India Opens New Visa Application Centers in Seattle and Bellevue

India Opens New Visa Application Centers in Seattle and Bellevue

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 17, 2024

The Indian Consulate in Seattle has launched new visa application centres in Seattle and Bellevue, providing full visa and passport services to individuals traveling to India. The inauguration was attended by notable figures, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and State Representative Vandana Slatter.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who handed out the first Indian passport and visa at the event, praised the Indian community's contributions to strengthening ties between India and the USA. Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, highlighted that the opening of these centres demonstrates the Indian government’s commitment to deepening relationships with the Pacific Northwest states.

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In addition to the Seattle centre, a drop-off facility in Bellevue has been established to make it easier for residents of the east side to access these services. Both centres are managed by VFS Global, the official visa services partner for the Indian government, ensuring efficient and streamlined processes for applicants.

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These centres will benefit the large Indian diaspora in the consular jurisdiction, covering nine Pacific Northwestern states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Consul General Gupta emphasized that these facilities aim to provide a convenient and efficient experience for all consular applicants.

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The Seattle centre is equipped with modern amenities to offer a superior application experience. VFS Global has been a trusted partner of the Indian government since 2008, handling services like visa applications, OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India), passport services, and more. Amit Kumar Sharma, Head of VFS Global, expressed excitement about expanding their partnership with the Indian government and enhancing customer experience.

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The opening of these centres follows the inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Seattle in November 2023. Consul General Gupta stated that providing smooth and efficient consular services is a top priority and welcomed feedback from applicants to further improve their operations.

With these new centres, the Indian Consulate aims to make the visa application process more accessible and convenient, thereby supporting the travel and consular needs of the Indian community in the greater Seattle area.

Image Credit: indiainseattle.gov.in


Wynn Brings Back Signature Hypercar Exhibition 2025 with Luxury Collaborations

Wynn Brings Back Signature Hypercar Exhibition 2025 with Luxury Collaborations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 15, 2025

Wynn is set to redefine the luxury auto exhibition experience with the return of the “Wynn Signature – 2025 Hypercar Exhibition.” Now in its third edition, the exhibition will run from September 29 to November 16 across Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau, coinciding with the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. Visitors can look forward to a spectacular celebration of speed, craftsmanship, and luxury, featuring over 20 of the world’s most coveted hypercars alongside innovative collaborations between leading automotive names and luxury brands.

At Wynn Palace, the highlight will be the Macao premiere of a Formula 1 car, showcasing a striking monogram design created in collaboration with a global fashion house. Other notable debuts include the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 in Roger Dubuis colors, the Huracán in A BATHING APE’s signature camouflage, and the Pagani Utopia with a BAPE crossover design, blending Italian artistry with Japanese street fashion. The vintage Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is also on display, paired with exclusive creations from Swiss jeweler Chopard.

At Wynn Macau, an innovative display by Wristcheck presents limited-edition timepieces in futuristic capsules alongside the Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider, creating a seamless blend of horology and automotive engineering. The exhibition also highlights China’s electric supercar future, showcasing cutting-edge EV hypercars with fast-charging capabilities and sustainable technologies.

Adding to the excitement, Swiss artist Saiff Vasarhelyi will transform a McLaren 600LT through a live spray-paint performance, displayed alongside HUBLOT’s street-art watch collection. Visitors can also take part in professional-grade Formula 1 simulators that replicate world-famous circuits, with hourly competitions rewarding winners with exclusive caps designed by Vasarhelyi. Entry to the competition is available with same-day purchases from Wynn retail or dining outlets.

Exclusive pop-ups further elevate the experience. The “Hyper Shop” offers rare F1 merchandise, LEGO  builds, collectible helmets, and Amalgam models, while the BAPE pop-up presents Asia’s first exclusive Pagani crossover collection.

With free admission open to the public, the “Wynn Signature – 2025 Hypercar Exhibition” cements Macao’s position as a hub for global luxury experiences. By aligning with the Macau Grand Prix, Wynn continues its tradition of creating unforgettable #OnlyAtWynn moments that combine automotive innovation, high fashion, and luxury lifestyle.


Nepal eases visa and exit rules for stranded foreign nationals amid curfew

Nepal eases visa and exit rules for stranded foreign nationals amid curfew

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 14, 2025

Nepal authorities have announced temporary relief measures for foreign nationals stranded in the Kathmandu Valley due to the ongoing curfew. The initiative aims to ease travel disruptions and ensure smooth departures for international visitors.

According to immigration officials, international travellers whose visas were valid through September 8 can now obtain exit permits and regularise their visas without paying extra charges. The facility will be available at immigration offices as well as departure points.

Authorities have also made arrangements for visa transfers in cases where passports were lost during the disturbances. Travellers carrying emergency passports or other travel documents issued by their respective embassies will be able to transfer their visas to the new documents under existing rules.

Officials assured that these measures would provide stranded visitors with a streamlined process and reduce difficulties caused by the current situation.

A prohibitory order is currently in place in Kathmandu from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additionally, a night curfew is being enforced from 7:00 pm Friday to 6:00 am Saturday, which will continue throughout the night.


Sri Lanka Tourism Showcases Island as Premier Wedding Destination for Indian Couples

Sri Lanka Tourism Showcases Island as Premier Wedding Destination for Indian Couples

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 13, 2025

Sri Lanka Tourism is positioning the island as a premier wedding destination for Indian couples, showcasing its unique blend of natural beauty, heritage venues, and luxury hospitality. To strengthen this positioning, the tourism board recently hosted a multi-city luxury wedding showcase across India, connecting with top wedding planners, agents, and media professionals.

The showcases featured leading Sri Lankan hotels, resorts, heritage properties, and wedding service providers who highlighted the island’s ability to host both traditional Indian weddings and contemporary luxury celebrations. With offerings that range from pristine beaches and lush tea estates to colonial mansions and heritage forts, Sri Lanka presents an unmatched mix of settings for couples seeking memorable celebrations.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said:

“Sri Lanka is now open for destination weddings, and we invite India to come celebrate love with us. The overwhelming response across India reaffirmed our belief that Sri Lanka holds a special place in the hearts of Indian couples. From pristine beaches and tea garden retreats to colonial mansions and heritage forts, the island offers everything needed to create weddings that are truly unforgettable.”

Sri Lanka’s wedding appeal lies in its proximity to India, with short flight connections from major cities, simplified visa processes, and luxury packages designed to suit diverse budgets. The island’s world-class hospitality teams are also experienced in managing Indian traditions, ensuring authenticity while offering international standards of service.

Couples can choose from barefoot ceremonies on sun-kissed beaches, serene garden weddings, regal events in heritage forts, or exclusive resort celebrations. Adding to the charm are unique cultural touches such as traditional welcomes, VIP facilitation, police escorts, and logistical support for décor and production, ensuring seamless wedding experiences.

The showcases saw active participation from Sri Lankan luxury hotels, resorts, and destination management companies, alongside India’s top wedding planners. This collaboration reflects the growing opportunities in cross-border wedding tourism and Sri Lanka’s readiness to meet the rising demand for boutique and intimate celebrations among Indian couples.

By blending affordability, cultural richness, and luxury, Sri Lanka Tourism is working to establish the island as a preferred hub for Indian couples seeking tailor-made destination weddings.

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