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UK’s ETA now required for travellers from 54 countries

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Travellers from 54 countries are now required to complete an online pre-travel check to enter the UK following the continued rollout of the country’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

From Wednesday (8 January) travellers from 48 non-European countries (those who previously did not require a visa for short-stay visits) – including the US, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore – will need to apply for an ETA before arriving in the UK.

The requirement will also extend to travellers from European countries from 2 April 2025, with applications for these travellers open from 5 March.

The ETA was first introduced in November 2023, initially for Qatari travellers, and has since been extended to travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. 

The move to digitise the UK’s borders will require all visitors and transit passengers who do not currently need a visa – except British and Irish citizens – to obtain an ETA prior to arrival. Travellers who require a visa to enter the country will still need to obtain a valid visa but will not need an ETA as well.

The changes are expected to enhance border security and, according to UK law firm Kingsley Napley, will “level the playing field between visa and non-visa nationals coming to the UK” as all visitors will now have their criminal background checked prior to arrival.

Immigration law firm Fragomen also advised when an ETA is declined, the traveller will need to apply for a visa, “and that can take time,” said Kelly Chua, a director at the firm.

“Travellers might also find that airlines may not refund tickets should an ETA be refused,” Chua added.

Despite fears of potential travel “chaos” due to limited public awareness of the scheme, business travel insiders believe the industry is prepared.

“The UK isn’t the first to implement such a system – Australia, the US and Canada have had this in place for several years – and we expect the EU to eventually introduce a similar system in late 2025,” said Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association.

“As TMC’s adapt to these changes we urge corporate businesses to stay informed… many travellers might already be familiar with similar systems, such as the US ESTA, yet it’s crucial to note that anyone arriving without an ETA, even for transit, will be denied entry.”

Flight Centre-owned TMC Corporate Traveller believes the new entry rules are “unlikely to make any dent” in the growth rate of business travel to the UK.

Nevertheless, Corporate Traveller global managing director Tom Walley warned the changes will require more forward planning.

“While expected to improve border security processes, the new UK ETA changes the landscape of visa-free travel and requires more forward planning from travellers… I urge businesses that organise their own travel to stay informed about changing entry requirements for their 2025 travel destinations,” he said.

Similar to pre-travel checks required to enter the US, the ETA will be electronically linked to travellers’ passports and applications can be made through “a quick and simple process” online or via a dedicated app.

An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK (for stays of up to 6 months) over a period of two years.

The EU is also expected to implement its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) sometime this year, followed by the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).



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‘We Cannot Go To Pakistan But He Can’

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday took a fresh swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mocking his frequent foreign visits and specifically highlighting his surprise stopover in Pakistan’s Lahore in 2015 to meet the then Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.

“It seems that when the PM is flying in his plane, he looks down and asks, ‘Which country is that?’ When told it’s so-and-so, he says, ‘No worries, we will reach an hour late where we are going; let’s land here now.’ He decides to land just anywhere. That’s how he landed in Pakistan too,” Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said in Punjabi in the state assembly on Friday, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

“The PM decided, just like that, to visit Pakistan. He had biryani and came back. We cannot go to Pakistan, but he can land there!” Mann added.

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MEA Slams Punjab CM Over ‘Irresponsible’ Remarks

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday criticised CM Bhagwant Mann for his remarks on the foreign trips of PM Modi. While disassociating itself from the remarks, the MEA stated that the statement from the Punjab chief minister was “irresponsible” and “regrettable”.

Bhagwant Mann, while taking a jibe at PM Modi’s foreign visits, stated that the prime minister is visiting countries with populations less than even 10,000. PM Modi on Thursday returned to India after his five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

“We have seen some comments made by a high state authority about India’s relations with friendly countries from the Global South. These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable and do not behove the state authority,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated.

“The Government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India’s ties with friendly countries,” he added.

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“Don’t I have the right to ask about the country’s foreign policy and what did he do there? Why does Adani’s business start wherever he (PM) goes? I will continue to ask in the future as well. With 140 crore people in the country, he should engage with them and address their concerns. He says he will stop the Ukraine war (Ukraine-Russia), but he can’t even resolve water issues between Punjab and Haryana,” Mann told reporters on MEA condemning his statements on PM Modi’s five-nation visit.



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Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And It Is Healing People In Unexpected Ways

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Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And We Will Tell You Why. (Image: Canva)

For years, destinations like Goa and Kerala have been on top of India’s travel map. Attracting people for their beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture, these two destinations have been a complete delight for tourists. However, in the recent years, a shift has been seen – one which has positioned Rishikesh as the new favourite among travellers, especially those who are seeking more than just a vacation.

Being a small town which is located along the banks of Ganga river in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh has been luring all sorts of travellers – from spiritual seekers to adventure junkies and from digital nomads to slow travellers.

Popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’, Rishikesh is popular amongst Indians and foreigners alike as many priests, sages and real yogis live there. The city is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, which may seem unbelievable, considering its tourist footfall. Most rainfall is expected between July and August so its always better to visit the city before or after.

File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)

Why Is Everyone Travelling To Rishikesh?

One of the primary reasons for Rishikesh’s growing popularity is its spiritual aura. This place, for a long time, has attracted seekers of inner peace and balance. Every year, thousands visit ashrams and wellness retreats for authentic yoga teacher training programs, meditation workshops, and Ayurveda-inspired healing practices.

Unlike the commercial yoga studios found in bigger cities, Rishikesh offers a more grounded and traditional approach. Whether you are staying for a weekend retreat or a month-long course, there is something about this place which will heal you from within. The daily Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, the chants that echo through the hills create a spiritual atmosphere that is both calming and transformative.

File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)

This is not it. Rishikesh is also a magnet for adventure tourism. From white-water rafting on the Ganga river to cliff jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding Himalayas, the town offers a bizarre adrenaline rush like no other.

Additionally, sustainability and conscious tourism are also two major factors that have contributed into an increase in number of tourists. Many eco-stays, homestays, and retreats here are now offering low-impact and environmentally responsible lodging options. There is also a growing emphasis on clean eating and mindful consumption.

File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)

Last but not the least, accessibility has played an important role too. With the new Char Dham highway project and an improved connectivity from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, travelling to Rishikesh has become easier than ever.





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OTOAI Convention kicks off in Moscow; focus on boosting India-Russia bilateral tourism

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The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) began its convention in Moscow, bringing together industry leaders to explore opportunities for tourism cooperation between India and Russia.

This is also the first time that Indian delegates will get a chance to explore Russia and its tourism offerings, since the nation is a relatively new outbound market. India and Russia have always enjoyed friendly relations, and the recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has only improved diplomatic ties.

Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI, expressed optimism about the growing potential for tourism between the two nations. He was keen to host the convention in Russia, and preparations were underway since two years. “India is a sleeping giant for Russia, and we expect explosive growth in Indian tourists visiting Russia in the coming years,” he said.

Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, welcomed the OTOAI delegation and highlighted Moscow’s appeal as a premier destination for business tourism and MICE events. “We are excited to work with OTOAI to promote tourism between our countries and showcase Moscow’s rich cultural heritage,” he said. Kozlov is happy that besides Moscow the convention delegates will also be exploring St. Petersburg, the second capital of Russia.

The convention is witnessing the participation of 200-250 delegates from OTOAI, who will engage with Russian tourism stakeholders to promote outbound tourism from India to Russia. The event aims to strengthen India-Russia tourism ties and unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the sector.

Kozlov believes that a big-ticket event of this nature being hosted in Russia will only aid in promoting, Moscow and Delhi as partner cities.

With India emerging as a key outbound market for Russia, the OTOAI convention in Moscow is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of tourism cooperation between the two nations.



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