Viral: Woman shares the struggles of having an Indian passport and how it differs from the American ones
Image credits: Instagram/anishaaa1102
There's a reason why people describe travelling as the best teacher of life. When you explore the various places of the world, you face odd situations at odd times and come face to face with different facets of your own personality.
What you also understand is how different your birth country is from other countries and how countries where you are not a citizen will not prioritise you as much as your own.
Anisha Arora, an Indian woman in the United States is going viral for her Instagram video where she shared her struggles with having an Indian passport and how it made her experience different from travellers that had an American one.
Arora filmed a video in a small hotel room, where she was staying after she and many other passengers missed their connection because of a delayed flight.
She revealed how other passengers who missed their flight were assigned 5-star hotel rooms due to their American passports however, she was given a capsule-sized room in the German airport where she was stuck.
How an Indian passport can change your travel experience?
Image credits: Getty Images
'I never really cared about my passport until now,' she said in the video.
'My flight from Frankfurt got missed because the connecting flight got delayed. So while other passengers are getting free stays at five-star hotels and free breakfast and dinners, I am stuck in this stupid capsule.'
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She then panned her camera to show the area of the room which could be seen at a glance, considering its small size. She also added how those with an American passport had 20 hours where they could go out and explore Germany whereas she had to stay in her room as she did not have a Schengen visa.
The young woman who is based in New York City said 'Any other US citizen in my position would have been so happy because they just got free everything and 20 hours to explore a new country, but not me because I have an Indian passport.'
Netizens react to Anisha Arora's experience
India currently holds the 82nd rank on the Henley Passport Index whereas the US is at the 10th spot. Thus, when compared to American citizens, Indian passport holders don't enjoy a lot of facilities during travel.
Various netizens reacted to Arora's experience with surprised and shocked reactions.
"Why are people angry? She is right. That's how Indian Passport holders are treated in almost all developed countries.
You don't really understand how bad it is until you actually come to Europe or U.S." commented a person under her post.
"It's okay. We are only at 80th in passport ranking. If things go well we will soon be the 100th. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼" quipped another.
However, many shared how they did not receive the same treatment at other airports. "I am glad that Turkish Airlines didn't treat me like that at Sao Paulo 😭....They gave me free 5 star hotel stay ...I was grateful 🥲" wrote one, "Wow, I experienced quite the opposite. Missed my transit flight to Brisbane. So the airline had arranged a 5 star room and issued a new ticket to Brisbane. Even gave me a $150 to spend on taxi, meal and shopping too.
" added another.
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