Somewhat relevant to Indian passport holders since instead of being totally useless if you live in India, you can now combine your entry into the US with getting enrolled into the program. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-launches-global-entry-enrollment-arrival-5-international Per the US CBP: Starting today, you have the unique opportunity to interview for Global Entry when you return from your next…
US CBP now issuing refunds for Indian Global Entry Applications
Man….that was a nice 180 in a matter of a week. Now that the US CBP website has been updated with instructions for Indian passport holders, the US CBP is issuing refunds to folks who applied before July 6th. Disappointing since it likely means the stupidity behind the passport verification will probably be in effect….
Indian passport holders can apply online for E-visas to Ethiopia now
As of today (July 7th, 2017), Indian passport holders (along with 38 other countries) are eligible to apply online for e-visas to Ethiopia. Website to apply at: https://www.evisa.gov.et/#/home Requirements: e-Visa application fees are not refundable Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to enter Ethiopia. A passport size…
Ugh! Somehow the Indian govt. managed to screw up the Global Entry enrollment.
Well that went to shit fast. I was impressed at how quickly India was incorporated into the GOES system…a mere 6 days after signing off on it. Now, its pretty apparent that great speed and the Indian bureaucracy definitely do not go hand in hand. Today (a full 6 days after India was listed on…
Indian passport eligibility to Global Entry is now live!
Update 2: It appears that this whole cluelessness is being tracked here: Indian Passport Process for GOES Update 1: It appears that every one is getting an email from the Indian Passport service about passport verification which also involves a physical trip to a Passport office located in India! Hoping this is an oversight. What’s even…
Finally! Indian Passport Holders Will Soon Have Access To Global Entry
With Indian Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump having met this week in the US, it looks like there is finally some progress happening on this. The Indian Express reports that Trump formally welcomed India into the International Expedited Traveler Initiative, which should see Indian citizens being eligible for Global Entry. Applauding the entrepreneurship…
Free Thailand visa for India and 17 other countries
Visa on arrival to Thailand used to cost 1000 Baht not too long ago, equaling about INR 1900/USD 30. Last year, in August, the country decided to double the price of the Visa on Arrival to 2000 Baht or INR 3800/USD 60, something I was caught off guard with during my trip there in November….
No departure cards for Indians flying abroad from July 1
From July 1, Indians flying abroad from India will not be required to fill departure cards. However, those going out of the country via rail, seaport and land immigration check posts will have to fill the embarkation card. “It has been decided to discontinue the practice of filling up of the departure card by Indians…
Jordan offers Visa on Arrival for Indians
There is a lot of conflicting information regarding visas for Jordan. The following is accurate information as of today (June 16, 2017). Things might change in the future, but till then, the following should apply. Indian passport holders are eligible for visa on arrival to Jordan provided they carry all necessary documentation. Documentation Required 1)…
Traveling to Nepal from India
Nepal has an official “Freedom of Movement” agreement with India, essentially meaning that anyone who is an Indian citizen is free to come and go from Nepal as they please and stay there for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, despite this being in place since 2000, it would appear most folks aren’t as familiar with…
Joys of an Indian Passport 