Page 2 - Foreign Travel

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

Bombay HC fumes over last-minute stay application on LOCs to travel abroad

The Bombay High Court has expressed displeasure over last-minute applications filed seeking temporary stay on Look Out Circulars (LOCs) to travel abroad, and observed that such practice was not acceptable. A division bench of Justices Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhale in its order of June 23 said applications are filed after the applicants finalise their itineraries even before permission is sought from court. This is not a question of whether there is a right that is violated. In all these applications, it seems that the courts are more or less being taken for granted, that permissions will follow and that matters and, more importantly, that applications will be taken up on a priority basis and even out of turn to permit the applicants to keep to their itineraries, the court said. This is not acceptable, the bench said, noting that persons seeking stay on LOCs are required to approach the court in good time and not attempt to pressurise the courts. The court said when last minute ...

Sports Ministry hikes athletes boarding amount by 66% on foreign tours

The package includes boarding, lodging, local transportation, and on some occasions entry fees as well

Navigating 20% TCS: Smart tips for your overseas holiday this summer

Reduce trip duration if necessary, use prepaid forex card to nullify currency fluctuation, buy adequate insurance

Can you avoid 20% TCS if you book foreign tours with a credit card?

While booking a foreign package with an Indian tour operator will attract TCS right away, with a foreign tour operator, you can possibly escape TCS until international payments on your credit card

Used my time for the good of the country: PM Modi on his 3-nation tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a warm welcome by BJP workers and supporters on Thursday as he returned from the three-nation tour. "All the leaders I met and all the personalities I spoke to have been so mesmerised and appreciative of India holding the G20 presidency so excellently. This is a matter of great pride for all Indians, Modi said. The prime minister had visited Japan's Hiroshima to attend the Group of Seven or G7 Summit. He then travelled to Papua New Guinea, which was his first tour, as well as the first-ever visit by any Indian prime minister to the Indo-Pacific country. Modi also travelled to Sydney at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He said that he used every available time in the best possible way for the good of the country. Taking a swipe at critics, he said they questioned the decision to give away vaccines to other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Remember, it is the land of Buddha, it is the land of Gandhi. We car