U.S. Embassy Issues Tough New Compliance Warning to Indian B-1/B-2 Visitors
Bangladesh Shuts Visa Counters at Three Indian Missions Amid Security Fears
Australia Raises Risk Rating for Indian Student Visas, Tougher Financial Proof Now Required
Latest News
Akasa Air Joins IATA, Becomes India’s Fifth Member Carrier
Akasa Air’s entry into IATA gives the carrier access to global settlement, safety and distribution systems, paving the way for more international routes and interline partnerships. The development promises greater connectivity and competitive fares for Indian business and expatriate travellers.
Japan to Triple Departure Tax From July 2026—Indian Visitors Face Higher Exit Costs
Japan will raise its departure tax to ¥3,000 from July 2026, adding roughly ₹1,600 to every outbound ticket. Indian firms and tourists transiting Japan should factor in higher costs, while travel buyers may need to renegotiate fare contracts for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Budget 2026 Talk: New 25 % Tax Band May Ease Expat Salary Packaging
Budget 2026 may introduce a 25 % tax band for incomes of ₹30–50 lakh and raise deduction ceilings. If enacted, the measure would cut assignment costs for mid-level expatriates and simplify payroll for Indian employees on global rotations.
H-1B Holders Warned of Lengthy US Visa Stamping Delays in India
New social-media vetting at US consulates has pushed India-based H-1B and H-4 visa-stamping appointments into March–April 2026. Attorneys say travellers should expect long stays in India and cannot rely on emergency slots, posing staffing headaches for US employers.
Bangladesh Suspends Most Visa Services in India Citing ‘Security Issues’
Bangladesh has closed most visa windows at its missions in India with immediate effect, citing security concerns after minority-targeted violence back home. Only business and work visas are still being accepted, forcing companies that rely on frequent cross-border travel to reschedule trips or use costlier on-arrival options.
India Mulls Lifting 2020 Curbs on Chinese Firms—Business Visas Already Speeded Up
India is preparing to abolish security clearances that have kept Chinese firms out of public tenders since 2020. Direct flights and faster Indian business-visa processing for Chinese nationals are already in place, signalling a thaw that will reshape project staffing and supply chains.
Austria Visa Application Centre in Mumbai Relocates—Applicants Must Use New Address
From 2 January 2026 all Austrian Schengen-visa seekers in Mumbai must visit VFS Global’s new centre in Mahalaxmi West. Missing the address change will void appointments, so corporates must update traveller briefings and ground-transport instructions.