Armenia grants 180-day visa-free entry to Indians holding Gulf, US or EU residence permits
UK opens India Young Professionals Scheme ballot, 3,000 visas up for grabs
VFS Global warns Indians to apply early and avoid fraud as peak travel season begins
Latest News
Indian passport climbs to 75th on Henley Index but loses one visa-free destination
India rose ten spots to 75th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, yet its visa-free tally edged down from 57 to 56 destinations after Iran and Bolivia withdrew waivers. The mixed picture highlights marketing gains but little change in practical travel freedom for business travellers.
Bengaluru pushes for in-city US visa services after envoy’s visit
US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s Bengaluru tour has reignited demands for a full-service American consulate with visa processing capabilities in India’s tech capital. Relief from travel and scheduling burdens would benefit thousands of business travellers and students.
Karnataka High Court seeks Centre’s reply on long-overdue visa extension for Sudanese student
The Karnataka High Court has asked the Union government to explain a 17-month delay in processing a Sudanese student’s visa-extension request, underscoring systemic FRRO backlogs and compliance risks for institutions hosting foreign nationals.
Armenia grants 180-day visa-free entry to eligible Indian residents of GCC, US and Europe
Armenia will waive visas for Indian citizens who also hold valid residence permits from the US, EU/Schengen, GCC and a handful of other jurisdictions, allowing stays of up to 180 days between 1 January and 1 July 2026. The policy expands leisure and business options for Indians and removes the need for advance embassy appointments during the six-month window.
Tamil Nadu asks Delhi to waive passport and visa rules for 89,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees
Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has asked the Union government to drop passport and visa prerequisites when granting citizenship or long-term visas to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, arguing that most have lived in Tamil Nadu for over three decades. The request, if accepted, would give legal certainty to 89,000 people and simplify hiring compliance for businesses.
NPCI rolls out “UPI One World” prepaid wallet for foreign visitors at India AI Impact Summit
NPCI has activated a prepaid ‘UPI One World’ wallet for international attendees of the India AI Impact Summit (16–20 February). Visitors can load up to ₹50,000 and pay any Indian merchant that accepts UPI, removing the need for cash or local bank accounts and signalling a wider roll-out for inbound tourists.
Delhi issues extensive traffic and access curbs for AI Impact Summit, urges air-rail passengers to reroute
Delhi Traffic Police have published route diversions and parking restrictions for 16–20 February as the AI Impact Summit welcomes high-profile foreign delegations. Travellers are urged to allow extra time to reach airports and railway stations, and companies are re-routing staff movements to avoid delays.
Mangaluru International Airport restores Gulf routes and adds capacity ahead of summer peak
From 1 March, Mangaluru International Airport will resume Muscat flights, restore daily Abu Dhabi services and add capacity to Dammam and Bahrain. The expansion benefits Gulf-based Indian expatriates and businesses that rely on direct west-coast connectivity.