british airways india travel visa

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK Government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in India set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the  High Commission of India in London or another Indian consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering India.

Passport validity requirements

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India.

Your passport must also: - have 2 blank pages for your visa

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

Apply for the right type of visa for the purpose of your travel.

You need a visa to travel to India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.

India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for the purpose and duration of your travel.

Penalties for having the wrong visa can include refusal of entry or deportation. This may also include not being allowed to enter India in the future.

For latest information on Indian visas and immigration requirements, see the  e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office), the  Bureau of Indian Immigration website  and  Indian Ministry of External Affairs website .

Applying for a visa or e-visa

Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration Depending on your requirements you may be able to apply for:

• regular (paper) visa
• e-visa (make sure to check the website’s ‘FAQs’ for restrictions on airports and seaports of entry)

Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply and allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.

More information is available from the website of High Commission of India in London .

Applicants of Pakistani origin

If you are of Pakistani origin, a British-Pakistan dual national, or holding a National Identity Card for overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), the visa processing time will be substantially longer than other visa applications. More information is available from the High Commission of India in London .

If you are a British-Pakistan dual national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport. If you have renounced your Pakistani nationality or cancelled your Pakistani passport, you will need to submit documentary proof of this.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders

If you hold a valid Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you can use this, along with your valid British passport to visit India. You do not need a visa. If you have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card. More information is available from the  High Commission of India in London  and the  Indian Bureau of Immigration .

Arrival, registration, and extensions

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) . You could be denied permission to leave if you do not do this. Check if you are required to  register your arrival .

Overstaying in India on a visa is an offence. Make sure you leave the country before your visa expires or get an official extension if needed. More information is available on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you’re hospitalised

If you or someone you’re travelling with has a short-term Tourist Visa and is hospitalised, you may be able to extend or ‘convert’ to a Medical Visa .

Exit requirements

You will pass through immigration as you depart India. Officials will check when you entered the country. If you do not have an entry stamp, for example if you have a newly issued passport, you will need to apply for special exit visa before you travel. This must be done online and can take between five and fifteen working days for straightforward applications. Factor this into your timeframe to leave India when you are booking flights. For further information see the  e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office).

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).

Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

• yellow fever

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also provides  vaccination guidance and data .

Accommodation

By law, hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register the stay of foreign guests with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) using a “C Form”.  Please ask your accommodation provider to ensure they have done so.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of India . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Satellite phones and listening devices

It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence. British nationals have been arrested for bringing them into the country without prior permission. You can contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication to request a licence .

You may also need prior permission from the Indian authorities to bring equipment like listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras, or binoculars into India. You can ask the High Commission of India in London for advice.

Taking money into India

There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India.

Visitors, including tourists, must not bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. If you’re resident in India, you can bring up to 25,000 rupees into the country.

If you’re visiting India, you can bring cash, travellers’ cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India.

You must declare any amount above 5,000 US dollars in notes, or 10,000 US dollars in notes and travellers’ cheques combined.

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Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India Indianvisaonline.gov.in

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Visa on Arrival for the nationals of Japan, South Korea and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) Available at selected Airports

Advisory: Government of India has not authorized any agent or intermediary to charge any fee for facilitation of emergency / express Visa/eVisa. For travel to India a regular/eVisa along with passport is mandatory. Only categories exempted under bilateral arrangments may not need a visa. For persons of Indian origin (all categories), OCI card is mandatory.

e-Visa - Only Ordinary Passport holders may apply for eVisa application online. Select Visa Service as G20 eConference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Regular Visa - Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary Passport holders may fill online application and submit at concerned Indian Embassy/Mission in their country. Select Visa Service as Conference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Travel Troubleshooter: Why Can't I Transit Through London?

By Christopher Elliott

Tribune Media Services

Mita Upadhyay has a "Catch-22" problem with a visa, but British Airways wants $500 to fix it. Is that good customer service -- or a hard lesson learned about having the right paperwork? Q: I'm an Indian national residing in the United States. I was scheduled to fly from Houston to Mumbai on British Airways ( www.ba.com ) recently. My itinerary involved a short stopover in London. In Houston, while checking in with British Airways, I was denied boarding because my work visa was not stamped in my passport. The original visa stamped in my passport had expired and I was traveling to India in order to get my renewed visa stamped at the U.S. consulate in Mumbai. I was carrying an application that permits me to continue living and working legally in the U.S. and to travel abroad. However, before re-entering the U.S., I'm required to obtain a valid U.S. visa stamp in my passport. I tried my best to explain this to the check-in agent; however, she was adamant in not allowing me to transit through London. This was a Catch-22 situation for me -- I could not go to India without my visa stamped in my passport and I could not get my visa stamped unless I visited the consulate in India. The British Airways check-in staff was very unsympathetic and unhelpful. I was quoted a charge of around $500 to allow me to fly on my return ticket when I said I was ready to fly out to Mumbai with a different carrier. I've tried to get a partial refund from the airline for my unused ticket, but it hasn't responded. Can you help me? -- Mita Upadhyay, Corpus Christi, Texas A: British Airways should have made its travel policies regarding visas crystal-clear to you. I checked with the airline, and it insists it did. In order to transit in the UK without a visa on an Indian passport, you need one of seven types of documents, which may include a valid U.S. visa sticker in your passport or a valid U.S. permanent resident card. "Our staff in Houston would seem to have been correct to deny this passenger boarding," said an airline spokeswoman. "There are links on ba.com that allow passengers to check their passport and visa requirements for their journey." At the same time, British Airways should have been more compassionate about your situation, in the interests of good customer service. You couldn't get the required stamp without visiting the consulate in Mumbai. Given your predicament, it would have been a nice gesture of the airline to reroute you on a flight that didn't require a stopover in London. But it wasn't required to do that. Unfortunately, having all your paperwork in order is your responsibility and yours alone. Even if British Airways didn't disclose its visa requirements on its site, you would have still been responsible. And yes, even if your travel agent had told you otherwise. Still, British Airways offered a refund of $125 and a $600 flight credit, which represents half of your airfare to Mumbai -- an exceptionally generous resolution. Christopher Elliott is the author of "Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals" (Wiley). He's also the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the co-founder of the Consumer Travel Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for travelers. You can read more tips on his blog, elliott.org or e-mail him at [email protected] . Christopher Elliott receives a great deal of reader mail, and though he answers them as quickly as possible, your story may not be published for several months because of a backlog of cases. (c)2012 CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

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New air bubble: British Airways will resume flights to India next week

By Condé Nast Traveller

The story has been updated basis the revised guidelines with effect from 10 August.

British Airways will resume service to India from next week, with direct flights to four cities. Starting 17 August, BA will fly to Delhi and Mumbai five times a week and to Hyderabad and Bengaluru four times a week.

BA says these flights are part of the new bilateral agreement—or air bubble, as it is being called —between the UK and India. The airline says it will take all customers, eligible under the guidelines issued by India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), nonstop to London... So who is eligible to fly?

Who can fly to India: Stranded Indian nationals, all Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) holding British passports, and foreigners (including diplomats) holding a valid visa from any category, who are eligible to enter India as per Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines dated 30.06.2020.

Who can fly to the UK:

Any Indian national holding any type of valid UK visa and destined for the UK only.

Stranded UK nationals/residents, foreign nationals transiting through UK or spouses of these persons, whether accompanying or otherwise; and

Seamen of foreign nationalities; Seamen of Indian origin would be allowed subject to clearance from the Ministry of Shipping.

British Airways Visa Signature ® card

New cardmember offer, earn 75,000 bonus avios, at a glance, take your dream vacation getaway sooner.

Travel Credit Card Rewards & Benefits

Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. * Opens offer details overlay

Earn Avios per $1 spent

Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. These category purchases normally earn 1 Avios. * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia purchases. * Opens offer details overlay

Earn 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel. * Opens offer details overlay

10% Off Exclusive Offer

Take 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials. * Opens offer details overlay

Up to $600 Reward Flight Statement Credits

Receive statement credits of $100 for Economy and Premium Economy - or $200 for Business and First Class seats - three times per year, up to $600, when you book a reward flight to London travelling on British Airways and pay taxes, fees and carrier charges with the British Airways Visa Signature ® Card. * Opens offer details overlay

Use your Travel Together Ticket

Explore additional benefits, refer friends.

if you already have a British Airways Visa Signature ® card

Earn up to 50,000 Bonus Avios per year

You can earn 10,000 Bonus Avios for each friend that gets approved for the British Airways Visa Signature ® card. Click the button below to start referring.

Browse credit cards by category

No foreign transaction fees.

You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States. † Opens pricing and terms in new window For example, if you spend $5,000 internationally, you would avoid $150 in foreign transaction fees.

Travel & purchase coverage

Baggage delay insurance.

Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over 6 hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 3 days. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Purchase Protection

Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

If you or an immediate family member check or carry on luggage that is damaged or lost by the carrier, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger. ** Same page link to disclaimer

Extended Warranty Protection

Extends the time period of the manufacturer's U.S. warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less. ** Same page link to disclaimer

** Same page link to disclaimer reference These benefits are available when you use your card. Restrictions, limitations and exclusions apply. Most benefits are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies who are solely responsible for the administration and claims. There are specific time limits and documentation requirements. Once your account is opened we will send you a Guide to Benefits, which includes a full explanation of coverages.

Contactless - Just Tap To Pay

For fast, easy and secure checkout simply tap to pay where you see the Contactless symbol. For more information, please see www.chase.com/contactless Opens in a new window .

Use Avios to Save

You can use your Avios to pay for your taxes, fees, and carrier charges for your reward flight when you call the number on the back of your card to book your flight. * Opens offer details overlay

Apply for a card, use it the same day

Receive instant access to your card by adding it to a digital wallet, like Apple Pay ® , Google Pay ™ or Samsung Pay. Find out how at chase.com/digital/spend-instantly Opens in a new window .

Partner benefits

Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24. * Opens offer details overlay

Chase Pay Over Time SM

Chase Pay Over Time * Opens offer details overlay lets eligible Chase customers break up credit card purchases into budget friendly payments. There are two potential ways to pay over time:

After purchase: Pay off an eligible purchase you've already made of $100 or more * Opens offer details overlay in smaller, equal monthly payments. No Interest- just a fixed monthly fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window with plan durations that range from 3-24 months. Start a plan by selecting an eligible purchase with the "Pay Over Time" option next to the transaction amount in your credit card activity.

At checkout: Chase Credit card members may have the option to create a payment plan at checkout on Amazon.com. Orders totaling $50 or more * Opens offer details overlay using your eligible Chase credit card at Amazon.com could be eligible for Chase Pay Over Time. You will be able to view Chase Pay Over Time plan options (including the fixed APR and durations) at checkout.

Keep in mind: Even though you may have an eligible card, access to Chase Pay Over Time is not guaranteed. Your ability to create a Chase Pay Over Time plan is based on a variety of factors, such as your creditworthiness, credit limit and account behavior, and may change from time to time.

For more information on Chase Pay Over Time features, please visit chase.com/chasepayovertime Opens in a new window .

Offer Details

Offers may vary depending on where you apply, for example online or in a branch, and can change over time. to take advantage of this particular offer now, apply through the method provided in this advertisement. review offer details before you apply., 75,000 bonus avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening:.

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. To qualify and receive your bonus, you must make Purchases totaling $5,000 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) After qualifying, please allow 6 to 8 weeks for bonus Avios to post to your account. To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment.

Earning Avios:

Rewards Program Agreement: For more information about the British Airways card rewards program, view the latest Rewards Program Agreement (PDF) Opens in a new window . We will mail your Rewards Program Agreement once your card account is established. If you become a Chase Online customer, your Rewards Program Agreement will also be available after logging in to chase.com Opens in a new window . How you can earn Avios points: You'll earn Avios points on purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds, made with a British Airways credit card by you or an authorized user of the account. Buying products and services with your card, in most cases, will count as a purchase; however, the following types of transactions won't count and won't earn Avios points: balance transfers, cash advances and other cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable. 5 Avios points per $1 spent on gas, grocery store and dining purchases until the earlier of the end of your first year or first $10,000 spent: You'll earn 5 Avios points total for each $1 spent on purchases made at gas stations, grocery stores and on dining within your first 12 months from account opening, or until you reach $10,000 in purchases, whichever occurs first. This is an additional 4 Avios points on top of the 1 Avios point earned for each $1 spent you earn on those purchases in the program. The additional Avios points will appear on your billing statement in a separate line from the base Avios points you earn. After that, you'll earn 3 Avios points: You'll earn 3 Avios points for each $1 spent on flight purchases made directly with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and LEVEL. 2 Avios points: You'll earn 2 Avios points for each $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. 1 Avios point: You'll earn 1 Avios point for each $1 spent on all other purchases. Information about earning/transferring Avios points to British Airways: Avios points earned during a billing cycle will be automatically transferred to British Airways after the end of each billing cycle. You must have a U.S. address listed on your British Airways Executive Club profile to earn Avios points in the British Airways card rewards program. Avios points expiration: Avios points will expire according to the British Airways Executive Club program terms and conditions which include maintaining Executive Club program activity for 36 consecutive months. Losing Avios points: You'll immediately lose all Avios points that haven't been transferred to British Airways if your card account status changes, or your card account is closed for program misuse, fraudulent activities, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or other reasons described in the terms of the Rewards Program Agreement. Rewards Categories: Merchants who accept Visa/Mastercard credit cards are assigned a merchant code, which is determined by the merchant or its processor in accordance with Visa/Mastercard procedures based on the kinds of products and services they primarily sell. We group similar merchant codes into categories for purposes of making rewards offers to you. Please note: We make every effort to include all relevant merchant codes in our rewards categories. However, even though a merchant or some of the items that it sells may appear to fit within a rewards category, the merchant may not have a merchant code in that category. When this occurs, purchases with that merchant won't qualify for rewards offers on purchases in that category. Purchases submitted by you, an authorized user, or the merchant through third-party payment accounts, mobile or wireless card readers, online or mobile digital wallets, or similar technology will not qualify in a rewards category if the technology is not set up to process the purchase in that rewards category. For more information about Chase rewards categories, see chase.com/RewardsCategoryFAQs Opens in a new window .

10% Discount:

Valid only for new bookings made by US resident Executive Club Members paying in USD with their valid British Airways Visa card issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC, for travel on flights operated by British Airways from the US to London and beyond. Cardmember must travel for booking to qualify for 10% discount. Eligible Cardmembers must log in at www.ba.com/Chase10 and enter the promotion code CHASEBA10 into the marked box on the Price Quote page. 10% discount will appear on the final payment page. Customer booking process is as follows, customer selects flight. Customer will be asked if they have a ‘promotion code or evoucher'. Once customer enters code the customer's discount will then be applied. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer. To be eligible for this discount offer, Cardmember account must be open and not in default at the time of booking purchase. Discount is valid on the total roundtrip or one-way purchase price, including taxes, fees and carrier charges, on mainline flights operated by British Airways. Discount is not valid for flights on code share or franchise carriers. 10% discount on British Airways flights is valid for flight purchase only and does not apply to excess baggage fees, seat assignment fees, purchasing Avios for rewards or rewards fees or any non-air purchases such as hotel or car rental. Roundtrip open jaw bookings are treated as round-trip purchases eligible for only one discount. An example of an open jaw booking is outbound JFK to LON and return PAR to JFK. All rules of purchased fare apply, including advance purchase, minimum stay, weekend-add-ons, and cancellation/refund rules. Other travel related restrictions may apply. Fares not purchased at www.ba.com/Chase10 do not qualify for discount. Discount applies for up to seven passengers in addition to the Cardmember booked on exactly the same British Airways operated flights. Refunds from previously purchased fare types not permitted. British Airways may withdraw this promotion at any time at its discretion and reserves right to cancel bookings made not in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. British Airways standard booking Terms and Conditions including amendment and cancellation charges apply. Bookings via a British Airways call center will incur a $25 per person processing fee. Discount promotion code CHASEBA10 must be quoted at time of booking. All travel is subject to availability. Other significant restrictions may apply. Visit ba.com for full Terms and Conditions of fare rules. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is not responsible for the provision of or failure to provide the stated benefits and services.

Reward Flight Statement Credit:

a. Chase Cardmembers will receive a statement credit of up to $200 US per booking for taxes, fees and charges paid in full using their British Airways credit card ("Card") when redeeming Avios for a reward flight on British Airways. The statement credit will post to the Cardmember's credit card account within 45 days of the eligible booking being ticketed and payment received and will appear on the Cardmember's monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles. Cardmembers are responsible for payment of all charges until the statement credit posts to their account. Account must be open and not in default at the time the statement credit is posted to Cardmember's account. The statement credit will be applied at a booking level (i.e., not per ticket) and be subject to these terms and conditions. b. Cardmembers will receive a $100 statement credit per reward flight booking in economy (World Traveller) or premium economy (World Traveller Plus); or a $200 statement credit for all other reward flight bookings in business (Club World) and First. c. Cardmembers will be eligible to receive no more than three (3) statement credits for three (3) individual bookings in any single calendar year, up to $600 in statement credits per calendar year. d. The booking must be for a transatlantic international travel itinerary redeemed from Cardmember's Executive Club account with the transatlantic portion departing from the United States solely on aircraft operated by British Airways. The booking may include a connecting flight on a code share partner for the non-transatlantic portion of the itinerary. e. If the reward flight booking is cancelled, Chase reserves the right to reverse the statement credit on the Cardmember's credit card account. f. Chase and/or British Airways reserve the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. Chase is only responsible for receiving information from British Airways in order to post the statement credit to your credit card account, and is not responsible for the provision of or failure to provide the rest of the stated benefits and services.

Travel Together Ticket:

Subject to availability. Taxes, fees, and carrier charges apply. British Airways Executive Club terms and conditions apply. Cardmember must make $30,000 in purchases in a single calendar year on their British Airways Visa Card to receive a Travel Together Ticket. Purchases are when you, or an authorized user, use the card to make purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds. Buying products and services with your card, in most cases, will count as a purchase; however, the following types of transactions won't count and won't earn points: balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable. The Travel Together Ticket will be in the form of a voucher that can be redeemed by Cardmember for a companion ticket or a 50% discount on the Avios redemption cost when travelling solo. The voucher is valid for a reward flight on flights listed in the Executive Club Redemption Table taken within 2 years from the date of issue. Cardmember is eligible for only one voucher each calendar year. Your Travel Together Ticket will be issued at the end of the billing cycle that you reach $30,000 in purchases. You will receive the voucher in your British Airways Executive Club account 4-6 weeks after the billing cycle your Travel Together Ticket is issued, and you will not be eligible for another voucher until the next calendar year. Once your Travel Together Ticket is issued, credits to your British Airways credit card account will not cause forfeiture of your Travel Together Ticket. All vouchers will be issued in the name of the main Cardmember who must travel on any booking where the voucher is used. The voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion and is only valid if it has been acquired in accordance with the rules of this promotion. The voucher is not extendable, transferable and has no cash or Avios value. Companion must travel with the Cardmember on both the outbound and inbound journey and be booked at the same time for both directions and in the same travel class. The Chase Travel Together Ticket can only be used for travel on reward flights listed in the Executive Club Redemption table. Additional restrictions apply. Visit ba.com/TravelTogetherTicket for more information.

Paying with Avios

British Airways Visa Signature cardmembers can pay for the taxes, fees and carrier charges for flights using Avios. Cardmembers must make their reward booking via the British Airways Executive Club Contact Centre using the dedicated phone number found in the credit card welcome materials and on the back of the credit card. Avios can be used to reduce the cash price of taxes, fees and carrier charges on the reward booking down to a minimum of $5 USD. This $5 USD payment (or any other amount paid) must be paid by using the British Airways Visa Signature card issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Offer not available on ba.com or via any other booking channel. Reward flights and cabin upgrades are subject to availability. Cash price of taxes, fees and carrier charges are approximately $682-$1,250 per adult in economy (World Traveller) or $1,250 in business (Club World) based on travel between Seattle and London. Avios prices for taxes, fees and carrier charges will be quoted by the British Airways Executive Club Contact Centre representative at time of redemption booking.

Redeem Avios:

Avios can be redeemed for reward flights on British Airways and its airline partners to over 900 destinations worldwide. Airline partners include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines ® , Aer Lingus, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LEVEL, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Royal Air Maroc, and S7 Airlines. Existing Executive Club members will be prompted to enter their Executive Club number. If you are not already an Executive Club member please visit ba.com in order to enroll. Avios will be deposited in your Executive Club account within 4-6 weeks. Redemption of Avios for travel is solely the responsibility of British Airways.

Avios Don't Expire Program Requirements

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New guidelines for Travel to USA on or after NOV 8: Entry Rules, Vaccines, Testing, Exemptions, FAQs

After four months of deliberation on easing entry restrictions for foreign nationals in a calibrated manner, the White House has finally issued new entry rules and travel guidelines for international travelers boarding flights into USA on or after November 8, 2021 . President Biden signed a new proclamation for safe resumption of air travel to the US, replacing all the previous proclamations that imposed country-by-country travel restrictions during the pandemic, with a vaccination-based air travel policy as the premise of entry into the US. The new proclamation exempts children under 18 from the vaccine-based entry policy and comes with limited exceptions for certain foreign individuals (noncitizen nonimmigrants).

The new proclamation will take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST (9:31 p.m. IST) on November 8. The proclamation does not apply to the US-bound passengers of a flight that is scheduled to depart from a foreign country prior to 12:01 a.m. EST on NOV 8. Travel Beats, the exclusive US-India travel news portal owned by Indian Eagle , a most trusted travel partner of the Indian-origin community in the US, decoded the new guidelines for travel to USA.

Picture Credit: Citizen.org

For 18 months, Various Presidential Proclamations restricted entry into the US for certain US visa holders who have been in India and Europe during 14 days prior to their planned travel to the US . However, from November 2021, fully-vaccinated foreign nationals will be able to enter the US without NIE approval and on condition of giving their consent to undergo testing and contact tracing on arrival.

USA’s guidelines for full-vaccinated international arrivals

As per the United States’ new entry rules, fully-vaccinated international travelers, irrespective of their citizenship, immigration status and visa,  must carry proof of vaccination and a negative report (with a QR code if travel originates in India) of the COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to their scheduled departure for the US. Fully vaccinated international arrivals may not be needed to undergo quarantine in the US. Those who took the second jab of a two-dose vaccine or the jab of one-dose Janssen approved or listed by WHO, at least 14 days before their scheduled travel to the US, are considered fully vaccinated.

The proof of vaccination must be a paper or digital certificate issued by an official source in the country where the vaccine was administered. It should have the vaccine name, the date(s) of receiving the vaccine dose(s), and the traveler’s name as well as date of birth. Airlines are directed to verify the US-bound passengers’ proof of vaccination prior to onboarding them.

USA’s new entry rules for children under 18

The United States’ vaccine-based entry requirement does not apply to unvaccinated children under 18, starting on November 8, until further notice. This exemption will be reviewed when vaccines will be rolled out and available for children under 18 in different parts of the world.

The pre-departure testing window (72 hours) remains unaltered for unvaccinated children (between the ages of 2 and 17) if they are accompanied by fully-vaccinated adults. If an unvaccinated child travels to USA alone or with an unvaccinated adult (in limited cases), the child needs to take a COVID-19 viral test within 24 hours prior to scheduled departure from the country of travel origin.

The US’ pre-arrival or pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement does not apply to children under 2 years of age.

International airlines will be required to collect contact information of their USA-bound passengers traveling from or via the countries which have been subject to the Presidential Proclamations till date. It will help with contact-tracing of international arrivals in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a federal public health agency. In October, a directive on this will be issued to the airlines operating flights to USA from India , the UK and EU countries.

USA’s new entry rules accept these vaccines for international arrivals

You must be wondering which vaccines will be accepted for international travelers’ entry into the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the COVID-19 vaccines that WHO has approved or listed for emergency use will be accepted as part of the criteria for restrictions-free travel to the United States. The WHO-approved COVID vaccines are Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Janssen, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Covishield (India), Sinopharm (Beijing), and Sinovac. On November 3, WHO approved Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for emergency use. “Earlier this week, we informed airlines of the vaccines that would be accepted for arrival of international travelers from foreign countries,” the CDC added.

As the CDC approved the WHO-listed COVID vaccines, the Covishield or Covaxin-vaccinated Indians on B1/B2 and other US visas will be able to travel to the US without NIE approval or a 14-day stopover in a third country. After a lot of dillydallying, WHO approved and listed Covaxin for emergency use. Hence, Covaxin-inoculated Indians will not be subjected to the United States’ entry and travel restrictions. Recently, Australia, Oman, Iran, Philippines, Greece, Mauritius, Mexico and Estonia have reopened to Covaxin-vaccinated Indians.

New guidelines for unvaccinated US citizens and LPRs’ travel to USA

President Biden’s new proclamation on safe resumption of air travel to the US is equally stringent for unvaccinated US citizens and legal permanent residents returning to the country on or after November 8. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Americans and Green card holders will be able to enter the US, but they will have to take a COVID-19 viral test within 24 hours prior to undertaking the scheduled travel from a foreign country and a test on arrival in the US.

The same pre-departure testing window (24 hours) applies to fully-vaccinated US citizens and LPRs in case they are unable to show their proof of vaccination.

Also Check: India starts issuing tourist visa to foreign nationals

Who are exempted from USA’s vaccination requirement for entry?    

The United States’ new travel guidelines for international arrivals suspend the entry of unvaccinated noncitizen nonimmigrants (mostly foreign nationals), starting on November 8. However, the new proclamation comes with limited exceptions that allow the arrival of unvaccinated noncitizen nonimmigrants in certain cases.

• Children under 18 years of age
• Foreign nationals traveling to USA for emergency or humanitarian reasons, as determined by the Director of CDC
• Foreign nationals traveling to USA for the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security
• Sea crew members and crew members of an airline or other aircraft operator
• Participants of certain clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccination, as determined by the Director of CDC
• Members of the US Armed Forces and their immediate family members
• Foreign government officials and their immediate family members
• Those traveling on non-tourist visas from countries with the limited vaccine availability
• Those whose travel purpose is within the scope of the Section 11 of the UN Headquarters Agreement or the US legal obligation (they should have a letter of invitation from the United Nations or other document issued by a US legal body)
• Those who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 due to rare medial contraindications, as determined by the Director of CDC

Book the best flights to USA before fares skyrocket 

Since May 4, 2021, the White House imposed entry restrictions on certain visa holders from India and a few other countries through the Presidential Proclamation 10199. Since then, Indians, including B2 visa holders, have been either seeking National Interest Exception or bypassing the US entry restrictions via a third country. The United States’ new entry guidelines for fully-vaccinated foreign visitors will relieve Indians of the hassles of applying for NIE approval or taking a 15-day stopover in Doha or Dubai.

FAQs on new rules for travel to USA on and after November 8 

What proof of vaccination should I provide to the airline as per America’s new rules for the arrival of Covishield-vaccinated Indians?

Your proof of vaccination must be an International Travel Certificate that you can download from the government of India’s CoWin portal. The certificate is compliant with WHO’s digital format for vaccination proof. The vaccine certificate/international travel certificate should specify the vaccine name, vaccine type, vaccine manufacturer, number and dates of the doses administered, other than your date of birth and passport number. Log in to the CoWin portal with your registered phone number, navigate to the ‘International Travel Certificate’ section and click on it. Enter your date of birth (as per the given format) and passport number. Then click on ‘Submit’. The certificate is ready to be downloaded. You can take a printout or carry a soft copy on your mobile device.

My name on the vaccine certificate does not match my name on the passport. Will it affect my travel to USA from India?

Your name on the vaccine proof/certificate must be the same as that on the passport. You can correct or update your name on the CoWin portal only once. Login to the CoWin portal and click the ‘Raise an Issue’ button. A dropdown menu appears. Select ‘Add Passport Details’ in the dropdown menu and click on this. Enter your passport details including the full name and hit ‘Submit’. Once you receive the confirmation message to the registered phone number, you can download the certificate. The process may take up to a few hours in some cases.

I was granted a National Interest Exception in August and the approval is valid through July 2022. Will I be able to use the NIE approval for travel on or after November 8?

If you are Covishield-vaccinated and have the proof of vaccination, you won’t need the NIE approval to travel to the US from India after the new proclamation takes effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on NOV 8. The national interest exception may help you travel to the US if you are still unvaccinated or inoculated with Covaxin (which WHO has not yet approved). However, President Biden’s new proclamation does not clarify this. Hence, be advised to check with the US Embassy or consulate that granted the NIE approval to you.

I am an unvaccinated US citizen. I am traveling to India for a week due to an emergency. Will I be able to travel back after November 8, given my non-vaccination status?

Being a US citizen, you will be able to travel back, regardless of your vaccination status. As per the new rules for travel and entry into the US, you will have to take a COVID-19 viral test within 24 hours prior to your scheduled return flight from India. Most labs in India deliver COVID-19 test results within 48-72 hours of the sample collection. That’s why CDC recommends that you carry a US-authorized proctored self-test kit to be used prior to your return travel from India. The self-test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test with Emergency Use Authorization from FDA. The testing procedure must include a tele-health service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Please be advised to check with the India-bound airline and the Indian Embassy whether you can bring a US-authorized self-test kit to India.

I have a valid US visitor visa and proof of vaccination (Covishield). Can I travel to USA via Europe once the travel restrictions are revoked with effect from NOV 8?  

After November 8, 2021, you can travel to the US via Europe. However, major European airlines such as British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic may continue to restrict onboarding of Indian passport holders whose final destination is beyond Europe. Maybe, these airlines lift the restriction on or after NOV 8.

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92 thoughts on “ new guidelines for travel to usa on or after nov 8: entry rules, vaccines, testing, exemptions, faqs ”.

Is it safer to wait for further announcement on exact dates of the new rules to implemented before booking tickets?

Hi Koustav! We hope the exact date will be announced in the first week of November.

Hi – Any idea when we will know the exact date in November, I am planning to have my parents travel on November 4th

Hi Mahender! There is still no further update on this. We are keeping a watch. As soon as there is further development on this, we will share through the article.

Do you still require OCI if you are traveling to India from USA?

Hi Dhruv! If you are a US citizen, you require an OCI card or an entry visa or a tourist visa.

Hello, US citizen with visitor visa which were suspended due to Covid- can I now travel with those visa? Hema

Hi Hema! The existing tourist visas are currently not valid for entry to India. You need to apply for a fresh tourist visa for travel on or after November 15.

Can we travel on nov 8 from ind to usa?

Hi Priya! If you are fully vaccinated with any of the WHO-approved vaccines, you are good to travel from India on Nov 9, which is Nov 8 in the US.

Hello, I am travelling with my family from Delhi to Newark from Air India flight on Nov 9. We are family of 4. Me, my wife and my elder kid(13 year_ are having H1 and H4 visa and my younger kid (4 years) is US citizen. Except my younger kid we all 3 are fully vaccinated in USA (Pfizer). I understand we have to get covid negative RT-PCR report before 72 hours of departure for all of us. Is there anything else we need to do? I heard some airports are asking to take rapid test on the airport before boarding? Please advise

Hi Sumit! Taking a rapid PCR test at the airport is not for travel to the US. It is for those traveling to the UAE from India. You don’t need to worry about this.

Can you still enter USA from mexico with 14 day quarantine without vaccine ? Is vaccine now required for all non US citizens ?

Hi Redtar! There is yet no clarification on this.

can my vaccinated sister travel to US with an unvaccinated daughter who is 9 years of age?

Hi Archana! As per the information available, the US will allow the entry of unvaccinated children accompanied by vaccinated adults. In the coming days, the White House is expected to release more specifics about unvaccinated children from foreign countries, including India.

Is there a restriction on which airlines are allowed to fly indian nationals with visitor visa?

Hi Pramod! The visitor visa holders from India have not been able to travel on British Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and a few other European airlines till date. These airlines may fly Indian nationals with US visitor visas starting on November 8. We will keep you posted.

Any update on this?

Thanks. How about American Airlines with layover in London?

Indians with a US visitor visa can travel on American Airlines via London.

My In Laws are planning to travel on Nov 8th. Recent update from US government the rules start for passengers on flights which are departing after 12:01 AM EST. If the flight is from lets say emirates or qatar where we will have 2 legs of flight (Delhi -> Doha -> Chicago), do we need to consider the departure time from the 1st leg from Delhi? or the departure time of the 2nd flight from Doha? Please help regarding this information.

Hi Akarsh! You should consider the departure time from the first leg of your itinerary.

Are booking tickets on Emirates or qatar better bet than British or Lufthansa? Since there is no clarity on transit

Hi Sharan! What is your exact query?

This is regarding transit to US, flying from India so as per bubble, can we fly on British/AA through London on 19 Nov with B1/B2?

Hi Sharan! Starting on NOV 8, B1/B2 visa holders can transit via London. But we are not sure about B1/B2 visa holders’ travel on BA-AA flights. Hope we can give an update on this the next week.

Hi there, As you mentioned, do you have any updates on this? Im planning to book for my parents from India to USA for the first week of Dec (BA-AA/MAA-LHR-NYC) and this frustrating bubble agreement without any clarity is causing hiccups. Appreciate your help!

Hi Santosh! If British Airways’ air bubble agreement with the government of India remains unaltered through December, Indian citizens won’t be able to travel on BA flights or BA-AA codeshare flights.

Any update on B1/B2 being allowed to go to US on BA with transit through London?

Hi Sharan! There is still no update. As of today, British Airways’ restrictions remain unaltered for the US-bound Indian citizens (unless they are spouses of US citizens).

Hello, I am a US citizen traveling to Bengaluru from San Francisco via Paris and reaching on 1st Nov. Besides the RT PCR test needed to be taken again at the airport in Bengaluru, are there any other local requirements to be met?

What happens to people who had taken covaxin ( which is not certified by WHO ) ? are they considered in vaccinated ? What rules apply to them

Hi Sree! Covaxin is still not approved by WHO and the US government. WHO is likely to give its verdict on the emergency use listing of Covaxin in the first week of November.

Hi Indian Eagle, Can you please advise on this question – As you have mentioned US is opening to most vaccinated passengers from 8th Nov – so can fully vaxxed Indian citizens (with Covishield) holding US tourist visa(B1/B2) travel on air bubble approved direct flights from India to US? Like on on direct routes operated by Air India, United, Delta after 8th November as DGCA extended ban on scheduled flights upto 30th November.

Hi Indian Eagle, Can you please advise on this question – As you have mentioned US is opening to most vaccinated passengers from 8th Nov – so can fully vaxxed Indian citizens (with Covishield) holding US tourist visa(B1/B2) travel on air bubble approved direct flights from India to US? Like on on direct routes operated by Air India, United, Delta after 8th November as DGCA extended ban on scheduled flights upto 30th November. Thank you!

Hi Sid! Starting on NOV 8, fully-vaccinated (Covishield) Indians can travel to USA on direct flights and one-stop flights. Currently air bubble flights are being operated – which has nothing to do with the continued suspension of regular/normal scheduled international flights.

Awesome! Thank you!

Hi, My In Laws are traveling from Mumbai to New York via Emirates with lay over at Dubai for 5 hours on 14th Nov. They are fully vaccinated with Covishield. My question is , is there any restriction from Emirates or Dubai airport that they need to comply by like taking test at Dubai airport due to 5 hours layover?

Hi Jay! There is not such requirement or restriction during transit in Dubai. The only test they need to take is within 72 hours prior to their scheduled departure from Mumbai.

Hi – Can Indian citizens fly to US either via Dubai/Doha/London after Nov 8 or does the stupid air bubble require direct flights from India to US? This air bubble only benefits the coffers of Air India and the government. All hard working people need to pay three to four time more for an air ticket. Ridiculous

Hi Raj! Fully-vaccinated (Covishield) Indians can travel to USA via the Middle East or Europe. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways onboard Indian citizens from India, while major European airlines including British Airways, Lufthansa and Air France don’t onboard Indians (mostly on B1/B2 visa) from India if their final destination is beyond Europe. This restriction may be relaxed on or after NOV 8.

Hello indianeagle,

My aunt is an Indian passport holder and a US LPR. She is fully vaccinated (Moderna), and has her proof of vaccination. She is currently in India and plans to fly to the US next month (December 2021). She understands the RT-PCR pre-travel testing requirement.

Will she be able to fly from India to the US (with a 3-hour layover in London) on British Airways? To be clear, she plans to stay inside the transit area of Heathrow airport during her layover.

Would appreciate your insights, especially in light of the Nov 8 proclamation.

Thank you for your time.

Hi RK! As of today, Indian passport holders (unless they are spouses of US citizens) cannot travel on BA flights from India if their final destination is beyond the UK. If this restriction is relaxed or lifted in the near future, we will definitely share the update.

Can you please update the information about travel from Washington DC to New Delhi via Abu Dhabi on Etihad and return in November 2021 for fully vaccinated traveler with Indian passport.

Hi CP! What is your exact query about the travel between DC and Delhi?

Hi, I am currently on an F1 student visa in the USA (fully vaccinated), I am visiting India in December and will be back in January 2022. I have booked a British Airways flight with transit in London, will I be allowed to board the flight from India to the USA (BOM-LHR-EWR)?

Hi Sanghvi(K)! If British Airways’ air bubble agreement with the government of India remains unaltered by the time you will travel back, you won’t be able to travel on BA for the destination beyond the UK.

I am travelling to Ahmedabad from Houston via Doha by Qatar Airways in Dec.2021. I am fully vaccinated with booster dose so on arrival at Ahmedabad is it mandatory to get tested for COVID?

Hi Patel! If you are asymptomatic and meet all the pre-departure guidelines, you don’t need to take additional test on arrival.

I am planning to fly my parents (covishield vaccinated) from Hyderabad to Seattle sometime in the end of November. Is there any confirmation from British airways reg. if they will allow Indian passengers to transit via LHR ?

Hi Ray! As of today, British Airways’ restrictions remain unaltered for the US-bound Indian citizens. We mean that British Airways does still not onboard US-bound Indian citizens.

Hi IndiaEagle,

I booked tickets to travel from DEL to LAX via DXB in Emirates on 11/30/2021. I am fully vaccinated and I plan to take RT-PCR test 72 hrs prior to my departure.

I got to know that passengers traveling to MiddleEast need to take an RT-PCR test at airport prior to departure. Do I need to take that even if I am transiting at Dubai ?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Hi Revanth! Does your itinerary have layover of more than 10 hours at Dubai Airport? If yes, then you need to take a rapid PCR test at the departure airport within 6 hours of scheduled boarding.

No, I only have 3hr 10 min layover in DXB. I guess I dont need to take rapid PCR at airport. Thank you.

My parents are scheduled to travel from Bengaluru to US via Frankfurt on Nov 15th. They have B1/B2 US visa and vaccinated, are there any restrictions in Boarding USA bound Lufthansa flights from Indian aiports since the Nov 8 travel ban been lifted by US? Thanks

Hi Ravi! In our knowledge, Lufthansa is not onboarding Indian passport holders from India if their final destination is beyond Germany. Please be advised to check with the airline.

Hello, This is not accurate information. My parents were able to fly from Bengaluru to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Houston without any issues. The travel ban has been removed for foreigners with valid US visa to travel to US since Nov 8. British Airways maybe the only airilne that is probably restricting travellers from boarding in India for passengers bound to US. Ravi

Hi Ravi! Good to know this. Thank you for sharing this with us. We will recheck with our sources.

Hi, I am currently on an F1 student visa in the USA (fully vaccinated), I am visiting India in December and will be back in January 2022. I am planning to book via japan air lines [ HYD-DEL-HND-DFW ] . can I travel via japan airlines back to the USA. should I need to take an NIE to travel back to the USA ??

Hi Venkata! Fully-vaccinated travelers from India do not need NIE approval for travel to the US.

Hi, My family holds b1/b2 visa and are planning to travel to US from Delhi. Can they transit through Paris or Amsterdam on Air France or KLM flight? Both airlines have a code share with Delta as well.

Hi Vishal! They can if the flights are ticketed and operated by Delta Airlines.

Hi, I am planning to travel to India from United States next week and back in 2 weeks. Do I need to be getting my covid test 48 hours prior or 72 hours prior?

Hi Lata! You need to take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to traveling from the US.

HI Indian eagle team,

Is there any travel restriction to travel India to USA connecting through Landon ?

Hi RK! There is no restriction on transit in London when you travel from India to USA, but in our knowledge, British Airways is not onboarding Indian passport holders (unless their spouse is a US citizen) from India if their destination is beyond the UK.

Hi I have my parent flying from Delhi to Newark on 23rd Dec by Airindia Ai105…is this a bubble flight authorized by both India n US government?

Hi Neha! All international flights which are currently being operated are air bubble flights.

Planning to travel BOM-DOH-SFO on Qatar Airways on 5th Feb 2022. We are Green Card Holders, Fully Vaccinated (including Covishield pre-cautionary dose). Apart from Negative RT-PCR Test 24 Hours ; is any other travel requirements to be fulfilled? Will appreciate your guidence. Thanks and Best Regards

Hi Ravi! You must be fully vaccinated and fill in an attestation form for travel to USA.

Planning to have my brother and sister-in-law with B1/B2 travel visa to travel from BOM-DOH-JFK by Qatar Airways in the 3rd week of March. They are fully vaccinated with 2 doses of Covishield and Covaccine , wanted to check if they will be able to travel. If yes, then what all documents are needed at the immigration as I’m currently on H1-B visa and apart from Negative RT-PCR Test 24 Hours is there any other travel requirements to be fulfilled?

Thanks in advance for your reply

Hi Nate! Being fully-vaccinated, they can travel. Apart from the negative COVID-19 viral test report, they need to fill out the US government’s attestation form and Qatar Airways’ consent form.

Is there any travel restriction to travel from India to USA via London? Particularly, British Airlines? I’m planning to have my fully vaccinated parents to travel from India -london- USA. They are on visitor visa. Thanks in advance!

Hi AK! Your parents can travel this route if the BA flight is ticketed or operated by American Airlines, a codeshare partner of British Airways. They can travel if the itinerary is a combination of BA (from India to London) and AA (from London to USA).

IS OCi card holder from US to India allow without vaccination?

Hi Sarah! Anyone traveling to India from USA, be he/she is an OCI cardholder, must either be fully-vaccinated or take an RT-PCR test and upload the negative report on Air Suvidha within 72 hours before taking the journey.

Hi, can I travel to the USA from India using Lufthansa airlines via Frankfurt?. Thanks

Hi Vishnu! You can.

I am planning to travel from Tampa –> New York –> Doha –> Mumbai, operated by JetBlue Airways & Etihad Airways. Do I need transit visa in Doha? Layover time is 2hrs 55 min in Doha. I am an Indian citizen & my H1B visa is expired.

Hi Pritam! No transit visa is required for the Middle East even though your US visa has expired. However, be advised to check the same with the airline.

I am planning to have my parents fly on April 2022 to USA (PHL). They both are fully vaccinated with Covaxin. Do they need to take a negative COVID 19 Test 24 hrs or 48 hrs or 72 hrs in advance of their travel date? Pls clarify.

Hi Arthi! If the United States’ COVID-19 testing requirement remains unchanged through April, your parents will have to take an antigen or RT-PCR test the day before their international flight from India.

Hi, Has anyone booked tickets on British airways for parents coming from India with US Visa, I tried to call BA but their call center is closed currently, but my friend had to cancel BA tickets for his parents recently and book thru Qatar airways because of this restriction transiting thru London for US Visa holders. I am planning to book a ticket for my Mom with these dates, May 23 – Nov 14.

Hi Ramki, did you get any further information regarding your question? I have booked flights for my parents this month with BA. I am hearing that the Indian passport holders are still not eligible to travel to US with BA. Please let me know if you have any updates?

Regards, Rakesh

Hi, Flying from USA to India 1 stop via London Heathrow on a AA + British Airways ticket. Does it require a UK transit visa? Any travel restrictions for H1B visa holders? My status is H1B visa on passport has expired but have H1B approval notice (so basically going to India for stamping).

Hi Rahul! Currently, there are no travel restrictions. In case of visa expiration on your passport, you may need a transit visa to travel via Europe. Be advised to check the same with your nearest Indian consulate.

Are there any restriction for travel from India to USA connecting through London by British Airways for B2 Visa holders?

Hi Karthik! There are no restrictions on transit through London for B2 visa holders from India.

Was a transit visa required at LHR for a India to USA round trip ? This is for a Indian passport holder with valid B1/B2 US tourist visa. Please share your experiences.

Hi Naresh! Indian passport holders having a valid US visa don’t need a transit visa for London Heathrow.

USA to India via London , expired H1B Visa on Passport , Is Transit VISA needed for UK ? As i read from this Indian commission link https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/page/transit-visa/ its not needed.

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British Airways supervisor on the run in India over visa racket: Report

An investigation into the issue discovered that all passengers were checked in by the same man who wrongly verified the travellers had an electronic travel authorisation to enter a chosen country..

British police are working with their Indian counterparts to trace a British Airways supervisor believed to be on the run in India after his role in an alleged GBP 3 million visa scam from over five years came to light, according to a UK media report on Tuesday.

‘The Sun’ newspaper reports that the unnamed 24-year-old suspect worked at Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport and is said to have charged customers GBP 25,000 per trip to abuse a loophole and fly them across the British Airways (BA) network without crucial visa documents.

British police are now said to be working with their Indian counterparts to try to trace the man, who reportedly vanished with his partner – a BA ground services staffer – after he was arrested on January 6 and released on bail.

He is believed to have flown out to India where he has reportedly bought several properties. “As part of his fiddle, he got clients, most from India, to fly to the UK on a temporary visitor visa where he arranged for them to jet elsewhere,” the newspaper reports.

“Other clients were UK-based asylum claimants who feared being returned to their country of origin. Canadian authorities raised the alarm after years of BA flights to Toronto and Vancouver on which arrivals would immediately declare asylum,” it adds.

An investigation into the issue discovered that all passengers were checked in by the same man who wrongly verified the travellers had an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter a chosen country. An ETA can be applied for by a passenger only in their country of origin and therefore should have been rejected.

“He exploited a loophole knowing that immigration checks are no longer carried out by officials but are left to airline staff,” ‘The Sun’ newspaper quoted a source as saying.

“By inputting wrong data, and claiming eTA documents had been secured, he got people to countries they had no permission to enter in the first place. On arrival, the bogus passengers would shred their documents and claim asylum. Many jetted to Britain to pay him to get them to Canada,” the source said, adding that the full extent of the scam remains unknown.

“We’re assisting the authorities with their investigation,” a BA spokesperson said.

• visa fraud case

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Transiting through Heathrow for Indian Passport Holders - Air Travel Forum

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They have valid 10 year Multiple Entry vise for the US.

Their transit time through Heathrow is less than 3 hours.

They have been vaccinated.

They will be taking the test 48/72 hours before boarding the flight as required by the airlines .

Are there any issues/restrictions I can anticipate because of the current Covid -19 issues.

Thanks for your feedback.

India is on the Red List for the UK now, see thread just below yours

And most people can’t enter the USA if they have been in the UK in the last 14 days - and transit, even without crossing the UK border, counts as being in UK.

@ Level Contributor

Travel insurance?

See question 1.3 at the US Embassy site below:

"Transiting a country covered by the proclamation (including the UK), even without exiting the airport, counts as physical presence within that country and triggers the application of the proclamation."

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/u-s-visa-and-travel-faqs/

If they are non refundable flights and the flights operate, they won’t be due a refund. If booked directly with the airline , they may be allowed to charge the route or change the date.

Thanks for the explanation!

But if the flight goes ahead but they are not permitted to travel, the right to a refund depends on the terms and conditions of the ticket they purchased. An analogous situation would be someone who needs a visa to travel to their destination but does not get it. That is the passenger's responsibility, not the airline's.

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How to get a multi-year Schengen visa on your Indian passport

There's good news for indian passport holders who are planning to visit europe this summer. the eu is easing the schengen visa process for frequent travellers..

Listen to Story

• Visiting Europe is getting easier for Indian passport holders
• A new 'cascade' visa scheme will allow frequent travellers to get a multi-year multiple-entry Schengen visa
• However, you need to meet certain criteria to be able to apply for this 'cascade' visa

There's good news for Indian passport holders who want to visit Europe this year on. The European Union is looking to ease Schengen visa processes for Indian tourists.

Dubai: British Airways is hoping for immediate gains from its relaunched daily services on the Abu Dhabi to London route after a gap of four years.

“We very much prioritized this return (to Abu Dhabi) in time for the summer,” said Calum Laming, British Airways' Chief Customer Officer. “Post-Eid is a perfect time to fly. That’s a testament to the importance of the Abu Dhabi route because we have had to prioritize it over other routes.” (British Airways will also be returning to full services to Bangkok and Kuala Lampur before the end of this year.)

The network optimization on services to the UAE is part of the airline’s $8.9 billion transformation plan, said Laming. The carrier will tap into Abu Dhabi’s growing leisure and business travel markets in a big way. There are also plans for a new lounge later this year in Dubai, which will be the first to feature British Airways' new lounge design.

London Heathrow is one of the Top 5 destinations for passengers at Zayed International Airport, with 290,000 passengers flying this route in the first quarter of 2024. On why the airline took four years to return to Abu Dhabi, Laming said British Airways has faced challenges expanding post-pandemic as ‘availability of new aircraft has been scarce’.

The airline relaunched its daily services in Dubai in 2021. Laming explained, “We would’ve ideally liked to start flight sooner, and it has been an important part (of its growth plan). Of course, being able to grow after the pandemic has been difficult.”

Passenger numbers on British Airways’ first return flight from Abu Dhabi have been robust. Plus the airline offers a ‘uniquely British original experience that no one else can match’. “We have a very strong history, being well over 100 years old, and we've had a long history on this particular route,” the official added.

That said, the airline faces stiff competition from UAE carriers Etihad Airways and Emirates, which have much higher frequencies to London Heathrow and other destinations in the UK and have hit nearly 100 per cent recovery rates post-pandemic.

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