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News18
23-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Indians Can Now Travel Easier (And Smarter): The Most Exciting Visa Updates of 2025
Last Updated: From visa-free getaways to remote work opportunities, new 2025 visa policies are opening exciting doors for Indian travellers across the globe. International travel just got a whole lot easier for Indian passport holders, thanks to several major updates in visa policies worldwide. From visa-free access to streamlined processing and new digital nomad opportunities, here are the key changes you need to know before planning your next getaway: 1. Remote Work Now Allowed on New Zealand Visitor Visa Starting January 27, 2025, New Zealand has updated its visitor visa rules to permit remote work for up to 90 days during a stay of up to six months. This means if you're employed by a foreign company, you can work remotely while primarily enjoying New Zealand as a tourist. 2. South Africa Launches Express Visa via Tour Operators South Africa has introduced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), allowing accredited tour operators to submit group visa applications directly. This move reduces the processing time to just three working days, offering a smoother experience for Indian group travellers. 3. Palau Grants Visa-Free Entry for Indians The island nation of Palau now offers Indian citizens visa-free access for short visits of up to 30 days. Although there are no direct flights from India, convenient connections through cities like Singapore, Manila, Seoul, and Taipei make it a reachable paradise for Indian tourists. The Philippines now grants visa-free entry to Indian nationals under two new provisions. Indians can visit for up to 14 days visa-free for tourism. Moreover, if you hold a valid visa or permanent residency from countries like the US, Japan, or within the Schengen zone, you're eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay. 5. US to Add USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee Indian travellers heading to the US should brace for increased costs. A new USD 250 (approximately ₹21,600) 'visa integrity fee" will apply to most nonimmigrant visas, including student and work categories. This will raise the total application fee to around USD 473 (roughly ₹41,000). The implementation date is expected to be around October 1, 2025. 6. US Student Visa Applicants Face Social Media Scrutiny Indian students applying for US visas will now be subject to mandatory social media disclosure. All handles and usernames used in the past five years must be declared, and applicants must keep their profiles public. Deactivating accounts or deleting posts just before applying may raise red flags. 7. Slovenia to Welcome Indian Digital Nomads Slovenia is set to roll out its digital nomad visa on November 21, 2025. Indian remote workers employed by foreign companies can live in Slovenia for up to a year, with the option to bring their family. However, the visa is non-renewable, and a six-month break outside Slovenia will be required to reapply. view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 08:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
22-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
New Visa Updates For Indian Passport Holders Before You Board Your Next Flight
Global travel for Indians just got simpler than ever with new visa updates in 2025. Several countries have introduced changes to their visa policies, making it easier for Indians to explore the world. These updates include relaxed visa norms, digital application processes and increased validity periods. Let's have a look at some of these important visa changes, that you should know: 1. New Zealand Visitor Visa Allows Remote Work From January 27, 2025, New Zealand's visitor visa allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to six months. If you work remotely for a foreign company and are planning to stay in New Zealand, up to 90 days of your visit can be spent on remote work. Remote work is permitted as a secondary activity, with tourism or personal travel remaining the primary purpose of the visit. 2. South Africa Visa In Just Three Days South Africa's new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) allows registered tour operators to submit group visa applications directly. This eliminates the need for individual applications and reduces processing time to just three days. As India currently contributes only 3.9% of South Africa's international visitors, TTOS aims to address key challenges such as visa processing delays and language barriers. 3. Palau Is Now Visa Free The Republic of Palau now offers Indian passport holders visa-free entry for short-term visits, allowing stays of up to 30 days. This move aims to boost bilateral relations, cultural ties and tourism between the two nations. While direct flights from India aren't available, connecting flights through cities like Manila, Singapore, Seoul, and Taipei make it easily accessible. 4. Philippines Is Visa-Free The Philippines has updated its visa-free entry regulations for Indian travellers, offering two types of short-term visa-free entry with distinct eligibility requirements. Indian nationals can now visit the country without a visa for up to 14 days for tourism purposes. Additionally, Indians holding valid visas or permanent residency from select key countries like Japan, the US, and Schengen countries can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay. 5. US to Introduce A New USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee The US has approved a new USD 250 (Rs 21,605) "visa integrity fee" for nonimmigrant visa applicants, including students, workers and tourists. This fee will be charged in addition to existing visa fees, increasing the total cost for Indian nationals to around USD 473 (approx 41,000). The fee's start date has not been announced yet. However, it could go into effect on October 1, 2025. 6. Social Media Checks For Student Visas Social media vetting will now be part of US student visa applications. Students will be required to make their social media accounts public. They will have to share all social media handles or usernames used in the past five years. Deleting older posts or deactivating accounts immediately before applying will be interpreted as an attempt to conceal information. 7. Slovenia To Launch A Digital Nomad Visa Slovenia is launching a digital nomad visa on November 21, 2025. It will allow Indian remote workers to live in the country for up to one year. Eligible applicants must work for a foreign-based company and will be allowed to bring their families. The visa will be non-renewable, requiring a six-month stay outside Slovenia to reapply.
IOL News
21-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking opportunities: New digital visas for film professionals in Cape Town
Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, on Wednesday announced the launch of two further digital visa initiatives in a bid to support the rollout of the pending Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and building on the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). Image: Parliament of SA Cape Town's burgeoning film industry has been given a boost through the introduction of new fast-track digital visas for visitors to South Africa in the film and exhibitions sector. The two new categories of visas have been announced by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. The announcement has been welcomed by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) which works with the City of Cape Town to ensure players in these sectors are catered for in the city's burgeoning film industry. The City has hailed the move, with mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, saying it will be a game-changer. The first initiative, called STAGES – short for Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme – will use digitisation to simplify visa access for film production companies. The second programme is the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS), which will enable international attendees at conferences, exhibitions, and global events to apply for visas entirely online. "This will be a game-changer for Cape Town and South Africa's film industry, opening the door to more productions, investment, and, importantly, job opportunities. "As part of our continued drive to build a thriving visitor economy, I am currently consulting stakeholders across the tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors to shape a bold new tourism strategy for Cape Town, Vos said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ From November 2023 to late June 2024, film crews booked over 59,000 bed nights, generating nearly R148 million for the hospitality industry. With major productions such as Tomb Raider, One Piece, and Avengers: Age of Ultron already filmed in the city, Cape Town's growing appeal as a filming destination has generated substantial economic spinoffs for the CBD's hospitality industry, CCID said. Grant Elliott, Chief Operating Officer of Thibault Investments and deputy chairperson of the CCID, believes the move will have numerous spin-offs for other sectors. 'These reforms will remove long-standing barriers and open the door for even greater investment into Cape Town's creative economy — with knock-on benefits for local hospitality, retail, and small businesses.' He added that the City's initiatives, combined with progressive visa policies such as the digital nomad visa, which allows applicants to live and work remotely in South Africa for a period of 36 months, is likely to deepen Cape Town's status as a year-round destination for creatives. According to the City of Cape Town's Film Permits Office, a total of 550 production shoots took place in the CBD from January 1 to May 26. For every rand spent on film production, an additional R2.50 is generated in the local economy, CCID added. In addition to this, from November 2023 to June 2024, a total of 26 573 jobs were created for freelance crew and performers. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the Cape Town Film Permit Office issued 4 757 permits – 22% more than the previous year. The CCID said it works in partnership with the City to provide security and cleaning services, among others, to maintain and manage the inner city. 'Cape Town has all the right ingredients — from stunning locations and skilled talent to a responsive city administration and vibrant hospitality scene, ' Elliott said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Hospitality industry says South Africa's new visa schemes set to boost film and meetings sectors
Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, on Wednesday announced the launch of two further digital visa initiatives in a bid to support the rollout of the pending Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and building on the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). Image: Parliament of SA The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) has heralded a transformative move as two innovative visa categories, specifically tailored for the film and meetings sectors, are set to take effect. This comes after the Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, on Wednesday announced the launch of two further digital visa initiatives in a bid to support the rollout of the pending Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and building on the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). The Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) will simplify visa access for film production companies as the outdated and paper-based systems hinder the industry. "In just one example, a major Netflix production from Mexico was lost due to visa delays, costing South Africa an estimated R400 million in lost income," Schreiber said. "But thanks to STAGES, companies will now be able to apply via a dedicated online portal, receive visa decisions within hours, and will no longer be required to visit missions in-person abroad." The Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS) will see visa applications for international attendees at major conferences, sporting events, exhibitions and other international events processed entirely online, with rapid turnaround times. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ "[MEETS] will support events such as the SA20 cricket tournament and the World Rugby Sevens, allowing global talent to arrive without delay and injecting further growth into our economy," Schreiber said. "Together, STAGES and MEETS are set to transform South Africa into a leading destination for film, tourism, sports, arts, culture and events – all sectors with enormous potential for growth and job creation." Fedhasa on Thursday said STAGES and MEETS were promising to overhaul the outdated visa system that has hindered growth and profitability in South Africa's entertainment and business tourism industries. Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of Fedhasa, expressed her enthusiasm about these changes. "It is refreshing and heartwarming to witness a Minister who so clearly understands, in practical terms, how our outdated visa regime has been costing South Africa dearly," Anderson said. "The STAGES and MEETS visa categories are not just policy reforms – they are powerful economic enablers that signal to the world that South Africa istruly open for business." Anderson said the global film landscape served as an illustrative blueprint for the potential success of South Africa's updated policies. For instance, she said Canada had achieved remarkable financial gains from its streamlined visa processes, generating C$11.3 billion (approximately R155 billion) in direct film and TV production spending in just the last year. Anderson said that similarly, Georgia has experienced a 250% surge in foreign film productions over the past five years, primarily driven by its efficient visa and incentive initiatives. "South Africa, with its stunning locations and skilled crews, is exceptionally well-placed to emulate this success. In 2019/2020, our film sector contributed R7.2bn to the economy – a figure which has since declined due to both COVID-19 and administrative delays. These new reforms give us every reason to believe we can not only recover but soar," Anderson said. The MEETS visa is projected to unlock profound value in South Africa's MICE sector, which generated R120bn in 2023, with ample possibilities for future growth. Countries such as Singapore and Thailand have successfully benefited from streamlined visa access, positioning themselves as global MICE leaders. Singapore's industry generated S$3.8 billion (R53bn) in 2022, while Thailand attracted over 1.3 million MICE travellers in 2023.
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Thinking of going to Africa for an animal safari? Here's why you should plan one soon
The thrill of the chase, the anticipation of seeing a big cat in their natural habitat, the bumpy jeep rides & the satisfaction of finally getting what you came for - a safari, be it in Africa or India, is an exciting break away from the work-life hustle. Far removed from the luxuries that a city can offer, swapping a relaxing vacation to live in the jungle means roughing it, but this trend has become increasingly popular among people of all ages. A recent Thomas Cook report notes that, for around 75% of Indians, experiential travel is taking centre stage. And one such experience that's seeing an uptick is Wildlife Safaris (around 32%). They are all-inclusive, adventurous and allow travellers to come face-to-face with Nature. With safari season in Africa from May to August and Indian Safari season best done between October to June, this is the perfect time to plan your next trip. A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney) Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Leisure Travel & M.I.C.E, Thomas Cook India Limited, says, 'Africa has emerged as a highly sought-after destination for leisure travel for multigenerational families, young working professionals, and friend groups seeking one-of-a-kind outdoor and luxury experiences. There is also a lot of demand for wildlife safaris retreats from corporate MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups.' Botswana and Rwanda offer eco-conscious lodges, while other prefer to combine 'beach-and-bush' itineraries as travelers combine safaris in Kenya or Tanzania with a luxury retreat in Zanzibar, Seychelles, or South Africa's Cape Town. With the Indian passport ranked at 85 (Henley Passport Index 2025) and some 50 destinations allowing visa-free/visa-on-arrival, the travel preference leans to locations that make entry easy. Its also no secret that countries which make the visa process a breeze have seen Indians flock to those locales. A post shared by Ananya 🌙 (@ananyapanday) Africa wants to get in on the action. In January, South Africa introduced a new visa regime - the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). "This allows approved tour operators to register with the department and submit group visa applications for their travellers, streamlining the process and cutting through red tape," read a press note by South Africa's Department of Home Affairs. Another reason that African safaris are gaining popularity? An increasing number of celebrities are vacationing there. Recently, actors Sydney Sweeney and Luke Evans, and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles shared snips from their jungle safaris. Even actors like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ananya Panday have visited the continent and enjoyed an adventurous trip. A post shared by SIMONE BILES (@simonebiles) For travel blogger Mahek Desai, travelling to Africa's Masai Mara is a dream come true. 'I am doing a solo safari trip. It's my birthday gift to myself. I find myself happier with animals and I just know it is going to be amazing,' she says. On the other hand, retiree Rajnikant Mirkar and his wife Trupti have just got back form an 'unforgettable experience' with a jeep-load of memories. He says, 'We are nature lovers and we have visited most of India's wildlife sanctuaries. So we decided to head to Africa to experience it as well. We visited Kenya and Tanzania, along with the Masai Mara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro National Park. We're lucky to spot the big 5 - the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, African elephant, and African buffalo.' Engineering student Nile Lopes has grown up watching wildlife documentaries on television. He says, 'Visiting Africa and going on a safari has been a childhood dream. We were followed by African buffalo, spotted a herd of elephant and zebras, and even saw a pride of lions resting in the shades of acacia trees.' If you are making plans to travel to Africa for the safari season, Manoj Adlakha, Founder & CEO, RedBeryl, shares a few tips that will help: Back home in India, jungle safaris are also gaining traction with celebrities like actor-couple Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, and former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar spending time in Jhalana Leopard Reserve in Jaipur and Kaziranga National Park, Assam. In May, giving further impetus to the tourism trend of safaris, the Maharashtra government approved a ₹286 crore tiger safari project in Chandrapur. On the other hand, in the Botanical Garden in Kondapur in Hyderabad, one can hop on a bus, don a VR headset and let nature come alive across a 2-kilometre safari ride, where you are transported to the dense forests of the Western and Eastern Ghats or Antarctica's icy slopes. You can also have digital encounters with big cats, penguins, and other exotic creatures. However, if you've been under the impression that safaris only happen in the summer or winter months in India, think again. Several Indian national parks are open to tourists during the monsoons. Wildlife photographer Priyansha Singh tells us, 'While the core zones in northern and central parts of India are closed in the rainy months (usually July to September), the southern parks, like Periyar (in Kerala), Nagarhole, Kabini, Bandipur (in Karnataka), and Ranthambore (in Rajasthan), etc, and the buffer zones are open." And publicist Priyanka Deepak Joshi couldn't agree more. During her recent trip ot Gir National Park (Gujarat) with her family, she spotted several big cats and has 'amazing experience'. 'I saw a lioness walk by our jeep and it was so thrilling. While the rains have made a difference, it actually makes spotting animals like lions more visually striking against the green background,' she tells us. Even resorts and hotels present in and around sanctuaries are seeing a higher number of requests for monsoon safaris. Rajat Gera, Commercial Director of Six Senses Fort Barwara, which is located in Ranthambore National Park, says, 'We've observed a notable evolution in the profile of luxury travelers visiting us during the rainy season." If you ask him what makes this type of safari an interesting travel time, he shares, "The Monsoon Safari reveals the forest in its most vibrant form — lush and teeming with new life. Following the dry summer, the rains breathe life back into the landscape and wildlife sightings take on an unexpected character. With fewer safari gates open, the experience becomes is exclusive and personal, as animals roam, play, and hunt once again.'
