Places to visit and reasons to get that Indian visa now

Everyone knows about the Taj Mahal. It’s far and away the most popular tourist attraction in India. But what many people don’t know, however, is that India is filled with captivating places that visitors will never forget. Here are some of them.

Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan is also called the Pink City. It’s famous as a tourist city and as an education hub. The history in Jaipur is deep, with dozens of forts and monuments that show remnants of the colorful and dramatic past of India. It also has a lot of magnificent hotels for tourists.

Goa

The beaches in Goa are nothing short of breathtaking. Nine out of 10 tourists who visit Goa do so for the beach experience. A lot of residents in Goa are foreigners who stayed because of the relaxing ambiance of the place. Life is easy here.

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Kashmir

What was once upon a time one of the most beautiful places on the planet has been tarnished by terrorism. Kashmir was aptly named “Heaven on Earth” because it was home to the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Kanyakumari

There are very few places in India that rival Kanyakumari when it comes to the horizon come dusk or dawn. The sunrise and sunset here are sublime since three bodies of water – the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal – frame Kanyakumari. This mystical place can even afford visitors the chance to see both the moon rise and the sunset at the same time – on different horizons!

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Cox and Kings Global Services is a BPO agency that provides administrative support for consular sections of diplomatic missions worldwide. It also aids in the acquisition of Indian visas for Americans. Learn more by subscribing to this Twitter page.

Dressing up for your embassy appointment

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Securing a visa to a foreign country is a task that does not seem to be taken seriously enough by many people. When matters are taken too lightly, this reflects in other behaviors that immigration officers and embassy workers from all over the world are very keen at observing. In fact, they are trained to spot such subtleties, and with even the slightest hint of doubt, a visa application can be denied. A huge way to communicate intention is in the way one dresses up.

Having a shot at getting into a different country necessitates that you exact a certain amount of regard to its gatekeepers by showing up dressed appropriately. This is specifically useful when going for interviews in embassies or other immigration exercises, in which you are to subject yourself to scrutiny for gatekeepers to decide whether or not you are worthy to come to their country.

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Dressing up for a tourist visa may allow you a certain amount of liberty in choosing to wear more relaxed clothes. But in a more stringent visa application, such as a work visa, obviously, you need to show that you are there to prove that you are worthy of working as an asset to their economy. Treat it as sacredly as a job interview and dress professionally.

No doubt, dressing in a skimpy outfit just to make a creative impression on your interviewer may not be a good idea, as this might be found to be suspicious. In some situations, this is deemed disrespectful, even having led to as far as refusal of entry to embassy premises in the past.

The embassy appointment is a business engagement where what you wear can either make or break your chances of getting that approval.

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Visa denied: The common problems in securing a visa to India

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As it is an adventurous prospect to go to India, a very culturally rich destination with an even richer history, preparing for what can be a challenging visa application is a smart move. Here are some common concerns:

1. The official application form is filled out online. It is best to be prepared for your answers with complete information, because this is not an application that can be saved and returned to at a later time. It is purposely designed to be accomplished in one sitting.

2. Research on the kind of visa that you will be applying for in your attempt to enter India. While it may sound sensible that you go for a visa which, in a crude and unexamined sense, ‘sounds just about right,, some have found out the hard way that intricate details of the trip and their purpose for going to India have been showstoppers to the goal. Knowing the differences between visas greatly increases your chances of getting approved.

3. India is such a huge country. While you are approved entry by means of visa, this does not mean that you can visit absolutely any destination within the country. Some have found out the hard way that visas have restrictions in local travel. The traveler who goes on business to Bangalore, for instance, might find it a bit disheartening that he is not allowed to go on a side trip to Mumbai, due to visa restrictions, requiring him to go through another process.

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India has been a favorite destination of many Americans for a number of reasons, whether it is business, pleasure, or anything in between. It’s a nice place to visit, and maybe knowing its visa challenges is but a small sacrifice to ensure approval.

Cox and Kings Global Services has been providing administrative support and managing non-judgmental tasks related to the entire lifecycle of a visa, passport, and consular application process. Learn more about its services by visiting this Facebook page.

Market and tourist visa fees: India's tourism industry to date

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India’s tourism continues to flourish, as travelers increase through the use of e-tourist visa system, which can be accessed in 150 countries. In the latest report of the Ministry of Tourism of India, the number of travelers last July 2016 skyrocketed to 219 percent compared to last year’s figures. It was recorded that there were more than 68,000 international tourists, with U.K. nationals partaking 17 percent of the statistics.

The continuous development of India’s tourism is apparent not just in terms of vacationers, but also when it comes to the number of people traveling for business purposes. In fact, The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) forecasted that the country would become a leader in business travel, contributing a great deal to its economic growth and opening up various job opportunities. For the past years, India has persistently improved its standing in the business travel market, moving up to the 10th spot.

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These news, however, don’t imply that there’s a chance for tourist visa fees to be waived. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Tourism and Culture, stated in a recent report that although scrapping of fees is out of the question, "a broad discussion on the overall liberalization of India’s visa policy is underway."

Meanwhile, a change in hotel tariffs in Dehli may happen soon. As of press time, there’s a luxury tax imposed to city hotels, but Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has proposed a bill to remove the said tax. The goal, as published by IndiaToday, is to make the city’s budget hotels cheaper to attract more tourists to the capital, given that most budget hotels are found in Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Mahipalpur, and Daryaganj.

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Three things you need to know about visas

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A visa is a written permission given to a traveler by the intended country to visit their area for a given period. The document lists down the duration, purpose, and a number of allowed entries into that specific country. It is a criminal offense to travel to another country without a visa. There are several categories of visas one can apply for, each with their set of requirements and documentation. For all of these types, there are three crucial things one needs to know.

Each country has their due processes: It sounds obvious, yet many travelers presume that all countries are the same. Some countries prefer an entirely online application while there are others that ask the applicant also to submit letters with supporting documents. It is best to ask for a third-party service to determine specific country requirements.

Research before taking trips: Travel agencies and cruise ships offer fantastic vacation deals. They do help travelers obtain necessary visas for that exact trip. This must be emphasized. This means, for example, that a traveler has the visa to be inside a ship traveling to certain areas, but cannot get out and explore the country. Individuals who expect to explore the country may find themselves unable to do so.

Consider a consulate service: This is a more thorough process and does require a certain amount of patience on the part of the traveler. Physical appointments are necessary as well as online applications. However, the initial hassle pays off in the long run as documentation is completed sooner and the traveler can visit his or her intended country with ease.

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CKGS is a visa application consulate service that assists individuals obtain their documents in the fastest and easiest way possible. Learn more by visiting this website.

Indians need visa for India? New deadline changes regulations

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The Indian Ambassador in the UAE has set a new deadline for the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card to July 1, stating that PIO card holders will not be allowed to enter India after this time without a valid visa. The new regulation requires PIO card holders to convert their documents to the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card.

The new rule is for Indians who are currently working or living in the United Arab Emirates and wish to return home. The PIO card was initially issued with a 10-year validity, but the dramatic influx of Indians working in the Middle East, and the number of pending applications, have forced the Indian government to upgrade the granting of visa to the OCI card, which has a lifetime validity.

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Indians currently living in the Middle East are urged to apply for their OCI card now, as the processing time for this may take a few weeks and will be issued in New Delhi. The actual application process and requirements are quite simple: the applicant simply has to show his or her existing PIO card along with a valid passport. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has stated that they will allow the conversion of PIO cards to OCI at no cost.

It has not been stated what the visa requirements would be if citizens do not reach the July 1 deadline.

Cox and Kings Global Services helps clients with all procedures involving visa and passport applications. Their particular area of expertise involves the many consulates in India. Learn more about its services by following this Twitter account.

Why everyone needs a passport cover

Most people stress the importance of passport applications. Yet, what is done after that is often forgotten. A passport is an extremely important identification document. For many financial and government groups, this ID is the standard mode of determining a person’s legal status. That is why taking care of one’s passport is just as important as applying for it. A simple and effective way of protecting it is through a passport cover.

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Passport covers gained a negative reputation when people began using it as a means of showing off their status or using it as a fashion statement. Many designs became available – some serving no other function but as an accessory to one’s outfit. However, one must understand the initial purpose of the cover was security. A passport cover extends the life of the passport. There will always be unexpected events, and some travelers may find themselves in situations where their passport will get wet or potentially damaged. A cover will help limit the damage, if ever. One can always reapply for a passport before it expires due to extenuating circumstances, but this requires several more legal setbacks that take time or money. Furthermore, certain countries are known for their long processing times.

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With regards to security, it must also be noted that pickpockets are drawn to grabbing passports of either U.S. or European citizens to sell on the black market. A passport cover – particularly one that does not look like it contains something valuable – helps hide an individual’s real identification.

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Basic passport safety for all kinds of travelers

Traveling is a privilege to see the world and gain new perspectives from foreign sights and cultures. Before waxing poetic about the joys of seeing the world, tourists must first ensure their safety during the trip. The most basic way to do this is by taking care of one’s passport. Here are some suggestions:

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1. Invest in a good passport cover.

Machine-readable passports are sensitive. Travelers must protect their passports by not getting wet, torn, or even folded. To prevent these from happening, tourists can buy a plastic cover that can protect their passports from getting damaged especially while on a trip.

2. Photocopy your passport (and other travel documents).

Travelers need to photocopy to have a photocopy of their passport in case they lose it. They can store the copy in their wallets or keep it in a safety deposit box with other travel documents. If carrying a photocopy of their passport is too much of a hassle, taking a photo of using their smartphones will suffice.

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3. Keep your passport with you always.

Except when the traveler is a child, people shouldn’t let others keep their passports. If a foreign host, tour guide, or hotel personnel offers to keep your passport for safety, it is best for the traveler to refuse even if they mean well.

4. Refrain from posting on social media your passport details.

Photos of boarding passes and passports are regularly seen on social media networks these days. However, it is is not exactly the safest thing to do. Tt is best for the traveler to keep the details of his passport (and even his itinerary) to himself to prevent identity theft and illegal reproduction of important documents.

To avoid problems during a trip abroad, travelers must ensure that their passports and other documents are safe. Following the tips above will save them time in case they run into problems.

Cox & Kings Global Services is a specialist business process outsource agency incorporated in 2008 that serves consular sections of diplomatic missions. It provides administrative support and management services for non-judgmental tasks related to the lifecycle of a visa, passport, and consular application process. Get acquainted with GKGS’ services by visiting this Facebook page.

Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati: A journey into India’s Ganesha belief system

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The Siddhivinayak temple is one of the most beautiful historical architectures in Mumbai, India. Located in Prabhadevi, it is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites by locals and foreign devotees alike. Even Bollywood celebrities visit this temple of worship to receive blessing before the premiere of a movie or project. Up to 25,000 devotees visit the temple every day to say their prayers and seek blessing from Lord Ganesha. The word “Siddhivinayak” literally means “Ganesha who grants all wishes.”

The Siddhivinayak temple is considered as a historical masterpiece and is one of the top tourist spots in Mumbai. It was built in the early 18th century by professional contractor Laxman Vithu Patil. It was a wish of a wealthy lady of Agri Samaj of Matunga, Mrs. Deubai Patil, who was childless. She had the idea of constructing a Ganesha temple where women who are not able to bear children, like her, can sincerely pray and ask blessings from the Lord Ganesha.

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The statue of Lord Ganesha is built from a single black stone that stands around two feet tall. It has four hands. The upper hands hold a lotus flower and an axe; the lower hands hold a rosary and a “modak,” which is said to be the favorite delicacy of the Lord Ganesha. Beside the statues are figures of Lord Ganesha’s two wives: Riddhi, the goddess of success and Siddhi, the goddess of prosperity.

Cox & Kings Global Services offers India visa processing. For more information about the company's services, visit its website.

Indelible marks: The facts surrounding fingerprinting in transport papers

Several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, require travelers to leave fingerprints in applications for visas and other transit papers. Fingerprints serve a dual role in maintaining security and streamlining the process of travel, allowing officials to quickly verify the identities of travelers.

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Fingerprints are among the most common biometrics in use in security today. This is because of the age-old understanding that no two fingerprints are alike (even between identical twins) and can serve as a clear way of identifying a person in many instances. Fingerprint identification is also nigh impossible to cheat; surgical attempts to permanently remove fingerprints are rare and do not work to deter forensic investigators. Technological developments also mean that fingerprint identification may become more streamlined, allowing for shorter queues in international terminals.

In most cases, adults under the age of 80 and adolescents over the age of 14 are required to provide fingerprints as part of the application process. Barring exceptional circumstances, these applications would not be considered complete until after the fingerprints have been recorded.

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Many embassies and consulates are aware of the legitimate instances that impede the collection of fingerprints from visa applicant. For example, there are times when collecting fingerprints may not be possible, such as when they have considerably eroded (as in extreme old age).

Different protocols exist to handle these exceptional cases, which are sometimes judged in part on the circumstances as understood by the consular officers. For instance, officials from the United States would send instructions the applicant's way only after all attempts at getting clear prints have been for naught.

Cox & Kings Global Services is a specialist business process outsource providing administrative support solutions for consulates and embassies. For more on the company and its range of services, visit its official website