PC: IndianEagle.com

If you choose to book two one-way tickets, instead of a round trip itinerary, you can book your international travel with two different airlines. Flying with different airlines, to say Lufthansa from USA to India, and Emirates from India to USA, would give you a varied taste of their in-flight hospitality and dining, thereby enriching your travel experience.

Booking your travel with two different airlines will give you the opportunity to explore their transit hub cities during long layovers. To be precise, you can explore Dubai or Abu Dhabi during a significant layover at the hub airport of Emirates or Etihad Airways, en route to India form USA. On return, you can choose to travel with Qatar Airways or Turkish Airlines and turn your Doha or Istanbul airport layover into a mini vacation for less.

In case of two one-way flight bookings, your arrival airport and departure airport can be different in India and/or USA. You can choose to arrive at New Delhi IGI Airport and depart from Mumbai International Airport. Precisely, flexibility is the key here. Booking your onward journey and return flight separately is recommended provided your return travel date is uncertain. It gives you freedom of space and time to plan your return journey later.

If there are cashback deals or discount offers on US-India international flight tickets, chances are you can grab it twice – for two separate one-way reservations. Thus, you may save more on Indian Eagle airline tickets for a budget trip to India this holiday season.

The benefits of booking your onward and return flights separately include a significant advantage in the event of emergency flight cancelation. If an unprecedented emergency forces you or the airline to cancel the onward flight, it won’t impact your return flight. In that case, only the onward journey would require rebooking or rescheduling with the airline, without any need to reschedule or rebook the return flight ticket unlike in case of a round trip itinerary booking.

Round-trip Flight Booking: Pros and Cons

Usually, a round-trip booking costs lesser than two one-way travel bookings. Booking a round-trip itinerary for your onward flight to India and the flight back to the US together has both advantages and disadvantages. This is ideal for travelers with fixed schedules and definite holiday plans. It secures both journeys, onward and return, in a single reservation, that too often at a lower airfare. Undeniably, it saves time and ensures convenience, without worrying you about a fare increase when your time to fly back to the US nears.

Your whole trip, from SFO to Delhi and back to SFO, is likely to take a hit if some emergency arises, like a natural calamity, airport union strike, third-country airspace closure, or geo-political tensions. The airline may cancel or reschedule your round-trip booking leaving your travel plans in disarray. In the event of unexpected cancellation, you will have to rebook your international travel by paying the revised airfare (mostly, on the higher side).

If some unavoidable event at your end requires you to reschedule your onward travel or return flight in the round-trip booking, most airlines don’t allow a change of date for only one segment. If you wish to extend your stay in India beyond the scheduled return travel date, a partially-used round-trip booking is most unlikely to be cancelled and refunded. Most airlines do not offer a refund against cancellation of partially used tickets. Even if partial cancellation is allowed, the refund amount is minimal – just a negligible fraction of the total airfare.

The post Round-trip Booking Vs Two One-way Flight Bookings: What is Cheaper, Better, More Flexible? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The above sums up Ramana Jalluri’s Reddit post wherein he poured out his apprehensions about his sexagenarian mother’s first international trip to the US: “Amma in her 60s would be flying to USA via London all alone for the first time. She can’t speak Hindi or English other than Telugu. How would she navigate the bustling terminal during her transit at London Heathrow? She may miss the connecting flight as she won’t be able to understand the wayfinding signage or announcements in English. What if anything goes wrong…”

His post resonated with many Indians in USA, among the Reddit users, who have had the same feeling about their elderly parents’ first solo flight. Contrary to Ramana’s anxiety, his mother had a comfortable journey, a safe flight, a pleasant experience – she flew from Hyderabad to Dallas, Texas smoothly. Before booking her flight tickets to Dallas, he tried to find a fellow traveler having the same itinerary as hers. He even reached out to online communities and groups, but his efforts bore no fruit.

“While googling for special airport service for senior citizens, Ramana Jalluri came across Travel Beats, Indian Eagle’s in-house travel magazine for Indian Diaspora. Our article on British Airways’ in-person airport assistance in Indian languages caught his notice. Available for free, the newly introduced service aims to help non-Hindi or non-English-speaking Indians with airport procedures from departure to boarding to transit. On knowing this, he heaved a sigh of relief, as it mitigated his worries to a great extent,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

He went on to purchase British Airways flight tickets from IndianEagle.com for his mother’s round trip between India and USA. Once the tickets were confirmed, he visited the airline website, booked in-person airport assistance for his mother at RGI HYD Airport and selected Telugu as her only medium of communication. British Airways’ meet and greet service is available in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Punjabi, and at five major airports: New Delhi IGI, Mumbai CSMI, Hyderabad RGI, Bengaluru Kempegowda, and Chennai MAA.

He further wrote on Reddit, “British Airways’ in-person airport assistance service is a welcome relief. The moment Amma arrived at Hyderabad Airport, she was greeted by an assistant who spoke fluent Telugu. At every step of her journey from Hyderabad to London Heathrow where she had a connecting flight to Dallas with American Airlines, she had someone by her side to assist her. I was mostly worried about her transit at Heathrow; however, she had hassle-free connection to American Airlines.”

“Now she’s here with me, smiling, glowing, more confident than ever. And I’m just… proud. So proud. We kids often forget that it’s our mothers who brought us into this world and had far tougher journeys than a few hours in the air. They raised us without Google Maps, mobile apps, social media, and yet, when they travel alone, we panic. Sometimes we worry too much, forgetting that the strength they gave us has always been their own,” Ramana Jalluri concluded.

The post “This is How Maa Traveled Alone from India to USA First Time,” Shares a Green Card Holder appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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.

PC: PortofSeattle.org

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.

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

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 appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, said in 1959, “The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis’. One stands for danger, the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger, but recognize the opportunity.” More than sixty years later, his words are more relevant than ever, especially in current times of US visa rejections and immigration crackdowns.

What John F. Kennedy said in 1959 rings true about Saransh Goila, a celebrity chef and entrepreneur in India. Aiming to encourage thousands of Indians navigating US visa interviews and immigration challenges only to face rejection, Chef Saransh Goila shared an interesting anecdote on Instagram. How his life tumbled after he was denied a US visitor visa in 2011, how he overcame the feeling as if there was no tomorrow, and how it became a turning point resonated with many Indians.

PC: Chef Saransh Goila | Instagram

In his 20s, Saransh Goila was fascinated with the idea of traveling to the US and making it to Food Network. He gathered all his savings for flight tickets to Los Angeles, but the US visa rejection crushed his hopes and made him feel like this was the end of his world. However, “what happens, happens for good” – is what he believes now. The closed door to America led him to the other end of the tunnel where a better opportunity was awaiting him.

Exactly one month later, life surprised him. He got a call from Food Food TV for audition that turned his fortune around unpredictably. What appeared like a bolt from the blue was actually a response to the email that he had sent to the channel in 2010. He was shortlisted as a contestant for the FoodFood Maha Challenge 2011 hosted by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Bollywood diva, Madhuri Dixit. He won the competition and became a household name in India.

In a 2016 interview with Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor at Travel Beats, a leading community portal for Indian Diaspora, Chef Saransh Goila gave a sneak peek of his 20,000km food marathon across India as part of Food Food channel’s ‘Roti Rasta aur India’ program. He documented his observations, experiences, and insights from the culinary food trip in the book titled “India on My Platter.”

His growing popularity earned him invitation to showcase Indian Cuisine in the United States in March 2012. This was the time he realized that good things happen at the right time.

Chef Saransh Goila had a completely different experience during his US visa interview the second time. “Why was your visa rejected the first time? I can’t understand,” a young interviewer at the US Consulate told him. With a gentle smile, the consular officer also told him that the chef did not need to carry any newspaper clippings to prove himself. Rather, he said, “Can you teach me more about Indian food?” A surprise to Saransh beyond his imagination!

After making a name for himself on Indian Television, Saransh Goila went on to build something of his own- Goila Butter Chicken, a brand that has now grown to over 100 locations across India and London. He is also planning to take his signature butter chicken to the USA very soon. In 2019, Saransh was featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list. He was recognized as the youngest Celebrity Chef in the list of Top 10 Chefs in India.

Reflecting on the journey, he wrote on social media, “If I had gone earlier to the US, who knows I might have struggled all my life. My rejection made me who I am today.” Saransh Goila’s journey from the first-time visa rejection to the invitation from USA reminds us that rejection does not always mean failure. Not all visa rejections are utter disappointments. In fact, for some, it is the push they need to find success in ways they have never imagined.

The post Celebrity Chef Saransh Goila Shares How US Visa Rejection Became a Blessing in Disguise for Him appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

How to renew Indian Passport in USA: A Step-by-step guide

Renewing your Indian Passport in time is as crucial as carrying essential documents while traveling outside the United States in order to ensure your smooth return. You must be wondering how to initiate the renewal process in the US itself. It is simple. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide on Indian passport renewal in USA for your convenience.

PC: Indian Eagle (paid image from Freepik)

1> Visit website of Indian Embassy or your nearest Indian Consulate

The process of Indian passport renewal in USA begins by visiting the Indian Embassy website. Choose the Indian Embassy or Consulate as per your U.S state of residence. If you live in states such as Bermuda, North Carolina, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Kentucky, Virginia or West Virginia, you fall under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.

But if you reside in Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Puerto Rico or Virgin Islands, you can contact the Consulate General of India in Atlanta. If you live in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota or

South Dakota, you must reach out to the Consulate General of India in Chicago.

Those living in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Vermont or Rhode Island, fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India in New York. Residents of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico and Nebraska fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India in Houston. Furthermore, residents of Alaska, Guam, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Washington and Wyoming fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India in San Francisco.

Each consulate at these locations covers specific states, so ensure you apply to the correct one based on your residence.

2> Register and Start the Application

Once you select the Indian Consulate as per your location in the US, register and log in to the Passport Seva Portal. Then follow these steps.

• Click on the “Apply for Ordinary Passport” button.
• Fill in the required details accurately.
• Print the completed application form.

Once submitted, a unique Application Reference Number (ARN) will be generated. You can write down or save the ARN for future tracking and reference.

3> Create a VFS Global Account

VFS Global is now the authorized service provider for Indian passport services in the USA.

• Go to the VFS Global website, create an account and log in.
• Fill out the VFS online application form.
• Pay the applicable fees.
• Download and print the shipping label and the VFS checklist.

4> Gather All the Required Documents

In order to ensure your application isn’t rejected, you must prepare the following documents:

• Current Indian Passport: Original passport and a few photocopies of the first five and last two pages.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (2×2 inches) with a white background.
• Proof of Legal Status in the USA: Notarized color copy of valid visa, Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or I-797 approval notice.
• Proof of Address: Notarized color copy of a utility bill, lease agreement, or driver’s license.
• Annexure E: Completed and signed.
• Affidavit for Change of Appearance and Signature: Notarized.
• Additional documents may be required for specific cases, such as name changes or minor applicants.

5> Mail Your Application

Now assemble your application package, including all required documents, the printed application forms, and the VFS checklist.

• Use the shipping label provided by VFS Global.
• Ensure that the return address matches the one on your application.
• Send the package via the specified courier service.

This ‘Indian passport renewal in USA’ guide is brought to you by Travel Beats, a leading overseas Indian community portal by IndianEagle.com. Once the passport renewal process is in progress, book Indian Eagle flights at the best available fares for your trip to home this summer. Search, Book, Fly. It’s that simple!

The post How to Renew My Indian Passport in USA before My Upcoming Travel to India? appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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.

PC: HYD 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.

Planning your travel to Hyderabad or any other destination in India? Check out Indian Eagle deals to save big on international airfares and fly smart. Indian Eagle is the most trusted travel-booking agency in America, with a proven record in booking the best flights to and from India for more than 15 years.

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 appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Every other day comes with a surprise for immigrants in the United States. On April 11, a new USCIS rule for immigrants came into effect requiring all temporary visa holders, including H1B, and Green Card holders, to carry a valid ID proof all the time. And now, in a recent development, the US immigration agency (USCIS) issued an alert that updating your address with the US Postal Service (USPS) is not enough.

Are you moving to the US? Or, changing your residence within the US? It is crucial to update your new address or change of address with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is now a mandate for all non-citizen visa holders and Green Card holders to update their address with USCIS within 10 days of relocation. Non-compliance may result in consequences. Non-compliance may result in fines and missed communications, such as biometrics appointment notices, green card renewal updates, or interview letters. However, certain visa holders are exempt to this USCIS rule for aliens.

PC: Freepik (paid image)

Why is it not enough to update your address only with USPS? Who must report address change to USCIS?

Many L1, O1, F1, and H1B visa holders are under the impression that updating their address change with USPS is enough to receive all official correspondence. However, USCIS’ most recent social media post clarified that all non-citizens in the US (except A & G visa holders and visitors under the Visa Waiver Program) must update their address directly with the immigration agency.

“All aliens in the U.S. must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. This reporting requirement does not apply to A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors. Failure to comply may result in fines or removal.”

How to update your address change with USCIS

USCIS recommends using the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool for quick and secure address updates. Accessible through your USCIS online account, this digital option eliminates paperwork and allows you to update multiple pending applications by entering the receipt numbers. It offers faster processing and real-time confirmation once your address is successfully updated in the USCIS records. To begin, visit the official USCIS Change of Address tool.

How to update your address offline If you don’t have a USCIS account?

If you don’t have a USCIS online account, you can update your latest US address by submitting Form AR-11, the Alien’s Change of Address Card. You can download it from the USCIS website, fill it out manually, and mail it to the address listed on the form. However, this process may take longer and it does not provide for an automated update to your address in the USCIS system.

Link your pending or approved immigration benefit requests when updating your address

When updating your change of address with USCIS online, it’s important to include the receipt numbers for each of your pending or approved immigration benefit requests. This ensures that your new address in USA is correctly associated with all active cases, preventing application processing delays and missed correspondence

Who are exempted from the USCIS mandate on updating change of address?

A and G visa holders are diplomats, foreign government officials, and employees of international organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank. These visa holders are typically exempt from the standard immigration processes and requirements that apply to other non-citizens, including the 10-day address update rule.

Also Check: Travel to India and Fly Back to USA worry-free with These Essential Documents

The post USCIS Requires All Non-Citizens to Update Their Change of Address within 10 Days of Relocation appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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.

PC: This AI-generated image is for illustration purpose only

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.

Travel Beats is a leading international travel news portal by Indian Eagle, the most trusted air-ticketing agency in America. Grab Indian Eagle deals for your summer travel to India with the best airlines from USA, and subscribe to our newsletter for timely updates that may impact your international trips.

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You have not subscribed to the Global Entry program for expedited entry formalities in the US. No worries! Mobile Passport Control App is your free guide to faster immigration clearance and customs screening for seamless re-entry to USA after an international trip. Some savvy travelers call MPC App CBP’s best kept secret, as only 8% of inbound travelers used this in 2024, though it is the best alternative to Global Entry, and that too for free.

PC: IndianEagle.com (paid image)

What is Mobile Passport Control App 

Mobile Passport Control works as a digital “fast lane” through immigration and customs at US airports. A free official app from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), MPC helps streamline your arrival in the US and quicken your entry into the country. It eliminates the need to make customs declaration in paper. Rather, you can easily submit your passport information and customs declaration to the CBP through the Mobile Passport Control App on your phone. It gives you access to dedicated express lanes at more than 50 airports across the US.

Mobile Passport Control vs. Global Entry 

Both Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry are designed to expediate the US entry process, but they are poles apart in several aspects. Firstly, MPC App is absolutely free whereas Global Entry is a premium program for $120 for 5 years. Unlike the Global Entry Trusted Traveler program, Mobile Passport Control App requires no application process, no in-person interview, no fingerprinting, basically no prior approval. You can easily download the app on your phone for immediate use. While Global Entry and TSA PreCheck come together, MPC is a convenient alternative for those seeking a complimentary solution.

Where You can Use Mobile Passport Control

As of April 2025, you can use CBP’s MPC App at 53 US entry points, including 35 international airports, 14 US preclearance facilities abroad, and 4 seaports (cruise ports). Precisely, this covers almost all the major gateway airports in the United States and several international transit hubs overseas. Using MPC APP, you can breeze through US immigration and customs clearance at major airports like NYC JFK, Los Angeles LAX, San Francisco SFO, Chicago ORD, Atlanta ATL, Houston IAH, Detroit, and Miami MIA.

If you travel on Etihad flights to USA from India, you can clear US immigration and customs through MPC App at the designated preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi Airport. The US entry preclearance facilities in Canada and Ireland do also support the app for eligible international travelers.

How to use Mobile Passport Control App

CBP’s MPC App is compatible with iPhones and Android mobile devices. You can download the app before you travel back to the US. Once installed, you need to create a profile by scanning your passport or entering the passport details manually. The app stores the information securely. You can add to the profile maximum 12 people traveling with you. No background check, fingerprinting, or pre-approval is required.

The app can be used to further the process only within 4 hours before landing or immediately after landing in the US. You need to click and upload a selfie through the app for identity verification followed by a few standard customs declaration questions. Hit ‘Submit’ once you answer the questions. Your information is shared with the CBP over a secure connection, and you will receive confirmation, either as a QR code or a receipt on the screen.

As you deplane and head toward immigration, look for signs for “Mobile Passport Control” or ask an airport staff where the MPC lane is. Major US airports have clear signage directing MPC app users to designated lanes.

You’ll hand over your actual passport and show the CBP officer the confirmation QR code or receipt that you receive through the app. The officer scans your passport and/or the QR code to verify the info that you submit through MPC App. He might ask a couple of routine questions or simply verify your identity against your selfie. And that’s it! You are all set to enter the country or take a domestic flight without the paper work and probably in a fraction of the waiting time for other passengers.

Who can use Mobile Passport Control App

According to the CBP, US citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can use Mobile Passport Control App for seamless arrival and fast entry in the United States. It is also available to Canadian citizens visiting the US on B1/B2 visa, and Visa Waiver Program travelers with pre-approved ESTA. In plain terms, nationals of the countries eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are privileged to use the app.

Can B1/B2 visa holders from India use MPC App for hassle-free arrival at US airports?    

No, B1/B2 visa holders from India are not eligible to use the Mobile Passport Control App. However, if you are an NRI holding a US Green Card (lawful permanent resident), you are eligible to use MPC for a quicker and more convenient immigration experience at supported US airports.

The post Mobile Passport Control: Know How to Use This CBP App for Faster US Immigration and Customs Clearance appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Born in Dallas, Sally Holkar is not just an art preservationist but also a family member of the legendary Ahilyabai Holkar, the ruling queen of Indore and founder of Maheshwar in the 18^th century. The Government of India honored Sally with Padma Shri in 2025, alongside four Indian American awardees, for her lifetime contributions to empowering women weavers and carrying forward the legacy of Rajmata Ahilyabai.

PC: Womenweave.org

Sally’s journey to India from the US began with love. While studying political science at Stanford University, she met Richard Holkar, son of the last Maharaja of Indore and a descendent of Queen Ahilyabai. After tying the knot with him in 1967, she moved to India and became the first firangi bahu of the Holkar royal family without knowing the greater purpose of this cultural transition in her life. Restoring Ahilyabai’s fading craft – the art of weaving Maheshwari fabrics – to its glory at international level became the mission of her life.

“I was more at home in India than in Dallas,” she once said while recalling her early years in India as an American bride. “I was overwhelmed with the royal hospitality at the palace in Indore. A cup of tea meant that the whole table would be covered with food,” she fondly recalled. Just when Sally, who once dreamed of having a country life in Texas, started feeling at home amid the decorum of the Holkar family, they had to vacate the palace. In 1971, the Government of India abolished the privy purse system forcing the Holkars to leave the palace in Indore.

It was a blessing in disguise for Sally Holkar. They relocated to the 250-year-old Ahilya Fort in Maheshwar that Ahilyabai herself had established as the seat of the Holkar dynasty in Madhya Pradesh. One evening in 1978, as Sally and Richard were strolling to the river ghat, they crossed paths with an elderly weaver carrying a fine Maheshwari sari folded over his arm. The man humbly shared how the weavers community was struggling to survive due to the fading glory of Maheshwari weaving traditions that Queen Ahilyabai had introduced.

The chance encounter became a turning point for her. Moved by the sorry state of the weavers and the elegant beauty of the art form, Sally vowed to bring the age-old weaving traditions back to life and generate employment for the Maheshwari weavers.  She co-founded the Rehwa Society, a nonprofit weaving cooperative, with an initial grant of Rs 80,000 from India’s welfare board. The Rehwa Society started with 12 handlooms and a dozen local women weavers.

In those days, communication in the local language was a big challenge for Sally, a Padma Shri awardee. But language barriers with the rural weavers did not stop her. She set out on the mission with hope, humility, and patience. By ensuring fare wages, the Rehwa Society attracted women weavers to join the looms, and thus, Ahilyabai’s Maheshwar progressively regained its identity as a weaving hub. In 2003, she founded WomenWeave to support single mothers and widows from marginalized sections by training them in spinning and weaving.

Thus, Maheshwar became the final destination of her epic journey that had started from Dallas to India in 1967. Her journey continued with the launch of the Handloom School in 2015 to train young weavers from across the country, focusing on a seamless blend of Maheshwari traditions, contemporary designs and international standards. She has empowered over 5000 artisans, 90% of those are women. Their creations travel to not only premium exhibitions across India but also more than 20 countries.

Like Alfred Ford from Detroit, who spent years shaping his Guru’s vision of the world’s largest Radha-Krishna temple in India, Sally Holkar dedicated her life to the sacred cause of Maheshwar. The bride from America, who once knew nothing of saris, became a connoisseur of Indian handloom textiles. She even draped in nine yards of elegant Maheshwari silk saris for many years, blending in with the local culture. She became a most revered daughter of Maheshwar for the villagers, a transition from her being a daughter-in-law of Indore’s royal family.

This exclusive story is brought to you by Travel Beats, a leading overseas Indian community portal. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of Indian Eagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians abroad for travel between USA and India. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Indian community news and stories.

The post Married into Queen Ahilyabai’s Family, Sally from Texas Makes India Her Lifetime Home for a Sacred Cause appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.