Travel Update
Global Travel Insights: Stay Ahead with our Latest Updates

Our travel updates page is designed to provide you with impactful and important information that we feel every traveler should know about. From travel advisories and travel warnings to industry insights and destination highlights, our curated updates are here to empower you with knowledge and preparedness for your journeys.

Let's navigate the world of travel together, ensuring you're always one step ahead.
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When Your Luggage Goes Missing: A Traveler’s Guide to Handling Lost Baggage
2025/10/16

f your luggage goes missing after a flight, stay calm and check nearby baggage carousels or use your airline’s tracking app. If it’s truly lost, report it immediately at the airline’s baggage desk and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport. Use the PIR number to track updates. If the bag is delayed, the airline will deliver it to your current location. If it’s officially lost (usually after 21 days), you're entitled to compensation—up to SDR 1,131 for international flights or ₹20,000 for domestic ones. Save receipts for essentials bought in the meantime, and always follow up with the airline. Marvel Travels is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

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Europe’s New Digital Border System: What Indian Travellers Need to Know About the Schengen Entry/Exit System
2025/10/11

From 12 October 2025, Europe will launch the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing passport stamping with a digital record of travellers’ biometric data, photos, and travel details. This upgrade aims to speed up border checks, enhance security, and simplify travel across 29 Schengen countries, becoming fully operational by April 2026.
Marvel Travels – Corporate & Leisure encourages Indian travellers to stay updated and plan ahead for a smooth, hassle-free European journey.

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Planning Your Umrah in 2025? New Saudi Visa Rules Require Confirmed Hotel & Transport Bookings
2025/09/30

Starting in 2025, Saudi Arabia requires all Umrah visa applicants to have confirmed hotel and local transport bookings before applying. These must be made through the official Nusuk platform or licensed agents. This new rule is designed to prevent fraud and improve the overall pilgrimage experience. Travelers are advised to book early, choose accredited service providers, and consider all-inclusive packages to simplify the process. Marvel Travels – Corporate & Leisure offers end-to-end support to ensure a smooth, compliant, and spiritually fulfilling journey.

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India Introduces Digital e-Arrival Card for International Travellers Starting October 1, 2025
2025/09/29

From October 1, 2025, India will require all foreign travellers to fill out a digital e-Arrival Card before arrival, replacing the paper disembarkation form. The form must be submitted within five days of travel. This new system will speed up immigration and is mandatory for all foreign nationals, except Indian citizens and OCI holders.

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Understanding the New $100,000 H-1B Visa Filing Fee: What It Really Means for Applicants and Employers
2025/09/26

Understanding the New $100,000 H-1B Visa Filing Fee: What It Really Means for Applicants and Employers.
The U.S. government has introduced a one-time $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025. This fee does not apply to existing visa holders or renewals. Employers are responsible for the payment, and exemptions are rare, granted only in the national interest. The policy also includes strict enforcement measures and signals upcoming changes to wage requirements, favoring high-skilled, high-paid workers. The move has raised global concerns about its impact on international talent and business operations.

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South Africa Introduces Digital Travel Pass to Simplify Entry Process
2025/09/20

South Africa is set to roll out its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in October 2025, starting with travellers from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. Designed to simplify short-term entry, the ETA allows visitors to apply online, receive fast approvals, and verify their identity using a secure QR code at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports.

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Argentina Opens Its Doors: Indian Travellers with Valid US Visas Can Now Enter Visa-Free
2025/09/01

Indian citizens with valid US tourist visas can now travel to Argentina without applying for a separate Argentine visa. This visa-free entry simplifies travel, reduces costs, and encourages more Indian tourists to explore Argentina’s diverse culture and landscapes.

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Philippines Introduces 14 & 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Indian Citizens Starting May 2025
2025/05/25

Starting in 2025, the Philippines has introduced two visa-free travel options for Indian nationals to promote tourism. Indian tourists can now enjoy a 14-day visa-free stay for leisure travel without needing any prior visa. These stays are strictly for tourism and are non-extendable and non-convertible.

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Staying Over 30 Days in the U.S.? Mandatory Federal Registration Now Enforced
2025/05/05

Foreign nationals staying in the U.S. for over 30 days must now register with federal authorities under President Donald Trump’s administration or face legal consequences.

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India Introduces Smart E-Passports for Safer and Faster Global Travel
2025/05/04

India is launching chip-enabled e-passports by mid-2025, offering enhanced security, faster immigration, and global compatibility. These smart passports will include encrypted personal data and biometric features, ensuring tamper-proof international travel. Aligned with ICAO standards and the Digital India initiative, the e-passport aims to streamline travel for Indian citizens worldwide. Stay updated with Marvel Travels – Corporate & Leisure for the latest travel news and passport assistance.

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Thailand - Digital Arrival Card Requirement – A Complete Guide.
2025/04/05

Starting May 1, 2025, all international travelers to Thailand will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online, replacing the traditional paper-based TM6 form. This new digital system aims to streamline the immigration process and improve efficiency. Travelers must submit the TDAC within 72 hours of arrival, providing personal and travel details, including a health declaration. The move aligns with global trends toward digital entry systems, enhancing security and reducing wait times. For assistance with your travel or visa needs, contact Marvel Travels – Corporate & Leisure for a smooth and hassle-free experience.

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Singapore Tightens Visa Regulations: New Verification and Companion Details Now Required
2025/03/24

The Singapore Consulate has introduced stricter visa requirements, including mandatory verification calls for all applicants and the need to declare travel companion details. Applicants must complete the verification via video, Zoom, or phone call, and provide accurate contact information. Failure to do so may result in visa rejection. Additionally, applicants must submit their travel companions' full names, relationship, and passport numbers. These changes aim to enhance security and streamline the visa process. Indian travelers must also meet standard visa requirements, including submitting a completed application form, a recent photograph, and supporting documents. For hassle-free visa services, contact Marvel Travels - Corporate & Leisure.

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New Passport Regulations Announced: Key Changes in Birth Proof and Passport Colors
2025/03/09

The Indian government has introduced new passport rules under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025. Key changes include the requirement for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, to submit a birth certificate as the sole proof of birth, while those born before that date can use alternative documents like school certificates or driving licenses. The residential address will no longer appear on passports, instead stored in a barcode for privacy. Passports will now be color-coded: blue for citizens, white for government officials, and red for diplomats. Additionally, parents' names will be removed from passports to protect personal information. These changes aim to streamline the passport application process and enhance privacy.

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Nigeria Launches e-Visa: Easy Access for Global Travelers
2025/03/04

Starting on March 1, 2025, Nigeria will launch a new e-Visa system, enabling tourists, business travelers, and investors to apply for visas entirely online. The digital process simplifies visa applications by allowing users to submit documents, make secure payments, and receive their approved visas via email, reducing processing times. This initiative aims to attract foreign investment, boost tourism, and foster business growth, while enhancing Nigeria’s global connectivity. The Nigerian Immigration Service will provide further details on the application process ahead of the launch.

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South Korea to Introduce e-Arrival Card for Easier Travel Starting February 24
2025/02/24

Starting February 24, 2025, travelers to South Korea must complete the new e-Arrival Card before arrival, replacing traditional paper forms by 2026. This digital process aims to enhance travel efficiency by collecting essential details like flight and accommodation information online, reducing delays at immigration. Most international visitors must submit the form within three days of their trip, though some exemptions apply, such as airline crew and K-ETA holders. The transition phase will last until December 2025, after which only digital submissions will be accepted. Stay updated on the latest requirements and make your trip to South Korea hassle-free.

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Pilot Shortage Could Impact Airlines’ Growth in India: Sky One
2025/01/24

The dearth of experienced pilots poses a substantial hurdle for India’s aviation industry, potentially affecting daily operations, expansion strategies, and overall financial health, stated Jaideep Mirchandani, Chairman of Sky One. Speaking on the occasion of World Pilots Day, Mirchandani underscored the potential risks of an expanding gap between the demand for and availability of qualified pilots.

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New Fast-Track Immigration Program to Simplify International Travel from India.
2025/01/17

The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) has been launched at seven airports: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad. This programme, designed to make international travel smoother and more secure, was first introduced at Terminal 3 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport in June 2023.

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Foreign Airlines Expand Routes to Tap India’s Growing Market
2024/12/23

India is witnessing a surge in international connectivity as foreign airlines plan new routes. Royal Jordanian Airlines will resume Mumbai flights in March 2025 after a decade, while Spain’s Iberojet launches direct flights between Madrid and Delhi in April 2025.

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New Visa Appointment Rules Announced by U.S. Embassy.
2024/12/23

To promote fairness and enhance efficiency, the U.S. Department of State is introducing updated guidelines for nonimmigrant visa appointments, effective January 1, 2025.

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India’s Corporate Travel Market Set to Reach USD 20.8 Billion by FY30, Growing at 10.1% CAGR: Report
2024/12/23

India’s corporate travel industry, valued at over USD 10.6 billion, is projected to expand at a robust 10.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching USD 20.8 billion by FY30. This growth is fueled by technology-driven, personalized, and sustainable travel solutions, according to a recent report.

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India’s Outbound Travel to Hit 39 Million Passengers by 2028, Growing at 8% Annually: Travelport
2024/12/23

India’s outbound travel market is expected to grow significantly, reaching 39 million passengers by 2028, with an impressive 8% annual growth rate (CAGR), according to Travelport. This growth is driven by increased airline capacity, evolving consumer preferences, and advancements in travel technology.

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Indian Tourists Facing Challenges in Securing Dubai Visas
2024/12/23

In a recent update, the government introduced more stringent criteria for tourist visa applications. Now, applicants must provide hotel booking confirmations containing QR codes, as well as a copy of their return flight tickets.

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Malaysia Visa Exemption for Indian Nationals Extended Until December 2026
2024/12/21

The Malaysian government has announced the extension of the visa exemption for Indian nationals, which was originally set to expire on December 31 this year.

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Govt Imposes Rs 1 Crore Fine for Airline Bomb Hoaxes Under Updated Security Rules.
2024/12/21

The government has introduced new security regulations under the Aircraft Security Rules, 2023, which impose fines of up to Rs 1 crore for hoax bomb threats targeting airlines. These updated rules are aimed at reducing disruptions and improving safety within the civil aviation sector. As per the recent amendments, anyone found making false bomb threats can now face heavy penalties. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released a gazette notification adding Section 30A to the Aircraft Security Rules. This section imposes fines for spreading false information that could: Endanger the safety of an aircraft, airport, or aviation facility. Cause panic among passengers, crew, airport staff, or the general public. Disrupt airline operations.

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Festival season airfare hike: Ticket prices increase for Diwali and Onam.
2024/09/17

Airfares have risen sharply for the festive season. Ticket prices have gone up by 10-15% for Diwali and as much as 25% for Onam flights to cities in Kerala. Flights from Delhi to Chennai have seen a 25% increase. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu plans to introduce an online complaint system to address concerns about these high fares.