Tag: vacation

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.

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

3 Mins Read

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

After legalising marijuana in 2022, Thailand now wants to outlaw cannabis again

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

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Thailand, the first country in Asia to legalise cannabis in 2022 is now considering to disband the substance over its availability to minors and association with increased criminal activities.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin conveyed a message to the country’s Health Ministry to revise the list of controlled substances and reclassify cannabis to establish new regulations permitting its usage solely for medicinal purposes.

In a post of social media platform X, Srettha said in his native language: “aThe drug problem is a national agenda that all agencies must work together to solve the problem seriously so that drugs can be eradicated and within 90 days the results must be clearly seen. In the matter of suppression [I] Ask the Ministry of Justice, Narcotics Control Board, and the police to work together to detect, arrest, suppress, and seize more assets, both large and small, and for clarity in enforcing the law.”

ปัญหายาเสพติดคือวาระแห่งชาติที่ทุกหน่วยงานต้องร่วมมือกันแก้ไขปัญหาอย่างจริงจังเพื่อให้ยาเสพติดหมดไปให้ได้ และภายใน 90 วันต้องเห็นผลชัดเจนครับ

ในเรื่องการปราบปราม ขอให้กระทรวงยุติธรรม ปปส. และตํารวจ ร่วมกันตรวจ จับ ปราบปราม ยึดทรัพย์ให้มากขึ้นอีก ทั้งรายใหญ่ รายย่อย… pic.twitter.com/iYnOenhEin

— Srettha Thavisin (@Thavisin) May 8, 2024

He continued, “Separate addicts from dealers I have asked the Ministry of Public Health to amend the ministerial regulations. Set the amount to be assumed to be in possession for consumption to be 1 tablet instead of specifying that small quantity Please let the Royal Thai Police communicate clearly with the operators.

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

“No matter how many pills you have, it’s wrong” if you can’t prove you’re a user. will be charged possession without permission I would like to ask for the investigative officers to work harder to re-examine the intent of whether they are users or dealers. As for the issue of marijuana,” he said.

The post post further read, “I would like to ask the Ministry of Public Health to amend the ministry announcement by bringing marijuana back to category 5 drugs and hasten to issue ministerial regulations allowing its use for medical and health purposes only. and in the matter of treatment Ask the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Justice Raise the efficiency of drug treatment work both in treatment centers, in prisons, and in the probation system. Ready to join together to arrest those who escape treatment or fail to undergo treatment and prosecute.”

Also read: Thailand leads push for six-nation visa to lure moneyed tourists

Srettha explained that drugs are a problem that destroys the future of the nation. Youth are all stuck together. Everyone must hurry to work. Must suppress and confiscate assets and treatment thoroughly I also request that there be clear progress reported back within 90 days.

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

3 Mins Read

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

Mandatory for tourists to get e-pass for travel to Ooty and Kodaikanal by road

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

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The summer paradises of Ooty in southern India (also known as Udagamandalam), and Kodakanal, captivates travellers with its pleasant climate, which will see minimum temperatures of 14 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 20 degrees (on May 4), while the rest of India faces severe heat wave. The scenic landscapes of both the hill stations and their timeless charms make Ooty an unmatched destination for thousands of people who head to the hill station for short summer breaks.

To ensure the preservation of the Nilgiris’ ecosystem and manage the influx of tourist, the Madras High Court recently mandated the use of an e-pass system for travellers heading to the Ooty and Kodaikanal. Effective from May 7 to June 30, 2024, this initiative aims to regulate tourism flow during peak summer season.

Dubbed the “Queen of Hill Stations,” Ooty is a favored destination for nature enthusiast. Among its main attractions is the Government Botanical Garden that stands out spread across 55 acres and showcases wide range of exotic plants, flowers and trees.

Also read | Cool summer destinations: India to showcase cooler places to attract more foreign tourists

Kodaikanal, nestled in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu offers a serene escape to travellers with its misty mountains, lush valleys, and tranquil lakes, the destinations beckon travellers seeking solace in the lap of nature.

In case you are planning a visit the picturesque hill stations, ensure you seek an e-pass as the Madras High Court has mandated its use for travellers to address the challenges posed by the growing number of tourists in these hill stations. There is no limit on the issuance of e-passes, with local residents being exempt from this requirement.

The court’s decision also addresses the issue of traffic congestion, particularly along the challenging ghat roads leading to Ooty and Kodaikanal. By implementing e-passes, the court seeks to gather data on vehicular movement and ease congestion on the roadways.

Also read: 8 cool destinations near Delhi to go on a short summer break

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

3 Mins Read

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

Taliban are training Afghans in hospitality with eye on tourism sector: Will you visit the country?

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

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Afghanistan has some of the most scenic terrains in the world, snowcapped mountains, lush green valleys, flowing rivers and rare animals are some of the that have not been witnessed by the outside world. To attract travellers to the country, the Taliban have launched initiatives to familiarise people with hospitality according to AP.

In Kabul, a diverse group of around 30 men, including a 17-year-old with no prior job experience, have enrolled in the Taliban-operated institute to learn about tourism, aiming to showcase a different facet of Afghanistan.

Despite its pariah status on the global stage due to restrictions on women and economic challenges, the number of foreign tourists in Afghanistan has surged, reaching 7,000 in 2023, up from 691 in 2021, AP reported.

Also read: Will you dare visit this high-risk country for its one-of-a-kind tourist attractions?

The news agency quoted Mohammad Saeed, head of Kabul’s Tourism Directorate as saying that China constitutes a significant portion of the tourist market, drawn by Afghanistan’s unique appeal compared to neighboring countries like Pakistan.

However, obstacles persist, including visa restrictions, severed diplomatic ties with multiple countries, and an inadequate transport infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Saeed remains optimistic, aiming for a visa-on-arrival system and enhanced air connectivity with major tourist markets. The Taliban leadership shares this vision, signaling support for Afghanistan’s potential as a tourism destination.

The institute’s students, driven by aspirations ranging from showcasing Afghanistan’s beauty on social media to launching hospitality ventures, undergo training in subjects like Afghan culture and interacting with foreign visitors.

Also read: World’s most powerful passports in 2024 revealed; know where India stands

Yet, the absence of women at the institute highlights the persistent gender gap and restrictions faced by women under Taliban rule, reflecting broader concerns about women’s rights and freedom in the country.

As Afghanistan prepares to attract travellers, efforts are being made by the Taliban to cater to foreign tourists, such as reopening facilities at the country’s only five-star hotel for women travellers. As tour operators look to cater to all types of travellers, they suggest that visitors should respect practices that support local communities while navigating the complex political landscape of Afghanistan. Despite the challenges, there are some who are hopeful that Afghanistan can leverage its cultural heritage and showcase its natural beauty to attract tourists. Although there are numerous concerns, it remains to be seen, if average travellers will consider setting foot in the troubled country.

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

3 Mins Read

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