Viral: Woman shares the struggles of having an Indian passport and how it differs from the American ones
There's a reason why people describe travelling as the best teacher of life. When you explore the various places of the world, you face odd situations at odd times and come face to face with different facets of your own personality.
What you also understand is how different your birth country is from other countries and how countries where you are not a citizen will not prioritise you as much as your own.
Anisha Arora, an Indian woman in the United States is going viral for her Instagram video where she shared her struggles with having an Indian passport and how it made her experience different from travellers that had an American one.
Arora filmed a video in a small hotel room, where she was staying after she and many other passengers missed their connection because of a delayed flight.
She revealed how other passengers who missed their flight were assigned 5-star hotel rooms due to their American passports however, she was given a capsule-sized room in the German airport where she was stuck.
How an Indian passport can change your travel experience?
Image credits: Getty Images
'I never really cared about my passport until now,' she said in the video.
'My flight from Frankfurt got missed because the connecting flight got delayed. So while other passengers are getting free stays at five-star hotels and free breakfast and dinners, I am stuck in this stupid capsule.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
The all new SP125 that comes with advance technology & features
Honda
Learn More
Undo
She then panned her camera to show the area of the room which could be seen at a glance, considering its small size. She also added how those with an American passport had 20 hours where they could go out and explore Germany whereas she had to stay in her room as she did not have a Schengen visa.
The young woman who is based in New York City said 'Any other US citizen in my position would have been so happy because they just got free everything and 20 hours to explore a new country, but not me because I have an Indian passport.'
Netizens react to Anisha Arora's experience
India currently holds the 82nd rank on the Henley Passport Index whereas the US is at the 10th spot. Thus, when compared to American citizens, Indian passport holders don't enjoy a lot of facilities during travel.
Various netizens reacted to Arora's experience with surprised and shocked reactions.
"Why are people angry? She is right. That's how Indian Passport holders are treated in almost all developed countries.
You don't really understand how bad it is until you actually come to Europe or U.S." commented a person under her post.
"It's okay. We are only at 80th in passport ranking. If things go well we will soon be the 100th. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼" quipped another.
However, many shared how they did not receive the same treatment at other airports. "I am glad that Turkish Airlines didn't treat me like that at Sao Paulo 😭....They gave me free 5 star hotel stay ...I was grateful 🥲" wrote one, "Wow, I experienced quite the opposite. Missed my transit flight to Brisbane. So the airline had arranged a 5 star room and issued a new ticket to Brisbane. Even gave me a $150 to spend on taxi, meal and shopping too.
" added another.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
'Tried to flush toilet paper in Asia?': US influencer family mocked over Airbnb meltdown
An American family travelling through Asia sparked backlash after sharing a video claiming they were kicked out of an Airbnb due to a clogged toilet. The Hendrix family from Chicago, who are full-time travellers and content creators, posted footage of their luggage left outside the property, along with a shot of the toilet filled with unflushed tissue. The family posted footage of their luggage left outside the property, along with a shot of the toilet filled with unflushed tissue.(Instagram/thehendrixtribe) 'Kicked out of our Airbnb. In a foreign country. With 3 kids. Over a clogged toilet,' the video caption read. According to the family, they had reported the flush wasn't working, but it wasn't fixed. They were told that 'in Southeast Asia, low water pressure is normal.' After several days of issues, they contacted Airbnb support. That's when the situation reportedly escalated. 'That's when the host lost it. Told us to leave and promised a refund. But we were already past the refund window,' the video caption continued. 'We didn't want to go.4 Airbnb had just opened an investigation. The next morning, he showed up yelling at our door, giving us 30 minutes to leave. No kindness. No refund. Just chaos.' Take a look at the video here: Internet roasts family The family managed to book a new Airbnb in the same complex later that day. But rather than receiving sympathy, the family was flooded with criticism online, with users accusing them of playing the victim. 'I find it really funny that you and your family always seem to be the perpetual victims in every post,' wrote one user. Another commented: 'So you tried to flush toilet paper in a country where everyone knows not to flush toilet paper, and then rather than unclogging the toilet yourselves, you turned it into an issue with the booking site. Yeah, I'd ask you to leave too.' A third explained: 'In some countries, the water pressure is pretty low, and they don't throw their toilet paper in the toilet. Especially Asian countries it's pretty common to have a separate bin to throw that stuff away.'
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
First batch of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims return to India, feted by Sikkim
The Sikkim government on Tuesday (July 1, 2025) feted the first batch of 39 people who returned from their pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar in China's Tibet. Each pilgrim was presented with a khada, a traditional ceremonial scarf, and a certificate of participation in the 22-day trip by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and the State Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Certificates of participation were also presented to two liaison officers and a medical officer who accompanied the 33 pilgrims from Gangtok to the Kailash Mansarovar stretch of the journey. 'For many, it remains a dream to make it to Kailash Mansarovar, one of the holiest pilgrimages for Indians. Your successful journey will be an inspiration for others to undergo the once-in-a-lifetime experience,' said C.S. Rao, Sikkim's Additional Chief Secretary in charge of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, after giving away the certificates. Rajendra Chhetri, Chief Executive Officer of the STDC, said the Minister of External Affairs chose the corporation as the nodal agency to manage the Indian leg of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2015. 'We managed the yatra for five years till 2019, but it was paused after the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions with China. We had to hurriedly manage two acclimatisation centres — one at 17th Mile at an altitude of 11,000 ft and the other at Sherathang (13,500 ft) — after we received confirmation in February-end that the yatra would be resumed,' he told The Hindu. 'The return of the first batch with all members in high spirits is encouraging, but it will be a job well done only after the tenth batch completes the yatra successfully in August,' he said. The first batch of pilgrims, aged between 19 and 69, is scheduled to depart Sikkim on Wednesday and fly to Delhi via Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. The buses that will drop them at Baghdogra will pick up the fourth batch of tourists. One of the tourists, Mumbai-based Pranav Gupta, narrated his experience. 'The feeling of having been at the abode of Lord Shiva is indescribable, but as the first batch of Indian tourists, we had the responsibility on our shoulders — to set the tone with the right attitude and behaviour in a foreign land,' he said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IndiGo direct flights to UK: Airline makes long-haul debut on Mumbai–Manchester route; check schedule
IndiGo, India's largest airline by market share, has launched its first direct long-haul service between Mumbai and Manchester, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. The thrice-weekly flights will operate using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft under a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways, the company said Tuesday. The new route signals IndiGo's entry into the long-haul segment and aligns with its broader global growth strategy titled 'Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers'. The service is expected to cater to business travellers, students, tourists, and the Indian diaspora in the UK, while boosting economic, cultural, and educational exchanges between the two countries, ET reported. 'As we embark on our long-haul journey with the launch of direct flights between Mumbai and Manchester, this moment marks our transition from a successful regional carrier to one with growing global relevance,' said Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo. 'This new service, operated by our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, ensures greater comfort, seamless connectivity, and choice to our customers. We are also delighted to offer specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages to all passengers, with an elevated dining and service experience. This milestone is also a reflection of IndiGo's growing global ambition and its contribution to India's emergence as a global aviation hub. We are confident that this route will not only serve the large diaspora but also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the two countries,' Elbers added. The aircraft features a two-class configuration with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy seats, each equipped with seatback screens providing 300 hours of in-flight entertainment. All passengers will receive complimentary hot meals featuring regional Indian cuisine curated from domestic brands. Flight schedule (local times): 6E 0031: Departs Mumbai at 04:25, arrives in Manchester at 10:05 (Tue, Thu, Sat) 6E 0032: Departs Manchester at 12:05, arrives in Mumbai at 01:55 the next day The Manchester launch is part of IndiGo's broader FY25 internationalisation plan, which includes launching services to 10 new overseas destinations, such as London, Athens, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Siem Reap, and four Central Asian cities. IndiGo has stated it aims to grow its international network from 40 to 50 destinations by the end of the financial year. 'There is tremendous opportunity in Indian aviation, where surging demand is being matched by rapid infrastructure growth,' Elbers had said in May. IndiGo currently operates more than 2,300 flights daily with a fleet exceeding 430 aircraft, serving over 90 domestic and 40 international locations. The airline has also planned over 100 new routes for the current financial year. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
