Earlier in June, Sushma Swaraj-led Ministry of External Affairs launched a scheme under which a person can apply for a passport from anywhere in India irrespective of the place of stay. Now a person can now choose the Regional Passport Office (RPO) and the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for submitting the application.

Swaraj also launched a mobile application, available in Android and iOS platforms, that would have the facilities for applying, paying and scheduling appointments for acquiring a passport. With the launch of the ‘mPassport Seva App’, a person would not require access to a computer and printer to apply for a passport, but can apply using their mobile phone the MEA said.

The mPassportSeva app is available for free download on both Android and iOS . Note that the app is released by ‘Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division’ and not by any other government agency. The process is similar to the existing system that is being followed by ‘Passport Seva’ website.

Currently for Indians, 59 countries offer visa on arrival or visa-free travel. However, for most of the European and in USA, Indian passport holders still require to get that visa stamped on your passport.

Below we have listed out the new visa rules

1. Myanmar

Indians can now drive to Myanmar without needing the special land route permit to enter the country.

2. France

You no longer need an airport transit visa while transiting through the international zone of any airport in France.

3. Oman

Indian citizens can now get a month-long tourist visa on arrival in Oman for 20 Omani Riyal, provided you reside or hold an entry visa to the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan or Schengen states. Visa on arrival can also be obtained by for spouse and children, if they are accompanying an individual.

4. Uzbekistan

Now, Indian passport holders can get a single-entry e-visa to Uzbekistan for a period of 30 days.

5. Kazakhstan

If you are travelling to a country on Kazakhstan’s national carrier Air Astana or any other Kazakh airline, you can get a 72-hour transit visa for Kazakhstan

6. UAE

UAE now grants a long-term, 10-year visa to investors and highly-skilled professionals. The visas are granted to specialists in science, medicine and research, and to “exceptional students.”