We're just about coming up on the peak travel stretch for the year, with many either counting down to or already leaving for their Summer getaway. Irrespective
of the volatility that currently engulfs the global landscape, visa specifications have always been a swinging pendulum - one that needs to be tracked to ensure no last minute shockers, when you are all packed and ready to go. As far as visas go, the general trend being followed by popular destinations include updating their entry and transit rules and lifting certain restrictions, only to update the latter with digital add-ons and fees updates. So if you have a European hotspot or a Southeast Asia tour on your radar for the Summer weeks ahead, take a quick look at this list for full clarity.
France
Indians no longer need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) in France. If transiting through French airports, Indians are to categorically skip acquiring the ATV as long as they remain within the international transit zone and are travelling to a non-Schengen country. This rule update came into effect earlier last month, on April 10. Prior to this change, Indians travelling without valid US, UK or Schengen visas had to apply for an ATV even if they were in the country for a short layover - not only would this eat into the layover time, but also make for an added overhead cost. With the changes that are now in place, Indians travelling through France's airports like the Paris Charles de Gaulle and the Paris Orly, are up for a much smoother experience.Vietnam
While France is presenting an exemption, it is an add-on formality on the cards when it comes to Vietnam - which incidentally, has blown up several ranks on globe trotter's bucket lists. Those flying towards India, via Ho Chi Minh City will now be required to arrange for a pre-arrival requirement. The update was made live on April 15, making Vietnam's Digital Arrival Card mandatory for all foreign passport holders passing through Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The declaration for the same is to be submitted online within 72 hours of arrival. The smooth detail in this update however, happens to be that this extra step has no charge to it, in addition to the fact that the QR code generated on the submission of the declaration is to be simply shown at immigration. While this measure has currently only been enforced at Tan Son Nhat, there is a likelihood of it being rolled out to other airports in Vietnam like Noi Bai and Da Nang.Thailand
Right off the bat, Thailand allows Indian passport holders visa-free entry for up to 60 days. That being said, the visa fees for stays that extend beyond 60 days have seen a serious hike. The hike was introduced starting April 27. For context, a single-entry tourist visa will now cost you ₹3,000 while a multiple-entry tourist visa costs ₹13,500. More so, the visa price points do not just cap off there. Non-immigrant visas, SMART visas and Long-Term Resident visas can go as high as ₹1.4 lakhs, depending on the category. However, if you happen to be planning a few days worth of a quick getaway, most of these changes are unlikely to affect you or the budget you have in mind.South Korea
A processing fee of KRW 18,000 - coming up to ₹1,155 - has been waved for Indian group visas. However, this specifically applies only to organised group tours through recognised travel agencies. Applications for the same, have to be submitted collectively. So if you are planning to backpack through South Korea, alone, or with a plus-one, this change does not apply to you.In the same breath, this is a welcome update for family travel as well as MICE tourism.
