Foreign Travel

PM Modi emplanes for India after 'productive' two-day visit to Laos

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday left for home after wrapping up his "productive" two-day visit to the Laos where he attended the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits. Modi arrived in Laos on Thursday and is visiting Lao PDR at the invitation of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. "Thank you Lao PDR! It's been a productive visit, in line with India's commitment to keep strengthening the relations with ASEAN. Together, we will continue to work towards peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region...," Modi said in a post on X. "Strengthening India's Act East Policy, deepening ASEAN-India engagement and India's Indo-Pacific Vision, and enhancing age-old ties with Lao PDR. PM @narendramodi concludes his successful visit to Lao PDR," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi attended the 21st India-ASEAN Summit here and said that India-ASEAN friendship was very important at a time when parts of the world w

From Bangkok to Baku: How Indians are jet-setting across the globe in 2024

Indians are jet-setting like never before, with a 32 per cent jump in multiple international trips annually. Dive into the 2024 travel trends to see how Indians are taking their wanderlust to new heig

Top 8 foreign countries to visit for Indians on budget of Rs 1 Lakh

With a scorching summer heat taking a toll, Indian travellers desperately want an economical escapade to beautiful destinations abroad. Here's a list of countries you can go to under Rs 1 lakh in 2024

5 countries with updated visa policies; here's how Indians will be impacted

Many countries recently updated their visa policies and requirements which will have a potential impact on Indians. Anyone planning for foreign trips needs to stay informed about the latest updates

Recovery in overseas travel by Chinese lags due to costs, visa snags

The Chinese currency has fallen more than 2% against the dollar since the start of the year, raising costs in yuan terms for Chinese travellers abroad

MakeMyTrip releases most searched foreign locations by Indians this summer

MakeMyTrip releases most searched foreign locations by Indians this summer

Travel hacks for the win: Indians are using card points to offset travel expenses

43% of Indians planning on taking a trip in 2024 (vs global average of 30%) are using credit card points to offset flight and hotel expenses

Are Indians eligible for 5-year Schengen visa? All you need to know

A Schengen visa is your gateway to 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. Here's what you need to know about the 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa

EAM S Jaishankar's Japan, Korea visits to focus on semiconductor push

South Korea has the 2nd-largest share of the global chip market and manufactures 60% of global memory chips

Indians choosing Southeast Asia even more post visa relaxation, reveals data

Agoda recently announced that Thailand's capital Bangkok is now the most popular outbound city destination for Indians, overtaking Dubai since the visa relaxations came into effect.

US issues record 1.4 mn visas for Indians in 2023, reduces wait time by 75%

The US Consular Team in India processed a record 1.4 million US visas in 2023, which is higher than ever, and has brought down the visitor visa appointment wait times by 75 per cent.The US Embassy and Consulates in India said that Indians now represent one out of every 10 US visa applicants around the world."In 2023, the US Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record-smashing 1.4 million US visas. Demand across all visa classes was unprecedented, with a 60 per cent increase in applications compared to 2022. Indians now represent one out of every ten US visa applicants around the world," the statement read.Visitor visas (B1/B2) have rebounded to represent the second-highest number of applications in the US Mission's history -- over 7,00,000.Process improvements and investments in staffing have brought the appointment wait time for visitor visas down from an average of 1,000 days to only 250 days around the country with minimal wait time in all categories.The US consular team in .

Foreign nations often do not disclose illegal stays, leaving a data void

Foreign nations often do not disclose tales of illegal stays, leaving a data void

Revised TCS on overseas tours to have only material impact on demand: Crisil

The TCS rate hike4 may have a limited impact on demand as expenditure per individual per trip is usually much less than the Rs 7 lakh threshold for over 80% of tour packages.

List of countries Indians can travel to without visa includes Malaysia now

With the new declaration of Malaysia and Thailand offering visa-free access to Indian residents, Indians can now go to 57 countries visa-free or visas on arrival plans

Outward remittances under RBI's LRS rose 26% in Q2FY24, shows data

In September 2023, Indians remitted $3.50 billion overseas, compared to $2.67 billion in September 2022

Thailand, Srilanka and more: Countries where Indians can travel visa free

According to the latest Passport Index by Henley and Partners 2023, Indian passport holders can travel to up to 57 countries without a visa.

Higher 20% TCS on overseas remittances, foreign tour kicks in from Oct 1

The higher rate of 20 per cent TCS to be levied on spending above Rs 7 lakh on foreign tour packages and liberalised remittance scheme (LRS) will kick in from October 1. Currently, funds transferred overseas under the Reserve Bank's LRS attract 5 per cent Tax Collection at Source (TCS) on amounts exceeding Rs 7 lakh. The TCS rate will go up to 20 per cent from October 1. Currently, LRS transfers up to Rs 7 lakh in a fiscal do not attract any TCS. The same provision will continue from October 1. At present, purchase of overseas tour packages currently attracts 5 per cent TCS. From October 1, such spending up to Rs 7 lakh will attract 5 per cent TCS. Above the threshold, TCS rate will be higher at 20 per cent. An assessee can take credit of the TCS amount paid at the time of filing income tax returns for the relevant assessment year. TCS of 5 per cent will continue to be levied on annual expenses exceeding Rs 7 lakh towards medical treatment and education each. For those availing

Factor in rupee depreciation when planning for child's education goal

Defer foreign travel plan or opt for a destination where the currency impact is less pronounced

Germany appeals strongly to Indian travellers: Senior executive

Country has natural beauty, innovative eco-tourism practices, and rich cultural heritage: Romit Theophilus

India ends Covid-19 testing requirements for international travellers

Health ministry guidelines say travellers should be fully vaccinated and follow preventive measures