New York:
The Indian government's recent tightening of rules for long-term tourist visas, which were ushered in without warning as part of an anti-terrorism strategy, has many travellers in the US worried.
Travel agencies in New York are deluged with calls frantically from frantic travellers.
"We are getting a lot of calls from our clients asking what this is about. The Consulate has not provided any information to travel agents or the public and so there is no confirmed information about what is to be done," says Gaurav Gupta, Manager, Arrow Vacations.
In this high travel season, regular commuters to India are on tenterhooks, awaiting a through explanation and clarification of the government's new rules.
"If I went there now to visit and some thing happened to my wife's father, I would not be able to go back and be there for my wife if he passed away. He is quite old," says an American married to an Indian.
New Yorkers, residents of a city that has been subjected to the horrors of 9/11, understand the need for and are used to the enforcement of increased security measures in their everyday lives. However, much fear that these new restrictions will just lead to more complications in travel between there adopted home and India.
"If they need to improve security they should have more back ground checks, but how can you improve security by telling some body you need to get an approval before coming twice in two months. What does this have to do with security?" says Gaurav Gupta.
David Headley's travels in India exposed the gaps in the country's visa system. And the government's new safety plan is likely to be ready early in 2010, but till then, for those with immediate travel plans, the holiday season may be missing some cheer.
Travel agencies in New York are deluged with calls frantically from frantic travellers.
"We are getting a lot of calls from our clients asking what this is about. The Consulate has not provided any information to travel agents or the public and so there is no confirmed information about what is to be done," says Gaurav Gupta, Manager, Arrow Vacations.
In this high travel season, regular commuters to India are on tenterhooks, awaiting a through explanation and clarification of the government's new rules.
"If I went there now to visit and some thing happened to my wife's father, I would not be able to go back and be there for my wife if he passed away. He is quite old," says an American married to an Indian.
New Yorkers, residents of a city that has been subjected to the horrors of 9/11, understand the need for and are used to the enforcement of increased security measures in their everyday lives. However, much fear that these new restrictions will just lead to more complications in travel between there adopted home and India.
"If they need to improve security they should have more back ground checks, but how can you improve security by telling some body you need to get an approval before coming twice in two months. What does this have to do with security?" says Gaurav Gupta.
David Headley's travels in India exposed the gaps in the country's visa system. And the government's new safety plan is likely to be ready early in 2010, but till then, for those with immediate travel plans, the holiday season may be missing some cheer.
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