Hey Indian Immigration, What’s It to You If Women Travel Solo?

If a country’s visa policy does not dictate so, a woman does not need a male guardian to provide consent.

In November, I decided to travel to Bangkok for a solo backpacking trip. I wish to share with everyone the glorious nightmare that was immigration – Indian immigration.

With an hour or so left for my flight to depart from Bengaluru International Airport, I hastily made my way to the immigration counter and faced an official who proceeded to ask me all the usual questions – "How long are you travelling for? When is your return flight? What's the purpose of your travel? Do you have enough funds to cover your stay? Will you be getting a visa-on-arrival?"

I answered everything and provided all documents he asked for. Here’s how the conversation went.