Qatar today announced that it is waiving visa requirements from citizens of 80 countries effective immediately. As per the press release, Citizens of those countries wishing to visit Qatar will not need to apply or pay for a visa; instead, a multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid…
Tag: india
Update: Global Entry apps need you to be physically present in India
Well the idiocy continues and unfortunately reigns supreme. Per this thread on Medium, the final word is that one needs to be present in India and show up to a interview at a local office in order to move ahead in the application process. Please note that you have to complete the India side verification…
US CBP rolls out Enrollment on Arrival for Global Entry
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…
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…
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)…
Don’t do multiple stopovers in Europe
So I learned this the hard way….On an Indian passport, don’t do a double transit in Europe. I booked the following routing on a cheapie $499 round trip to Turkey out of LAX. LAX-FRA-IST and coming back IST-MUC-ZRH-LAX. That’s coming back via Munich and Zurich. Routing didn’t ring any bells on anyone’s end and it…
More Indian airports will soon have efficient hand baggage screening
While this doesn’t have much to do with an Indian passport per say, I would frequently find myself transiting multiple Indian airports many times a year. And the incredible inefficiency that is the Indian Security at airports there would put the TSA to shame. Security to enter the airport (I sort of get that…though its…
