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.

Cox and Kings Global Services is a recognized business process outsourcing agency, handling all actions related to visa or passport applications. For more information, follow this Twitter account.

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

Three interesting Indian festivals to attend

The sheer number of festivals celebrated across the country reflect India's cultural and religious diversity. Out of the hundreds of festivals celebrated in India every year, there are a few that stand out for various reasons.

First-time and seasoned travelers who wish to experience India in new ways should consider attending one of the following festivals.

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1. Nag Panchmi

Snakes play an important role in Hindu mythology, which is why devout Hindus all over India and in some areas of Nepal dedicate one day to their worship. On Nag Panchmi, people cannot dig in the earth as doing so might harm the snakes that live there. Images of snakes are washed with milk or water then worshipped by reciting a certain mantra. In some places, live snakes are worshipped. Offerings of milk, crystallized sugar, rice pudding, and lotus flowers are made.

Nag Panchmi falls on the fifth day of the waxing or waning of the moon, in the month of Shravan (July or August.)

2. Kila Raipur Sports Festival

Often referred to as the "rural Olympics," this festival features many impressive feats of athleticism. These include wrestling and strongman contests, as well as more unusual activities such as lifting a plow with one's mouth, getting run over by a tractor, and forming complicated stunts on motorcycles.

The festival has been held annually in Kila Raipur near Punjab since 1938, and the entire celebration lasts for three days.

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3. Pulikali during Onam

Onam is a harvest festival and the national festival of Kerala. In Thrissur and Palghat, pulikali is an important part of Onam celebrations.

On the fourth day of Onam, men painted and dressed as tigers perform pulikali, the tiger dance. To prepare for pulikali, they shave their body hair and get painted to look like tigers. They also wear masks, fake teeth, and belts with bells. When the paint dries, the performers converge on Thrissur and dance in the streets, shaking their bellies to music played on local instruments, with spectators joining in on the fun and dancing with them.

Festivals in India are celebrations of life, history, and culture. To learn more about them, subscribe to this CKGS blog.