Electronic gadgets are so much into our daily lives that we don’t budge an inch without a mobile phone or a laptop. When it comes to traveling from USA to India, we pack a small carry-on bag of nifty electronic items for personal use or/and gifting to our dear ones. Not knowing Indian government’s duty-free limit, customs rules and documentation for electronic imports from abroad will cost you a hefty amount, thereby adding to your total travel expenses.

No point in saving $50-$100 on flight tickets to India from USA if you end up paying dollars to Indian Customs officers for carrying electronics beyond the duty-free limit. Our guide on USA to India travel with electronic devices comes in handy to familiarize you with the customs duty obligations and exemptions governing your arrival with non-commercial electronic imports. Bookmark and share this guide for a seamless arrival experience in India.

What is the duty free limit for carrying electronics to India from USA?

India’s duty-free allowance for personal electronic items depends on various factors including your age and duration of stay abroad. If you are above 18 years and have stayed in the US or any other foreign country for more than 3 days, you are eligible for the duty free allowance on the value of your electronic items up to INR 50,000. The allowance covers electronic devices like smart phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and other gadgets.

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What is India’s customs duty on electronic items from abroad?

India levies a customs duty of 35% plus social surcharge of 3.5% on electronic items from USA or any other country, exceeding the duty-free allowance mentioned above.

Can I carry two laptops to India without paying customs duty? 

You can bring only one laptop under Indian Customs’ duty-free allowance, as per the rules of carrying electronic items from USA to India. Carrying a second laptop for personal use may not be an issue if it is not a new one. To verify this, customs officers may ask for the original purchase receipts and need you to open the laptop. If duty-free allowance does not apply to your second laptop for personal use, you can claim a concession citing the laptop’s age. However, it is compulsory to declare an extra laptop to customs officers. If the second laptop is new and boxed, it incurs standard custom duty on arrival in India.

I am traveling with two laptops, one purchased in India and the other in USA. Do I have to pay customs duty?

If you can prove that your laptop was purchased in India by providing a valid document like purchase bill or invoice, your old laptop will be automatically exempt from duty. And if the value of the laptop you bought in USA doesn’t exceed India’s duty-free limit, you are not required to pay import duty. Just like in the case of traveling with gold, you can declare your personal electronic items and get an export certificate from the customs desk before traveling to USA. Arrival in India with your same electronic devices becomes easy with the export certificate.

Can I carry two mobile phones on flights from USA to India? 

In current times of social media, online shopping, OTT entertainment and multitasking, having two mobile phones is not a surprise even to Indian customs officials. Though the customs rules for inbound travelers carrying electronics to India from abroad do not allow more than one phone per person, you are safe as long as the total value of two phones is within the duty-free allowance. If you carry a new phone (in a sealed box) other than your personal mobile device in use, you have to declare it, show the purchase receipt and state the purpose, such as gifting.

If you travel to India from USA with two new iPhones (total value exceeding INR 50,000), it will incur customs duty.

How many watches can I carry to India from USA?

Wristwatches are common electronic items in carry-on bags of Indians flying to India from USA. Undeniably, the US is home to several luxury watch brands. You can carry 2-3 watches without any issue; watches are not subject to customs duty in India if they are for personal use and if their value does not exceed the duty-free allowance. On carrying more (commercial quantity), especially luxury watches, you have to face customs officials and pay taxes.

How many electronic devices can I bring from USA to India? Do I have to declare all my electronic items on arrival? 

Usually, you can carry one laptop, one tablet and one mobile phone without any hassle when traveling from USA to India. You are not required to fill a customs declaration form if the value of your personal gadgets is within the duty-free limit. And if you are carrying dutiable items or more electronic devices than what is allowed, you must sign the declaration form and opt for the red channel for customs clearance (You can head to the green channel only when you don’t possess any dutiable items or have no electronics in excess to declare. If found otherwise, your electronic imports may be detained by customs officials).

India’s ATITHI app facilitates advance currency/customs declaration even before you board the flight to India.

The post What Electronic Items Can I Carry to India from USA and How Many without Customs Duty? A Complete Guide appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Does your US-India itinerary have a significant layover in a third country? Turning it into a pleasant sightseeing spree is easier and better than lazing around at a transit airport. With airlines offering transit stopovers and city tours, you can gift a mini vacation to yourself or your family during your upcoming trip to India this summer. While stopovers extend over 24 hours or more, transit city tours come in various packages at subsidized rates during a layover of 5 to 10 hours.

Some airlines like Turkish Airlines offer it as a free add-on, whereas some airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways offer it for less. Some airlines like Singapore Airlines offer guided trips to popular tourist sites within the easily commutable radius of transit airports. What makes major airlines’ transit city tours more tempting to Indians and US citizens is the visa-free entry or visa waiver or visa on arrival or easy-to-obtain e-visa to the countries that US-India flights of those airlines transit through.

Fly Emirates and Explore Dubai during a layover   

Dubai International Airport is the best of all transit hubs with layover tours for Indians booking Emirates flights tickets to India/USA. Dubai, a most happening city offering the Arabian hospitality, luxury activities, and desert safaris, can best be explored during a stopover of up to 48 hours. With a customized tour package of Dubai Experience from Emirates Airlines or its air-ticketing partners including IndianEagle.com, you can turn your stopover into an amazing mini holiday en route to India or USA. A stopover package offers hotel accommodation with 24-hr check-in and check-out, and exclusive deals for theme parks, water parks, desert safari, etc.

If a Dubai stopover does not fit into your US-India travel plans, you can go out for a short sightseeing tour given minimum 8 hours of connection time at Dubai Airport in your itinerary. You can visit the world’s tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa and the nearby Dubai Fountain in the downtown that Dubai Metro provides seamless connection to from the airport every 10 minutes. Or, you can head to Dubai Miracle Garden, one of the most popular tourist places in Dubai, during a short airport layover.

Indians need a visa to tour Dubai, whereas US citizens can have a visa-free stopover in Dubai. Check our details of Emirates Airlines’ pre-approved visa on arrival facility for Indians with a valid US visa or Green Card.

Fly Turkish Airlines and Tour Istanbul for Free

Planning your travel to India or USA via Istanbul? You may be eligible for Turkish Airlines’ free Istanbul City tour or stopover program depending on the layover duration in your itinerary. Irrespective of your economy or business class travel on Turkish Airlines flights to India/USA, you can explore Istanbul during a layover of at least 6 hours. Those with a 20-hour layover are eligible for a complimentary hotel stay in Istanbul. Considering your layover in Istanbul, you can choose one of the eight packages of the Touristanbul program.

Notably, Türkiye is a visa-free destination for US Citizens. Check out our exclusive guide on Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul stopover program to know how to apply for it, what documents are required, what tourist sites to visit, perks of the program, details of free hotel accommodation, etc.

Turn Your Changi Airport Layover into a Free Singapore Tour

You can make the most of a layover at Changi International Airport, and that too for free while flying with Singapore Airlines. Changi Airport offers free transit tours to travelers with at least 5.5 hours of layover.  If you have more than 24 hours of layover time to kill, you might want to consider signing up for one of the Changi Stopover Packages. Changi Airport offers you free transit tours in three different categories: Heritage tour (runs twice a day); City Sights Tour (runs three times a day) and Changi Precinct Tour (runs two times a day). Any tour lasts 2.5 hours.

Each of the tours is unique in some or the other way. The heritage tour walks you through the history and architecture of the colonial era in Chinatown and Little India. Meanwhile, the City Sights Tour offers a much contemporary experience of the city and its modern ‘Singaporean’ architecture comprising magnificent sites like the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands among others. And the Changi Precinct Tour takes you to the heart of the city, immersing you in a unique experience of the local lifestyle. It also includes a visit to the quaint Changi village, which is a favorite getaway for the locals.

Our exclusive guide on free Singapore City tours for Indian travelers comes in handy with such details as eligibility norms, how to register, transit visa requirement, etc.  

Fly Qatar Airways and Add Doha Sightseeing to Your Itinerary

Among the best airline stopover programs, Qatar Airways’ Doha stopover will make your travel between USA and India more enjoyable at no additional airfare. More than 12 hours of connection time at Hamad International Airport makes you eligible for a Doha City tour; however, it requires one-night accommodation at a 4-star or 5-star hotel. Qatar Airways’ destination management wing, Discover Qatar offers cost-effective Doha stopover packages – Standard, Premium, and Luxury – at bundle rates starting from $14 per night for standard 4-star accommodation, $23 for premium 5-star accommodation, and $81 for 5-star luxury accommodation.

If your US-India trip with Qatar Airways cannot accommodate a Doha stopover, you can go for a short Doha sightseeing tour during a layover of 6-8 hours at Hamad Airport. Interestingly, both Indian nationals and US citizens can obtain a visa waiver on arrival at Hamad Airport if they have a passport valid for minimum 3 months and a confirmed flight ticket (s) for onward or return journey. Check out our exclusive guide on Doha stopover and transit tours, alongside our partner Qatar Airways’ best fare deals for India and USA.

Fly Japan Airlines and Enjoy a Multicity Stopover

Among the best international stopover-friendly airlines, JAL lets you book multicity itineraries from USA to Delhi and Bangalore so you can visit more than one transit city at no extra airfares. If your connecting flight is from Kansas International Airport, you can explore Osaka City, from where it takes 15-20 minutes to reach Kyoto by a high-speed train. With a Japan Explorer Pass, you can travel by air from one place to the other within JAL Airlines’ domestic network at much affordable fares.

If Tokyo Haneda or Narita is the connecting airport in your US-India itinerary of JAL Airlines, you can explore both Haneda and Narita City, during a long layover of 6 hours of more. Interestingly, Narita International Airport offers free tour English tour guides to travelers as part of the transit tour program. The English-speaking tour guides help you discover and experience the local culture and history within a budget. Though the tour guides are free, you need to pay transportation charges, entrance fees, and other expenses.

Check out whether Indians and US citizens need a visa for transit stopover in Tokyo/Narita and Japan Airlines’ best flight deals for India/USA.

Fly Etihad Airways and have Abu Dhabi Stopover for Less 

Abu Dhabi is one of the best transit airports with stopovers in the Middle East for passengers of eligible Etihad itineraries for US to India travel. Interestingly, your boarding pass for Etihad flights doubles up as the Abu Dhabi pass loaded with deals and discounts on sightseeing and dining in the UAE capital city. Since itineraries with a layover of 24 hours or more at Zayed International Airport are eligible for the Abu Dhabi stopover, advance booking of stay at any of Etihad Airways’ partner hotels (available at discounted rates) is a must. A single-entry transit visa to Abu Dhabi costs US$ 10.

Indian nationals need a single-entry transit visa for a stopover of 8-48 hours in Abu Dhabi, whereas US citizens and those having a Canadian/Mexican/UK passport can obtain a free UAE visa on arrival at Zayed International Airport (AUH). Rather than booking the stopover, you can turn even an 8-hour layover in Abu Dhabi into an exciting trip to Yas Island spread over 25 square kms. The island has the world’s fastest rollercoaster and one of the world’s best waterparks. Ferrari World on Yas Island is the world’s first Ferrari-themed indoor park.

Traveling on Finnair? Explore Helsinki during a Layover

Booking Finnair flight tickets to India or USA is an opportunity to explore Helsinki City in Europe. A layover of 6 to 24 hours is ideal for a sightseeing tour in the Finnish capital. Indian passport holders may need a Schengen tourist visa (C category) to enter and tour Helsinki during a layover at Helsinki International Airport. A most happening destination for art connoisseurs, culture buffs, and foodies! Interestingly, Finland is adjudged as the happiest country in the world. Your passport must be valid for 90 days or more following your departure on the connecting flight from Helsinki.

Fly Saudi Arabian Airlines and Get a 96-hour stopover visa 

Saudi Arabian Airlines, also known as Saudia, recently joined the ranks of airlines in offering a hassle-free stopover with a 96-hour visa to Indian nationals. Indian passport holders having a valid US visa or Green Card or a Schengen visa, are eligible for an electronic transit/stopover visa to Jeddah and Riyadh. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Home to 6 UNESOC World Heritage Sites and the world’s tallest fountain, the Kingdom Saudi Arabia is a must-visit destination for history buffs, culture enthusiasts and art connoisseurs.

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OCI Card or Indian tourist visa – what is better? Which one is easier to obtain, OCI card or Indian visa, for foreign-born minors of Indian origin? What are the advantages of an OCI card and the disadvantages of an Indian tourist visa? What will help me with hassle-free multiple entries to India, a 5/10-year-old Indian visa or a life-long OCI card? Indian Diaspora hits Google, Facebook, and visa-related forums with such queries before the time is ripe to search online for best deals for flights to India from USA.

Both OCI Card and Indian tourist visa have their own pros and cons. If you don’t have either one, you can obtain a tourist visa faster than an OCI card for emergency travel to India. However, OCI cardholders were allowed to enter India, whereas the tourist visa (both electronic and paper) was banned and tourist visa holders were restricted from traveling to India during the pandemic. Inarguably, the OCI Card is given preference to the tourist visa in the event of international travel restrictions.

The post What is Better, OCI Card or Indian Tourist Visa, for Foreign-born Minors or Foreign Citizens of Indian Origin? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The USA is home to nearly 1.28 million NRIs and 3.18 million PIOs. Most of them earn passive income in the form of interest on bank deposits/accounts, dividends on investments, or from business ventures in India. And if this overall income exceeds 2.5 lakhs (tax-free income), filing of tax return becomes mandatory. Are the income tax rules, rates and exemptions for NRIs different from Indian residents? Broadly speaking, yes.

Although all Indian citizens, residents or non-residents, are subject to the Income Tax Act of India, their residency status plays a key role in determining their tax liability and the extent of taxation. Firstly, NRIs are taxed only on the income earned/deemed to be earned or accrued from sources in India. They aren’t obligated to pay tax on their overseas earnings or declare foreign assets.

Secondly, the India-US tax treaty provides relief from double taxation for NRIs in cases where both nations hold a legal right to tax certain forms of income. As an NRI working and living in USA, you need to know when to leverage the US-India tax treaty to cut down the tax burden. Here’s your guide to key aspects of NRI taxation in India and US-India tax agreement.

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Determining your tax residency status for the year

Knowing your residence status for tax purposes is the first step in navigating the intricacies of the tax system. Both India and USA have distinct criteria to ascertain an individual’s tax residency status for a particular year. It is possible for you to be considered a tax resident of India and USA in the same tax year due to overlapping criteria; subjecting you to taxation in both countries. This is where the India-US tax treaty, with provisions such as residency tie-breakers, tax credits, exemptions and deductions, comes to your rescue. But before that, let’s understand the residency status.

In general, tax payers in India are classified as ordinarily resident, not ordinarily resident and non-resident based on the duration of their stay in India during a financial year. As per Section 6 of the Income Tax Act, you are considered a tax resident of India if you stay in India for 182 days in a financial year. PIOs and NRIs working in the USA maintain their non-resident status for tax purposes if their visit to India doesn’t exceed 181 days.

The Finance Act, 2020 introduced some amendments to the Section 6, and according to it, an Indian citizen earning more than INR 15 lakh rupees (from sources in India) is deemed to be a tax resident of India if his/her stay in the country exceeds 120 days in a year and 365 days in the preceding 4 years. This is applicable for those who aren’t liable to pay tax in any other country.

NRI Taxation in India: Taxable income for NRIs  

What is the definition of taxable income in case of non-residents? Taxable income for NRIs is defined as any income generated, received and accrued or deemed to be generated, received and accrued in India. It includes salary, income earned on properties, business ventures and capital gains on assets in India as well as income from ‘other sources’, meaning dividends on shares, mutual funds etc., and interest earned on bank deposits/accounts. Interest received on Non-Resident External (NRE) and Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) accounts is tax exempt whereas interest received on a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account is taxable.

How does US-India Tax Treaty benefit Non-Resident taxpayers?

US-India Tax Treaty, a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between the nations, provides a framework for cross-border taxation by laying out rules and mechanisms to prevent double taxation on the same income. It also has certain advantages for non-resident taxpayers in India; the biggest benefits being relief from double taxation and the reduced rate of taxation that applies for NRIs in certain cases. Non-resident taxpayers can either opt for the IT slab rates or the treaty rate, whichever is lower.

For example, the tax levied on income earned from Indian sources goes up to 39% as per income slab rates for NRIs. Under the US-India tax treaty, such income is taxed at 20%. The treaty also allows NRIs to claim tax credits in the USA for taxes paid on income earned in India. If the tax is deducted at source (TDS), then NRIs can claim credit for TDS against the total tax liability in India. However, to seek the US-India tax treaty benefits, NRIs are required to furnish certain documents such as tax residency certificate (TRC), Form 10F, non-permanent establishment (PE) declaration among others.

Are there any downsides of US-India Tax Treaty for NRI taxpayers? 

The treaty that protects NRIs from being taxed twice on the same income in both India and USA is essentially beneficial for non-resident taxpayers. There are no major downsides as such, but you may sometimes find the tax rate in India for certain types of income to be less than the tax rate applicable under the treaty. For example, dividend income from investments in Indian companies is taxed at 20% as per Income Tax Act whereas this tax percentage is 25% under the US-India tax treaty terms. In this case, NRI taxpayers may choose to go for local tax rates, which is more advantageous for them.

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GOOD NEWS for Indians planning a trip to Dubai or looking to explore Dubai City during a layover en route to the United States! Emirates Airlines, one of our partners for best flight deals to USA/India, has introduced pre-approved visa-on-arrival service exclusively for Indian nationals, with effect from January 2024. With pre-arrival approval, Indian passport holders can skip queues for visa-on-arrival formalities at Dubai International Airport.

Difference between visa on arrival in Dubai and the newly launched pre-approved visa on arrival: 

Emirates Airlines’ visa-on-arrival service in Dubai is not new for Indians having a valid US visa or Green Card. It has been in place for them for months. However, the newly launched pre-approved visa on arrival facility is more efficient and convenient. It simplifies and quickens the visa formalities on arrival at DXB Airport. If the Dubai airport layover in your itinerary permits only a short city sightseeing tour, Emirates Airlines’ new initiative will enable faster visa processing so that you can spend more time in the city.

How to get Emirates’ pre-approved visa on arrival in Dubai? 

It is easy and simple. You can apply for it online only after booking Emirates flight tickets through Indian Eagle or any other travel agency. Emirates Airlines’ partnership with VFS Global Services facilitates the pre-approval process for eligible Indian passport holders. The UAE visa platform linked to Emirates.com outlines the requirements and clauses for you to obtain a 14-day single-entry visa on arrival.

• Log on to Emirates.com and navigate to “Manage an existing booking” on the portal.
• Enter your last name and booking reference number or e-ticket number to retrieve your booking details.
• Click the “Apply for a UAE Visa” link
• You will be redirected to the UAE Visa application portal powered by VFS Global Services
• Fill out the application form and pay the visa fee online.
• Go to the pre-approved visa on arrival counter at Dubai Airport

What is the cost of Emirates’ visa on arrival service for Indians? 

A single-entry, 14-day visa on arrival costs USD 63 per traveler, as per the official website of Emirates Airlines. Eligible Indian nationals have to pay this UAE visa fee during the online pre-approval process (mentioned above).

Emirates’ visa on arrival eligibility norms for Indians

Among passengers of Emirates flights, normal Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or Green Card are eligible for a pre-approved visa on arrival in Dubai. Both the passport and the US visa/Green Card must be valid for 6 months from the date of departure for the UAE. Emirates Airlines extends this facility to Indian nationals holding an EU or UK residence card with 6-month validity.

The post Emirates’ Newly Launched Pre-approved Visa on Arrival for Indians: Eligibility Norms, How to Apply, Visa Fee appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Gold is next to God for Indians, no matter where they are. Most Indians immigrating to the United States do carry their gold items, such as wedding jewelry, inherited ornaments, coins, etc. They travel back to India with the same for personal use at family functions or gifting to dear ones. Understandably, international transportation of this precious yellow metal in any form is subject to several regulations and restrictions. Hence, travelers end up searching the web for answers to questions: “How much gold can you carry from USA to India”, “What is the maximum amount of gold you can take to USA from India without paying taxes”, “What is India’s duty-free gold allowance”, “Do you need to declare gold to the airport officials” and likes.

To begin with, there is no limit to the amount of gold jewelry you can bring into the USA. However, anything over $10k in value (currency or gold coins) requires a FinCen105 form (Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments) to be filed with the US Customs and Border Protection. It must be noted that gold jewelry, gold bars, bullions and other articles of precious metals are not categorized as ‘monetary instruments’. Nevertheless, they need to be declared to a CBP officer upon entering the USA.

Is there any customs duty on importing gold to USA from India?  

No, the US doesn’t impose any customs duty on gold coins, jewelry, medals and bullions. It only requires travelers to declare these valuables to CBP officers or file FinCen105 form, depending on whether you are carrying gold items valued over $10k.

I bought some gold jewelry/bars in India. Do I need to declare that while leaving India for the USA?   

If not declared at the time of departure from India, it will be a problem to bring them back home (India). There are few GOV-appointed valuators. You need to book one’s visit. They come with quality and weight check instruments. They check gold articles for purity, weight, etc. and give a report on the estimated value. They also take photos of the items and give you 2 copies; one for your reference and the other for customs clearance at Indian airports. This is how you can declare your gold export out of India. You will get an export certificate from the customs. You can also show the export certificate while declaring your gold items in the US.

The gold export certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of your flight from India to USA. On your return to India anytime within 3 years, you can show the export certificate and the gold valuation report done before. Thus, you can avoid paying customs duty on the value of gold, which you bring back home from USA, on arrival at an entry airport in India.

Will I be held back by a US immigration officer while traveling back to USA with the gold jewelry purchased in the US itself? 

It is not mandatory to declare on return to the US if the value does not exceed $10k. If you are held back, you may be asked to show the purchase receipt or provide a verbal estimation of the value. If you declared it while flying out of the USA, you can show that receipt to the immigration officer when you travel back.

How to declare gold jewelry at US CBP & get ‘Certificate of Registration’ before traveling abroad?

You need to present a dated copy of your jewelry appraisal (you can get this document from a certified gemologist and appraiser), jewelry insurance policy or receipt to prove legal ownership of your jewelry before leaving the US. A photo of yours with your jewelry may also be accepted for issuing the ‘Certificate of Registration’.

What happens if I don’t declare jewelry to CBP officers at US airports?

Not declaring your jewelry is never a good idea. CBP may confiscate your gold jewelry and charge you with a penalty equivalent to the value of jewelry you are importing to the USA.

What’s Indian Government’s duty-free gold allowance for NRIs from USA and other countries?

Indian government’s standard duty-free allowance for gold jewelry varies depending on the gender of NRIs traveling to India from USA and other countries. For male travelers, the duty-free limit is 20 grams of gold jewelry and the value should not exceed INR 50,000. The duty-free allowance for women should not exceed 40 grams of gold jewelry with the value up to INR 100,000.

The same gender-wise duty-free gold allowance applies to NRI children traveling to India after a certain period of stay abroad. NRIs’ import of gold bars or coins is not eligible for the customs-duty-free allowance even though the gold amount/value is within the specified limit mentioned above.

I am traveling to India for a family function. Will it be a problem if I carry to India my gold or diamond jewelry purchased in the US?

Make sure to carry the purchase receipt. Try to convince the Indian customs officer at the arrival airport that your jewelry is not an import for commercial purposes and that you are carrying the jewelry for your personal use at a family function. If you have the return flight ticket and any proof of the family function, you can show those to convince the officer.

Can I bring back to India the gold jewelry that I had taken to USA, without paying taxes to Indian Customs?

If your gold jewelry was purchased in India and if you obtained an export certificate for your jewelry from the Indian Customs before traveling to the USA, then your gold jewelry is exempt from India’s customs duty. An export certificate facilitates your travel to India with gold jewelry exceeding Indian Government’s duty-free allowance, irrespective of your period of stay abroad.

How to obtain an export certificate for your gold jewelry or gold items before flying out of India? you need to produce your gold jewelry, purchase invoice or payment receipt and the valuation certificate (attesting to the claimed value of gold) issued by an authorized valuer to the customs authorities at the Indian airport you are departing from.

Can I carry gold coins or bars other than jewelry to India? If yes, what customs duty do I have to pay?

Bringing gold to India in raw form, like bar or coin, is allowed. The government of India allows Indian nationals holding valid passports to bring gold coins or bars from abroad. However, it must be noted that Indian government’s duty-free allowance doesn’t apply to gold coins, bars – precisely, gold in raw form. You are required to pay customs duty of 15% on importing gold coins or bars. The same percentage applies if you carry gold jewelry exceeding the standard duty-free allowance and without a previously obtained export certificate. And for those who have stayed for less than 6 months abroad, 38.5% tax is levied on importing gold to India.

How much gold can I carry to India in my cabin/hand baggage?  

Not everyone is allowed to import gold to India as part of cabin baggage. Only Indian-origin travelers and Indian nationals can import gold as baggage, provided they stayed abroad for minimum six months. You can import up to 1 kg of gold in your carry-on bag on international flights to India from USA.

Is the value of gold, that I will carry to USA, calculated based on the actual price paid during the purchase?

While estimating the value of the gold to determine if it falls under duty-free allowance or not, the value of the gold is calculated based on the current price as notified by the government of India. It means the value of the gold you carry is determined by the gold rate at the time of your travel and not at the time of your purchase. Regardless of this, you need to produce the purchase invoice to ascertain your ownership of jewelry.

Subscribe to Travel Beats, a leading community portal for Indians in America, for everything related to your US-India travel, from transit visa to travel hacks, baggage allowance, and connecting airport stopover guides. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of Indian Eagle, a most trusted air-ticketing partner of NRIs and OCI cardholders looking for best online flight deals to India and USA.

(The above information is curated from various sources, user-generated posts, and our customers. Though we strive to provide authentic information, absolute accuracy is not guaranteed. You can post your queries in the comment section below.)

The post How to Travel to USA/India with Gold Jewelry and Other Gold Items without Paying Customs Duty? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The much-awaited Christmas holiday season is here for your once-a-year trip to visit the family in India or the US. You scoured the Internet for cheap flight deals and secured the best one for your upcoming travel months ago. Your check-in bags and cabin bag are almost packed. Just imagine you arrive at the departure airport only to be denied boarding by the airline. Isn’t it the worst nightmare for you or your elderly parents who are eagerly waiting to be with you?

Airlines can legally deny to onboard passengers for a number of reasons, though flying between USA and India is easier these days. Travel Beats, a leading Indian Diaspora and travel news portal by Indian Eagle, guides you through the most common reasons for denial of boarding to international flights, so you can avert this travel mishap.

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SSSS Code on Boarding Pass

‘SSSS’ stands for ‘Secondary Security Screening Selection’. If this code is printed on your boarding pass, it means that you are one of the few randomly selected passengers who will have to undergo additional TSA screening, which ranges from a full body scan and a thorough examination of your carry-on and other personal items to rigorous questioning.

If anything is found or believed to be suspicious, there are high chances that you are denied boarding. SSSS-tagged passengers are categorized as high-risk travelers by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Some regular flyers often find themselves subject to this extensive screening. It’s unclear as to how one is flagged for this extra security screening, but one possible reason could be your name matching with someone on the watch-list or no-fly list.

Passenger Name Mismatch 

To err is human. But an error in your name on international flight tickets may incur a loss. If the spelling of your name on the ticket doesn’t match with the one on your passport, you will be denied boarding straight away. When you receive e-tickets, make sure to review your name and other details in the e-tickets before it is too late. If your name is incomplete (for example, the middle name is missing) or misspelt in the e-tickets, contact your travel agency or the airline for correction. However, passenger name correction in confirmed air tickets is easier said than done.

Some airlines consider name correction requests, while some airlines don’t entertain. The customer support team of IndianEagle.com does better guide travelers in such events. Some airlines allow correction of passenger names by cancelling and rebooking tickets within 24 hours from the time of booking. If your name has legally been changed through marriage, divorce, etc., make sure that you get your passport reissued with your new name.

Inadequate Visa Arrangement 

Inadequate visa arrangement is a common ground for denial of boarding to flights to USA or India. Acquiring only a US visa may not secure your travel if the itinerary involves two Schengen layovers or transit between two Schengen countries. The Schengen area mandates a transit visa for Indian passport holders with such itineraries. In June 2022, four USA-bound Indians were not allowed to board the flight as they did not fulfil the visa requirement for transit via Paris and Amsterdam.

A layover exceeding 10 hours at some international transit airports requires an airport transit visa that helps Indian nationals avert denial of boarding. Having an expired/invalid US visa and not having a transit visa during return journey to India via Europe make another premise for airlines to deny boarding to Indian passport holders. There are several other visa-related scenarios of boarding denial.

Bookmark this international transit visa guide for your hassle-free travel

Expired US Passport 

What if your US passport expires during your vacation in India or a foreign trip? You are under the wrong impression if you think that you can travel back to the US with an expired passport. Though this regulation for US citizens was relaxed during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was reinstated in July 2022. Since then, they have been barred from using their expired US passports for direct travel to the United States. It is strongly recommended you contact the US Embassy in Delhi or the nearest US Consulate for passport renewal in order to avoid being denied boarding.

Visa Overstay History

Overstaying a non-immigrant visa in the US is one of the reasons for denial of boarding to flights to USA from India. If you overstayed your B2 visa in the US, a 3-year or 10-year ban on your re-entry to the US (depending on the number of days you stayed beyond the authorized period) will result in boarding denial to you. The US-bound airlines refuse to onboard such passengers given their visa overstay history. In general, H1B visa overstay has similar consequences including denial of boarding for revisit to the US for a certain period of time. Any violation of the US immigration norms and any degree of involvement in illegal activities are also among the reasons for denial of boarding.

Admission into Colleges under Scrutiny 

Certain developments out of your control can also affect your travel at the last minute. In a rare event in 2015, 19 Indian students were barred from boarding the Air India flight to San Francisco from Hyderabad soon after the airline received an important update from the US authorities. Reportedly, the two universities that those students got admission to were under scrutiny, because of which other students who had already travelled to San Francisco were also sent back to India. Air India stated that it took this step to avoid inconvenience to the students and also processed a full refund to them. Hence, students seeking admission into foreign universities should beware of blacklisted educational institutions.

Boarding Denial to Expecting Women

Can airlines deny boarding to pregnant women? Yes, they can if expecting women passengers are in an advanced stage of pregnancy or not fit to fly due to some complications. There are different airline policies for them. However, many airlines onboard pregnant travelers until 32 weeks of pregnancy, provided they are medically fit to fly. Some airlines restrict the flying permit after 28 weeks.

Delta Airlines has the most generous flying policy for expecting women passengers. Air India flights between USA and India mandate basic medical documentation for flying until 32 weeks of healthy pregnancy. On the other hand, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, and American Airlines have a rigid ‘flying during pregnancy’ policy that applies starting from the 29^th week of pregnancy. Precisely, the airline rules vary depending on whether the passenger is pregnant with the first baby or has a history of miscarriage.

The post For What Reasons Airlines can Deny Boarding to Flights to USA or India? How to Avert This for Safe Travel? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Do Indians need an airport transit visa or a regular Schengen visa for traveling via Germany? The answer to this question depends on your itinerary – whether it has one or more airport layovers in Germany – and the type of US visa you hold. Not fulfilling this additional visa requirement for your travel on Lufthansa flights between India and USA can result in denial of boarding. So, let’s understand what type of Schengen visa you need for transiting through Germany airports – Frankfurt, Munich, or both.

PC: Image by Freepik

Airport Transit Visa for US-India Itineraries with One Schengen Layover in Germany

A Schengen Airport Transit visa (type-A) is the permit you need for transiting through an airport in Germany to your non-Schengen destination. For example, if your Lufthansa flight connects you to your final destination in India/USA either at Munich Airport or Frankfurt Airport, then you need an airport transit visa for this itinerary. It allows you to spend your connection time (up to 24 hours) in the international transit zone within the airport. You cannot leave the airport during the layover.

What documents are required to apply for an airport transit visa for Germany? 

You need the following documents to submit your transit visa application at a German visa application center, embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The German transit visa fee is 80 Euros (nearly 85 USD).

• German Transit Visa Application form
• Signed Declaration of Accuracy of Information
• Passport (issued within last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity from your travel date)
• A photocopy of your passport’s biometric and address page
• Confirmed flight ticket to USA/India
• 2 latest passport photographs

Additional documents may be required for further verification in individual cases.

How long does it take to get a German transit visa?

The standard processing time for German transit visa applications is 15 days. You can submit your application six months in advance but no later than 15 days before the scheduled date of your travel.

I have a US visa/green card. Do I need Germany’s transit visa for layover in Frankfurt or Munich?

Indian nationals holding a valid US visa or Green Card are exempt from the transit visa requirement as long as their US-India itinerary has one Schengen layover. 

Schengen Visa for US-India Itineraries with Two or More Schengen Layovers

If your US-India itinerary has a layover at both Munich and Frankfurt Airport, then you are required to possess a regular Schengen visa (not a transit visa). A transit visa only permits you to catch a connecting flight to a non-Schengen country, whereas you must have a Schengen visa for connecting to a second Schengen airport on your way to a non-Schengen country.

You would also need a Schengen visa for your travel on connecting flights to India operated by Lufthansa and its codeshare partner, SWISS Airlines, which also operates out of Schengen airports in Zurich and Geneva. Simply put, a Schengen visa (type-C) is mandatory for transiting through more than one airport in the Schengen area. Read more about a regular Schengen visa required for international transit by Indians.

Do Indians holding green cards need a Schengen visa for Lufthansa flights via two Schengen airports?

Yes. Neither a valid US visa nor permanent residency status exempts you from the  Schengen visa rules. A Schengen visa is one of the most important travel documents required for hassle-free travel on Lufthansa flights via two Schengen airports in Germany.

The post I will Travel between USA and India via Germany. Do I Need Transit Visa or Schengen Visa for Smooth Connection? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

2024 will be the year of a premium economy war between airlines, including Air India and Emirates. With Emirates having scheduled its premium economy flights to India from 29 October, the competition will heat up in the US-India travel corridor, where Air India’s Premium Economy service has already made its presence felt. Air India’s brand new offering launched in June 2023 is on an expansion spree with modern planes lining up to join the fleet. Dubai-based Emirates known for its inflight service and hospitality is expected to provide a top-notch Premium Economy experience.

Air India vs Emirates: Premium Economy Seats

Emirates’ Premium Economy on A380s (double-decker jumbo aircraft) is more spacious than Air India’s on B777-200LRs (as of now). Evidently, premium economy seats on Emirates’ A380 flights to India have better features than those on Air India flights from USA to Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. 19.5-inch width and 40-inch pitch set Emirates’ premium economy seats a notch above Air India’s premium economy seats with 19-inch width and 38-inch pitch.

You can recline your seat by 8 inches without causing inconvenience to your co-passengers behind in Emirates’ Premium Economy. You get only 5 inches of recline in Air India’s Premium Economy. Both the airlines offer adjustable headrest, leg rest, footrest and cushioned seating to elevate your comfort in premium economy. However, you can adjust the headrest at 6 different levels to your convenience and relax better against a soft pillow supporting your back on premium economy seats to be provided by Emirates flights to Mumbai and BLR Airport.

If both airlines’ premium economy cabins are evaluated on the index of elegance and aesthetics, Emirates is likely to score higher than Air India. The upholstery of creamy leather seats exudes soft golden hues lending a regal look to premium economy of Emirates’ A380s. On the other hand, soothing blue dominates the interior of premium economy cabins on B777-200LRs that Air India leased from Delta Airlines. More aircraft being retrofitted with premium economy and refurbished with exquisite upholstery will ramp up Air India’s Premium Economy game in 2024.

Air India vs Emirates: Premium Economy Fares  

Needless to say, fares is an important consideration for long-haul international air travel. Indian Eagle, a leading travel-booking partner of Indian Diaspora, books cost-to-cost USA to India premium economy flight tickets with Emirates, Air India, and other airlines. However, Air India has better deals than Emirates Airlines for premium economy travel. Refer to the below screenshot for Air India Premium Economy fares vs Emirates Premium Economy fares for a one-way trip from San Francisco to Mumbai on 6 December 2023.

PC: IndianEagle.com

You can log on to IndianEagle.com, enter your preferred travel dates and some other route, to say JFK to Mumbai or SFO to Bengaluru, select Premium Economy, and compare Emirates vs Air India fare deals for your travel. You will be able to see the premium economy fare difference between the Indian airline and the Dubai-based carrier.

Emirates vs Air India: Inflight Dining in Premium Economy 

Emirates is second to none in offering an exclusive inflight dining experience – which won’t be an exception in the soon-to-be-launched Premium Economy. If you travel in Premium Economy with Emirates flight tickets from USA to Bengaluru or Mumbai, you will be treated to a specially curated multicourse menu inspired by reginal cuisines. IndianEagle.com, a leading air-ticketing partner of Emirates, accessed the premium economy menu on the airline portal and found that it has grilled chicken, smoked salmon, chicken tikka wraps, classic Emirates pizza, mushroom omelet, paneer mutter masala, blueberry pancake, etc.

Air India’s premium economy dining on some flights between USA and India have been praised by many travelers. Part of the best-in-class hospitality to passengers in premium economy, Air India’s new menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board are Indian to the core with a contemporary touch. The menus, inspired by India’s urban culinary landscape, have both classics and fusions, such as Turmeric Chili Omelet, Mixed Vegetable Paratha, Mushroom Scrambled Eggs, Aachari Paneer, Grilled Prawns in Fennel Cream Sauce, Murgh Rezala Kofta, Murgh Elaichi Korma, Classic Chili Chicken, Chicken Chettinad Kathi Roll, Baked Fillet of Fish with Herb Almond and Garlic Crust, Masala Dal and Brown Rice Khichdi with sprouts.

“Some of our customers who got the best Air India deals for premium economy travel from Indian Eagle shared that they were given a refreshing welcome drink in fine glassware and a hot towel before every meal during the journey. They had liberal choices on the menu of drinks including mocktails, wines, whiskeys, and beers of premium brands. Masala Chia and Assam Tea are signature hot beverages served on Air India flights. We are keen to see what hospitality Emirates extends to premium economy guests on its flights to India from USA, starting 29 October 2023,” said the chief customer relations manager at Indian Eagle.

Air India vs Emirates: Inflight Entertainment in Premium Economy

Be it premium economy or business class flights to USA, Emirates has the best inflight entertainment content in the sky for its guests of all age groups. Travelers to be flying in Emirates Premium Economy to and from India will get access to 650 plus TV shows, more than 2000 movies and 4000+ hours of music in various regional languages on Emirates’ ICE inflight entertainment system. Premium Economy seats are equipped with 13.3-inch HD screens for you to stay entertained on long-haul Emirates flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York to Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Air India does equally leave its premium economy guests spoilt for choice with the volume and quality of inflight entertainment. As part of the ongoing transformation program, Air India has enriched its inflight entertainment content with myriad blockbusters and classics from Hollywood, Bollywood, and various language-speaking regions of India for the brand new Premium Economy cabins on B777-200LRs having modern inflight entertainment systems.

The post A Comparative Guide on Emirates vs Air India: Premium Economy Fares, Seats, Inflight Services, Upgrade appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Luxury and comfort, which were once the hallmarks of Air India until the turn of the century, are back as brand attributes of the Tata airline in its transformation journey towards delivering the best-in-class travel experience. After having upgraded its inflight service on select international flights and having launched a single integrated web system for seamless customer support, Air India has turned its attention to expanding its lounge network and modernizing its signature Maharaja lounges, both domestically as well as internationally.

Picture Credit: Moneycontrol

Air India’s lounge network has total 26 airports in India

Since the airline’s takeover by the Tata Group, known for its world-class hospitality business, Air India’s lounge access has expanded from 16 to 26 airports in India. Now the domestic lounge network covers 26 airports including Mangalore, Lucknow, Madurai, Vadodara, Indore, Nagpur, Srinagar, and Patna in partnership with the existing lounges at those airports. Moreover, Air India has inked a deal with the best food courts in a bid to extend its hospitality and improve passenger experience at 11 other domestic airports without lounges.

Air India’s lounge services for business class flyers and other premium passengers are available at major international airports in India through the airline’s strategic partnership with various lounge service providers. While traveling with business class flight tickets of Air India, you can retreat into the luxuries of the Oberoi Lounge at Bengaluru Airport, Meridian & Oberoi Lounges at Chennai Airport, Port Lounge at Kolkata Airport, and other top-class lounges at Hyderabad RGI, Mumbai CSMI, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram airports.

Air India’s lounge service at 41 international destinations including USA 

The international destinations where Air India’s lounge services for business class travelers are available include five major US airports having nonstop flights to India. The lounges which Air India’s premium passengers can access to spend their waiting time and unwind before departure from or after arrival in the US are:

• United Lounge at San Francisco International Airport
• Turkish Airline Lounge at Washington Dulles Int. Airport
• Virgin Clubhouse Lounge at Newark Liberty Int. Airport
• Air France-KLM Lounge at Chicago O’Hare Int. Airport
• Air India Maharaja Lounge at New York JFK Airport

In line with its 5-year transformation plan titled Vihaan.AI, Air India has recently collaborated with Swissport Lounge at Chicago ORD International Airport and SAS Lounge at Newark EWR International Airport, among some of the top-notch airport lounges in its global network. The Tata Group is all set to provide a world-class lounging experience to premium customers who meet the eligibility criteria for Air India’s lounge access in the USA and other countries.

Air India Maharaja Lounges in USA and India 

Air India provides its signature hospitality to premium passengers at its flagship Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport T3 in New Delhi and JFK International Airport T4 in New York City. The iconic Maharaja, the airline’s mascot which has got a makeover as part of rebranding, will greet customers with folded hands at the entrance of the Maharaja Lounge. Reportedly, plans to modernize these lounges as per the international taste are embedded in Air India’s ongoing transformation into a world-class airline.

What are Air India’s Maharaja Lounge services at Delhi IGI Airport and NYC JFK Airport? Located next to the new Encalm Lounge on the Mezzanine Floor of T3 at IGI Airport, the AI lounge has two sections: Business Class and First Class. The spacious lounge offers good seating arrangement comprising recliners, couches, and cozy sofas. There are work stations, complimentary Wi-Fi, showers, segregated nap rooms with recliners, self-serve beverages, a fully-stocked mini bar, newspapers, magazines and other basic comforts in the lounge. The round-the-clock buffet serving Indian and international cuisines is the mainstay of hospitality offered at the Air India lounge at New Delhi International Airport.

“Located post the TSA security check on Level 4 in T4, the AI Maharaja Lounge at JFK Airport NYC has floor-to-ceiling windows which let ample natural light in and function as plane spotters. With seating arrangements on either side of the central walkway, the lounge has facilities similar to the above.  The buffet including both Oriental and Continental food woos Indian travelers with such traditional staples as sambar rice, chicken tikka masala, conned dosa, etc. 7AM to 12 AM is the operational hour of the Air India lounge at JFK Airport, according to our customers,” said the chief travel advisor of IndianEagle.com.

More contemporary facilities and luxurious comforts will be introduced at the Maharaja Lounges in the coming days.

Who can access Air India’s Maharaja Lounge services?

At New Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport, the Maharaja Lounge can be accessed by first and business class passengers of Air India flights to/from USA and other countries. Additionally, the lounge is available for the airline’s frequent flier program members, Maharaja Club members, travelers with Star Alliance Gold status, premium passengers of other Star Alliance member airlines, and special guests including VIPs.

Other than the abovementioned traveler groups, those with Priority Pass membership offered by premium credit cards can visit JFK Airport’s AI Maharaja Lounge for up to 3 hours. Entry to this Priority Pass lounge may be restricted to Priority Pass members during peak hours. Precisely, the Air India lounge facilities are accessible to you depending on your travel class, fare type, frequent flier status, Priority Pass membership, Star Alliance membership, or special guest status.

Is Air India’s Maharaja Lounge present at Mumbai International Airport?

Air India’s signature lounge folded up at Mumbai CSMI Airport before the pandemic. The way the Tata airline is expanding its network and improving its service, no wonder travelers flying into and out of Mumbai are likely to get an Air India lounge in the near future.

I got my economy flight upgraded to business class using the newly introduced Upgrade+ feature of Air India. Am I now eligible for Air India’s free lounge service in USA/India?

In our knowledge, the perks of a travel class upgrade on Air India flights do not include complimentary lounge access. If you are a member of Air India’s frequent flyer program or have Star Alliance Gold status, it is recommended that you contact the airline and check whether you can get the lounge access for free.

The post Where can Premium Travelers Access Air India’s Lounge Service in USA and India? A Complete Guide appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.