Explera Journal
Advisory stories
19 articles in Advisory, newest first — written by our travel desk for journeys that start in Gujarat.
TCS on Overseas Tour Packages: What Indian Travellers Actually Need to Understand
TCS is not a penalty for going abroad. It is tax collected in advance against your PAN, which you claim back when you file your return. Here is how the mechanism works, how it should appear on your invoice, and why the rates must always be confirmed with your CA.
10 min · 7 SEPT
Lost Your Passport Abroad? The Order To Do Things In, For Indian Travellers
A calm, step-by-step guide for Indian travellers who have lost a passport overseas: the police report, reaching the right Indian mission, choosing between an Emergency Certificate and a replacement passport, the exit permit most people miss, and how to get home.
9 min · 7 SEPT
How to Actually Claim on Travel Insurance: The Process, the Papers, and Why Claims Get Rejected
Most articles sell you travel insurance. This one explains how to use it — who to call first, what to collect at the moment things go wrong, which documents insurers insist on in original, and the exclusions that quietly sink claims.
9 min · 7 SEPT
Official Clarification: Explera Vacations Responds to Circulated Allegations
Explera Vacations Private Limited has issued a formal statement addressing false, misleading and defamatory communications being circulated through WhatsApp groups and social media. Here is the Company's position, and the proper process for anyone with a genuine complaint.
5 min · 18 AUG
Europe's EES Biometric Border System: What Indian Travellers to the Schengen Area Need to Know
Europe has been rolling out the EES, a biometric Entry/Exit System that replaces passport stamps at Schengen borders. Here is what it means for Indian travellers — what changes, what doesn't, and how to prepare.
8 min · 3 AUG
US Visa Integrity Fee & Interview Waiver Changes: What Indian Applicants Need to Know
The US has introduced a $250 Visa Integrity Fee and sharply narrowed the interview waiver (Dropbox) programme. Here is a calm, factual look at what these changes mean for Indian applicants — costs, timelines, and how to plan your application from Surat and Gujarat.
9 min · 3 AUG
UK eVisa & ETA Changes Explained: What Indian Travellers Actually Need
The UK has gone digital — eVisas linked to your passport, and an ETA for visa-exempt nationalities. Here is what Indian passport holders actually need, what it costs, and how to verify your digital visa before you fly.
8 min · 3 AUG
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Travellers
Indians currently enjoy 60-day visa-free entry to Thailand, but every traveller must now submit the free Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before landing. Here is exactly how to do it — and how to avoid the scam websites.
8 min · 3 AUG
Malaysia Visa-Free Entry & MDAC Rules for Indian Travellers: What to Know Before You Fly
Malaysia lets Indian passport holders enter visa-free for short trips — but only if you follow the rules. Here is exactly what the exemption covers, how to file the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days of departure, and the documents immigration may ask for.
8 min · 3 AUG
Sri Lanka's Free Visa for Indians: What It Covers and Exactly How to Apply
Sri Lanka now offers Indian passport holders a free 30-day, double-entry tourist visa — but you still need to apply for the ETA online before you fly. Here is the step-by-step process, the documents to carry, and how to make the most of it from Surat.
8 min · 3 AUG
Russia for Indian Tourists: The E-Visa That Exists vs the 'Visa-Free' Headlines
Is Russia really visa-free for Indians? Not yet. We fact-check the headlines, explain how Russia's unified e-visa actually works (₹4,000–₹4,500, ~4-day processing, ~16-day stay), and show you how to plan a Moscow–St Petersburg trip from Surat.
8 min · 3 AUG
How Powerful Is the Indian Passport Right Now? The Visa-Free Map, What Changed & How to Use It
India's passport has been climbing — roughly 55 destinations now welcome Indians visa-free, on arrival or via easy e-visa. Here's what changed on the map, why viral lists mislead, and how smart travellers from Surat stack the odds in their favour.
8 min · 3 AUG
New US Visa Restrictions on Cyber Scams: What Genuine Indian Travellers Should Know
The United States has announced a global visa restriction policy targeting people behind cyber scams and sextortion rackets, and even their immediate families. Here is what the new rules actually say, and why genuine Indian tourists, students and business travellers have nothing to fear.
9 min · 26 JUL
Flight Cancelled? Your Refund Rights Under India's Newer DGCA Rules
Confused about cancellation charges, refund timelines and which fees you can claw back? Here is a plain-English guide to India's newer DGCA rules on flight cancellations, changes and refunds, written for Indian travellers.
9 min · 22 JUL
DigiYatra Explained: Facial Recognition at Indian Airports Guide
DigiYatra uses facial recognition to speed you through Indian airports, from entry to boarding. Here is how to register, how it works and what to check before you fly.
9 min · 22 JUL
India Customs Baggage Rules 2026: New Declaration & Green/Red Channel Guide
India has notified updated Baggage Rules and a new electronic customs declaration process for arriving travellers. Here is what returning Indians should know, plus a reminder to verify all current allowances before you fly.
9 min · 22 JUL
Thailand Visa Update for Indian Travellers: Visa-Free Entry & Fees
Thailand continues to welcome Indian tourists with visa-free entry for short stays, while revised tourist visa fees apply to longer trips. Here is what Surat travellers should know, and why you must verify the current rules before booking.
9 min · 22 JUL
Latest Travel Rule Changes Every Indian Traveller Should Know
From DGCA's friendlier refund window to DigiYatra boarding, Thailand's visa-free entry and fresh transit-visa relief, the rulebook keeps shifting. Here is a plain-English roundup — always verify the current position before you fly.
10 min · 22 JUL
Flying Abroad With a Baby or Toddler: A Practical Guide for Indian Families (2026)
Passports and visas for infants, bassinet seats and infant fares, packing and ear-pressure tricks, stroller gate-check and the easiest baby-friendly destinations, everything Indian families need before their first international trip with a little one.
10 min · 10 JUL
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