Changi Airport layovers for international transit passengers, especially between USA and India, are going to be a lot more exciting. Starting 1 August 2025, the airport is offering 2.5-hour guided trips to Sentosa Island for free – a new addition to the Singapore sightseeing tour under the Changi Transit Program. A trip to Sentosa Island near the southern coast of Singapore is not just scenic, it is enlightening because the island housed British military and served as a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp previously.

Eligibility requirements for free Sentosa Discovery Tour, Singapore 

Changi Airport’s free Sentosa Island Tour starting from 1 August 2025 is open to all transit and transfer passengers. Irrespective of your travel origin and final destination, you can book a 2.5-hour guided tour for Sentosa sightseeing from Changi Airport if the layover time and period in your itinerary align with the tour schedule. No matter you are flying from the US, India or any other country via Singapore, you need to fulfil the below eligibility criteria for free Sentosa Island trips during transit.

• You must have a Changi Airport layover of 5.5 hours and not exceeding 24 hours
• You must register yourself and book the free tour online in advance
• You must report 90 minutes prior to the tour schedule
• You must have a valid passport, boarding pass, and tour booking confirmation
• Your connecting flight must be scheduled after 11.30 pm SGT (Singapore Standard Time)
• You may need a Singapore transit or entry visa

Do Indians need a visa for Changi Airport’s Free Sentosa Island Tour?

Singapore is one of the visa-free countries for US visa holders. Since Singapore’s 96-hour visa-free transit facility is available for Indians with a valid visa from the US, the UK, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Germany, or New Zealand, they don’t need to meet any visa requirement for free Singapore Sentosa Island tours. This is a great addition to the Free Singapore Tour for international transit passengers including Indians.

How to book free tours to Sentosa Island in advance?   

It is easy to book free Sentosa Island sightseeing tour, and you can pre-book online through the official Changi Airport website, up to 50 days before your travel date. If you don’t get a chance to pre-register, don’t worry, walk-in registration is also available. However, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to book online in advance.

Free Sentosa Discovery Tour: Timings and airport registration

Changi Airport’s Free Sentosa Island tour timing is 7 pm to 9:30 pm SGT. The tour is conducted once a day, in the late evening. The airport registration for the tour is available at Terminal 2 (transit area, near Gate F50) and Terminal 3 (transit area, near gates A1 to A8). For airport registration, you need to report at the Free Singapore Tour booth, at least, 90 minutes before the tour schedule.

Things to see on Free Sentosa Island Tour: Key attractions

One of the most visited tourist places in Singapore, Sentosa Island houses laid-back beaches, sensory gardens, swanky resorts, etc. Changi Airport’s free Sentosa Discovery tour itinerary begins with panoramic views of Singapore’s southern coastline before it takes you to Resorts World Sentosa, a 49-hectare premier resort with hotels. Here, you can spot the famous Universal Studios’ rotating globe, see Singapore Oceanarium, and explore Adventure Cove Waterpark.

The next stop on the itinerary is the stunning Sentosa Sensoryscape, an immersive 350-meter walking trail through six themed sensory gardens between Resorts World Sentosa and the beach-front area. it blends nature with light, sound, and technology to offer a unique, multi-sensory experience that Singapore is known for.

The 2.5-hour guided tour of Sentosa Island takes you to Siloso Beach, known for its tropical charm, beach clubs, water sports, and vibrant coastal life. Dotted with scenic spots for photography and Insta-worthy selfies, Siloso Beach makes you wonder how this island transformed into a British military outpost into a leisure destination.

If Changi Airport’s free Sentosa Island tour ends early, you can pay to experience Wings of Time: Fireworks Symphony – Singapore’s daily firework show at Siloso Beach. This night show is a mesmerizing spectacle of music, laser lights, fireworks, and water jets. This add-on to the free tour is optional and ticketed. You can buy the ticket during the tour.

FAQs: Free Sentosa Island Trips during a layover in Singapore

Can I book the Free Sentosa Tour if I’m not flying with Singapore Airlines?

Yes, you can. This Changi airport layover tour is not limited to transit passengers of Singapore Airlines flights, but open to all airlines flying to and from Singapore. As long as you meet the requirements for a free sightseeing trip to Sentosa Island, you’re welcome regardless of airlines.

Can I book this tour through Indian Eagle Travel while purchasing my international flight tickets?

Free Singapore layover tours, including the new Sentosa Island tour, can only be booked through the website of Changi Airport, though Indian Eagle books stopover packages for Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and Bahrain at unbeatable rates. Exclusive phone-only flight deals and best stopover packages are just a call away (+1800-615-3969).

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Indian Passport’s ranking has improved on the Henley Passport Index 2025. It has moved up to the 77^th rank from the previous 85^th position, enabling Indians to visit 59 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival. Certain countries offers visa on arrival or visa-free entry to Green Cardholders and valid US visa holders. Evidently, Indian Passport when backed with a valid US visa stamp or a Green Card exerts more power and influence at international levels.

Check out what countries Green Cardholders and Indians on US visas can visit in 2025 and 2026 without applying for a visa in advance:

Visa-free Countries for Green Cardholders and US Visa holders

Singapore: 96-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Among visa-free countries for US Green Cardholders and Indians with a valid US visa, Singapore offers 96-hour visa free transit for guided city sightseeing tours. Since the Free Singapore Tour is available only for passengers of Singapore Airlines flights, many US visa holders and Green cardholders among Indians take advantage of the visa-free transit facility while traveling between USA and India through Changi Airport. The US visa stamp on your Indian passport must be valid for 30 days or more from your arrival in Singapore.

Qatar: Visa-free Doha Stopovers

Among visa-free countries for Green Cardholders and US visa holders, Qatar offers visa-free Doha stopovers to passengers of Qatar Airways flights. Qatar’s visa waiver for Indian passport holders from India and the US is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, given they have a passport with minimum 6-month validity, confirmed return flight tickets, and confirmed hotel booking in Doha.

You can call Indian Eagle’s customer helpline +1800-615-3969 for phone-only budget flight deals of Qatar Airways from USA to Doha, or US to India via Doha. You can call the same number to explore Doha stopover packages and the best deals available at Indian Eagle.

Mexico: Visa-Free for 180 Days

Mexico is one of the countries that offer visa-free entry to Indians with Green Card or a valid US visa. You can stay visa-free in Mexico for up to 180 days. Cancun in Mexico is a most popular beach getaway for Indians in the United States. Just make sure your US residency permit or visa is valid at the time of entry to explore Mexico cities and beaches without any visa hassles.

Peru: Visa-Free for 180 Days

Peru is among the visa-free countries for Green Cardholders and US visa holders with Indian passports. You can stay in this South American country for up to 180 days in a calendar year. Minimum 6-month validity of your US visa is a must for visa-free entry to Peru from the time of arrival. Whether hiking to Machu Picchu or soaking in the charm of Lima is your travel goal, the US visa or Green Card makes it easier for Indians to visit Peru without a visa.

Philippines: Visa-Free for 14 Days

The Philippines offers visa-free entry to US Green Cardholders and US work visa holders among Indians. In addition to visa-free entry to Manila, you can holiday for up to 14 days. Your visa-free stay in the Philippines can be extended once for another 7 days. In certain cases, Indian passport holders don’t need a US visa to travel visa-free to Philippines, but they must present confirm return flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and financial documents.

Thailand: Visa-free Entry

Among visa-free countries for Indian passport holders, Thailand is the most welcoming destination in Asia. Irrespective of your US visa status or validity, you can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. Starting May 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory for all inbound foreign travelers for legal entry into the country. to be filled online at least 3 days prior to your scheduled arrival in Thailand, the digital form replaced the old paper form and includes a healthy declaration too.

Bahamas – Visa-Free for 30 Days

Bahamas makes island travel easy for Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or Green Card. You don’t need a separate visa to enter, as long as your US visa is multiple-entry and has been used at least once to travel to the US. You can stay up to 30 days in the Bahamas visa-free, soaking in its beaches and clear blue waters. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months at the time of entry.

Visa-on-arrival Countries for Green Cardholders and US Visa Holders

UAE Visa-on-Arrival for Dubai and Abu Dhabi Stopovers

The United Arab Emirates tops the list of countries that offer visa on arrival to US Green Cardholders and Indians with a valid US visa. The UAE visa on arrival for eligible Indians is issued for 14 days of stay, which is extendable for additional 14 days for a nominal fee. The visa-on-arrival entry to the UAE has been expanded to Indians holding valid visas or legal residency permits from not only USA and Canada, but also Singapore, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand. Your Indian passport and Green Card or US visa must be valid for 6 months from the date of arrival at Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner for Indians in the US, has the best deals for Dubai tour packages and ‘Visit Abu Dhabi’ tour packages, in addition to exclusive phone-only flight deals from Emirates and Etihad Airways. Indian Eagle’s air-ticketing and tour-planning team is available at +1800-615-3969 (24/7).

Oman: Visa-on-arrival/e-Visa for 30 days

The Oman visa on arrival for Green Card holders and eligible Indian citizens come for 30 days. Like other visa-on-arrival countries, Oman requires Indian citizens to hold a valid visa from the UK, Canada, the UK, Japan, or Schengen countries. Return flight confirmation and hotel reservation are pre-requisites for visa-on-arrival entry to Oman.

Sri Lanka: Visa on Arrival with ETA for 30 Days 

Among the visa-on-arrival countries for US Green Cardholders and Indian citizens without a US visa, Sri Lanka grants 30-day visa on arrival through an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. It is simple and hassle-free. Sri Lanka’s visa-on-arrival requirements include your passport with 6-month validity, return or onward flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and financial support documents.

Bahrain: Visa on Arrival for 30 Days

In the Gulf region, Bahrain is on the list of countries offering visa on arrival to Indians with a US Green Card or visa. You can stay in this beautiful island country for up to 14 days on a single-entry visa or up to 30 days on a multiple-entry visa. Starting October 2025, Gulf Air flights from New York to India will make it easier for US visa holders and Green Cardholders to get Bahrain’s visa on arrival for a stopover. A 6-month valid passport, return or onward travel booking confirmation, accommodation proof and sufficient funds are mandatory.

The booking of customized tour packages in all these visa-free countries for Green Cardholders and Indians on US Visas is just a call away at Indian Eagle! Call our trusted travel advisors at +1800-615-3969 for budget-friendly stopover tour packages for family and individuals, as well as discounted phone-only flight deals.

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The fun of winter holiday travel between the US and India is an international stopover that may turn into a one-day vacation or a half-day city sightseeing tour for free or less. One such relaxing experience for transit passengers is Ethiopian Airlines stopover program in Addis Ababa. Interestingly, the program is free (sans Ethiopian tour packages) for both Indians and US citizens given one condition – a layover of 8 to 24 hours in the itinerary.

How to book Ethiopian Airlines Flights with Free Stopover       

Indian Eagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians and Americans, makes it a lot easier to book Ethiopian Airlines flights between USA and India with a significant layover that makes you eligible for a free stopover in Addis Ababa. Call us at +1800-615-3969 for phone-only budget flight deals from our partner – Ethiopian Airlines, and our experts will help you with suitable itineraries. If you plan to explore the history and culture of Addis Ababa during a layover of 15 to 24 hours, our experts will help you book a multi-city itinerary at the best price.

Ethiopian Airlines Free Stopover Program Overview

The stopover program in Addis Ababa for international passengers of Ethiopian Airlines flights is more or less similar to the Middle East airlines’ stopovers. Ethiopian Airlines’ US-India itineraries with a layover of 8 hours or more, and multicity flights with a layover of 8-24 hours are eligible for the Addis Ababa stopover with free hotel stay. Interestingly, you don’t need to book the stopover program separately or along with your travel between USA and India via Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Airlines stopover program does not include any sightseeing tours in and around the capital city. Depending on the duration of your layover at ADD Bole International Airport, you can choose from the paid sightseeing and activity packages from Ethiopian Holidays, the tourism wing of the airline. The packages are categorized as historical tours, excursion tours, cultural tours, festival tours, leisure tours, and Addis Ababa City tours.

You can visit the website of Ethiopian Holidays or call Indian Eagle customer service for booking a city sightseeing or activity package that best caters to your interest – “exploring the rich history, immersing in the vibrant cultures, enjoying breathtaking treks, or unwinding in serene retreats.” The best thing is that you may get Ethiopian Airlines’ free stopover hotel voucher irrespective of whether you buy a sightseeing tour or activity package.

Ethiopian Airlines Stopover Program Benefits

Complimentary one-night hotel stay, free meal vouchers, and a free transit visa are included in flight tickets of Ethiopian Airlines for the itineraries eligible for a stopover in Addis Ababa. The hotel category and the number of meal vouchers depend on your travel class. Ethiopian Airlines’ premium guests with first or business class flight tickets, receive free accommodation at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, a luxurious 5-star property within short walking distance from Terminal 2 of Addis Ababa International Airport.

Economy travelers receive free stopover hotel vouchers for accommodation outside the airport. Free shuttle to and from the airport is also provided to them. This makes it comfortable and stress-free to spend a layover, 8 to 24 hours, outside the airport.

How to Get Ethiopian Airlines’ Free Hotel, Meal Vouchers

Ethiopian Airlines’ airport check-in counters in India and the US issue free stopover hotel and meal vouchers to eligible passengers. You can simply walk to the airline counter at the departure airport in USA or India with your international flight tickets or boarding pass and ask for the vouchers of Ethiopian Airlines stopover program in Addis Ababa. If not available at the departure airport, you can easily collect them from the Transit Desk before immigration at Addis Ababa Bole Airport.

Once verified, you will receive a printed hotel voucher, a transit visa, meal vouchers, and shuttle details to your assigned hotel. Keep the vouchers safe as they are necessary to access Ethiopian Airlines’ free stopover services.

Visa Requirement for Ethiopian Airlines Stopover in Addis Ababa

Since free transit visa to Addis Ababa is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ stopover program, you don’t need to worry about the visa requirement. Though both Indians and US nationals are eligible for visa on arrival or Ethiopia’s e-Visa (paid), they may not need a separate visa for the stopover. The free transit visa on arrival at Addis Ababa International Airport is valid for up to 24 hours from the time of issuance. It allows you to get through immigration, exit the terminal, and check in at the stopover hotel.

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Usually, Indians with a Green Card or valid US visa like H1B, don’t need a transit visa for Abu Dhabi. Even if your US visa has expired, you can book Etihad flight tickets from USA to India and spend a reasonable layover at Abu Dhabi without requiring any UAE visa. This is a great convenience of flying through the Middle East vs Europe. However, an Abu Dhabi transit visa may help you out during unprecedented events like a long transit layover.

When the Middle East conflict was escalating in and after mid-June, multi-country airspace closure caused international departure delays and connecting flight cancellations. Thousands of transit passengers, including Indians from the US and other countries, got stuck at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha airports for unusually long hours. The situation became worse especially on 23 June. Etihad Airways could provide accommodation at its partner hotels outside the terminal only to the passengers having a transit visa.

Among the passengers of Etihad Airways flights from Chicago to Mumbai, New York to Kochi, and Boston to Chennai, were an Indian family with two kids. Their onward flight to Abu Dhabi was actually on 18 June, but it was rescheduled on 20 June, and the layover at Zayed International Airport extended to 8 hours from the actual 3 hours.

At Chicago ORD Airport, they were informed that they would get complimentary accommodation during the long layover. But at Abu Dhabi Airport, they learned that only those having a UAE tourist visa or transit visa could exit the terminal and access the hotel. While the UAE’s entry visa on arrival can be obtained in real time for a fee of AED 100 (approx. $27) per person, an Abu Dhabi transit visa must be arranged in advance.

As they were a group of four travelers, the visa on arrival would additionally incur them a little more than $100 in total. The situation was so overwhelming that they chose to keep away from serpentine lines for the visa on arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport. They received vouchers for an economy lounge which was no way better than a waiting area. They just walked away and got into a business class lounge at their own expense.

This brings into light the importance of having a transit visa even for Abu Dhabi or Dubai in the Middle East. Precisely, having a transit visa is like “better safe than sorry”.

UAE Visa on Arrival vs Abu Dhabi Transit Visa for Indian Nationals

When a scheduled layover becomes longer than usual, Etihad Airways like other airlines provides accommodation at Zayed International Airport. However, when accommodation options get exhausted within the airport, transit passengers get access to the airline’s hotel partners outside the airport. In such unexpected events as the one explained above, only the UAE visa on arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport works for Indian nationals.

The entry visa on arrival in UAE for Indians costs AED 100 and comes with 14-day validity. But there is a catch. Only Indians holding a valid visa or residence permit of USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand are eligible for it. If you travel through Abu Dhabi or Dubai with your expired US visa or Green Card, you are not eligible for the visa on arrival.

Indians are eligible for the Abu Dhabi Transit Visa for 48 hours or 96 hours only if they go for Abu Dhabi stopover programs while flying with Etihad. Or, your US-India flight itinerary must have a layover of at least 8 hours in Abu Dhabi for a 48-hour transit visa. If the Abu Dhabi airport layover in your itinerary is shorter than 8 hours, you are not eligible for a transit visa in the UAE.

Many Indians still confuse between the transit visa and the visa on arrival for Abu Dhabi. While transit visa must be applied for in advance, the visa on arrival is instantly available at Zayed International Airport for eligible Indians. Both visas give entry to the UAE, but their eligibility criteria are different.

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Few airports in the United States, including Detroit International Airport, are no longer only for travelers with flight tickets. Non-flyers without boarding passes can enter those airport terminals and go past security to see off their family members or hang out in the retail area. Detroit Metropolitan Airport has a visitor pass program for non-ticketed guests to access areas beyond in-terminal security checkpoints. With a DTW Airport visitor pass, you can bid goodbye to your family from the boarding gate.

Detroit Metro Airport launched its visitor pass known as DTW Destination Pass in 2019 after the Seattle Airport visitor pass was introduced in 2018. Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Orlando, Ontario, New Orleans, and San Antonio airports have similar programs for non-travelers. Detroit Airport is the origin of flights to India via Europe and the Middle East for Indians in Michigan. They will benefit from this guide on how to get a DTW Airport visitor pass online.

How to Get a Detroit Airport Visitor Pass Online

It is easy to get a DTW Destination Pass, but you cannot apply for it online or in advance. The process to get a visitor pass for Detroit Metro Wayne Airport is completely offline. If your family or parents are scheduled to travel on flights from Detroit to India, you can head to the ‘Destination Pass Kiosk’ on the Departures Level of either the McNamara or Evans Terminal on the day of travel.

All you need to do is to scan your valid US government-issued photo ID at the kiosk. Foreign passports are also accepted. Once your ID is verified, the kiosk will print a visitor pass that allows you to go through TSA screening, just like regular passengers.

Is DTW Destination Pass free?

Yes, the visitor pass for non-travelers to Detroit Metropolitan Airport is free and valid only for the day of its issuance.

What IDs are eligible for Detroit Metro Airport Visitor Pass?

To get a DTW Visitor Pass, you must be 18 years or older. Your government-issued photo ID could be your US passport or Indian passport or Green Card or US work authorization card or DHS Trusted Traveler Card. Other acceptable forms of identification include state-issued IDs like driver’s license.

For minors under 18, a government-issued photo ID is not required. They can still receive a Visitor Pass as long as they are accompanied by an adult, and their full legal name is manually entered on DTW Destination Pass kiosks at Detroit Airport.

What are valid hours for DTW Visitor Pass holders?

DTW Destination Pass is available daily from 5am to 9pm at both McNamara and Evans terminals of Detroit International Airport. This means you can arrive as early as 5 am, get a visitor pass, go through security, and explore the terminal, or spend time with loved ones, until the 9 pm cutoff. If you exit the terminal, re-entry is allowed, but you’ll need to rescan your pass and ID. All visitor pass holders are subject to the same TSA security procedures as those boarding flights from Detroit to Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, or Kolkata.

Subscribe to Travel Beats, a leading community portal for airline news, travel tips, and visa guides. Also, explore Indian Eagle deals for cheap flights between USA and India. Grab unbeatable flight deals from airline partners of Indian Eagle, the most trusted air-ticketing company in USA for both Indians and Americans.

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Passengers flying from USA to India with more than $10,000 in cash are often stopped at the origin airport. Certain customs rules apply to carrying cash out of India for USA-bound travelers. Indians or NRIs carrying above $3000 or Rs 25,000 in cash to USA are likely to be held up in India. Whether you are a US citizen, an OCI cardholder, a Green Card holder, or an Indian expat, certain limits apply to carrying cash money between India and USA. This guide is precisely for you to get over any confusion about how much Indian currency or US dollars you can legally carry while traveling.

How much cash you can bring into India from USA

There is no fixed limit on how much cash in a foreign currency (like US dollar) you can carry aboard flights from USA to India. However, if you are carrying more than $5,000 in cash, or if the total value of your foreign currency, including cash and traveler’s cheques, exceeds $10,000, you must declare it to Indian customs upon arrival at the entry airport.

For example, if you’re carrying $6,000 in cash or $4,000 in cash plus $7,000 in traveler’s cheques, you must declare it to evade penalties or a legal trouble. In Indian currency, the limit is ₹25,000 per person. So, if you’re carrying ₹30,000 in cash, you’re required to declare any amount over the permissible limit. In some instances, charges may also be framed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Customs Act, 1962, depending on the amount and the intent.

How to Declare: Use the Currency Declaration Form (CDF) available on most USA to India flights or at airport customs. Submit it when you arrive in India via the “Red Channel” or via the ATITHI app. Undeclared amounts can lead to penalties, delays, or even confiscation of the money.

How much money you can carry to USA from India

Just like India, the United States also doesn’t place a limit on how much money you can bring in. You can carry any amount of money with you on flights to USA from India, but if you’re carrying more than $10,000, whether in cash, traveler’s cheques, money orders, or similar instruments, you are officially required to declare it.

How to Declare: Declaration of money can be done by filling out FinCEN Form 105 and noting the amount on your CBP customs declaration form upon your arrival in the United States. Failing to declare cash money over the permissible limit can lead to seizure of funds and serious penalties, so it’s important to follow the process properly.

However, India has restrictions for outbound travelers carrying cash. Precisely, you can carry a maximum cash of $3,000 per person from India to USA or any other country. If you need to carry more than that, you can use other forms like forex cards, traveler’s cheques, or bank drafts. The total foreign exchange you’re allowed to take out of India under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) is $10,000.

If you’re carrying Indian currency, you’re allowed to take not more than ₹25,000 per person on international flights to USA from India. Anything beyond the above limits is not permitted without a formal declaration, or unless you have special approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

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We long to have a few more moments with our near and dear ones when we go to see off them at an international airport. Many Indians in the US bid goodbye to their departing family, parents, or friends from outside the airport terminal, as non-travelers can’t enter the terminal except at some airports, like Philadelphia International Airport, where visitor passes are available for non-flyers.

Deepika Jain, an Indian immigrant in New Jersey, shared with Indian Eagle how she obtained the Philadelphia Airport Visitor Pass for herself, how it enabled her to accompany her parents to the departure gate, and how she was able to lessen their pre-travel anxiety. Early this month, her visiting parents on B2 Visa traveled back to Delhi with Qatar Airways. Then, they reached home in Ahmedabad after a short stay at a family friend’s in New Delhi.

It was her parents’ first international travel to the US and first visit to her. Their long-haul travel journey to the US did not worry her as much as their return trip did, as one of her friends accompanied them on nonstop Air India flights to New York from Delhi some three months ago. They came to bless their daughters for her housewarming ceremony near Flushing, Queens where the Ganesh Temple of New York is located. Deepika’s time with them passed like a dream over the past 3 months.

“I began to feel anxious as their return travel neared. They had to fly back unaccompanied this time. I wanted to be with them as long as possible before their departure to India,” Deepika said with moist eyes. Luckily, she read about Seattle Airport Visitor Pass on Travel Beats. It propelled her to google whether Philadelphia Airport allows nonticketed visitors to enter the terminal and go past security, as she had booked their return on Qatar Airways flights from Philadelphia to Delhi for Indian Eagle’s best deals.

She discovered Philadelphia Airport’s Wingmate Guest Pass program that enables non-travelers to go through security checks, from 4 am to 10 pm, just for one day. “I could not believe PHL Airport offers visitor passes. Just knowing I could accompany them to the departure gate through TSA security checkpoints gave me peace of mind,” said Deepika Jain. She shared with Travel Beats – how to apply for the PHL Wingmate Guest Pass online.

She visited Philadelphia Airport’s website and filled out the application with her personal information, as well as a valid email ID. She had to give a reason for visiting the airport and upload a copy of her government-issued photo ID. She received a confirmation email with a QR code to her registered email ID on successful review of the application by TSA. It was that easy to get a visitor pass for Philadelphia International Airport.

Since the PHL Airport Guest Pass program was unveiled in November 2023, thousands of non-flyers have used it. You can apply for it 7 days before your planned visit. Same-day applications are likely to be rejected. The airport issues only 100 Wingmate Guest Passes every day. Those under 18 years of age can also apply, but an adult person must accompany them to the airport. You may visit with service animals.  The most critical condition is that your name must match with your government-issued ID.

On the day of travel, Deepika effortlessly accompanied her parents through check-in and TSA. Since they reached the airport early, they had a meal together in the terminal. Also, she got some time to make them understand the international transit process at Doha Airport, as they were scheduled to fly with Qatar Airways. She heaved a sigh of relief while bidding them goodbye.

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Even if you’re not traveling, you can see off your friends and family beyond airport security in the United States? Yes, some major US airports, including Seattle Tacoma International Airport, have visitor pass programs for non-ticketed guests to access secured areas which are usually reserved for travelers with international flight tickets. With a SEA Visitor Pass, you can enter the Seattle-Tacoma Airport terminal to see off the family at a boarding gate, indulge in airport shopping, or hang out in the international terminal.

Seattle Airport’s post-security visitor program welcomes non-flyers to a world normally hidden behind security checkpoints. The first airport to have launched the program in 2018 in the West Coast, Seattle-Tacoma is followed by Detroit, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and Orlando, Florida. Up to 300 SEA Visitor passes are available daily on a first-come, first-served basis for low-risk individuals without a boarding pass. And, the best thing is that you can apply for it online.

How to apply for SEA Visitor Pass

Applying for one through the SeaTac Airport website is just like a piece of cake. You can start the application process within seven days prior to your family or elderly parents’ flights from Seattle to India or on the day of your planned visit. You need to provide a valid email ID, as approval comes by email. The application page shows the remaining number of passes on any given day, as it is limited to 300 visitors a day. If you are not able to select a date on the application form, it means the passes are booked for that particular date. The Transportation Security Administration may approve or reject the application.

Do I need a valid ID proof along with SEA Visitor Pass?

Yes, you must carry a valid TSA-approved photo ID along with a digital or photocopy of the SEA Airport visitor pass to go through the TSA Checkpoint 4. It is a designated lane for all Seattle visitor pass holders. Just like incorrect or misspelt names on flight tickets, any name mismatch between your ID proof and the visitor pass will result in denial of entry at Seattle-Tacoma Airport. Besides, you are required to scan the QR code (received in the confirmation email) for your entry through the TSA Checkpoint 4.

What are the permitted hours for SEA Visitor Pass holders? 

Entry of non-travelers, under the SEA-TAC visitor program, is permitted from 5 a.m. through 10 p.m. You must leave the airport before or by 10 p.m. If you exit the secure area for some reason, you need to go through the TSA screening again for re-entry. Non-ticketed individuals’ entry to Seattle International Airport is subject to the same security protocols that apply to travelers boarding cheap flights from Seattle to India or any other destination. The TSA rules must be followed, including restrictions on dangerous items.

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FAQs on SEA Visitor Pass Program 

Do I need a Real ID to enter Seattle Airport as a visitor?  

The airport website states clearly, “A Real ID is not required unless you are flying commercially.” A government-issued photo ID is enough. Your name on the visitor pass should match with the ID.

Can I use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR program with my visitor pass for expedited screening?

Expedited screening is not available for SEA Airport visitor pass holders. Precisely, you cannot use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to avoid security wait times as a non-ticketed visitor to the airport.

How to know if my Seattle Airport Visitor Pass application is rejected?

All airport visitor visa applications are subject to TSA approvals. If your application is rejected, you will receive email notification from TSA stating that you are not eligible for the SEA Visitor Visa program.

The post SEA Visitor Pass Guide: Know How You Can Enter SeaTac Airport without a Ticket to See off Your Family first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and technology go hand in hand. No wonder why RGIA Hyderabad earned recognition at the Airports Excellence Awards 2024 for its digital innovations which double up as passenger-friendly solutions, such as Smart Trolleys. Since completion of the pilot trial, 3,000 IoT smart trolleys at Hyderabad Airport have elevated passenger experience. Not only is booking flights to Hyderabad from USA online easier these days, but also navigating the airport is a seamless experience.           

What Are Smart Trolleys?

At RGIA, smart trolleys are not just advanced luggage carts, they are smart traveling companions and all-in-one guides helping flyers with baggage handling to real-time flight updates. Built on the LoRa (Long Range) IoT technology platform, these trolleys come with a tab-like screen and support long-range wireless communication. These high-tech trolleys pack in multiple features (listed below) to make your travel smarter and faster at Hyderabad Airport.

Features of Smart Trolleys at Hyderabad Airport

GPS-enabled Tracking

The trolleys are equipped with GPS systems that enable the airport and the user to track their whereabouts in real time. You can use HYD Airport’s mobile app or digital kiosks to locate the closest available trolley.

Real-Time Info Touchscreen

Remarkably, smart trolleys have digital screens that put all essential information at your fingertips, such as live flight status, boarding gate numbers, and various airport facilities. The touchscreen works like a navigator to help you with directions to food courts, retail stores, help desks, and likes.

Your luggage safety

You can keep the trolley unattended while using the restroom in the airport terminal. Yes, Hyderabad Airport’s smart trolleys are equipped with app-controlled locks and sensors to ensure the safety of your travel bags. This specific feature has even surprised techies, who book Dallas to Hyderabad flights for business or family trips.  

USB Charging Ports

What is more remarkable about these luggage carts is that they have built-in USB charging ports, so that your mobile devices don’t fall dead particularly during flight delays.  

Automatic Reallocation

Using predictive analytics, the airport provides trolleys in high-demand areas, such as check-in points, security screening, baggage reclaim, and departure gates, particularly during peak hours. Precisely, you don’t need to look for a trolley.

Time-Saving and Efficient

With GPS-enabled convenience and dynamic deployment through predictive analytics, intelligent trolleys cut down time in finding and accessing a cart significantly. With a few clicks, passengers can find, activate, and receive relevant travel information, thereby saving time, particularly during peak hours.

Zone Alerts

If a trolley is diverted from its assigned zone, airport staff are automatically alerted. This feature helps maintain a good number of trolleys in crucial zones and enhances baggage security.

How to Use a Smart Trolley at Hyderabad Airport?

• Get a smart trolley through the airport app or request airport staff.
• On the trolley screen, select “Start Now.”
• Scan your boarding pass or just enter your flight number.
• The screen will display the gate number, departure time, and nearby facilities
• Now you get to travel around the airport following directions on the screen.

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Are smart trolleys available to all passengers at Hyderabad Airport?

Smart trolleys are made available for use free of charge to all international and domestic travelers at Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Do I require the Hyderabad Airport app to get access to a smart trolley?

The airport app helps to locate the nearest trolley. Or, you can approach the airport staff to get you a smart trolley. Besides, the airport ensures availability of these trolleys at key touchpoints, such as check-in points, security screening, baggage reclaim, and departure gates.

The post Your Guide to Using Smart Trolleys at Hyderabad Airport for Easy Navigation, Baggage Safety, Live Flight Status first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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Reportedly, American tech companies are advising the US visa holders, among their employees, to avoid international trips amid the heightened scrutiny at US airports for retuning travelers. However, smooth re-entry to the United States requires both immigrants and non-immigrants to have certain preparedness, like carrying essential documents while traveling abroad. If you have booked flight tickets to India, it is high time to consider the below list of documents. Travel to India, spend time with family, have fun, enjoy your vacation…without worrying about your return to the second home – America.

Passport with, at least, 6-month Validity 

Your Indian passport is more than just a travel ID; it’s your primary identity proof in the US. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of return to the US. Otherwise, CBP officers may refuse your entry into the United States. Not only at a port of entry in the US, but also at a port of departure in India, the less-than-6-month validity of your passport can result in boarding denial to you. Also, if your US visa is stamped on an old passport, don’t forget to carry both the old and the new one.

Employment Documents for H1B and L-1 Visa Holders

For H1B visa and L1 visa holders, carrying the most recent Form I-797 is critical to their hassle-free return to USA after an international trip. This document is the official proof of your legal employment status in the US. It includes important details like your employer’s name, job position, and validity period- details that CBP officers may verify during re-entry. Along with the I-797, you should also carry a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) and Form I-129 to prove your employment authorization in the US.

Form I-94: Your US Arrival and Departure Record

Form I-94 is a document that tracks your arrival in, departure from, and re-entry to the US, and it records the period of your legal stay in the US. This record is used by CBP officers to verify your immigration status. Before taking flights to India, download and print your latest I-94 from the official CBP website. Even if you’re a Green Card holder, CBP officers may ask for I-94 Form during your re-entry to verify your legal status. Keeping this one-page document handy is the wise to evade additional questioning on arrival from a trip to India and ensure safe re-entry into the US.

Documents for Green Card Holders and Applicants

Among the documents critical to Green Card holders’ smooth re-entry to USA is their physical Green Card. So, do always carry your physical Green Card, not just a copy or photo. If you are taking flights to USA from India after more than 6 months of stay in India or anywhere else outside the US, be prepared for a routine interrogation at the port of entry in the US. If you return to the US after 12 months, you must have a valid re-entry permit, or your Green Card could be considered abandoned.

For those in the process of getting a Green Card, especially Indian professionals transitioning from H-1B, Advance Parole is a must before leaving the US. If you travel abroad without it while your adjustment of status is pending, your application could be canceled automatically. Whether you already have permanent residency or are in the middle of the process, carrying the right documents is key to protecting your status.

Documents that Dependent Visa holders must carry

For H-4, L-2, or other dependent visa holders, it’s essential to carry marriage or birth certificates (especially if they were issued in India). Make sure they’re translated into English if needed. Also keep a copy of the primary visa holder’s key documents, like their visa stamp and I-797 approval. If you’ve been issued an EAD (work permit), carry that too, even if you’re not currently employed. During your re-entry to USA, these supporting documents will help establish your relationship with the primary visa holder and confirm your legal status in the US.

Documents that Students (F-1) must carry

If you’re studying in the US on an F-1 visa, your Form I-20 is as important as your passport. Make sure it’s signed by your Designated School Official (DSO) within the last 6 months for travel authorization. Also carry your student ID card, SEVIS fee receipt, and some proof that you’re still actively enrolled, like your latest transcripts or enrolment letter.

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The post Documents that US Visa Holders Must Carry While Flying Abroad for Smooth Re-entry to USA first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Documents that US Visa Holders Must Carry While Flying Abroad for Smooth Re-entry to USA appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.