Russia to limit length of stay to one calendar year
Russia recently unveiled - via its TASS news agency - a draft law designed to further limit and control the length of foreign nationals' stays on its territory.
Europe
The "Europe Travel Information" category offers up-to-date information on travel formalities in several coveted European countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK and many others. It is a source of essential information on the different types of visas, passports, compulsory vaccinations, travel restrictions and customs procedures imposed on travellers. Valuable recommendations for travelers, precautionary measures to be taken and recent changes in regulations and legislation will be provided by our articles. We also make a point of keeping up to date any potentially useful information on incidents that could impact on the safety of travellers to European destinations.
Russia: Egypt soon to be added to the list of nationalities eligible for e-Visa
According to the local authorities, demand for visas to Russia is rising sharply, thanks in part to the growing interest in the country on the part of foreign tourists. In 2023, statistics show an impressive increase in the number of visas issued by Russian diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. What's more, access to the Russian e-Visa ... Read the article
How do I obtain an attestation d'accueil to host a non-European foreigner in France?
The certificat d'hébergement, now known as the attestation d'accueil, is a compulsory document in France for non-European foreigners coming to the country for a private or family stay of less than 3 months.
Ireland reinstates visa requirements for 3 nationalities
Citizens of Dominique🇩🇲, Honduras🇭🇳 and Vanuatu🇻🇺 have seen new visa restrictions put in place to enter Ireland since March 7, 2024. This decision was taken to align Irish visa policy with that of the UK and the Schengen area.
France: what is the Talent Passport and how to obtain it?
Passeport Talent is a French program designed to attract highly qualified professionals from around the world, offering them 4 years to live and work in France. To be eligible, candidates must possess exceptional skills likely to contribute to France's economy or cultural landscape.
Mutual visa exemption between Albania and Azerbaijan
On March 1, 2024, following a meeting between the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Fariz Rzayev, and his Albanian counterpart Besart Kadia, an agreement was signed to end the visa regime between Azerbaijan and Albania. The agreement stipulates that holders of ordinary passports from both countries ... Read the article
European Union plans to abolish visas for Armenians
Faced with tense relations in the Caucasus region and Armenia's desire to draw closer to Europe, the European Union (EU) has recently initiated discussions with a view to lifting visa requirements for Armenian citizens.
Mayotte: what is the territorialized visa that the government wants to abolish?
The French government is planning to abolish the specific territorialized visa for the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte. This measure should ease the constraints associated with travel to mainland France, and reduce the attractiveness of neighboring Comoros as a place to settle.
France welcomes Indian students with a 5-year Schengen visa
France has taken a number of steps to attract and welcome Indian students by offering a new 5-year Schengen visa for Master's degree holders. This initiative will enable Indian students who have graduated in France to benefit from an extended visa and apply for a 5-year multi-entry Schengen visa.
France finally refuses long-term visas for British second homes
The French Constitutional Council recently rejected an amendment to the Immigration Act that would have allowed British expatriates with a second home in France to automatically obtain a long-stay visa.
Hungary is relaunching its Golden Visa, here are its special features
At a time when the EU is trying to push member countries to limit the use of "golden visas" or "golden passports", Hungary recently relaunched its "Golden Visa" program, offering residence permits to non-EU and non-EEA citizens thanks to investments in the country. This initiative ... Read the article
United Kingdom: Phase 2 of the ETA on February 1, here are the nationalities concerned
Recent changes to UK visa policies have simplified entry procedures for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan. On February 1, the UK will offer its Electronic Travel Authorization to a number of new nationalities.
Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen area on March 31, 2024
As announced many months ago, the borders of the European Union (EU) will be opened to Bulgaria and Romania for partial accession to the Schengen area on March 31. Let's take a look at this important new stage in the development of both countries.
CPLP visa versus Schengen visa: Portugal between two waters
The procedure for granting residence permits to citizens of member countries of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) has recently been made easier in Portugal, thanks to a new online platform. In just two months, over 113,000 immigrants, mainly Brazilians, have regularized their situation in the country. Nevertheless, this ... Read the article
This traveler's Schengen visa is accepted... thanks to Taylor Swift
A traveler of Philippine nationality applied for a Schengen visa to visit Italy over the festive season. After an initial refusal, she used an original method to make her application more convincing.
Kosovars have been able to move freely within the Schengen area since January 1, 2024
Since January 1, 2024, citizens of Kosovo have been able to travel freely within the Schengen area. After long years of waiting, the visa-free regime has come into force, opening up new prospects for some 1.8 million Kosovars.
France: launch of the "Olympic Consulate" to test the future digital Schengen visa
As of today, January 1, 2024, France is inaugurating its "Olympic Consulate" to centralize visa applications from members of the Olympic family ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The aim of this initiative without a physical entity is to prevent applications from Olympic delegations or international athletes from getting lost in the flow ... Read the article
Turkey abolishes visa requirements for 6 countries, including the USA and Canada
On December 22, the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey announced the abolition of visa requirements for nationals of 6 countries, including the United States, Canada, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Belarus extends visa-free access to the Baltic States and Poland
Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish citizens will benefit from visa-free access to Belarus extended to 2024. However, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Latvians not to travel to Belarus for security reasons.
ETIAS and EES: what are the differences?
As the year draws to a close, let's take a look at the main differences between two major European border management initiatives that will come into force in 2025: the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES).
Online Schengen Visa: Switzerland aligns its policy with that of the European Union
In an effort to comply with regulations established by the European Union, Switzerland plans to introduce a digital visa and barcodes for passports, from February 1, 2024. A look back at the main changes to Swiss visa policies and their implications.
Russia aligns consular fees for classic visas with those for e-Visa
On December 13, the State Duma passed a law suspending certain provisions of Russia's international agreements on easing visa requirements for citizens of the European Union, Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
EU VAP : The future Schengen online visa platform now has a name
In an increasingly digital approach, the European Union recently announced the introduction of a new platform for Schengen visa applications, to be known as the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP).
Greece facilitates visas for Turks wishing to visit its Aegean islands
Greece plans to introduce an automatic visa system for Turkish citizens wishing to visit 10 of its islands. The decision was taken after a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Erdoğan, and has received the approval of the European Commission. The Greek minister ... Read the article
United Kingdom: School trips soon accessible with an ID card?
The news would undoubtedly be welcomed by schools, students and their parents: from 2024, it should be possible for French students to travel to the UK on a school trip simply with their identity card. No more need for a passport!
Free transport for Euro 2024 ticket holders in Germany
To encourage a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transport, UEFA has reached an agreement with the German public transport association, VDV to offer fans free 36-hour journeys on the transport network during upcoming matches for Germany's Euro 2024.
Morocco: French visa restrictions lifted
France recently announced the lifting of all restrictions on the issue of visas to Moroccan nationals. This decision marks an important turning point in relations between Paris and Rabat, after a period of diplomatic tensions linked to various factors, including the Pegasus spy program and the Western Sahara issue.
With the rise of e-Visa, Russia closes visa centers in France
From November 24, 2023, the visa centers for Russia located in Paris, Marseille, Nice and Strasbourg will close their doors. From now on, French residents wishing to obtain a visa to travel to Russia will have to contact Russian consulates or the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Paris.
Do you know the Ponant Islands passport?
Have you always dreamed of exploring all the Ponant islands and enjoying their hidden treasures? Here's a golden opportunity thanks to the Ponant Islands Passport, an initiative I discovered during my trip to the island of Groix during the All Saints' Day vacations.
United Kingdom: ETA kicks off for Qataris
The Home Office has introduced a new system for visitors to the UK who do not currently require a visa. Under the new ETA rules, individuals from visa-exempt countries will now need to apply online for permission to travel to the UK prior to arrival.
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