Travel Documents Required in the Mediterranean
Discovering the Mediterranean while traveling is one of the most wonderful experiences that we have had. The balmy coastline and the semi-tropical experience is something that a lot of Indians enjoy quite a bit. But traveling to the Mediterranean isn’t as easy as traveling to Europe. The countries have different rules and regulations for Visa requirements. We tell you about the best of Mediterranean and the Visa formalities around it.
Malta
Malta is one of the most picturesque of the islands of Levant, which can be easily discovered on foot. With breathtaking views of the sea, many of it’s destinations served as locations for the Game of Thrones. Now, Malta has got cultural references and scenic beauty quite in abundance. Be it the megalithic temples or the ancient Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Malta also has lagoons filled with azure blue waters such as the Comino and the Azure Window Malta comes under the European Union and requirements for the Schengen Visa for Indians is as follows:
- Passport
- Return flight tickets
- Hotel accommodation reservation
- Visa application letter
- Income Tax Returns/Bank Account last 6 months
- Biometrics at VFS office (once every 5 years for the Schengen visa)
The Visa turnaround time is around 15 days.
Israel
Israel has become the hottest destination in the Middle East for Indians with some amazing offers and an easy Visa process for most Indians. A simple two-step Visa process further assisted by not requiring accommodation and flight proofs (if you already have a previous Visa for Schengen, US, Canada and Australia). Not only is Jerusalem one of my favourite places to visit with its rich cultural heritage, next on our itinerary includes Masada where ruins of King Herod’s museum still stand.
Turkey
Agora Ruins
Turkey is one of our favourite destinations to visit in the Levant. Not only does it stand at the cultural crossroads of Islam and Christianity in a typical East meets West style, the caves of Cappadocia, the Roman ruins of Izmir and the soon to be opened Museum of Troy in Antalya offers a peek into the history of humanity itself. Turkey has a separate section at the VFS office and requires an additional Police Verification Certificate which can be easily applied for at the Passport Office. We got our Visa in less than 48 hours.
Those who already have a valid Schengen or USA visa, for travel advise about your Turkey visa, read here.
Cyprus
An island within the Mediterranean Sea, the scenic beauty of Cyprus especially at Cape Greco and Nissi Beach is something to behold. Cyprus offers Visa-free entry for Schengen Visa holders. Other than that, you can sign up for one at the VFS office with your Passport along with the flight and accommodation details.
Morocco
A mixture of sea and sand on the northern tip of Africa, Morocco offers a 90 day Visa for Indians. The Visa turnaround time is 7-10 days. Experience the sandy markets and medinas of Marrakech and Fes along with the extreme shades of blue at Casablanca and Tangier.
Gibraltar
One of England’s overseas territories, Gibraltar is located off the coast of Spain and is dominated by a limestone rock formation about 426 m high Rock of Gibraltar. Standing again at a crossroad of cultures, Gibraltar is dominated with 14thcentury relics of Islam when the Moors started occupying it. Later it saw some of the fiercest action during the World War II. The Museum of Gibraltar exhibits prehistoric relics along with objects from the medieval times before moving onto the struggles of the modern world.
As Gibraltar is part of the British Territory, a valid UK or Schengen Visa allows you entry into Gibraltar without issuance of a separate visa. For those not planning to go through that route, you will have to submit an application at the Embassy of Gibraltar in New Delhi.
Tunisia
Located in the Northern part of Africa, Tunisia is one offbeat destination that you shouldn’t miss out on. The old town of Tunis is a feast for all senses as flavours, smells and colours will astound you. Although the Sahara desert offers you a sense of calm, it is actually the alleyways in Sidi Bou Said and Sousse Medina that makes for some lazy ramblings against the backdrop of white and blue buildings, very similar to Santorini in Greece.
Take some time to take in few instances of history too, as in the El Djem amphitheatre which was one of the largest Colosseums during the Roman period. The war of Carthage is something that used to be played quite often during the Roman times. The ruins of the famous Carthaginians, today exists in modern day Tunisia. The best news about Tunisia is that it allows Indians to enter without a visa.
There you have it. 7 of our favourite destinations in the Mediterranean and how to apply for their Visas. Do let us know which of these you have been to.
