November 21, 2024
Will US Lift Travel Ban from India?
Will US Lift Travel Ban from India?
As the COVID situation in India seems to be improving, people are eagerly waiting for the resumption of international air travel; it travel ban was announced by many countries as the COVID cases in India skyrocketed during the month of April. Some nations are starting to reopen their boundaries to Indian nationals and many Indian expatriates who are now living in India are looking forward to returning to their country where their occupation is. Travel to the USA from India during COVID-19 is on the top of discussion everywhere among people.
Meanwhile, the Indian foreign ministry spokesman Mr. ArindamBagchi has also urged all countries to reopen the air travel routes with India. The ministry counselor for consular affairs in US Embassy, New Delhi Mr. Don Heflin gave clarity to certain queries related to lifting the travel ban for Indians to the United States. He conveyed that the travel restriction which was imposed by the United States on Indians will remain the same for now and Indians can keep a track of European countries which were also placed under travel restrictions even before India to get an idea of when travel restriction will be relaxed.
So for now, the US has restricted travel from India for those who have lived in India for the last 14 days prior to travel. Those who are exempted from this restriction are Students, American Citizens, and those who can actually prove that their travel to the US is out of national interest. Heflin also conveyed that the US Embassy is actually trying to increase the Visa appointments and will furthermore increase in the month of July.
He also stated that amidst the 2nd wave of COVID-19 in India which intervened in the visa appointment process, 45000 visa appointments were opened. And the US Embassy is also keenly trying to get back to the normal pre-COVID level in visa appointments.
For students who are worried about missing their classes for the month of August, they will be allowed to join in late. He suggested students can try reaching their schools and colleges by August 25 and if they are unable to reach for any reason they can contact their department concerned. Heflin also clarified that students with M-1 or F-1 visas which also includes those with optical practical training approval resuming to their courses on or after 1st August 2021 will not require National Interest Exception (NIE) while traveling to the US from India provided it is within 30 days of students’ program resumption date.
However, Heflin also warned that in the current visa situation & COVID-19 situation, the US Embassy can’t guarantee the return of students to the US after their short-term visit to India.
Furthermore to this, Heflin said that F-2 visa holders, who are related to F-1 visa holders should get National Interest Exception (NIE) approval prior traveling to the US as the blanket waiver is not applicable to F-1 visa holders. And for Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who hold green cards, there are no changes made in the requirement to maintain their permanent resident status. Also, LPRs are expected to return to the US before 1 year of departure in order to maintain their status.
The Embassy and consulates are first focusing on returning workers and then students. H-1B workers in India who actually hold valid visas are said to be eligible for a National Interest Exception (NIE) from Presidential Proclamation 10199. And by now, thousands of NIEs have been processed for qualified returning workers. Also, limited interview waiver processing was resumed for certain categories of visas which includes H-4s.
For those traveling to the US from India, Heflin stated that the United States currently does not require them to be vaccinated. But the only requirement is to take an RT-PCR test report. However, schools & colleges have their own guidelines about getting vaccinated.
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So when someone comes for a visa interview, they won’t be enquired if they are vaccinated. Neither will the airlines or immigrant officials will raise a question about this. He also added that COVID vaccines are widely available in the United States.
Indian foreign ministry spokesman Mr. ArindamBagchi said that the other countries would release a travel ban with India once the COVID situation settles down in India. He also added that the traveling concern will be prioritized by the government.
Finally, the most frequently asked question – Can I travel to the USA from India on a tourist visa?
Due to COVID-19, India is now under the list of restricted countries in the US. So you cannot travel to the US unless you receive approval for National Interest Exception (NIE) from the US consulate. Eligibility to travel from India to the US is applicable for: legal permanent residents, US citizens, and foreign nationals holding valid US visas.
If you are physically present in a restricted country for 14 days prior to traveling to the US cannot enter the US. So hopefully this article has covered the US travel ban India latest news.
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Travel Photography Tips for Capturing Stunning Shots
Travel photography is a wonderful way to capture the essence of your adventures and share your experiences with others. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner with a smartphone, these tips will help you take stunning travel photos that tell a story and evoke emotion.
1. Know Your Gear
Before you embark on your journey, familiarize yourself with your camera or smartphone. Understand its settings, features, and limitations. If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, practice adjusting settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. For smartphone photographers, explore the camera app’s features, including grid lines, HDR mode, and various shooting modes.
2. Plan Your Shots
While spontaneity is part of the travel experience, planning can lead to more successful shots. Research your destination to identify iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and optimal times for capturing great light. Utilize apps like Google Maps or photography-specific platforms to find the best viewpoints and compositions.
3. Embrace the Golden Hour
The golden hour—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—offers the best natural light for photography. The warm tones and soft shadows create a magical atmosphere. Try to schedule your shoots during these times for breathtaking landscape and portrait photography.
4. Use Natural Light
- Avoid Harsh Midday Sun: If you must shoot during midday, look for shaded areas or use backlighting for a more dramatic effect.
5. Play with Composition
- Rule of Thirds: Position your subject off-center to create a more balanced composition.
- Leading Lines: Use roads, rivers, or architectural lines to draw the viewer’s eye into the photo.
6. Experiment with Angles
- Get Low or High: Change your perspective by getting low to the ground or finding a high vantage point.
- Tilted Angles: Experiment with angles by tilting your camera for dynamic compositions.
7. Capture Local Culture
Travel is about experiencing new cultures, so make it a priority to capture the local people, traditions, and daily life. Approach individuals respectfully and ask for permission before taking their portrait. Candid shots can convey powerful stories and provide a glimpse into the heart of a destination.
8. Include People for Scale
Incorporate people in your shots to provide context and scale to landscapes or architecture. A human element can add emotional depth and a sense of place.
9. Focus on Details
While sweeping vistas are captivating, don’t overlook the details that tell a story. Focus on textures, patterns, and small elements that capture the essence of your destination. These intimate shots can complement your broader landscape images and provide a well-rounded narrative of your travels.
10. Use Reflections
Utilize lakes, puddles, or glass surfaces to create stunning reflections, adding symmetry and interest to your shots. Reflections can enhance the beauty of the scene and offer a unique perspective.
11. Capture Movement
- Long Exposure: Use a slow shutter speed to blur movement, such as flowing water or bustling city scenes. Use a tripod to prevent camera shake.
- Panning: Follow a moving subject with your camera to create a dynamic motion blur effect.
12. Edit Thoughtfully
Post-processing is a vital part of digital photography. Use editing software or apps to enhance your images while staying true to the scene. Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness, but avoid over-editing. The goal is to enhance the photo, not to alter it completely.
13. Practice Patience
Capturing the perfect shot often requires patience. Whether you’re waiting for the right moment, lighting, or a subject to enter the frame, take your time. Enjoy the process of photography as much as the destination itself, and be open to unexpected surprises that may lead to stunning photographs.
Ideas for Stunning Shots
- Landscape Photography:
- Capture sweeping views of mountains, valleys, or coastlines.
- Foreground elements like flowers or rocks should be included for depth.
- Street Photography:
- Photograph local life, markets, and candid moments in bustling streets.
- Look for interesting characters or scenes that reflect the culture.
- Architectural Shots:
- Focus on unique buildings, bridges, and structures.
- Experiment with angles to highlight symmetry and patterns.
- Wildlife Photography:
- Capture local wildlife in their natural habitats. Use a zoom lens for close-ups without disturbing them.
- Focus on animal behavior or interactions for storytelling.
- Night Photography:
- Experiment with long exposures to capture city lights, star trails, or fireworks.
- Use a tripod and adjust settings for low light conditions.
- Cultural Events:
- Document local festivals, parades, or rituals to capture the spirit of the culture.
- Focus on vibrant colors, costumes, and candid interactions.
- Food Photography:
- Capture the local cuisine in natural light. Use different angles and props to enhance the presentation.
- Focus on textures and colors of the dishes.
- Travel Portraits:
- Take portraits of locals, showcasing their culture and environment.
- Use natural light and interesting backgrounds to create compelling travel photography.
Recommended Camera Models and Brands
When it comes to travel photography, having the right gear can make a significant difference. Here are some camera models and brands that are great for capturing stunning travel photography:
DSLR Cameras:
- Canon EOS 90D
- A versatile camera with a 32.5 MP sensor, great for landscapes and portraits.
- Nikon D7500
- Offers excellent low-light performance and 4K video capabilities, perfect for diverse shooting conditions.
Mirrorless Cameras:
- Sony Alpha a6400
- Compact, lightweight, and features fast autofocus, making it ideal for street and wildlife travel photography.
- Fujifilm X-T4
- Known for its exceptional color reproduction and film simulation modes, perfect for capturing vibrant cultures and scenes.
Compact Cameras:
- Sony RX100 VII
- A high-quality compact camera with a 20.1 MP sensor, ideal for travelers who want a portable option without sacrificing quality.
- Canon G7 X Mark III
- Offers great image quality in a small package and is popular among vloggers and travel photography enthusiasts.
Smartphones:
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Known for its outstanding camera system, including ProRAW and Night mode for versatile shooting.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Offers excellent zoom capabilities and low-light performance, making it a great choice for on-the-go travel photography.
Conclusion
Travel photography is a beautiful way to document your journeys and create lasting memories. By applying these tips and exploring various ideas, you can enhance your travel photography skills and capture stunning shots that truly reflect your travel experiences. With the right gear, patience, and a creative eye, you’ll be able to turn your adventures into breathtaking visual stories. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting and have fun with your travel photography! Happy travels and happy shooting!
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How to Book Cheap Business Class Flights?
Cheapest Business Class Flights
Business class, as we already know, comes with a huge price tag. The same may not be affordable for all. But yes, one cannot deny the fact that it is the dream of every traveler to fly in a business class flight.
If you are looking to buy the cheapest business class tickets from India then this blog may be of help to you. Like the saying, ’’Where there is a will, there is a way’’, we will discuss in this blog how to book business tickets at a cheaper price.
1. Be Flexible To Find Cheap Business Class Flights
If you consider that it is your experience that matters the most in your trip, you need to be a little more flexible while booking your flight tickets. Choose the best month while searching for deals, so that you can easily get cheap first-class flights to your chosen destination.
As an alternate, you can also be flexible with your destination. At different times, different airlines put up business class sales. By looking at a variety of airports and airlines, you will be able to get discount business class airfares.
Read More: How To Get A Universal Travel Pass?
2. Choose Low-cost Carriers When You Book Business Class Seats
Choose airlines that offer cheaper business classes. The business class on Singapore airlines is named Scootplus which is a low-cost offshoot of scoot. The business class offer from Scootplus comes with a 30kg checked baggage allowance, premium meal service that includes one alcoholic drink, complimentary entertainment that can be streamed on your device, sizeable armrests with recline, and a power socket, adjustable headrests, and larger legroom.
Jetstar Business is another affordable business class flight. You can enjoy priority boarding, amenity kits, blankets, and pillows.
3. Make Use Of The Online Auctions To Bid For An Upgrade
To buy cheap business class tickets, you need to fly in an airline that offers an auction system for economy passengers. With this option, the passengers get a chance to make a blind bid on an upgrade to first-class or business; this truly offers a good deal on the original price.
Though this is not a promising way to get an upgrade when you win it would be the easiest way to buy cheap business class tickets. There is also another option where you can pay for a fixed price upgrade while you check in most of the airlines.
4. Frequent Flyer Loyalty Programs Enable Free Upgrade
If there’s anything better than a cheaper business class flight then it is flying for free! Frequent flyers usually get points whenever they fly and that is one of the perks as the same can be spent on upgrading the seat.
Without adding anything to your fare, you can simply move from economy to business class. One of them is Virgin Australia’s Velocity program which allows family pooling. This way you can acquire enough points for a free upgrade to business class.
Through Qantas & Virgin programs, you can also gain points on purchases other than booking flights and the same can be redeemed for flights.
5. Watch Out For The Sale In Business Class
There will be times when airlines will have special offers on their best seats. And if you do not want to miss such sales you can opt to subscribe to airline newsletters. There will be deals like early bird special fares or companion fly free kind of sale in conjunction with tour packages.
These are offered to frequent flyers and subscribers. Also, make sure to follow your favorite airline on social media as they tend to advertise deals on a myriad of online platforms.
Read Here: Are Travel Credit Cards Worth It?
6. Travel Alone
The chances of a single-seat being free are more than trying to avail yourself of multiple business class tickets. So maybe when you travel alone, you have more chances of getting that free upgrade to business class.
So if someone ever asks you how to get cheap business class tickets for international flights, you may now have ideas to share. Isn’t it?
FAQs
1. How do I fly free in the business class?
If you are a frequent flyer, you may use your points to avail a free upgrade to business class.
2. Is it worth paying extra for business class?
If you are looking for an experience with more comfort & amenities then it is worth paying extra for business class.
3. What is discounted business class?
Usually, airlines offer a discount when there are more business class seats available than passengers.
4. Which is the cheapest class on a flight?
Economy class is considered to be the lowest & cheapest class on a flight.
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