India Scraps Business and Employment Visa Fees for 48 Least-Developed Countries
Four Destinations Scrap Visa-Free Entry for Indian Travellers in 2026
Thailand Restores 30-Day Visa-Free Entry—but Trade Says Damage Done
Latest News
ICEGATE Issues Same-Day Guidance on Rules of Origin as India-UK CETA Enters Operational Phase
ICEGATE released detailed instructions on 24 July 2026 for filing electronic Certificates of Origin under the India-UK CETA. Correct use of the new portal is essential for companies moving goods—and by extension mobile employees—between the two countries, as duty savings apply only when digital origin declarations are lodged before shipment.
VFS Global Keeps Delhi Visa Centres Open, Offers Flexible Slots Amid City-Wide Protests
Visa outsourcing firm VFS Global confirmed on 24 July that its New Delhi Visa Application Centres are open during regular hours despite city-wide protests. Travellers arriving outside their allotted slot will still be processed where possible, reducing the risk of missed deadlines for business, study or family travel. Mobility managers should share the advisory and build extra transit time into appointment plans.
Indian Consulate in São Paulo Warns of Fake E-Tourist Visa Websites
India’s Consulate in São Paulo alerted travellers on 24 July 2026 to a spike in fraudulent e-visa websites that closely imitate the government portal. The scams over-charge applicants and issue invalid documents that can strand passengers at airports, jeopardising business itineraries. Firms arranging travel from Brazil to India should use only the official “indianvisaonline.gov.in” site and brief employees on basic cyber-hygiene.
Indian Mission in Brazil Warns Travellers of Fake e-Tourist-Visa Websites
India’s São Paulo consulate has flagged a wave of fake websites charging inflated fees for Indian e-Tourist visas and harvesting personal data. Travellers and corporates must use only the official government portal to avoid denied boarding, financial loss and data compromise.([cgisaopaulo.gov.in](https://www.cgisaopaulo.gov.in/Advisory-on-e-tourist-visa.php?utm_source=openai))
Visa Application Centres in New Delhi Stay Open Despite Street Protests
VFS Global has confirmed that all Delhi Visa Application Centres remain fully operational amid ongoing city-wide protests, offering flexible arrival windows to applicants affected by traffic diversions. The move averts potential delays for thousands of business and leisure travellers and spares companies heavy re-booking costs.
Directorate General of Shipping Updates Biometric Seafarer ID Rules, Adds Digital Application Steps
India’s maritime regulator updated its Biometric Seafarer ID portal on 24 July 2026, streamlining online applications, adding flexible rescheduling and speeding up card dispatch. The changes aim to boost compliance with ILO 185 and make it easier for Indian crew to obtain the smart-card IDs required by many foreign ports.
UK Updates India Travel Advice: Notes e-OCI Roll-out and Mandatory Health Declarations
The UK has updated its India travel advice to remind visitors of India’s new e-OCI system and the reinstated health Self-Declaration Form. Corporate travellers must carry the e-OCI QR code and complete Air Suvidha paperwork to avoid boarding denials and immigration delays.([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india))
Government Tells Parliament No ‘Special Intensive Revision’ Data Used in Passport Processing
India’s Ministry of External Affairs told Parliament it never used Special Intensive Revision (SIR) electoral-roll data in passport processing and reaffirmed that Indian passports meet international standards. The clarification eases fears of additional documentation hurdles for travellers and expatriates.
Delhi Visa Centres Stay Open Despite City-Wide Protests, VFS Global Offers Flexible Appointments
VFS Global confirmed on 24 July that its New Delhi Visa Application Centres remain open despite city-wide protests, promising to accommodate applicants who arrive outside their booked slot. The move averts major delays for companies processing foreign visas in India’s busiest hub and highlights the importance of contingency planning for mobility teams.
Khalistani-Linked US Citizen Caught Sneaking Across Indo-Nepal Border
Indian forces have detained a US national linked to the Khalistan movement while he allegedly crossed the Indo-Nepal border with forged IDs. The case highlights India’s stepped-up land-border surveillance and could temporarily lengthen processing times for legitimate travellers and cargo.