Japan is set to implement stricter regulations regarding the carriage and use of power banks on flights. The new measures include a complete ban on using power banks during the flight and revised limits on how many devices passengers are allowed to carry. These changes come in response to a rise in battery-related fire incidents reported globally, prompting aviation authorities to strengthen onboard safety protocols. The updated rules align with international aviation safety guidance aimed at reducing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

What Travellers Need to Know Before Flying

Under the new guidelines, power banks must be carried strictly in cabin baggage and cannot be placed in checked luggage. Additionally, passengers will not be allowed to use or charge power banks during the flight. There may also be restrictions on the number of power banks a passenger can carry and the permitted battery capacity (measured in Wh or mAh). Travellers heading to or from Japan are advised to check airline-specific regulations before departure to avoid inconvenience at airport security or boarding gates. Staying informed about these new rules will help ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.

China visa processing in India is expected to slow down in February 2026 due to the Chinese Spring Festival, one of the most important national holidays in China. During this period, Chinese embassies, consulates, and visa application centres usually function with limited staff or reduced working hours. As a result, applicants in New Delhi, Mumbai, and other Indian visa centres may experience longer processing times than usual.

Travellers Advised to Apply Early

Travellers planning to visit China for business, tourism, or education are strongly advised to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute delays. Those with fixed travel dates should closely monitor visa timelines and official updates from visa authorities. Submitting complete documentation early can help reduce inconvenience and ensure smoother travel plans despite the seasonal slowdown.

Air India and Singapore Airlines are moving toward closer cooperation, marking an important step in improving air travel between India and Singapore. The expanded partnership is aimed at offering passengers smoother connections, more convenient flight schedules, and the ability to book journeys seamlessly across both airlines. By working more closely, the two carriers plan to reduce travel complexities and create a more integrated flying experience for leisure and business travellers alike.

A major highlight of this collaboration is the focus on shared benefits for frequent flyers and corporate travellers. Customers can expect improved access to loyalty program privileges, better connectivity to onward destinations, and enhanced comfort throughout their journey. This cooperation builds on the existing relationship between the two airlines and reflects a broader trend of strategic partnerships in global aviation, designed to deliver greater value, flexibility, and efficiency to passengers traveling across key international routes.

India has quietly made travel planning a lot easier by updating its tourist e-Visa rules, and it’s great news for international visitors. The application window for the popular 30-day tourist e-Visa has now been extended from 30 days to 120 days, allowing travelers to apply up to four months before their intended arrival. This change removes the stress of last-minute applications and gives tourists more freedom to plan flights, accommodation, and itineraries well in advance. Adding to the convenience, India has also expanded its online visa options, making the e-Visa system more flexible and accessible than ever.

Another notable update is the inclusion of Raxaul, a key land border crossing between India and Nepal, as a permitted entry point for e-Visa holders. This is a significant step for travelers who prefer overland journeys or are combining India with neighboring countries in their travel plans. Together, these subtle but impactful changes reflect India’s effort to create a more welcoming and streamlined travel experience, making it easier for tourists to explore the country’s culture, heritage, and landscapes without unnecessary visa hurdles

New Zealand has announced that visa service fees at Visa Application Centres (VACs) in 26 countries, including India, Australia, the UK and the US, will increase from 1 January 2026 to offset rising operational costs and inflation. This change applies only to the VAC service component—covering document handling and basic in-person support—and does not affect the core visa application fee paid to Immigration New Zealand. For example, the VAC service fee in India will rise from INR 1,250 to INR 1,400, while in the United States it will increase from USD 25 to USD 28. Travellers planning to apply for a New Zealand visa in the new year are strongly advised to check the latest service fee on the official Immigration New Zealand or VFS Global websites before submitting their applications, and to allow extra time in case of any online disruptions linked to recent system upgrades.