Latest news with #visaWaiver
Times
07-07-2025
- Times
Do I need an Esta to travel to the US? Everything you need to know
The Esta, which was introduced in August 2008, is a pre-authorisation for travel to the US. Citizens from 42 countries — including the UK — must apply for one before travel, unless a proper visa is required. It's important to note that the Esta is not a visa, rather a visa waiver; an authorised application does not necessarily permit entry when you arrive in the US. Google 'Esta application' and you'll find there are many copycat sites willing to apply for one on your behalf; make sure you always use the official site ( Here's what you need to know. Broadly, if you're a Brit travelling to the US for holiday, to see friends and family or for short-term work for fewer than 90 days, then yes. The 42 countries that must apply for an Esta include most of Europe, plus nations including Singapore, New Zealand and South Korea. All children must have an Esta, regardless of their age or whether they're accompanied by their parent or guardian. The exceptions are if you've travelled to a country on the US' so-called 'red list', which includes Yemen and Syria after 2011, or Cuba after 2021. In this case, you'll need to apply for a proper visa, which will involve a visit to the US embassy in London, or the consulates in Belfast and Edinburgh. Note that you will need an Esta even if your flight just transits through an American airport — all connecting passengers are required to go through immigration and recheck their bags. • Discover our full guide to the US Yes, even if you don't get off the ship. The cruise company will check all documents are correct before you board, so apply for an Esta in advance of your departure date — do not wait until the date your ship will eventually call at the US. • The best US cruise lines Typically applications are approved in a few hours, but the official guidance is to apply at least three days before you're due to depart. Airline staff in the country you're leaving will check for a valid Esta before you're due to board, so make sure it's in place before you fly (or cross the land border). Two years, or when you get a new passport — whichever is sooner — and you can make as many trips during that time as you like, as long as no one visit lasts for more than 90 days. You can check the expiry date by logging into the official Esta site and clicking 'check individual status'. • Best places to visit in the US An Esta is $21 (£15) through official channels. However, there are also plenty of unofficial websites that will happily charge an inflated price to apply for one on your behalf; an easy way to tell is to check the price you're quoted. One of the recommendations of President Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' is to raise the price of the Esta to $40 (£30), but it's not yet known when this might come into effect. The Esta form will ask you for a 'point of contact' in the US. This could either be a friend or family member you're visiting, or the name and number of the hotel/apartment you've booked. Myriad reasons — but a large number are turned down due to incorrect information being entered, so take extra care when filling in your passport number and personal information. Other reasons could include having a criminal record, previously overstaying a visa or lying on the application about your travel history. If your Esta is rejected, you will likely need to apply for a proper visa. • New York v Toronto: which is better?• Best time to visit the US: when to go and what to do
RNZ News
15-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
New Zealand to trial visa waiver for Chinese visitors from Australia
China was once New Zealand's second-largest source of international visitors, contributing more than $1.7 billion to the economy in 2019. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Airport Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has announced that New Zealand will begin trialing a visa waiver for Chinese nationals arriving from Australia in November. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen economic ties with China and revitalise New Zealand's tourism sector. Stanford made the announcement on Sunday as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon prepared to visit Shanghai and Beijing on a whirlwind trip from 18-21 June . Under the new policy, Chinese passport holders with valid Australian visas - whether for tourism, work, study or family - would be allowed to visit New Zealand for up to three months without needing a separate visa. The 12-month trial has been designed to streamline travel across the Tasman Sea and attract more visitors from one of New Zealand's most valuable international tourism markets. "Our immigration settings play an important role in brightening our country's economic future," Stanford said. "More than 240,000 Chinese visitor visas were granted in 2024, and we want those numbers to grow." Immigration Minister Erica Stanford Photo: Samuel Rillstone / RNZ China was once New Zealand's second-largest source of international visitors, contributing more than $1.7 billion to the economy in 2019. While that figure declined during the pandemic, Chinese travellers remained a vital part of the country's tourism recovery . Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston described the changes as a win for regional economies and local businesses. "China is one of New Zealand's most important tourism markets, and more international visitors mean more bookings in our restaurants, more people visiting our regions and attractions, more jobs being created across the country and an overall stronger economy," she said. "In the year ended March 2025, visitors from China contributed $1.24 billion to New Zealand's economy, but there's still more work to do to grow these numbers and drive further economic growth throughout the country." Alongside the visa waiver trial, Immigration New Zealand was expected to introduce a series of additional measures aimed at supporting Chinese travellers and tour operators. The changes included a dedicated contact centre number and support in China for Chinese "Approved Destination Status" travel agents, the addition of Simplified Chinese content to the official immigration website and the removal of the requirement for certified translations on visitor visa documents, a step expected to lower application costs and streamline processing. The new settings complemented the existing five-year multiple-entry Visitor Visa and a current average visa processing time of just five working days for applicants from China.
Skift
04-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Air India's Delhi-Manila Nonstop to Power Philippines' Visa-Free Push
Direct flights and visa waivers won't fix everything, but they're a start. If the Philippines wants more Indian travelers, this is the way forward. Now if only the numbers follow the policies. Starting October 1, Air India will operate direct flights between Delhi and Manila five days a week. This makes it the only airline offering non-stop service between India and the Philippines. For Indian travelers, it opens up the Philippines as a more viable destination at a time when Southeast Asia is becoming more competitive and accessible. Last month, the Philippines introduced visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 14 days. Air India's route is also about economics. Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines reached $3.53 billion in 2023-24 — nearly double the figure from 2015-16. As companies look for new markets, direct connectivity becomes a logistical asset. Campbell Wilson, Air India's CEO and managing director, said: 'The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop. As outbound travel from India grows at an unprecedented pace... the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines.' Air India said the route would also create one-stop access to Manila for passengers from Europe and the Gulf via Delhi, expanding the Philippines' visibility on wider travel itineraries. Philippines Tourism Looking to Diversify The Philippines is trying to balance its inbound tourism portfolio. It saw a steep decline in Chinese tourist arrivals post-Covid. Against a target of 2 million Chinese visitors in 2024, only 300,000 came. The shortfall was stark. Speaking at the Skift Asia Forum last month, Tourism Secretary of the Republic of the Philippines, Christina Garcia Frasco, said: 'The lesson that we learned from that is to really diversify our dependency into other markets as well.' India has emerged as a clear focus. With an expanding middle class, strong outbound travel growth, and a reputation for higher spending tourists, Indian travelers fit the bill. In 2024, 79,000 Indian travelers visited the Philippines — a 12% increase over the previous year, but still modest compared to other Southeast Asian countries. The aim is to close that gap. At the forum, Frasco also spoke about conscious efforts being made to increase direct connectivity from all over the world to the Philippines. She added that she is hopeful of direct flights between India and the Philippines 'very soon.' Visa-Free Entry for Indians Earlier this month, the Philippines rolled out visa-free access for Indian passport holders. 14-day visa-free entry for all Indian tourists entering through regular means (non-extendable). 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens holding valid visas or residence permits for the U.S., U.K., Canada, Schengen countries, Australia, Japan, or Singapore. An e-visa option also remains available. For Indian tourists used to long processing times and uncertain approvals in the region, this move lowers a major barrier. Rajeev Kale, president and country head – holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) called the announcement 'a strategic move' to unlock the potential of India's powerful and rapidly growing outbound market. 'As a fresh and emerging hotspot in the short to mid-haul Southeast Asian corridor, the Philippines represents an attractive product and price proposition for Indian travelers,' Kale said. Digital Nomads, Weddings, and More However, Philippines is not just targeting leisure tourism. The destination is also building a digital nomad visa program, aimed at long-term visitors who can work remotely and contribute to the local economy. Frasco explained that this move is about sustainability and quality: 'The plan is to woo quality travelers who respect sustainability efforts and benefit the country through high tourism spending and repeat visits.' The government is also marketing the country as a wedding and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination for the Indian market. This includes infrastructure improvements, Muslim-friendly tourism options, and better Wi-Fi across more than 90 destinations. Maria Margarita Nograles, chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board, said, 'We are now looking at India and we are working closely together.' Philippines Tourism Secretary at the Skift Asia Forum Christina Garcia Frasco, tourism secretary of the Republic of the Philippines, spoke at the Skift Asia Forum in May 2025.
Skift
29-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Now, Philippines Becomes Visa-Free for Indian Tourists
The impact of visa waivers on Indian travelers' destination preference is well documented. As the Philippines struggles with the loss of Chinese tourists, it seems to be taking a page from Thailand's notebook to attract outbound surge from India. The Philippines has introduced visa-free entry for Indian tourists. The archipelago is offering two different types of visa waivers to Indians. Indian passport holders can enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of 14 days for tourism only. Tourists entering the Southeast Asian country through this program can neither extend their stay beyond the 14 days nor convert it into any other type of visa. Apart from this, Indian nationals can also get a 30-day non-extendable visa-free entry for tourism purposes if they hold valid visas or residency permits for Australia, Japan, America, Canada, Schengen nations, Singapore, or the United Kingdom. The country's e-visa facility will also be available. The policy came into effect this month itself. India's Importance for Philippines: Last year, while the Philippines recorded its highest-ever tourism receipts at about $13 billion, it also lost out significantly on tourists from China: Only 300,000 Chinese tourists visited as against the target of 2 million. At the Skift Asia Forum earlier this month, Christina Garcia Frasco, tourism secretary of the Republic of the Philippines said, 'The lesson that we learned from that is to really diversify our dependency into other markets as well.' India has now become one of the focus markets for the Philippines. She is also hopeful that direct flights between India and the Philippines will commence 'very soon.' On the development, Gaurav Malik, country director - India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at online travel platform Agoda, said, "The Philippines' decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian travelers recognizes India as a key market for tourism. The move also reflects Indian travelers' growing interest in Southeast Asia as a whole.' He added that the move is likely to further boost the demand for the Philippines as a preferred travel destination among Indians, as also seen in other destination countries and highlighted by Skift in a feature last September. Philippines Tourism Secretary at the Skift Asia Forum ITC's Welcomhotel Brand Enters Bihar ITC Hotels has signed a Welcomhotel-branded property in Bihar's Bodhgaya. The 98-key hotel marks the brand's debut in the state of Bihar. Bodhgaya is a key destination for Buddhist pilgrims. This came just days after ITC signed a Welcomhotel in Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, which is a major religious destination for Hindus. The company has recognized this segment as a growth driver in the country's tourism landscape. At the signing of Welcomhotel in Vrindavan, ITC Hotels Managing Director Anil Chadha said, 'India's pilgrimage tourism has witnessed a big upswing. As the country witnesses a surge in domestic travel, spiritual destinations have become vibrant tourism hubs, driving footfall and economic opportunity across various cities and heritage sites.' IndiGo Promoter Sells 6% Stake in Airline IndiGo-parent Interglobe Aviation's promoter Rakesh Gangwal and his family trust on Tuesday sold a 5.72% stake in the low-cost airline, according to exchange filings. Of this, Gangwal sold 0.57% out of his total 5.3% stake in IndiGo, while the family trust sold 5.15% out of a total 8.23% stake in the airline. The shares were offloaded for about INR 113.8 billion ($1.35 billion) through a block deal. A total of 220 million shares were sold in the deal. Last August as well, Gangwal's family trust sold a 5.2% stake in the airline. In March 2024, Gangwal also sold some shares in IndiGo. The stake sale is due to a February 2022 decision by Gangwal to reduce his stake in the budget airline after his alleged fall out with co-founder Rahul Bhatia over corporate governance issues. Last year, Southwest Airlines announced adding Gangwal to its board of directors. Manipur's Move to Boost Homestays The Northeastern state of Manipur has launched a dedicated portal for registration of homestays in the state. The digital initiative is aimed to encourage local communities through tourism. Residents across the state will be able to register their properties as certified homestays using this portal, which will strengthen rural economies while also providing travelers with authentic travel experiences. The state's new homestay policy came into effect this month, in which the government detailed the infrastructure and service benchmarks required from homestays. These looked at guest safety, comfort, and transparency. The policy also standardized room tariffs. Cruise-Focused OTA Int2Cruises Enters India Cruise-focused online travel company Int2Cruises has entered the Indian market. The OTA is headquartered in India, but was first introduced in Singapore and is expanding its presence into other markets such as the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the company said that the platform aims to make cruise bookings convenient, transparent, and affordable. 'Indian travelers today are confident, digitally savvy, and looking for memorable experiences. But cruise booking remains fragmented and often overwhelming,' said Akansha Agarwal, chief marketing officer at the OTA. Cruise vacations are quickly gaining momentum among Indian travelers, for leisure as well as corporate travel. The government is also looking to ramp up this segment, targeting 1 million cruise tourists by 2029. According to the Indian government, 'The cruise market in India has the potential to grow by 800% over the next decade, driven by rising demand and disposable incomes.' IHG Now Has 50 Operational Hotels in India IHG Hotels & Resorts on Tuesday opened its 50th operational hotel in India - Crowne Plaza Lucknow. The 110-key hotel has been equipped with meeting and event spaces across 40,000 square feet in order to target leisure and business travelers. The hotel chain is continuing to expand its presence across the country. Last year, IHG signed 18 new hotels in India, with around 30% of the signings being in the premium and luxury segments. Currently, the company has almost 70 hotels in its pipeline as it looks to more than double its portfolio in India over the next five years.
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- News.com.au
Australian woman Madolline Gourley reveals how being ‘refused' at the US border has changed her life
An Australian woman who was rejected at the US border and put on the first flight back to Brisbane says the ordeal has been life-changing in the worst possible way ever since. In 2022, Queenslander Madolline Gourley arrived to the always-chaotic Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a flight in from Brisbane. Ms Gourley revealed to at the time — almost three years ago — she was detained while passing through the international terminal on June 30, 2022 — claiming officials were suspicious about her intention to house-sit while holidaying in Canada. After an interrogation barely five hours after arriving to the US, Ms Gourley was told she was being denied entry and would be sent back to Brisbane on the next available flight. The reason? According to officials, she had breached the conditions of the visa waiver program. Ms Gourley had made the mistake of attempting to enter the US (and onwards to Canada) on a tourist visa. But given she had intended to house-and pet-sit through websites like TrustedHousesitters to cut accommodation costs, this was deemed as a breach. The US Customs and Border Protection said the visa waiver program prohibited applicants from engaging 'in any type of employment' or receiving 'compensation for services rendered'. This includes house-sitting services in exchange for free accommodation. The CBP spokesperson said it took 'allegations of unprofessional behaviour seriously'. Following her detention, Ms Gourley made headlines around the world after speaking out about the interrogation experience — including the moment she was patted down by US immigration officials and even asked whether she was pregnant or had recently had an abortion. Ms Gourley at the time explained to the ordeal went from 'one disaster to the next' but three years later, the now 35-year-old said the refusal has plagued her travels and attempts at entering foreign countries around the world ever since. Speaking to from Brisbane, Ms Gourley said her most recent venture across the ditch to New Zealand was met with questioning from immigration and even having her passport blocked before she'd left Australian soil. While filling out her New Zealand Electronic Travel Declaration for a trip in April, she was met with the single question about previously being deported or refused entry to a country. 'I mulled on the question before answering, but always say yes to whether I have been deported or refused entry,' she said. 'The frustration is that the question doesn't break it down [whether a person was deported or refused] … it's just a very broad question, so when I do answer 'yes' to it, immigration doesn't know if it's a 'yes' to being deported, or a yes to being refused.' Upon arrival for her trip to Auckland, Ms Gourley said she was unable to check-in for her flights from Brisbane airport because she had answered 'yes' to the entry declaration's question: 'Have you been deported, removed, barred or refused entry to another country?' 'A Qantas staff member had to call New Zealand Immigration and I was asked several questions before the officer went to discuss my situation with his colleague,' she explained. 'The passport block was lifted and I was able to check-in and travel, but all of this happened before I'd even left Australia at Brisbane Airport. 'Being deported, removed or barred makes a traveller ineligible to enter New Zealand. But as I was only refused entry, I was permitted to enter, but not without having to explain what happened at length. 'I left [doing the declaration] until the last minute, because I knew I had to answer that particular question and it made me very nervous. I knew I should be OK to enter, but with this — I never really know if I will be OK.' Ms Gourley said because anyone deported, removed or rejected from another country has stronger barricades in place for entry into Australia, the UK, the USA and Canada — she expects this will be an issue for life. And for those who think she should simply tell a lie on the form, there's a stamp on her passport that says she was refused entry. 'My understanding is this will always happen … So while I was prepared for this, I was prepared for it to happen in New Zealand … not before I'd even checked in to Brisbane airport and left Australia,' she said. 'Travel comes with anxiety for me now. I didn't expect all this drama at Brisbane airport … I expected it once I got to Auckland. So it was even more anxiety causing because I hadn't even left the country and I was potentially being told no.' Ms Gourley said despite this refusal from the US for having the wrong visa, and the subsequent havoc that has caused for other international trips — it has not deterred her from seeing the world. 'It's not turned me off travelling, because not every country asks that question on the incoming passenger declaration,' she said, 'I do know you need a work visa … I have learnt my lesson so with that … but for it to follow me for the rest of my life without having broken laws in those countries [I am intending to visit] is a bit excessive. 'My record will never leave the US immigrations records and it will always be there. As long as you get that question on the declaration, I will always answer it truthfully'.
