India flags mass cancellation of pre-scheduled H-1B visa interviews; MEA launches diplomatic push with Washington
MEA also flags multi-year backlog: H-1B interview slots for Indians now slip into late-2026
US Embassy in India issues fraud alert: ‘No agent can guarantee a US visa’
Latest News
China launches end-to-end online visa portal for Indian travellers, eliminating paper forms
Indian citizens can now complete Chinese visa applications entirely online and visit the Visa Application Centre only once for biometrics and passport drop-off. The streamlined system promises faster turnaround for tourists and corporate travellers and is expected to boost bilateral business visits.
Bali immigration offices shut for year-end holidays; Indian tourists warned to renew visas early
Bali’s immigration counters will be closed on 26 and 28 December and New Year’s Day, leaving a five-day window with no visa-extension services. Indian tourists and assignees risk fines or deportation if their permits lapse during the shutdown and should file extensions or plan exit-runs immediately.
Indian outbound travel pivots from US to China as visa hurdles bite, industry analysis finds
A Travel & Tour World analysis says Indian leisure and SME travellers are opting for China over the US because of lower fees and faster visa turnaround. If unaddressed, US visitor numbers from India could slide further, while Chinese carriers and hotels gain market share.
Navi Mumbai International Airport Opens, Handling 4,000 Passengers on First Day
Mumbai’s long-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport opened on 25 December with 48 flights and 4,000 passengers, easing pressure on the city’s overburdened primary airport. The greenfield hub will significantly shorten ground-transfer times for businesses based in Navi Mumbai and is expected to reshape corporate travel patterns once more airlines and immigration services scale up.
U.S. Embassy and Consulates Shut 24–26 December, Freezing Visa Services
All U.S. diplomatic posts in India are closed 24–26 December, pausing routine visa interviews and passport services. The shutdown will intensify visa backlogs, forcing companies to adjust travel and staffing plans for U.S.-bound Indian talent.
IndiGo Cancels 67 Flights Across India as Weather Disruptions Continue
IndiGo cancelled 67 flights on 25 December, blaming dense fog and related roster disruptions, with the DGCA monitoring the carrier closely after earlier mass cancellations. Corporate travellers face missed connections and higher re-booking costs, underscoring the need for weather-contingency planning at the height of India’s holiday travel season.
Dense Fog Grounds 550 Flights Across North India, IMD Extends Yellow Alert
Thick winter fog on 24–25 December delayed 550 flights and cancelled 10 across Delhi and neighbouring airports, with the IMD warning conditions may persist all week. Corporations are urging travellers to add buffer time or re-route via southern India to mitigate knock-on costs and missed connections.
Delhi Police Deport Record 2,200 Bangladeshi Nationals in 2025 Crackdown
Delhi Police have removed 2,200 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals this year, citing new legal powers and a multi-agency push against forged identity documents. Companies employing foreign labour in India are urged to tighten compliance as penalties escalate for both migrants and facilitators.
Star Air Re-launches Mumbai–Nanded Route After Five-Year Hiatus
Star Air has restarted Mumbai–Nanded flights after a five-year suspension, cutting travel time for business and religious visitors to Maharashtra’s interior. The route’s revival is expected to boost regional investment and support upcoming pilgrimage traffic.
Farmers Protest Land Acquisition for Proposed Hosur International Airport
Protests erupted in Hosur on 25 December against Tamil Nadu’s plan to acquire 2,980 acres for a new international airport located just 75 km from Bengaluru. The dispute highlights land-acquisition hurdles that could delay the project and affects future mobility planning for industries in the Hosur belt.