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Do we require passports to travel abroad ? |
| Yes, all Indian travellers going abroad require an international passport. |
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How do we obtain a passport? |
| An application for a passport has to be submitted along with the necessary documents, at the regional passport office. A fresh passport valid for 10 or 20 years is issued. This takes a minimum of 45 working days. Passports that have expired will have to renewed, a new booklet is issued. Documents required are the same as for a new passport. |
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What should the validity of the passport be for travel? |
| The passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your date of travel, for example if you are travelling on the 04th of June your passport must be valid at least till 04th Dec. |
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Do we Require Visas for all counties? |
| All Indians Travelling abroad have to obtain visas of the respective countries. |
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Do all Visas have to be obtained in India before departure? |
There are exceptions. You can take Visas on arrival in Thailand, Kenya and Tanzania, though it is highly recommended that Visa be taken before departure.
Malaysia does not require a visa if you are arriving and departing from the same airport within 72 hours.
Maldives, Nepal and Hongkong do not require a visa.
Visas for the Middle east ie UAE ,OMAN, Etc have to be proceesed there - and copies faxed, enabling you to travel. |
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Do we have to obtain all visas personally? |
First time travellers to UK will have to appear in person.
First time travellers below the age of 55 will have to appear in person for the US visa.
Canada, Australia Newzealand and Philipines accept applications from travel agents submitted on the passengers behalf, but may call for personal interviews if not satisfied with documents.
All other visa can be obtained by travel agents. |
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Where do we apply for visas? |
The visa applications are divided into zones: North with Delhi as its Centre, East where applications are submitted in Calcutta, West-Mumbai and South - Chennai.
French Visa is obtained in Pondicherry for passports issued in Chennai.
In case any of the zones do not have a representation, the visas can be processed in the centre -Delhi. |
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What is Immigration Clearance? |
The second last page of your passport states whether this check is required or not. If required, it is mandatory to have it cancelled by producing
a) Degree certificate
b) Income Tax paid chalans for the last 3 years. |
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Is Immigration Clearance required for all countries? |
| No, due to TAFI's strong representation during 1986 - immigration clearance requirement was waived for USA - EUROPE - JAPAN - AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND travel to all other countries requires Immigration to be suspended/deleted. |
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If I do not have either of the above? |
| You will have to get it suspended temporarily. You will have to produce a confirmed return ticket and foreign Exchange Endorsement. This is suspended temporarily enabling you to exit the country. |
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What are the aiport taxes, where do we have to pay the same? |
| Airport taxes differ from country to country. This tax is paid while departing from the respective airport. Airport tax of India is INR 500. This is collected on your ticket. Airport tax of Thailand is THB 500, this has to be paid at the airport. Most airlines collect all departure taxes on the tickets itself. |
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What are the aiport taxes, where do we have to pay the same? |
When travelling as a couple, pack each suitcase with day and evening wear for each person so that in case one of your cases gets misplaced, you will still be able to manage.
On Economy class travel the weight of your bags should not exceed 20 Kgs per bag and each person is allowed one suitcase and one handbag.
If you are travelling to the US, you will be allowed to take two suitcases each and a handbag. The dimensions of your suitcases, ie length x breadth, should not exceed 156cm and 168 cm and the weight 32 kgs per piece 70 pounds per piece.
Ensure that your personal details are written on a label INSIDE the suitcases. (name/address/phone number/flight number) Write only your name and destination on the outside labels. |
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How big should my hand baggage be? |
| Hand baggage to be of a size that can be kept under your seat or on the hatrack easily. |
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How big should my hand baggage be? |
| Hand baggage to be of a size that can be kept under your seat or on the hatrack easily. |
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Should we carry our passports with us all the time? |
| Yes. |
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Can I carry a Credit card? |
| In most countries the global cards are easily accepted. |
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What are the custom formalities? |
| Each country has its own set of rules on what you can bring into the country. Australia forbids you to carry food, fruits and plants into or out of Australia. Similarly, different countries have varied custom formalities. |
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What can I bring back into India? What is the Custom allowance? What are the Non dutiable items? |
There is a stipulation for the amount of Tobacco and Liquor that you can bring back to India. Import by Non-Residents, however, is only permitted if they enter India for a stay of not less than 24 hours, and not more than six months, provided they visit India not more than once a month.
A Persons of 17 years and older: 200 cigarattes or 50 cigars or 250 grammes of tobacco, one bottle (0.95 LITRE) of alcoholic liquor;
B. Medicines in reasonable quantities;
C. 2 Ounces of perfume and 1/4 Litre of Toilet Water;
D. Travel Souvenirs up to a value of INR 600 (Tourists of Indian origin INR 3,000, subject to re-export.
E: Persons under 12 years are allowed 1/4 of the value admitted to adults.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
1. FIREARMS:
It is advisable to obtain a posession license in advance (or hold proof of exemption) in order to avoid delay and inconvinience on arrival.
2. A Tourist baggage re-export form (TBRE) will be issued upon arrival to Tourists for re-exportation of their goods in excess of the maximum permitted amount. Will be subject to an import duty of 80 per cent. |
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