Content creator’s emotional account on the silent discrimination faced by Indian passport holders strikes a chord online
A deeply personal post by a travel content creator has gone viral for exposing the challenges and silent prejudices faced by Indian passport holders during international travel. The post, titled “The ugly side of travel,” was shared by Instagram user @jaystravelblog, also known as Jayant Sharma, and has sparked a wave of empathy, support, and debate on social media, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Jayant Sharma’s honest take on border bias, visa hurdles, and unspoken humiliation has resonated with thousands of Indian travellers around the world.
In his post, Jayant wrote, “It’s not in the guidebooks… It’s in the stares. The silence. The paperwork that makes you prove your humanity.” The creator described how Indian passport holders often spend more time navigating visa applications and embassy interviews than actually planning their trips.
Jayant Sharma’s viral Instagram post shines a spotlight on the hidden emotional toll and systemic bias faced by Indian travellers across borders
He shared how a mere glance from a border control officer can feel like a judgment. “Every time I hand over my passport, I also hand over the burden of assumptions,” he wrote, capturing the emotional weight many Indians silently carry through immigration checkpoints.
The post goes on to describe how visa rejections often come without explanation, leaving individuals feeling humiliated and helpless. He described common coping mechanisms—over-preparing documents, dressing modestly, speaking politely, and even planning “escape routes” through countries with easier visa processes.
Online, Jayant’s post struck a nerve
One user commented, “This is such a needed post! Thank you for writing this. As a fellow travel enthusiast, this hits hard.” Others shared similar stories of being profiled, delayed, or dismissed while travelling on an Indian passport.
Jayant concluded with a powerful message of hope and solidarity: “For every Indian traveller who has felt humiliated, delayed, dismissed — I see you. And I hope someday we don’t have to fight to prove we simply want to explore.”
