Air India Express Expands Routes with New Flights to Bangkok and Domestic Cities
Maldives Departure Tax Set to Rise: What Travelers Need to Know
Famous for its stunning white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives is one of the most luxurious and expensive tourist destinations worldwide.
Starting December 1, 2024, the cost of leaving this beautiful island nation is set to rise significantly. The departure tax for passengers flying from the Maldives will increase up to four times depending on the class of service.
Here are the details: Economy Class Passengers: $50 (previously $30) Business Class Passengers: $120 (previously $60) First Class Passengers: $240 (previously $90) Private Jet Passengers: $480 per person (previously $120) This tax applies to all international visitors, regardless of their age or nationality.
It also does not consider the flight distance, meaning passengers will pay the same fee whether flying to nearby Delhi or faraway London. The Maldivian Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) announced this tax hike in November, stating that the money will be spent on the maintenance of Velana International Airport (MLE), the main gateway to the Maldives.
For most travelers, this additional cost may go unnoticed, as the departure tax is usually included in airline ticket prices. Passengers will not need to pay it separately at the airport. However, airlines such as Beond, a luxury all-business-class airline, have issued reminders urging customers to buy tickets before November 30 to avoid paying higher tax rates.
Located near India, the Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1,000 islands and atolls, with a population of around 525,000. Most residents live in the capital city of Malé. Tourism is the Maldives' primary source of income, driven by its reputation as a luxury destination.
The country is home to some of the world's most exclusive resorts, including The Ritz Carlton, Six Senses, and St. Regis, where stays often cost thousands of dollars per night. While the luxury tourism industry generates substantial revenue, the average Maldivian earns only about $12,000 annually, illustrating the gap between local incomes and the high-end tourism market.
Vietnam Launches Simplified E-Visa Portal for International Visitors – Effective November 11, 2024
Top visas you can apply for using Atlys: Travel to Dubai, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Oman, Indonesia and Vietnam
Planning an international trip involves many steps, of which the visa application is often the most important. Atlis simplifies this process, providing streamlined visa applications for a variety of countries. Here's a guide to the top destinations and how Atlis can make your visa application easier for each. START YOUR APPLICATION HERE
1. Dubai Visa
Why visit: Dubai offers an incredible mix of luxury, culture and innovation, from the Burj Khalifa to its endless shopping malls and desert adventures.
Visa types: Dubai offers several visa options, including tourist visas and transit visas for short trips.
Requirements: Standard documents include a valid passport, itinerary and sometimes proof of accommodation.
Application Process: With Atlys, applicants can quickly fill out their information, upload required documents and track the progress of their application. APPLY HERE
2. Egypt Visa
Why Visit: Famous for its pyramids, temples and Nile River cruises, Egypt is a land of ancient wonders and unique cultural experiences.
Visa Types: Egypt offers e-visas for tourists, making it accessible for short stays.
Requirements: A valid passport, recent passport-sized photo and travel plans are typically required.
Application Process: Atlys offers an easy e-visa application for Egypt, allowing applicants to submit all documents digitally and receive their visa via email. APPLY HERE
3. Azerbaijan Visa
Why Visit: With a mix of European and Asian influences, Azerbaijan offers everything from historical sites in Baku to beautiful mountain landscapes.
Visa types: The country offers e-Visas, which cover stays of up to 30 days.
Requirements: You will need a passport with at least six months validity and other standard travel documents.
Application process: Through Atlys, applicants can apply for an Azerbaijan e-Visa, allowing quick and hassle-free entry. APPLY HERE
4. Oman Visa
Why visit: Oman is known for its beautiful coastline, deserts, and rich cultural heritage.
Visa types: Oman offers a variety of visas, including tourist e-Visas and multiple-entry options.
Requirements: A valid passport, a return ticket, and accommodation details are usually required.
Application process: Atlys simplifies the Oman visa application, where users can submit all documents digitally and receive updates on their application. APPLY HERE
5. Indonesia Visa
Why go: Indonesia, whose top destination is Bali, offers a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, temples and vibrant nightlife.
Visa types: Indonesia offers tourist visas and visa-on-arrival for certain nationalities.
Requirements: Basic travel documents such as a valid passport and itinerary.
Application process: Atlys offers a convenient visa application for Indonesia, allowing travelers to prepare all the necessary documents in advance for a seamless entry. APPLY HERE
6. Vietnam Visa
Why go: Known for its beautiful scenery, historic cities and delicious cuisine, Vietnam is a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia.
Visa types: Vietnam offers e-visa and visa-on-arrival options for select countries.
Requirements: Applicants generally need a passport, recent photos and travel details.
Application Process: Atlys makes it easy to apply for a Vietnamese visa with its intuitive platform, where travelers can complete the entire process online. APPLY HERE
Conclusion
Applying for a visa is no longer a stressful part of travel planning. Eatalys simplifies the process for popular destinations like Dubai, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Oman, Indonesia, and Vietnam, ensuring you are ready for your trip with minimal hassle. Visit the Atlys site to get started and enjoy a smoother, more efficient visa application experience for your next adventure!
Philippines e-Visa for Indians now available: Apply online for short-term visits
Great
news for Indian travelers! The Philippines Embassy in New Delhi has
announced that Indian citizens can now apply for the Philippines e-Visa
online, ending the beta testing phase. As of October 28, 2024, the
online portal at [evisa.gov.ph](https://evisa.gov.ph/) is fully open for
applications.
The e-Visa is specifically for the 9(a) temporary
visitor visa, designed for short-term stays related to tourism,
business, medical treatment, and participation in events. This visa
cannot be extended or converted to any other visa type within the
Philippines. Additionally, advance flight booking is not required. For
full details, check out the official statement released by the embassy.
Here's a quick guide to apply:
1. Visit [evisa.gov.ph](https://evisa.gov.ph/)
2. Sign up with your email to create an application account
3. Fill in your details as per your passport
4. Upload passport-sized photos and any required documents
5. Submit and wait for approval