Canada warns Indian students: follow work-permit rules or risk removal
Indian consular, passport and visa services fully resume across Australia
Amritsar becomes North India’s hub-and-spoke gateway for seamless international transit
Latest News
South Africa introduces 48-hour e-Travel Authorisation for Indian passport holders
South Africa now offers a fully online, 48-hour e-Travel Authorisation for Indian tourists and business visitors, scrapping paper visas and reducing lead-times for short trips. The measure is expected to boost leisure and MICE traffic from India.
US Senator Padilla revives ‘Registry’ green-card bill, offers relief to long-term Indian residents
A US Senate bill seeks to let anyone who has lived in America for seven years—including thousands of Indian H-1B professionals—apply for a green card under an updated “Registry” provision. While passage is uncertain, the move rekindles hopes of relief from decades-long employment-based backlogs.
Bali deports Indian tourist for working on visitor visa, signals tougher enforcement
Bali deported an Indian national for teaching yoga on a tourist visa, part of Indonesia’s escalating crackdown on visa misuse. Indian travellers—especially remote workers and retreat organisers—should secure the correct permits to avoid fines and blacklisting.
Thailand grants 30-day visa-free entry to Indian travellers
Thailand has approved a 30-day visa-free entry scheme for Indian passport holders, replacing the current visa-on-arrival system. The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects the policy to drive Indian arrivals to a record 2.7 million next year, boosting both leisure and MICE travel. For businesses, the change cuts costs and reduces on-arrival formalities, although the 30-day stay cap and proof-of-funds requirements remain.
Air India’s ‘Easy Connect’ turns Amritsar into a one-stop gateway to 27 cities worldwide
Air India has launched ‘Easy Connect’ flights that let passengers finish immigration in Amritsar and connect seamlessly through Delhi to 27 global destinations on a single ticket. The move is expected to cut travel time for Punjab’s vast diaspora, repatriate traffic lost to foreign hubs and stimulate the regional economy, though local groups fear it could delay direct long-haul service to the state.
Mumbai Customs issues fresh Arrival Passenger Guidelines under new Baggage Rules 2026
Mumbai Customs has published new Arrival Passenger Guidelines aligned with India’s Baggage Rules 2026. Key points include higher duty-free limits, mandatory use of the Atithi mobile declaration app, clarified rules for unaccompanied baggage and a pilot ‘Express Business Corridor’ for visa-holding business travellers. The move streamlines arrivals and reduces compliance risks for corporates relocating staff to India.
Thailand approves 30-day visa-free entry for Indians, targeting record arrivals in 2027
Bangkok has cleared a 30-day visa-free scheme for Indian tourists and business visitors. The waiver is expected to lift Indian arrivals to an unprecedented 2.7 million in 2027, offering corporates lower compliance costs and easier ASEAN access for short-term assignments, though longer-stay or work activities will still require pre-arranged visas.
South Africa introduces 48-hour Electronic Travel Authorisation for Indians
South Africa has gone live with a new Electronic Travel Authorisation that lets Indian citizens apply online and receive approval within 48 hours for visits up to 90 days. The digital permit, currently valid for arrivals at Johannesburg, Cape Town and Lanseria airports, removes the need to visit a visa application centre and is expected to streamline both leisure and short-term business travel. Companies should note that the ETA is strictly for non-remunerated stays; work assignments still need a separate visa.
Canada revises study-permit processing times; Indian wait now up to 12 weeks
IRCC’s latest update extends the standard study-permit processing window for Indian applicants to 8–12 weeks, citing high seasonal volumes. While the faster Student Direct Stream remains available, universities and sponsors must adjust onboarding plans for the fall semester. Other Canadian visa categories show stable timelines, but continued backlogs highlight the need for early, complete applications.
Mumbai Customs updates passenger baggage allowances, raises duty-free limit to ₹75,000
Mumbai’s airport customs authority has adopted India’s updated Baggage Rules, increasing the general duty-free allowance to ₹75,000 for eligible air passengers and clarifying declaration requirements. The change lowers import costs for assignees bringing personal tech or household items, but exclusions on items such as alcohol and gold remain intact.
India revises inbound Customs rules: higher duty-free limits and laptop exemption
India’s updated Customs Baggage Rules 2026—reflected in new arrival guidelines dated 28 July 2026—raise the duty-free personal allowance to ₹75,000 and allow every adult passenger to bring one new laptop duty-free. Enhanced transfer-of-residence limits benefit returning expatriates. The changes simplify entry formalities and may lower assignment costs for firms moving talent into India.
Yerevan mission reminds e-Visa travellers to carry old passport if using a new one
India’s embassy in Armenia has re-emphasised that e-Visa holders travelling on a new passport must also carry the old passport that appears on their ETA. Failure to do so can lead to denied boarding or entry. Companies should incorporate the rule into pre-departure checks for employees headed to India.
ICEGATE rolls out Section 18A post-clearance revision module to streamline import corrections
ICEGATE’s new Section 18A module lets importers and customs brokers correct declarations online after goods have cleared, cutting turnaround times for relocation and corporate shipments. While speeding up logistics, the self-revision system places greater onus on companies to ensure accurate initial filings.