Indians travelling to Japan can now obtain e-visas instead of actual passport stickers as Japan started issuing e-visas for Indian tourists. The Japan Visa Application Centre of VFS Global is now open to Indian citizens who wish to travel to Japan.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, e-visa will be a single-entry short-term stay (up to 90 days) visa for the purpose of tourism. While for other reasons, the travellers would still have to apply for visas on paper at Japanese embassies and consulates.
The e-visa facility is now accessible to nationals from Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and India.
Apr 03, 2024
Uttarakhand Tourism Department Launches Helicopter Services for Adi Kailash, Om Parvat Worship
A group of tourists from Delhi, Maharashtra, Orissa and Gujarat among other states completed the first trip of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat worship through a helicopter package launched by the Uttarakhand tourism department.
The initiative is aimed at promoting Winter Tourism in the Himalayan hinterland under the Vibrant Village program, and providing employment opportunities to the locals.
The package includes pickup and drop services from hotels in Pithoragarh, a 2-hour helicopter ride covering aerial darshan of Adi Kailash, Om Parvat and other peaks followed by breakfast.
Apr 02, 2024
Romania and Bulgaria Partially Join Schengen Travel Zone
Romania and Bulgaria took a significant step in their integration with the European Union by partially joining the Schengen travel zone. While travellers arriving by air or sea now enjoy ID-check-free access, land border checks persist due to opposition from Austria.
Austria's opposition over concerns of illegal migration has led to the retention of land border checks.
Travellers arriving by air or sea from both countries now have unrestricted access to the Schengen zone.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the partial inclusion as a "huge success" and a "historic moment" for European integration.
Established in 1985, the Schengen Area previously consisted of 23 EU member countries before Bulgaria and Romania's admission.
Mar 19, 2024
Nepal Declares Pokhara as Its Tourism Capital
In a significant move to boost its tourism industry, the government of Nepal has officially declared Pokhara, a picturesque city in the Gandaki province, as the tourism capital of the Himalayan nation. The formal declaration was made during a special ceremony held at the Barahi Ghat, situated on the shores of the stunning Phewa Lake.
Pokhara, known for its natural beauty and adventure tourism, has long been recognised as a tourism hub in Nepal. However, the city was only designated as the tourism capital after fulfilling all the necessary criteria set by the government. The decision to officially declare Pokhara as the tourism capital is expected to further enhance its reputation and attract more visitors from around the world.
The special ceremony to declare Pokhara as the tourism capital was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. The event featured captivating musical performances by renowned and popular singers, adding to the festive atmosphere. The choice of Barahi Ghat as the venue for the ceremony was particularly significant, as it showcased the city's natural beauty and its close connection with Phewa Lake, one of Pokhara's most iconic attractions.
Mar 16, 2024
Maharashtra to Establish First-Of-Its-Kind Tourist Facility in Jammu and Kashmir
The Maharashtra government took a historic step by securing approval from the Jammu and Kashmir administration to acquire 2.5 acres of land in Ichgam, near Srinagar airport, for the construction of Maharashtra Bhawan. This initiative symbolises a proactive approach towards fostering cultural and touristic ties between the two regions.
The initiative assumes particular significance in the context of the abrogation of Article 370, which previously restricted land ownership in Jammu and Kashmir to its permanent residents. With the altered legal landscape, Maharashtra's investment in the region signals a new era of economic and cultural exchange, transcending previous boundaries.
In alignment with the vision of enhancing tourist amenities, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced plans for constructing two Maharashtra Bhawans in Srinagar and Ayodhya. This initiative aims to provide enhanced facilities for tourists and devotees, aligning with the state government's commitment to bolstering tourism infrastructure.