UK completes switch to fully digital eVisas for Indian applicants
DGCA grants Indian flyers a 48-hour ‘cool-off’ window for free ticket cancellation or changes
UK launches ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ outreach in Haryana to shield Indians from scam agents
Latest News
Bengaluru Police question 2,000 foreigners in city-wide visa-verification drive
Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch swept the city on 26 February, verifying visas of about 2,000 foreign residents and initiating deportation for overstayers. The sudden checks underscore India’s tighter immigration enforcement and prompt companies to review compliance ahead of upcoming international events.
Ludhiana police bust ₹25-lakh visa scam targeting Australia-bound youth
Ludhiana rural police have arrested three people for swindling nearly ₹26 lakh from a youth seeking an Australian visa, highlighting the persistence of agent-led fraud in Punjab despite recent regulatory crackdowns.
UK rolls out mandatory eVisas for Indian travellers as border system goes fully digital
From 25 February 2026, the UK has scrapped passport-sticker visas for Indians and moved to an electronic visa that is verified pre-departure. Travellers keep their passports after biometrics and airlines will deny boarding to anyone without a valid eVisa or ETA. The shift promises quicker turnaround for business travellers but does not relax documentary requirements. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/uk-to-issue-evisas-from-today-no-need-to-hand-over-passports-during-processing/articleshow/128760929.cms?utm_source=openai))
India and GCC kick-off free-trade talks; mobility chapter to explore fast-track visas for professionals
India and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council have started FTA negotiations that explicitly include a chapter on mobility. Delhi wants streamlined, multi-entry visas and mutual recognition of qualifications for Indian professionals, while Gulf states seek easier access to India for project managers. If successful, the pact could transform high-skill mobility across the Indian Ocean corridor. ([gcc-sg.org](https://www.gcc-sg.org/en/MediaCenter/News/Pages/news-2026-2-24-5.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Indian Embassy warns tourists: Jeju Island visa-waiver does not guarantee entry after influencer’s detention
After an Indian influencer was reportedly refused entry and detained at Jeju Airport, the Indian Embassy in Seoul has reminded citizens that the island’s visa-waiver is discretionary. Travellers must carry printed documents and sufficient funds, and the waiver does not permit onward travel to mainland South Korea. ([moneycontrol.com](https://www.moneycontrol.com/travel/indian-embassy-in-seoul-issues-travel-advisory-for-citizens-travelling-to-jeju-island-after-influencer-sachin-awasthi-s-detention-article-13842343.html/amp))
Four-hour tarmac wait on IndiGo Chennai–Singapore flight highlights visa and crew-duty pitfalls
IndiGo flight 6E 1025 from Chennai to Singapore was delayed 4 h 19 m on 25 February, with passengers kept on board because immigration rules made de-boarding impractical after exit stamps were issued. The episode underscores infrastructure gaps and how stricter crew-duty limits can amplify delays on international sectors. ([indiatoday.in](https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indigo-flight-delayed-chennai-to-singapore-visa-technical-issues-keep-200-passengers-waiting-inside-plane-for-hours-2874286-2026-02-25?utm_source=openai))
DGCA to publish safety rankings and tougher penalties for India’s charter and business-jet operators
India’s DGCA will rank charter operators on safety, force them to publish maintenance data and slap stiffer penalties for duty-time or SOP violations. The measures follow two recent crashes and will give corporate travel managers new tools to vet charter vendors. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/aviation-regulator-mulls-stricter-fines-safety-ranks-for-charter-ops/articleshow/128766746.cms?utm_source=openai))