France lifts restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers

France on has lifted travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers but advised against travel from France to countries on the "red" list.
"Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer subject to restrictions to travel to or from France, whatever the country of departure. We nonetheless strongly advise against travel from France to countries on the "red" list", read travel advisory issues by France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. Read more...

Source: French Embassy, July 19th 2021

VFS Global restarts its Visa application services

At present, the visa application process (in various categories) for over 40 governments has resumed at select Visa Application Centres across India. The last quarter has witnessed intermittent activity for the international travel community, with borders opening sporadically in step with vaccination drives in various regions. In the light of this, VFS Global has started re-openings of Visa Application Centres in India.
At present, the visa application process (in various categories) for over 40 governments has resumed at select Visa Application Centres across India and remain open as of April 7, 2021, though timings and days of working may vary, according to pandemic-related regulations. Read more...

Source: VFS Global, July 6, 2021

Covishield not included in EU Green Pass, India raises matter with EMA

The 'Green Pass' is crucial for the entry of vaccinated Indians traveling to and within EU from July onwards. However, the EU drug regulator - the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not included Indian vaccines in the list of approved jabs. This non-inclusion of Covishield will impact the travel plans of people from many countries. Reportedly, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken up the matter with EMA to secure approval for Covishield as well as Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.

Source: TND | June 28, 2021

Airline alliances call for global standards to reopen aviation

The three global airline alliances are calling on G7 governments to agree on a common set of travel and health standards to enable the safe reopening of borders.

oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance said the move was needed to facilitate the safe restart of international travel.

Covid-19 has significantly impacted the travel and tourism sector, which has long been a key contributor to many economies. Read more...

Source: BTN | June 10, 2021

France welcoming back vaccinated tourists

France is putting itself back on the menu as a destination for international tourists who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus. The relaxed rules will kick in Wednesday, offering a boost for France’s tourism sector. Read more...

Source: Associated Press | June 5, 2021

Flying out of India: QR code must on RT-PCR test report from May 22

RT-PCR reports for people flying out of India from May 22 are required to have a QR code linking to the original report. The new requirement comes due to a significant number of false/forged negative reports being furnished to travel. Read more...

Source: TNN | MAY 14, 2021

Pandemic highlights value of travel agents

Planning a trip overseas these days requires more than the usual hunt for cheap flights and a sweet hotel. Travelers need to know when they can reasonably go, which countries are ready to accept them, what will be open, what entry requirements their destination may demand. Read more...

Source: Star Tribune | MAY 14, 2021

IATA introduces "Travel Pass", initiates international trials

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) have introduced a Covid-19 "Travel Pass" for international travelers, trials for which are currently ongoing. The "Travel Pass" was introduced by IATA in light of the Covd-19 pandemic to ease transport for travelers. Read more...

Source: IATA | APRIL 26, 2021

Passport control at Dubai Airports can now be completed in 9 seconds

Dubai Airports’ fast-track passport control service, that deploys face and iris-recognition technologies, has reduced the time to complete passport control formalities to between 5-9 seconds, a senior official has confirmed. Read more...

Source: Gulf Business | May 25, 2021