Latest news with #E-visa
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
6 affordable travel options for the South African pocket
While travelling is often viewed as a luxury reserved for the wealthy people, especially as the rand continues to plummet on global markets, there are some countries suited to our pocket. The following list was put together by The South African: Namibia: With Africa home to some of the most beautiful countries in the world, Namibia is a haven where dunes meet the sea. Visa-free for South Africans, it is regarded as one of the most affordable countries for South Africans to visit. Its captivating scenery offers sand dunes that glow at sunset, and self-drive safaris. Thailand: Offering a 30-day free visa, it remains affordable, with bungalows on the beach costing in the region of R400 a night, and delicious street food for about R50. Travellers enjoy activities such as island hopping, buzzing markets, and breathtakingly beautiful golden temples. Vietnam: Moving with the times, Vietnam offers E-visa, which is easily accessible online. This holiday destination provides affordable hostels, cheap food and amazing adventures. Georgia: Also known as Europe's best-kept secret, this holiday destination delivers Alpine hikes, Soviet-era charm, and winemaking villages. With a 360-day visa-free policy, Georgia is tucked away between Europe and Asia, and hosts a variety of hidden gems. Indonesia: While Bali is always a crowd favourite, Indonesia boasts volcanic sunrises and is a sought-after spiritual retreat. With incredibly cheap meals reported to be the same price as a South African cappuccino, scooters serve as transportation, and a 30-day visa-on-arrival makes it a holidaymaker's paradise. Turkey: After applying for an easy E-visa online, Turkey is home to a rich culture and heritage. It is ancient yet modern, with endless mezze and hot air balloons in Cappadocia. Regions such as Fethiye and Antalya offer Mediterranean bliss for a fraction of the price. Source: 6 affordable countries South Africans should visit in 2025 Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer
India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
Philippines Now Offers Visa-Free Entry For Indian Tourists In 2025: Everything You Need To Know
Visa-Free Entry For Indian Tourists: Indian travelers have a big reason to celebrate in 2025, The Philippines now offers new visa free entry options making it easier and faster to explore its tropical beauty. With white sand beaches clear blue waters and warm island culture the country is ready to welcome more tourists from India than ever before. The Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi has confirmed that two new visa free categories are now active along with the existing E-Visa system. These new options are expected to boost tourism from India and help travelers enjoy quick scenic holidays without the long visa wait. 14 Day Visa Free Entry for Indian Tourists As of May 2025 Indian passport holders can visit the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days. This visa-free entry is only for tourism purposes and is not extendable. You must leave the country within 14 days. To be eligible you need to meet the following requirements: 1. You must be traveling for tourism only 2. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay 3. You should have hotel booking or proof of stay 4. You must show return or onward flight tickets 5. You need to provide proof that you have enough money to fund your stay 6. You must not have any negative immigration history in the Philippines You can enter the country through major airports seaports and cruise terminals making it super easy for Indian tourists to plan a quick vacation. 30 Days in Paradise: Visa-Free Entry to the Philippines for Indian Residents of AJACSSUK Countries If you have a valid visa or permanent residence in countries like Australia, Japan, America, Canada, Schengen countries. In Singapore or the United Kingdom, you can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days without a visa. This is a great option for Indian professionals and residents living abroad who want to take a break and enjoy the beautiful islands of the Philippines. To use this visa free entry you must follow these conditions Hold a valid visa or permanent residency from any of the AJACSSUK countries Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond your stay You must have return or onward travel tickets You must have a clean immigration record in the Philippines This entry is also strictly for tourism and cannot be extended or changed into another visa type. E-Visa Still Available for All Other Travelers If you do not qualify for either visa free option you can still apply for the E-visa online. This is the 9a Temporary Visitor Visa It is a single entry visa valid for 30 days and can be applied through the official Philippine E-visa portal. For the E-visa you will need the following documents: A valid Indian passport A government issued ID and passport sized photos Proof of accommodation Return or onward travel booking Bank statement or other proof of financial support during your trip The E-visa process is simple and can be done from the comfort of your home. It is a trusted option for many travelers who want a longer stay or do not meet visa free rules. Why This Is Great News for Indian Tourists This new visa free policy gives more freedom and ease for Indian tourists who want to explore the Philippines. Whether you are visiting for a beach vacation a romantic trip or just to relax the new rules save time and effort. The Philippines is full of breathtaking places like Boracay Palawan and Cebu Each island offers a mix of nature fun and culture that is perfect for Indian travelers looking for something new. With simple rules fast entry and many flights from India the Philippines is quickly becoming a top choice for monsoon and winter travel in 2025. Travel smart enjoy the islands and say hello to easier travel between India and the Philippines this year.
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Business Standard
10-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Events-related travel to, within India hit amid rising Indo-Pak tensions
Several upscale hotels in New Delhi reporting cancellation or postponing of business meetings, conferences Akshara Srivastava New Delhi The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have impacted the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment, with travel to and within India witnessing a fall, though marginally. Several upscale hotels in New Delhi have reported cancellation of multiple banquet bookings amid rising uncertainty due to the conflict between the two countries. The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) on Friday postponed its Annual Business Summit that was supposed to be held on May 12 and 13 at Taj Palace hotel in Chanakyapuri. 'In view of the prevailing evolving circumstances, it has been decided to postpone the CII Annual Business Summit as a gesture of respect for those engaged in safeguarding the country, and a reaffirmation of our intent to contribute constructively and responsibly,' CII said. The event was to be attended by over 1,500 delegates and at least 10 ministers were to speak at the summit. At other hotels, too, cancellations started to trickle in by Friday evening. 'We have started to see some cancellations for banquet events and some for rooms. Business executives are choosing to avoid any non-essential travel,' said a hotel booking manager on condition of anonymity. Business Standard reported earlier this week that leisure as well as business travel across north India was seeing a dip and would continue to be subdued owing to the uncertainties of an imminent war-like situation. Travel industry executives have pointed out that not just domestic travel to the northern region, but inbound travel into India, too, might start seeing a decline in the coming week if tensions continue to flare. 'People will definitely start to become more cautious. While Indians might also rethink going out, because of increased travel times and increased prices, what will be the most impacted is inbound travel until the situation de-escalates,' an industry executive had told Business Standard earlier. 'This would especially impact the MICE segment going forward,' the executive added. Earlier this week, the Embassy of the United States of America in New Delhi, and the British High Commission had advised against travel to certain parts of India, including Jammu and Kashmir. China, too, has asked citizens to avoid travel to 'conflict zones' in India, while Canada has asked citizens to exercise a 'high degree of caution in India due to threat of terrorist strikes'. The Indian government has been strategically targeting the MICE sector, recognising its potential to attract high-spending, repeat visitors and has been working on the simplification of visa procedures, on top of having created E-visa facilities for over 175 countries. According to a February 2025 report by Deloitte, the Indian corporate travel sector is growing, driven by rising MICE events and the expansion of SMEs exploring new markets. 'The country's success in hosting large-scale events, such as the G20 Summit, signals future opportunities. Additionally, India is becoming a key hub for global capability centres, increasing employee travel needs. An analysis of the top 100 firms by net income shows IT services, BFSI and engineering account for 57 per cent of corporate travel spend, with most firms allocating 1 per cent of net income to travel budgets, highlighting the sector's importance,' the report stated.
