promoters aims to attract tourist groups from India to Kazakhstan while effectively representing Kazakh Tourism’s interests in the Indian market. Chaudhary, with over two decades of experience in territory promotion and marketing, brings valuable expertise to the partnership. Salvia Promoters, known for its expertise in promoting Central Asian and Russian markets, received a certificate of representation from Sadvakassov.
40% exhibitors introducing new products
To further engage with the Indian market, SAT recently concluded a series of successful roadshows in India, marking its presence in Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. This 20th annual roadshow signifies a crucial step in engaging with the Indian market, unveiling a year-long plan to connect with Indian consumers and redefining strategies to tap into India’s growing outbound travel market, as per Nkani.
With more than 40 exhibitors from South Africa, including 14 SMMEs, this event aims to foster mutually beneficial partnerships with Indian trade buyers. “Notably, over 40 per cent of the exhibitors are introducing new products this year, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the partnership,” she added.
These engagements, as per Nkani, serve to introduce new regions and experiences to potential travellers, thereby diversifying the tourism offerings. Additionally, there have been negotiations with airlines aiming to secure better prices for Indian travel agents, she added, informing about the recent collaboration with Ethiopian Airways to offer discounted fares.
In addition to these roadshows, SAT also conducts destination workshops in various cities and engages directly with Indian corporates to promote South Africa as a premier travel destination. “This strategy has proven effective, with a notable conversion rate observed during such interactions. These multifaceted efforts underscore our commitment to promoting South Africa as a desirable destination and ensuring that Indian travellers have access to a wide range of experiences beyond traditional tourism offerings,” she said.
Sports, weddings: Segments seeing growth
As Nkani noted that Indians are increasingly becoming avid travelers, Experiential tourism has become a focus for SAT, with activities like adventure sports, marathons, and cultural experiences attracting Indian travellers.
“Sports tourism has emerged as a significant revenue generator, particularly due to the increasing health consciousness among Indians. Notably, South Africa hosts the Comrades Marathon, drawing a substantial number of Indian participants, with over 300 runners attending annually. Additionally, destinations like Cape Town, attract Indian travellers seeking similar niche experiences,” said Nkani.
Besides these, weddings have emerged as a promising segment for SAT. “Despite initial concerns about connectivity from India, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the interest we’ve received from the market. In the past year alone, we’ve facilitated approximately 10 Indian weddings, marking a positive beginning for us in this sector,” she said.
Furthermore, there is a rising trend of bikers exploring South Africa through both on-road and off-road biking adventures, said Nkani. Another notable trend is “buddy tripping,” where groups of young professionals, including doctors, travel with friends, often splitting into separate gender-based excursions. Additionally, there’s a notable increase in women’s group travel and youth travel which has seen significant demand.
[ad_2]
Source link
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has declared a final rule, indicating an increase in premium processing fees for certain visa categories, including H-1B applications.
Immigration attorneys suggest that sponsoring employers should factor the new premium processing fees into their immigration budget planning for the coming year. The usual process involves E-registrations for H-1B applications starting in March, followed by the lottery, and then the final visa application for the selected beneficiaries.
“DHS will use the revenue generated by the premium processing fee increase to provide premium processing services; make improvements to adjudications processes; respond to adjudication demands, including reducing benefit request processing backlogs; and otherwise fund USCIS adjudication and naturalization services,” the USCIS said in a statement.
What is the new fee and when will it come into effect?
The premium processing fees for Form I-129, used for non-immigrant worker applications like H-1B or L1 visas, will be hiked by 12 per cent to USD 2,805. This fee adjustment will be implemented from February 26, 2024.
The fees for premium processing of Form I-539, used by international students, as well as spouses and dependents of H-1B visa holders seeking to extend or change their non-immigrant status, have been raised to USD 1,965 from the previous USD 1,750. Additionally, the fee for Form I-765, used to apply for employment authorization, including F-1 students applying for optional practical training (OPT), has increased to USD 1,685 from USD 1,500.
The full table of adjusted fees is:
| Form | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | USD 1,500 (H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status)
USD 2,500 (All other available Form I-129 classifications (E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, and TN-2)) |
USD 1,685 (H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status)
USD 2,805 (All other available Form I-129 classifications (E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, and TN-2)) |
| Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | USD 2,500 (Employment-based (EB) classifications E11, E12, E21 (non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3, E13 and E21 (NIW)) | USD 2,805 (Employment-based (EB) classifications E11, E12, E21 (non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3, E13 and E21 (NIW)) |
| Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | USD 1,750 (Form I-539 classifications F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, J-2, E-1, E-2, E-3, L-2, H-4, O-3, P-4, and R-2) | USD 1,965 (Form I-539 classifications F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, J-2, E-1, E-2, E-3, L-2, H-4, O-3, P-4, and R-2) |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization | USD 1,500 (Certain F-1 students with categories C03A, C03B, C03C) | USD 1,685 (Certain F-1 students with categories C03A, C03B, C03C) |
What is premium processing?
If a visa application is applied for via premium processing, the case is adjudicated within the shorter timeline as prescribed. For instance, for Form I-539 and Form I-765 it is 30 calendar days. H-1B premium processing is undertaken in 15 calendar days.
The premium processing fees stand increased to reflect the amount of inflation from June 2021 through June 2023. USCIS says that it plans to increase premium processing fees biennially in the future. It is not currently planning to change the timeframes for cases requesting premium service.
American Airlines is increasing bag fees and encouraging customers to buy tickets directly to earn frequent-flyer points. The airline said on Tuesday that checking a bag on a domestic flight will rise from USD 30 now to USD 35 online and USD 40 if purchased at the airport. The fee for a second checked bag will rise from USD 40 to USD 45 both online and at the airport. American last raised bag fees in 2018.
[ad_2]
Source link
Sri Lanka said Sunday it had ended long-term tourist visa extensions for thousands of Russians and Ukrainians using the policy to live on the island since Moscow‘s invasion of Ukraine.
“The government is not granting further visa extensions,” Commissioner-General of Immigration Harsha Ilukpitiya told AFP, giving a March 7 deadline for departure.
“The flight situation has now normalised and they have no difficulty in getting back.”
Just over 288,000 Russians and nearly 20,000 Ukrainians have visited Sri Lanka in the past two years, according to official figures.
It is not clear how many stayed longer than the usual 30-day tourist visa.
But thousands of Russians and smaller numbers of Ukrainians are believed to have settled in Sri Lanka, some to avoid potential draft into the army.
Highlighting the surge in Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka, the events celebrated the doubling of Indian visitors from 13,759 in January of the previous year to 34,399 in January 2024. This exponential growth was attributed to enhanced connectivity between the two countries, with 95 flights connecting Sri Lanka to nine Indian cities, ensuring seamless travel experiences and smooth transactions facilitated by India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Some who stayed have started restaurants and set up nightclubs.The government decision coincided with a furious social media backlash against a Russian-run nightclub which had organised a “whites-only” party in the southern coastal resort town of Unawatuna.
Sri Lanka sought to boost tourism by granting 30-day visas on arrival, as the country desperately needed foreign exchange as it recovers from its worst economic crisis since mid-2022.
The country defaulted on its $46 billion foreign debt in April 2022 and months of street protests led to the resignation of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa three months later.
An IMF bailout of $2.9 billion has helped stabilise the economy and end shortages of essentials such as food, fuel and medicines.
[ad_2]
Source link
Dubai has announced a Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa to further bolster travel between India and Dubai, underscoring its commitment to fostering sustained economic collaborations and encouraging tourism and business ties. This visionary initiative has been unveiled as Dubai welcomed a record 2.46 million overnight visitors from India in 2023, marking a 34% YoY growth. As India stands as the top source market for Dubai, DET is actively participating in SATTE 2024, India’s leading trade exhibition.
Under this program, tourists can obtain a visa within two to five working days, allowing them to stay in Dubai for up to 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a maximum stay of 180 days within a year. This flexible visa option caters to both leisure and business travellers, offering unparalleled convenience and connectivity.
This surge in Indian tourism underscores Dubai’s unwavering appeal as a top travel destination and aligns seamlessly with the visionary goals outlined in Dubai’s Economic Agenda, D33. Crafted under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the agenda aims to cement Dubai’s status as a global hub for business, leisure, and overall quality of l
Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, expressed Dubai’s deep appreciation for its enduring relationship with India and emphasised the pivotal role of Indian tourists in Dubai’s tourism success. He underscored the five-year multiple-entry visa initiative as a strategic milestone that enhances the tourist experience and fosters economic collaboration between the two nations.
The roadshow schedule includes three cities in India. The first one is Chennai, where the event will take place on February 26, 2024, at The Westin Chennai Velachery. The second city is Kochi, where the event will take place on February 28, 2024, at Marriott Hotel. The last city on the Roadshow Schedule is Bangalore, where the event will take place on March 1, 2024, at The Leela Palace Bangalore.
Dubai’s tourism prowess continues to soar, with 2023 witnessing a historic milestone of 17.15 million international overnight visitors, reflecting a robust 19.4 per cent year-on-year growth. This remarkable achievement solidifies Dubai’s reputation as a global hospitality and tourism excellence leader.The UAE and India share a longstanding partnership rooted in cultural heritage, diplomatic ties, and robust trade relations. As Dubai prioritises safety, service excellence, and innovation, the Emirates remains steadfast in its commitment to welcoming Indian tourists and fostering enduring partnerships with India.
[ad_2]
Source link
Visa application volumes from New Delhi witnessed 10 per cent year-on-year growth in 2023, marking a significant recovery to 82 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. The resurgence in travel confidence and the gradual relaxation of travel restrictions were key drivers behind this upward trend, according to VFS Global, the world’s leading visa facilitation service provider.
This surge in visa applications from New Delhi mirrors the broader growth trend observed across India, with the country experiencing a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in visa application volumes in 2023. Compared to pre-pandemic figures, visa application volumes from India reached an impressive 93 per cent of 2019 levels, signaling a strong rebound in international travel aspirations among Indian citizens.
Briefing a media roundtable in New Delhi, Vishal Jairath, Head of South Asia, VFS Global, sharing details said, “The sustained demand for visas from India in 2023 reflects the unwavering enthusiasm of travellers to explore global destinations. As we look ahead to 2024, we anticipate this positive momentum to continue. Hence, we advise applicants planning overseas travel from India to apply for their visas well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.”
Among the preferred destinations for Indian travellers in 2023 were Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, UK, and the US. This diverse selection underscores the adventurous spirit and varied interests of Indian globetrotters.
Moreover, VFS said the surge in demand for personalised services such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) reflects the evolving preferences of travellers. VFS Global recorded a remarkable five-fold increase in VAYD bookings in 2023 compared to 2019, indicating a growing appetite for convenient and hassle-free visa application processes.
Jairath highlighted, “The adoption of contactless and personalised services like VAYD signifies travellers’ prioritisation of safety and convenience, especially in the post-pandemic era. We anticipate a continued demand for such premium services in 2024, as travellers seek enhanced experiences and peace of mind during their journeys.”
Bringing with him a distinguished career spanning over 27 years, Srithar joins VFS Global from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), where he held various pivotal roles, including Area Director for South India & Sri Lanka and Regional Director overseeing marketing and tourism development across multiple regions. In his new role, Srithar will leverage his extensive expertise to provide specialized services in Travel, Trade, and Tourism Services to VFS Global’s client governments.
In light of the anticipated surge in travel demand, VFS Global has urged applicants to apply for visas well in advance to secure timely appointments and ensure seamless travel planning. Additionally, travellers are advised to remain vigilant against fraudulent entities purporting to offer visa-related services and to report any suspicious activities promptly.With international travel on the rebound, VFS Global said it remains committed to providing travellers with comprehensive visa services and optional value-added services for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
VFS Global, serving as the trusted partner to 52 sovereign governments in India, operates a vast network of over 560 visa application centers across 19 cities. While the organisation facilitates front-end administrative tasks related to visa applications, it plays no role in the decision-making process of visa approvals or rejections.
[ad_2]
Source link
South Korea is set to launch a new workcation visa, officially named the F-1-D visa, allowing remote workers from overseas companies to stay in the country for an extended period. The move is a part of South Korea‘s tourism strategy, aiming to attract 30 million visitors annually and generate $3 billion in tourism revenue by 2027.
The new visa allows qualifying remote workers to apply for visas for their dependent family members to stay in Korea during the visa validity period.
Although the workation visa encourages remote work, it explicitly prohibits visa holders from being employed or conducting profit work in Korea. Any income generated must be from a non-Korean employer, business, or entity.
South Korea aims to double its tourism target by attracting 30 million visitors annually by 2027, with a revenue goal of USD 3 billion. The workation visa aligns with this vision, aiming to not only attract high-earning foreigners but also to vitalise local economies across various regions in South Korea.
As part of the Visit Korea Year 2023–2024 initiative, the country is introducing measures to enhance the overall tourist experience. These include expanding group electronic visa fee waivers, increasing limits for immediate tax refunds on duty-free purchases, and improving transportation reservation services and payment methods.
The workation visa is launching as a trial period, and its success will determine its permanence. The Korean justice ministry expressed hope that the new visa category would encourage foreigners to explore various regions of Korea, contributing to the local economies.
The changes come into effect as a response to the evolving cost of living and are designed to ensure that travellers have adequate financial resources to cover their expenses during their stay in Finland. These modifications aim to strike a balance between facilitating tourism and addressing the practical aspects of financial support for short-term visitors.
[ad_2]
Source link