The summer vacation season is almost here. For a hassle-free trip, keep these new visa regulations in mind when you make your travel arrangements. Here are four visa modifications for 2024 to be prepared for, which include eVisas for Japan to reforms to the Schengen Area
Japan offers Indian travelers eVisas.
Japan is launching eVisa applications in India in April. Japan Visa Application Centers, run by VFS Global, monitor the procedure. The application procedure is still basically the same, and it still includes submitting your application and supporting documentation to VFS. This eVisa is intended for short-term journeys, with a 90-day maximum stay permitted for a single entrance. Applicants may be foreign nationals living in India or citizens of another country.
Visas will no longer be physically stamped in passports; instead, they will be granted electronically, with the application procedure remaining the same. Travelers who get an eVisa are required to show the visa issue notification on their mobile device—which needs internet access—at the airport. Printouts of the eVisa, images, pictures, or PDFs will not be allowed.500 rupees is the visa charge. Here is where you may apply for a visa.
Schengen visas may now be issued by Romania and Bulgaria.
Bulgaria and Romania have made a partial acceptance into the Schengen Area. With this breakthrough, Indian travelers may now visit all 29 countries in continental Europe that are part of the Schengen region with their Schengen visa. Travelers from outside may now get Schengen visas from Bulgaria and Romania, allowing stays of up to 90 days throughout 180 days. However, entry to the full Schengen region is not permitted for visas granted by these two nations before April 1. When traveling between multiple Schengen locations, non-Schengen nationals may still require passport checks. Romanian and Bulgarian visas are available on their official websites.
The multiple-entry, five-year tourist visa for Dubai.
Due to a significant increase in Indian visitors, Dubai launched a new visa scheme specifically for Indian tourists in February. With the new visa, visitors may enter the nation numerous times for a maximum of 90 days, with an extension of up to 180 days each year. The visa is valid for five years. It offers limitless admissions and exits during a five-year period, catering to both business and pleasure travel. A passport picture, a passport that has been valid for at least six months, six months’ worth of bank records showing a minimum balance of $4,000 (Rs 3,33,447), health insurance, and round-trip tickets for travel are among the requirements. An application does not need a sponsor.
Applications may be submitted via the official ICP website or the GDRFA website or app; processing takes two to five days. The visa application price is 100 AED (2270 Rs), the issuance charge is 500 AED (11304 Rs), and each transaction using electronic services is 150 AED (3,405).
Stricter student visa requirements in Australia for foreign students.
Australia strengthens student visa regulations to control immigration; the changes take effect on March 23. A Genuine Student Test and a No Further Stay rule that restricts international students’ employment opportunities are two significant developments. A No Further Stay (NFS) condition on the visa prohibits the bearer from applying for further visas in Australia without first departing the nation, such as a work visa or permanent residence. Furthermore, there will be stricter English language competency standards for graduate visas and immigration students alike. Check your grant letter or this page for all the details to see whether there is a No Further Stay clause on your visa.
