Category: Destinations

Schengen visa troubles: Check when you should start planning your Europe trip?

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Peak summer travel is here and so is the demand for flights, stays, visas and everything tourism-related. Many of us know those seasoned travellers who not only ensure all their bookings are made from a trusted source, that too way in advance, and we know those slackers who wait until the last minute to do everything — be it booking flights, hotels or making all those other arrangements to have fun once you reach the destination.

It doesn’t matter which category you fall in. What matters is how soon you should start making your travel arrangements as it could take time for you to get your visa, depending on your destination.

CNBC-TV18 had earlier reported that those planning a trip to Europe may have to delay their travel, given the shortage of Schengen visa interview slots. Find out how many days in advance you should start executing your travel plans to Europe to ensure all arrangements are in place.

Also read: European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians

“During peak season, visa appointment availability or visa processing can take longer than anticipated,” a VFS spokesperson told CNBC-TV18. “This is common across all geographies and governments. Thus, we [VFS Global] constantly encourage applicants to apply for visas well in advance to avoid peak season-related processing delays.”

The spokesperson added that most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days in advance, with Schengen accepting documents up to six months prior to the date of travel. Hence, it is best to apply for a Schengen visa at least 90 days in advance to ensure there is no delay in visa appointment.

Also read: Need a Schengen Visa? Check these criteria first

Additionally, VFS said, “The availability of visa appointments, mandatory documentation, and the visa application decision are entirely at the discretion of the respective governments [of the country you wish to travel to]. Processing timelines are also under their control.

“As a trusted partner to our client governments, VFS Global handles the front-end administrative tasks in the visa application process. This includes collecting application forms and documentation as per the checklist provided by the government, enrolling biometrics where applicable, and ensuring the safe return of passports post the decision-making process by the embassy or consulate [for a visa].”

As of May 16, the next available slot for a visa interview appointment for Germany or Italy is in July 2024. If you wish to travel to the 2024 Paris Olympics, which commences on July 26, you should’ve started gathering all documents by October 2023.

Given that more and more Indian travellers are looking to explore international destinations, especially in Europe, the rush for securing visas will only rise. So don’t wait until the last minute. Ensure you start your documentation process at least six months in advance.

Also read: Germany eases Schengen visa norms for Indian tourists

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India-Russia may start visa-free group travel programme by end of 2024: Report

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Russian Economic Development Ministry has said that India and Russia are in the final stages of commencing visa-free group travel, Russia-controlled international news network RT News reported.

Consultations between Russia and India on the reported bilateral agreement to ease travel will begin in June, the Russian minister said and added that Moscow and New Delhi were set to strengthen tourism ties by launching the visa-free group tourist exchange programme.

“India is in the final stage of internal state coordination,” Nikita Kondratyev, was quoted as saying on May 16, PTI reported.

Visa-Free Travel Between Russia & India By The End Of The Year

Consultations on a bilateral agreement to ease travel between the nations will begin in June, a Russian Min of Economic Development official told RIA on Wednesday on the sidelines of a forum in Kazan.

India is “at… pic.twitter.com/qbIQa7CJXb

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) May 16, 2024

CNBCTV18 could not independently verify the report. Meanwhile, speaking on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2024 in Kazan, the minister highlighted that the first discussions on the draft agreement are scheduled for June, with expectations of signing by the year’s end. Kondratyev stressed that Russia and India’s commitment to bolster tourism ties, mirrors the visa-free tourist exchange programme already established with China and Iran. The initiative with China and Iran commenced on August 1 last year and mark a significant step towards enhancing tourism cooperation between the countries.

In February 2024, Tourism Moscow made a mark at the South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE 2024) exhibition held in Greater Noida, showcasing tourism potentials for Indian travellers in Moscow. A delegation of representatives from Moscow City Tourism Committee and the Made in Moscow project team was one of the largest at the event, showcasing the vibrant tourism offerings of the Russian capital for Indian tourists.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Your Europe trip could be delayed due to shortage of Schengen visa interview slots

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As more and more Indian travellers continue to make summer holiday plans, securing a Schengen visa is becoming increasingly difficult, given the surge in demand for travel to Europe in 2024. According to reports, the next available slot for an appointment for Germany and Italy is in July 2024. There has been a 44% rise in visa applications for Schengen countries, including from India. Last year, Schengen visa applications from India rose to 9.7 lakh, compared to 6.7 lakh in 2022.

India ranks second globally in terms of percentage rise in applications, followed by China. Despite the rise in demand for Schengen visa from India, many Indian travellers would face disruptions in their travel plans due to the shortage of available visa interview slots. Nonetheless, the scarcity of available visa interview slots has disrupted travel plans of many Indians.

Anil Kalsi, Vice President of the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) told Times of India, “[Schengen Visa interview] Appointments are simply not available with a majority of Schengen countries. If you want to travel to Europe this summer, the earliest appointment date for Germany and Italy is in July. This is making life very difficult for travelers.”

Also read: European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians

However, despite official statistics, experts suggest that the actual demand from India may exceed the reported figures. Nonetheless, the scarcity of available visa interview slots is hurting aspiring Indian travellers. Kalsi highlighted the magnitude of the shortage of interview slots with most Schengen countries and stressed that such situations force travellers to settle for slots that are available for other destinations, or cancel their plans to visit Europe altogether.

The surge in visa applications reveal a contrasting narrative from countries like Russia and China. While demand from the Asian country leaped to the top in 2022, China witnessed a remarkable 1,104% rise compared to the previous year. On the other hand, Russia’s trajectory shifted from rank 2 in 2022 to rank 5 in 2023, which can be attributed to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The geopolitical turmoil has led to a steep 25% decline in Schengen visa applications from Russia over the past two years.

In April, 2024, the European Commission adopted specific rules on issuing multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than the standard rules of the Visa Code that applied to date.

The new visa ‘cascade’ regime for Indian passport holders applying for Schengen (short-stay) visas was unveiled to provide easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers with an established travel history.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to resume space tourism programme with six-person crew on May 19

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Space technology firm Blue Origin, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is resuming its space tourism programme with a six-person crew on May 19. The company announced that it will mark the launch of its seventh manned flight after  gap of two years.

In a post on social media platform X, the company said that the NS-25 mission will commence from Launch Site One at around 08.30 CT (1330 GMT).

NS-25 is targeting liftoff from Launch Site One on Sunday, May 19. The launch window opens at 8:30 AM CDT / 13:30 UTC. Learn more about the symbolism embedded in our New Shepard #NS25 mission patch: https://t.co/KbAJkbRTvj pic.twitter.com/glgDfGS96Q

— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) May 14, 2024

According to Reuters, the New Shepard rocket, which transports people and cargo to the edge of space on brief flights, was been grounded following an unmanned mission that failed in September 2022, within minutes of takeoff from Texas, requiring the rocket’s capsule containing NASA tests to carefully eject mid-flight.

In line with Blue Origin’s findings, the US Federal Aviation Administration wrapped up its assessment of the company’s New Shepard investigation last year.

Also read: Meet Gopi Thotakura, set to be the first Indian space tourist

According to Reuters, Blue Origin had to implement 21 remedial measures, including “organisational changes” and an overhaul of the engine. The May 19 launch will mark the revival of Blue Origin’s space tourism programme.

New Shepard will travel for 11 minutes past the Kármán line, which is the internationally recognised border of space located around 100 kilometres (62 miles) above mean sea level.

Once beyond the line, a pressurised crew capsule with six seats that are environmentally regulated detaches from the craft and uses a parachute to return to Earth.

According to Forbes, this would raise Blue Origin’s total number of persons successfully launched into space to 37.

On its website, Blue Origin described the New Shepard vehicle as their completely autonomous, reusable suborbital rocket system designed for human flight. Live coverage of the launch will start 40 minutes before launch time on the Blue Origin website.

According to reports, the NS-25 mission crew members participated in Blue Origin’s on-site astronaut training programme in Guadalupe Mountain range in Texas.

Also read: Amazon’s Jeff Bezos says he ‘loves the idea’ of being friends with Elon Musk

The crew members who participated in flight simulations and learned about the spacecraft’s safety features, zero-g procedures and other topics during the two-day programme at Astronaut Village.

According to an official announcement, the May 19 crew list consists of Mason Angel, Kenneth L. Hess, Gopi Thotakura, Sylvain Chiron, Carol Schaller, and retired Air Force Captain Ed Dwight.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

SpiceJet announces Delhi-Phuket direct flight from May 31; timings, other details here

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Budget carrier SpiceJet on Monday, May 13, announced that it will start daily non-stop flights from New Delhi to Phuket in Thailand from May 31.

The airline said that this new service will complement its existing operations in Bangkok from Kolkata and Delhi.

SpiceJet’s daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Phuket have been conveniently timed to ensure a hassle-free travel experience for the people. While the departing flight from Delhi will take off at 9 am and arrive in Phuket at 3:15 pm, the return flight will depart Phuket at 4:15 pm and arrive in the national capital at 7:20 pm.

As per the official statement, the airline has started bookings for this new route on its official website as well as through travel agents.

“We are incredibly excited to launch our first-ever service to Phuket, a world-renowned destination. We are confident that our new daily non-stop flights will be a popular choice for both leisure and business travellers and will make their journey to Phuket seamless, allowing them to maximise their time enjoying the island’s beauty,” Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said in a statement.

Singh noted that this new route will strengthen the airline’s commitment to “expanding our international network and offering our passengers a wider range of exciting destinations.”

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is known for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife. This new service is expected to provide travellers with a convenient and affordable way to experience the region.

This comes after SpiceJet commenced its Haj operations last week with the inaugural flights departing from Srinagar to Medina.

The flights operated through two wide-body A340 aircraft, with each of them having a seating capacity of 324 passengers. Besides Srinagar, the airline is also operating special Haj flights from Guwahati, Gaya, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada. For this service, it will also use its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Last year, the airline generated a revenue of ₹337 crore from the Haj operations, it said in a statement.

SpiceJet is operating these special flights from major cities like Srinagar, Gaya, Guwahati, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada to Medina between May 9 and May 31.

The return flights from Jeddah have been scheduled between June 22 and July 15.

As per the official statement, the airline will operate as many as 102 special flights, catering to over 13,800 pilgrims during this special operation.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Thunderstorm, hail predicted in Uttarakhand amid Char Dham Yatra; IMD issues orange alert

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert on Sunday (May 12) for five districts in Uttarakhand, cautioning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and hail in isolated areas.

The predictions indicate gusty winds reaching up to speeds of 40-50 km per hour in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts on May 12. Additionally, the IMD issued a yellow alert for remaining districts on Sunday and cautioned residents and visitors to take precautionary measures and remain indoors. PTI reported that potential hazards include damage to property, and livestock in isolated areas.

Residents and tourists have been requested to avoid proximity to any objects conducting electricity during thunderstorms and lightning, while ensuring safety of livestock. The general public has been encouraged to park vehicles in secure locations to mitigate risks posed by lightning.

हिमाचल प्रदेश, उत्तर प्रदेश, राजस्थान के अलग-अलग स्थानों में 11 मई, 2024 को तेज हवाओं (40-50 किमी प्रति घंटे) के साथ ओलावृष्टि और गंगीय पश्चिम बंगाल, मध्य महाराष्ट्र, उत्तराखण्ड और पश्चिम मध्य प्रदेश में आंधी (50-60 किमी प्रति घंटे) के साथ ओलावृष्टि की संभावना है। pic.twitter.com/FXMU2i06j8

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 11, 2024

Also read: Thousands gather as doors of Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand open for devotees

Earlier, on May 10, severe dust storms, strong winds and rain swept parts of the national capital. Two people died in separate incidents, while 23 others were injured due to strong severe winds and dust storms, private weather forecasting services firm Skymet Weather Services said.

Fierce winds and rains battered the national capital region uprooting trees and causing massive traffic jams. The poor weather conditions led to 10 flights being diverted from Delhi to nearby airports, CNBC-TV18 reported. Two Air India flights were redirected to Jaipur, an official told PTI.

“Dust storm of May 10 in Delhi claimed two lives and 23 people reported injured. and nine flights were diverted from the Delhi airport late in the evening due to bad weather, officials said. Some of the flights were diverted from the airport to Jaipur, an official said. Issuing an advisory for the dust storm, the MeT department urged the people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Residents are urged to stay indoors, secure their windows and doors and refrain from unnecessary travel,” the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in an advisory.

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Algeria is easing path for adventure tourists to experience the wonders of Sahara

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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One of the Arab world’s last holdouts to global vacationers is slowly opening up, as a new Algerian visa program gives more outsiders the chance to take in the lunar landscapes and prehistoric art of its vast Sahara desert.

Unlike Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, Africa’s largest country hasn’t prioritised tourism despite its proximity to Europe. It may sport majestic Roman ruins, picturesque Mediterranean cities and soaring Atlas mountains, but this fiercely independent energy exporter has mostly kept its treasures to itself.

That won’t change overnight — Algeria is still a challenging place for most foreigners to bag a visa. But an initiative rolled out in January 2023 has eased the process for adventurous travellers who don’t need maximum comforts to tour the stark southern deserts that make up 80% of the country, and it’s starting to gain traction.

Also read: Abu Dhabi to deliver Tourism Strategy 2030 to ensure emirate’s sustainable growth as a global destination

“It’s for people who want to discover the grandeur of nature,” Tourism Minister Mokhtar Didouche said in an interview in the capital, Algiers. “To tourists looking for a five-star hotel, I say in the Sahara you have a million stars!”

For sure, it remains a minority pursuit — Didouche says 10,000 visas have been issued to visit the Sahara in the year to February 2024. Still, overall Algeria tourist arrivals hit 3.3 million over those 12 months, fueled largely by people visiting friends and family in the country; it’s a level Didouche said was previously “quite unthinkable.” There’s a target of 10 million by 2030.

“At the most, you have a week to 10 days to process your visa,” Didouche said of the latest initiative, significantly shorter than previously when permission was granted via consulates.

Also read: Japan erects 8-foot wall to ward off tourists trying to take perfect image of Mount Fuji

Trips have to be booked through approved travel agencies in Algeria and visitors typically have security escorts. In addition to exploring the desert, some tour operators report they are able to take their groups to sites in the north too, although it’s not clear how widespread the practice is.

An average week-long trip organized by local operators involving offroad vehicles and no-frills camping typically costs up to €800 ($863) euros per person, not including international and domestic flights, according to Algerian travel agents. Terres d’Aventure, a French agency that works with Algerian counterparts, lists tours that start from nine days for €1,850, including flights.

The slow-motion change comes after Saudi Arabia took the historic step of welcoming tourists in 2019, leaving the North African nation as one of the broader region’s last frontiers for adventure travel. Foreign dollars may also help Algeria’s plans to diversify an economy that’s long practiced protectionist policies and is still hugely reliant on the oil and gas reserves it began tapping in the 1950s.

Arrivals didn’t exceed 2.7 million per year over the past decade and the industry contributes just 2% to the country’s gross domestic product, according to Didouche. The majority of recorded visitors are from the diaspora with family links to Algeria, as these visitors are allowed easier entry.

There are plans to extend the speedier visa-for-the-Sahara policy to the whole country “soon”, the minister said, without providing additional details.

In Algeria’s north, where the vast majority of its 47 million people live, attractions include a 1,200-kilometer (746-mile) coastline and Unesco world heritage sites such as the Roman ruins of Tipasa, Timgad and Djémila as well as the sprawling hillside alleys of the Kasbah in the heart of Algiers.

In February, the capital inaugurated a new Grand Mosque — billed as the world’s third-largest such religious complex, and a landmark visible from anywhere in the city.

But if Algeria wants to bring in the tourists, it may need another building spree.

Didouche said there are currently 1,600 hotels offering services appropriate to international travelers, with a capacity of 150,000 to 160,000 beds. “That’s not enough to accommodate a large influx of tourists,” he said.

Authorities are now taking the next step of making land available to investors in the tourism sector, with 58,000 hectares countrywide being earmarked, the minister said. While land was previously granted as a form of concession, under new laws the ownership will be transferred to investors after the project is completed.

Authorities need “to raise the profile of Algeria as a destination,” Didouche said. “We want to show international opinion that we have a quality destination and that we are a people with a history, traditions, heritage, gastronomy and craftsmanship.”

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Affordable Thailand summer packages: IRCTC launches 5 nights/6 days itinerary to Bangkok, Pattaya

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced Thailand tour packages for summer travellers. If you are also planning to travel abroad during the summer, take a tour of Thailand and visit the scenic shores of Pattaya and Bangkok for a five nights and six days tour for just ₹58,800 per person.

This special IRCTC air tour package starts from Lucknow on July 27, 2024. It’s for five nights and four days itinerary.

“IRCTC already has tie-ups with the best hotels and guides who know the city inside out and take you on a complete tour,” the Railways Tourism arm said on its website.

Also read: Top 5 domestic and foreign destinations where Indians are headed for a holiday this summer

One of the advantages for Indian travellers is the visa-on-arrival service in Thailand, which eliminates the need to obtain a visa in advance. Upon arrival, travellers can pay the visa fee and have their passports stamped.

The package covers accommodation in four-star hotels, meals, and local tours with a guide. Prices for this special package start at ₹58,800 for a single booking, there are double occupancy packages too, and family packages with children.

This is your sign to holiday in Thailand.
Join the Delightful Thailand With Four Star Accommodation Ex #Lucknow (NLO08) tour starting on 26.07.2024.

Book now on https://t.co/CyAQQjo5td#Thailand #explore #Booking #trip #Holiday #vacation #vacationmode pic.twitter.com/iBghexN6c7

— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) May 8, 2024

“This is your sign to holiday in Thailand. Join the Delightful Thailand With Four Star Accommodation Ex #Lucknow (NLO08) tour starting on 26.07.2024,” the official X handle of IRCTC mentioned.

The total number of seats available in this special package is 35, and it also offers travel insurance for people under 70 years of age.

The package cost is calculated on the lowest airfare and the seat confirmation is subject to the availability at the time of booking. The traveller is responsible for paying any increases in airport taxes or flight prices.

For more information and bookings, interested individuals can visit the official IRCTC website.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Air India expands operations in Europe with new flights to Amsterdam, Milan and Copenhagen

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Air India is expanding its operations in Europe to meet growing demand. Starting from June 22, 2024, Air India will operate daily non-stop flights from Delhi to Amsterdam Schiphol and Delhi to Milan Malpensa.

This marks an increase in frequency on these routes from 4 times weekly and 5 times weekly, respectively. Additionally, Air India will add another flight on the Delhi-Copenhagen route, bringing the frequency to 5 times weekly.

These additional flights complement Air India’s existing services, including daily non-stop flights to Zurich starting June 16, 2024, as well as daily services to Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, said: “The increased frequency to Europe demonstrates the growing demand for travel between India and Europe, and we are committed to providing our customers with greater choice and convenience.”

Wilson said these flights will strengthen trade and tourism ties and also offer seamless connectivity to travellers from Europe to other countries in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia (and vice versa) via the Delhi hub.

With the increased frequency to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Milan, Air India will now serve mainland Europe with 80 flights a week to and from seven points.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow