Thailand reinstates Visa-on-Arrival requirement for Indian travellers, ends 60-day visa-free entry
Thailand Replaces 60-Day Visa-Free Entry With Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Travellers
France Activates Visa-Free Airport Transit for Indian Nationals
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India Issues Master Circular Updating Customs Baggage Rules for 2026
India’s Finance Ministry has consolidated baggage rules into a single master circular, simplifying duty-free allowances and enabling electronic self-declaration. The changes—effective 1 August 2026—reduce paperwork for returning residents and business travellers while tightening enforcement on undeclared goods.
Indian Visa Application Centre tightens next-day appointment rules in Bangladesh
From 15 June, the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka requires applicants to upload a PDF of their visa form between 2 pm and 4:30 pm before appointment slots open at 5 pm. The move is designed to stamp out agent bulk-booking and speed processing for Bangladeshi tourists, patients and business travellers. Corporates must adapt workflows to the narrow upload window or risk missing critical travel dates.
India & Slovakia Set Up Consular Mechanism and Sign Labour-Mobility MoU
India and Slovakia will hold regular consular talks and have signed a labour-migration MoU aimed at faster work permits and better protection for citizens. The pact could cut visa lead-times for Indian tech professionals and support Indian firms entering Slovakia’s expanding automotive and chip sectors.
IndiGo issues nationwide advisory as severe storms disrupt Delhi flights
Severe thunderstorms over Delhi on 15 June prompted IndiGo to issue a system-wide travel advisory, warning of significant delays and offering free rebooking. With arrival rates at DEL cut by two-thirds, corporate travellers face missed connections and should build in extra buffers or reroute through alternate hubs.
Noida International Airport Launches Commercial Flights, Creating New Northern India Hub
Commercial operations began at Noida International Airport on 15 June, giving the National Capital Region a second international gateway. The new hub eases pressure on Delhi IGI, shortens commutes for Noida-based corporates and is expected to attract direct Middle-East and Europe links by winter 2026.
Jammu Airport launches ‘Yatri Suvidha Diwas’ ahead of Amarnath pilgrimage, adds security and passenger-friendly desks
Jammu Airport held its inaugural "Yatri Suvidha Diwas" on 15 June 2026, rolling out extra help desks, self-service kiosks and beefed-up security to manage the summer influx of Amarnath pilgrims. The upgrades, tied to an apron-expansion project, promise smoother passenger flow and better slot availability—good news for businesses flying staff into Jammu’s defence-industry belt.
‘Yatri Suvidha Diwas’ Introduced at Jammu Airport Ahead of Amarnath Pilgrimage
Jammu Airport has launched ‘Yatri Suvidha Diwas’, adding help-desks, extra security lanes and DigiYatra trials to manage the Amarnath pilgrimage rush. The measures offer smoother passenger flow and signal wider upgrades aimed at boosting connectivity in India’s northern border region.
Government widens Portfolio Investment Route—any overseas individual can now buy Indian stocks
India has redefined who can use the Portfolio Investment Scheme: any overseas individual—beyond NRIs and OCIs—may now buy up to 10 percent in a listed Indian firm, though land-border nationals still need prior approval. The shift simplifies equity incentives for expatriates and could attract new retail capital into Indian markets.
India Broadens Overseas Portfolio Investment Rules, Opening Doors for More Expatriates
A FEMA amendment effective 13 June 2026 lets any "individual person resident outside India"—not just NRIs and OCIs—invest in listed Indian equities. The liberalisation broadens opportunities for expatriates and globally mobile professionals while retaining caps and land-border safeguards. Employers should revisit stock-plan and payroll procedures to leverage the simpler route.
Customs Issues Special Protocol for Export Cargo Forced to Return from Hormuz
ICEGATE has created a dummy port code “IRHMZ” and issued detailed instructions for exporters whose cargo is returning to India due to the Strait of Hormuz shutdown. The advisory waives late fees for manifest amendments and explains how to preserve export-licence validity, offering compliance clarity amid ongoing shipping disruptions.
ICEGATE users warned of technical glitch rejecting ASEAN-FTA duty-free filings
A software error on 13–14 June is causing ICEGATE to reject duty-free import filings under the ASEAN–India FTA. Customs is working on a fix, but importers face clearance delays just ahead of a scheduled portal shutdown on 20 June.
Assam moves to link new Aadhaar enrolments with NRC data to curb illegal immigration
Assam will now screen every new adult Aadhaar request against the state’s citizenship register (NRC) before issuing the number. The step is aimed at stopping undocumented migrants from obtaining India’s 12-digit biometric ID, but it could delay service access for genuine residents and raises centre-state jurisdiction questions. Businesses may face onboarding delays and should plan alternate KYC options.
UK ‘One Login’ maintenance window tonight could stall Indian visa submissions
UK Visas and Immigration will take its ‘One Login’ identity system offline late tonight, halting Web-based ID checks for Indian applicants. Travellers are advised to finish submissions, download eVisa share codes or shift to the mobile app before 11 p.m. IST to avoid delays.