Latest news with #MohakNahta
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
After going visa-free, Philippines sees 28 pc surge in travel searches from India, says Atlys
Travel searches for the Philippines from India rose 28 per cent after the Southeast Asian country announced visa-free entry, according to visa processing platform Atlys . The Philippines had recently announced visa-free entry to Indian nationals for stays of up to 14 days. Earlier, the Philippines ranked as the eighth most searched Southeast Asian destination among Indian travellers on the Atlys platform. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The price of dental implants may surprise you Dental Implants | Search Ads Search Now Undo "After the announcement, it swiftly climbed to third place, trailing only Thailand and Indonesia. The sudden repositioning underscores the significant impact visa accessibility can have on destination interest, particularly within India's fast-growing outbound travel market," the company said in a statement on Tuesday. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Based on trends seen in similar cases, the platform expects a 20-30 per cent rise in sustained demand over the coming months. Live Events "The removal of visa restrictions has clearly lowered the friction for planning travel. With this policy shift, it's no longer a distant consideration, it's an immediate contender," Atlys founder and CEO Mohak Nahta said. Data from Atlys further revealed that the search is mainly driven by couples and honeymooners, with 42 per cent of all recent Philippines-related searches on the platform. It is followed by solo travellers at 27 per cent, with most of the interest originating from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Families accounted for another 21 per cent, many of whom are planning multi-stop itineraries that combine beach escapes like Palawan and Cebu with urban experiences in Manila. The platform is also seeing a noticeable uptick in interest from first-time international travellers, many of whom are now considering the Philippines as a viable option thanks to the removal of visa-related barriers that would have previously discouraged such plans, according to the data. Adding to this momentum, Air India has announced non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila starting October 1, 2025, which will help in improving accessibility.
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Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Philippines sees travel surge from India after visa-free entry approval
The Philippines' recent decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian nationals for stays of up to 14 days has seen travel searches from India spike 28 per cent within a week of the announcement. The Philippines jumped from eighth to third among the most searched Southeast Asian destinations, as per Atlys, a leading visa processing platform. Based on historical trends seen in similar cases, the platform projects a further 20–30 per cent rise in sustained demand over the coming months. Before this announcement, the Philippines ranked as the eighth most searched Southeast Asian destination among Indian travellers on Atlys. In the days that followed, it swiftly climbed to third place, trailing only Thailand and Indonesia. The sudden repositioning underscores the significant impact visa accessibility can have on destination interest, particularly within India's fast-growing outbound travel market. Mohak Nahta, founder and chief executive officer of Atlys, said, 'The removal of visa restrictions has clearly lowered the friction for planning travel. The Philippines has always had the right ingredients to attract Indian tourists: sun, sea, culture. But now, with this policy shift, it's no longer a distant consideration, it's an immediate contender.' Search data from Atlys further reveals who is driving this demand. Couples and honeymooners lead the pack, making up 42 per cent of all recent Philippines-related searches on the platform. Solo travellers follow at 27 per cent, with most of the interest originating from major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Families account for another 21 per cent, many of whom are planning multi-stop itineraries that combine beach escapes like Palawan and Cebu with urban experiences in Manila. Interestingly, the platform is also seeing a noticeable uptick in interest from first-time international travellers, many of whom are now considering the Philippines as a viable option thanks to the removal of visa-related barriers that would have previously discouraged such plans. Adding to this momentum, Air India has announced non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila starting 01 October 2025. This development is expected to further ease travel planning and drive even greater interest among Indian tourists by significantly improving accessibility. The visa-free entry applies exclusively to tourism and is not extendable or convertible. To be eligible, Indian travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, proof of accommodation, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and adequate financial means. A clean immigration record with the Philippines is also mandatory. Arrivals are permitted via all international airports and seaports, offering broad accessibility for Indian tourists across the country. With this move, the Philippines joins a growing list of Southeast Asian destinations recognising the scale and potential of the Indian outbound travel market. The country's idyllic beaches, world-class diving, vibrant festivals, and rich heritage now sit just a short flight away, without the administrative hurdles that previously held travellers back. As demand builds, the Philippines is now well-positioned to emerge as a short-haul favourite for Indian tourists, both seasoned and first-time.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Get your 10-year US tourist visa in just 6 months: This hack works
Want a quicker way to get a US visa legally? Getting a US visa isn't easy. Long forms, strict scrutiny, and the never-ending wait for an interview make the process feel drawn out. As of June 5, 2025, applicants in Chennai are waiting 14 months for a visitor visa interview. In Mumbai, the average wait is around 9.5 months. Delhi applicants face an eight-month queue. Those applying in Hyderabad and Kolkata have shorter waits—seven and six months, respectively. 'We've definitely seen the process feel more drawn-out this year. Interviews are more detailed, and consular officers are going through applications with greater scrutiny,' said Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of visa platform Atlys. 'A key change came in February 2025, when the US Department of State tightened interview requirements,' he added. 'Fewer applicants now qualify for interview waivers, so more people are required to appear in person, which naturally adds to processing times.' Where you apply can make a difference At the moment, Kolkata and Hyderabad are your best bets for earlier appointments, though even those mean waiting half a year or more. Chennai Average wait time: 14 months Next available appointment: 14 months Mumbai Average wait time: 9.5 months Next available appointment: 9.5 months New Delhi Average wait time: 8 months Next available appointment: 8 months Hyderabad Average wait time: 7 months Next available appointment: 7 months Kolkata Average wait time: 6 months Next available appointment: 6 months Rescheduling limits and penalties You can now reschedule your appointment only once. Earlier, two reschedules were allowed. If you skip your appointment entirely, you'll be blocked from reapplying for 120 days. This rule applies whether you're attending an interview or using the waiver programme, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). B1 visas are issued for business travel, including meetings, negotiations, and attending conferences B2 visas are for leisure trips, family visits, medical treatment, or social events Most people are issued a combined B1/B2 visa, which allows both purposes under one application Tips for getting through the system faster < Check the scheduling system often—earlier slots sometimes open up < Be aware that wait times reflect how long people waited *last month*, not necessarily what you'll face < Having strong ties to India, complete paperwork, and a clear reason for travel all help your case To get a US tourist visa (B-2) from India, follow these steps: 1. Determine Eligibility Ensure your travel purpose aligns with the B-2 visa category, which covers tourism, visiting family or friends, and medical treatment. You must demonstrate intent to return to India after your visit and have sufficient funds to cover your expenses. 2. Complete the DS-160 Form Fill out the DS-160 form online via the Consular Electronic Application Center ( After submission, print the confirmation page with the barcode. This form is essential for scheduling your interview and must be presented during your appointment. 3. Pay the Visa Application Fee The non-refundable application fee is $185 (approximately ₹15,500). Payment methods and instructions are available on the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website 4. Schedule Appointments After paying the fee, schedule two appointments: Biometric Appointment: At a Visa Application Center (VAC) for fingerprinting and photograph. Visa Interview: At the US Embassy in New Delhi or one of the Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata. Appointments can be scheduled through the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website 5. Prepare Required Documentation Gather the following documents: Valid passport (with at least six months' validity beyond your intended stay). DS-160 confirmation page. Visa appointment confirmation letters. Visa fee payment receipt. Photograph meeting US visa specifications. Supporting documents: Proof of financial means (for example, bank statements, income tax returns). Employment verification or business ownership documents. Travel itinerary and accommodation details. Evidence of ties to India (for example, family, property, employment). Additional documents may be requested during the interview. 6. Attend the Visa Interview During the interview, a consular officer will assess your application. Be prepared to discuss your travel plans, financial situation, and ties to India. Honesty and clarity are crucial. If approved, your passport will be retained for visa stamping and returned to you via courier. 7. Receive Your Visa Processing times vary, but you can typically expect your passport with the visa to be returned within a few days to a few weeks. Track your application status on the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
France mandates online booking for visa appointments. Know all about it
France has implemented a mandatory online appointment system for all visa applicants. This change applies to both short-stay Schengen and long-stay national visas, with an aim to enhance efficiency and organisation in processing visa requests. What is the new application process for a French visa? The French government now requires all visa applicants to schedule their appointments through an online platform, eliminating previous methods such as in-person or email bookings. This digital-first approach is designed to standardise the application process and reduce administrative burdens. Step-by-step application process 1. Determine visa requirements Begin by visiting the official France-Visas website and utilise the "Visa Wizard" tool. This feature helps you ascertain whether you need a visa based on your travel purpose and provides information on the required documents and applicable fees. 2. Verify eligibility After confirming the necessity of a visa, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before proceeding. This step is crucial to avoid unnecessary delays or rejections. 3. Submit appointment request via Démarches Simplifiées Eligible applicants must register on the 'Démarches Simplifiées' platform to request an appointment. During registration, you'll need to provide details such as the length of stay, purpose of visit, and intended travel dates. 4. Confirm appointment via email Upon approval of your appointment request, you'll receive an email confirmation. It's imperative to confirm your availability by responding to this email; failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your appointment. 5. Prepare for the appointment Complete your visa application on the France-Visas website and gather all necessary documentation. On the day of your appointment, bring the printed application form along with all supporting documents. Incomplete applications or discrepancies in information can lead to refusal. Travel experts emphasise the importance of being thoroughly prepared at this stage. 'Yes, it's confirmed: France now requires all travelers, including Indian nationals, to book their visa appointments online through the VFS Global portal,' said Mohak Nahta, founder & chief executive officer of Atlys. 'Indian applicants must come prepared with all required documents, including the completed visa application form, a valid passport, recent passport-sized photos, a detailed travel itinerary, a cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit, and financial documents such as recent bank statements. Ensuring all paperwork is in order is essential for a smooth visa process.' This new digital process aims to reduce waiting times and improve transparency for travellers seeking entry into France.
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Business Standard
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US visa delays stretch to 14 months for visitors: Chennai, Mumbai worst hit
Travellers hoping to visit the United States for work or pleasure are facing some of the longest wait times for visa appointments in recent years, with some slots pushed well into next year. In Chennai, appointments for visitor visas, known as B1 and B2, are now booked 14 months ahead, while in Mumbai, the average wait is around 9.5 months. In New Delhi, applicants face a delay of eight months. Hyderabad and Kolkata offer slightly quicker appointments, at seven and six months respectively. US visa interview wait times and availability for B1, B2 Here's how the wait times and next available appointments stack up: Chennai Average wait time: 14 months Next available appointment: 14 months Mumbai Average wait time: 9.5 months Next available appointment: 9.5 months New Delhi Average wait time: 8 months Next available appointment: 8 months Hyderabad Average wait time: 7 months Next available appointment: 7 months Kolkata Average wait time: 6 months Next available appointment: 6 months New rules and stricter scrutiny Now applicants can only reschedule their appointments once, a shift from the earlier practice of two reschedules. If they miss their scheduled appointment altogether, they face a 120-day ban on reapplying. This rule applies to both interview and interview-waiver appointments, according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 'We've definitely seen the process feel more drawn-out this year. Interviews are more detailed, and consular officers are going through applications with greater scrutiny,' said Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of visa platform Atlys. He explained, "A key change came in February 2025, when the US Department of State tightened interview requirements. Fewer applicants now qualify for interview waivers, so more people are required to appear in person, which naturally adds to processing times". Tougher checks on travel agencies In March, the US Embassy in India said it had cancelled about 2,000 visa appointments suspected of being made by bots. In May, it added that the Department of State was taking steps to impose visa restrictions on owners, executives and senior officials of some Indian travel agencies for knowingly helping people immigrate illegally to the US. The embassy has not named the agencies involved. Visitor visa B1 visas cover business travel for meetings, conferences and negotiations. B2 visas cater for leisure trips, family visits, medical treatment and attending social events without paid work. Most applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa, allowing them to mix business and leisure during their stay Tips for applicants < Check the system frequently as earlier slots can open up < Remember that wait time figures reflect how long applicants waited between paying the visa fee and attending their interview last month < Visa approval is not automatic and depends on the applicant's ties to India, supporting documents and travel plans For those keen to travel soon, Hyderabad and Kolkata remain the quickest options. Meanwhile, The US State Department has paused new visa interviews for international students as the Trump administration moves to expand social media screening, a shift that could weaken the country's long-standing edge in attracting global talent. In a cable dated Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed US embassies and consulates to stop scheduling visa interviews for F, M, and J visa holders — the main categories for international students and exchange visitors — 'until further guidance is issued.' The administration has ordered consular officers to comb through applicants' social media posts and retain any flagged content, even if deleted. 'We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting,' the State Department said in a statement, adding that the goal is to ensure applicants 'do not pose a security or safety risk to the United States.'
