Here’s a fresh roundup of travel developments from the past couple of weeks that could impact Indian travellers planning international trips.
SCHENGEN VISA APPOINTMENTS ARE GETTING HARDER TO FIND IN PEAK SEASON
With the European summer travel season in full swing, travellers across several countries are reporting longer wait times for Schengen visa appointments.
Popular destinations such as:
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Greece
are seeing high application volumes, resulting in fewer available appointment slots and longer processing timelines in some cities.
What this means for Indian travellers
If you’re planning a Europe trip between July and September:
Book visa appointments as early as possible
Avoid booking non-refundable flights before visa approval
Keep alternate travel dates ready
Ensure supporting documents are complete to avoid delays
Niyo Tip
For Europe trips later this year, start your visa process well before flight bookings become expensive.
EMIRATES LAUNCHES SPECIAL TRAVEL PROTECTION FOR DUBAI PASSENGERS
In a notable move, Emirates has introduced a new travel protection package for passengers travelling to or through Dubai. The offering includes coverage related to travel disruptions, emergency medical expenses, hotel accommodation during disruptions, and rebooking support under certain circumstances.
Why Indian travellers should care
Dubai remains one of the busiest transit hubs for Indians travelling to:
- Europe
- North America
- Africa
- South America
With geopolitical uncertainty affecting some flight routes, additional travel protection could become increasingly valuable for long-haul travellers.
AMSTERDAM TO FURTHER INCREASE TOURIST TAXES
Europe’s overtourism battle continues.
Amsterdam has announced plans to gradually increase tourist taxes over the coming years as part of broader efforts to manage visitor numbers and improve local infrastructure.
Why this matters
For Indian travellers planning:
- Netherlands itineraries
- Multi-country Europe trips
- Budget European vacations
hotel costs could become noticeably higher over time.
Several other European destinations are also exploring measures to control overcrowding and improve sustainability.
Travel Takeaway
Budget travellers should pay closer attention to:
Local city taxes
Tourist levies
Accommodation surcharges
These charges can add up significantly during longer European trips.
BAGGAGE RULES ARE UNDER GREATER SCRUTINY THIS SUMMER
Airlines across India continue to enforce baggage policies more strictly, particularly as international travel volumes rise.
Recent traveller reports and airline reminders highlight increasing scrutiny around:
- Cabin baggage weight
- Extra personal items
- Oversized luggage
- Carry-on compliance
Air India, IndiGo, Akasa, SpiceJet, and other carriers have all reiterated baggage norms for travellers.
What travellers should do
Before flying:
Check baggage allowances directly with your airline
Verify cabin baggage limits for international sectors
Weigh bags before leaving home
Avoid assumptions based on previous trips
A small baggage oversight can quickly become an expensive airport surprise.
EUROPEAN AIRLINES CONTINUE TO EXPAND INDIA FOCUS
While several airlines have adjusted routes elsewhere, European carriers continue showing strong interest in the Indian market.
Industry developments over the past few weeks suggest airlines are increasing focus on India-Europe connectivity as outbound Indian travel demand remains strong.
What this means
Indian travellers could benefit from:
More route options
Increased competition
Better connectivity through European hubs
More seasonal flight launches
The trend reinforces India’s growing importance in global aviation networks.
ASSAM RECEIVES A POSITIVE TOURISM BOOST
In an encouraging development for inbound tourism, several European nations have relaxed travel advisories covering most parts of Assam, while maintaining restrictions only for a limited number of districts.
Why travellers should care
This move could:
Improve international tourism confidence
Boost Northeast tourism visibility
Encourage more global travellers to explore the region
For Indian travellers, it’s another reminder that Northeast India continues gaining recognition as a major tourism destination.
NIYO SMART TRAVEL TIP OF THE WEEK
One trend has become increasingly clear this year:
Travel costs are no longer driven only by flights and hotels.
Travellers should now budget for:
City taxes
Tourist fees
Transit requirements
Baggage charges
Travel insurance
Unexpected schedule changes
Building a small contingency fund into every trip can save significant stress later.
FINAL BOARDING CALL
This week’s updates highlight a different side of travel planning.
While visa policies often grab headlines, factors such as baggage rules, tourist taxes, travel protection, and visa appointment availability can have just as much impact on your journey.
For Indian travellers, staying informed before departure remains one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary costs and travel disruptions.
Stay updated. Travel smarter. Explore confidently with Niyo. 
