India issues urgent advisory for seafarers after five deaths in Black Sea attacks
India grants one-month visa extension and waives overstay fines for foreigners stranded by West Asia conflict
Depression in Bay of Bengal triggers red-alert weather advisory, ports hoist cautionary signal
Latest News
India Scraps Business and Employment Visa Fees for 48 Least-Developed Countries
India has abolished the government fee for Business and Employment visas for citizens of all 48 UN-designated Least-Developed Countries, effective 24 July 2026. The waiver cuts costs by up to USD 300 per traveller and is expected to boost project staffing, supplier visits and training trips into India.
Four Destinations Scrap Visa-Free Entry for Indian Travellers in 2026
Iran, Bolivia, Cape Verde and Nicaragua have all withdrawn visa-free or visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian passport holders in 2026, forcing travellers to obtain visas in advance. The switch, confirmed on 25 July 2026, reduces India’s no-visa access list to about 55 destinations and increases planning time and cost for both leisure and corporate trips. Mobility teams should allow extra processing lead-time and rely only on official immigration channels.
Thailand Restores 30-Day Visa-Free Entry—but Trade Says Damage Done
Thailand has reversed a plan to cut India from its visa-free list, confirming on 14 July that Indians will keep a 30-day exemption. Trade sources told TTG Asia on 24 July that the earlier uncertainty slashed arrivals by up to 20 percent and froze big-ticket wedding bookings, highlighting how sudden visa changes can disrupt a key outbound market. Clear government messaging and competitive airfares will be critical to rebuilding demand.
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.