Updates, guidance and practical information covering visas, entry requirements and application processes.
Recent statistics reveal a significant decrease in the number of international students applying for visas to study in the UK, raising alarms over the financial sustainability of UK universities. Data from the Home Office indicates a 16% drop in visa applications between July and September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This decline
As the UK government prepares to transition to eVisas by the end of the year, many long-term residents are expressing concern that they could be “locked out” of the country. The shift to digital visas will replace physical documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs), raising alarm due to potential
A 23% rise in Schengen visa applications highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing enthusiasm for international tourism. VFS Global and the Trailblazers Initiative VFS Global partners with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism to facilitate the Trailblazers program, sending 100,000 young Saudis to Europe for training in tourism and travel. Supporting Vision 2030: Expanding Global Tourism Ties The
A new report by the U.K.-based charity Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) has highlighted how the post-Brexit immigration system has exacerbated challenges faced by foreign workers in sectors like hospitality, care, and agriculture. The findings raise concerns over rising exploitation risks, recruitment difficulties, and declining standards of care for vulnerable populations in the U.K. The
On Tuesday, Qatar marked a significant milestone by becoming only the second Muslim-majority country to gain entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This move, confirmed by the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security, allows Qatari citizens to travel to the United States for business or tourism without needing a visa, provided they
Africans continue to face significant barriers when applying for visas to enter the Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. The Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals to make short-term visits of up to 90 days, but a recent study shows that African applicants are disproportionately affected by visa
The United Kingdom is preparing to roll out a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa program, set to become mandatory for all foreign visitors entering the UK without a visa. Designed to enhance border security and streamline entry for travelers, the ETA is expected to significantly impact tourists and short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries. Here’s
The European Union marked a significant milestone in 2023 by issuing over 3.7 million first residence permits to non-EU citizens, a 4.7% increase from the previous year. This figure represents the highest number ever recorded, reflecting the EU’s growing appeal and the complex dynamics of international migration. Employment Remains the Leading Reason for Permits According
Travel management companies have observed a significant uptick in outbound travel interest. Veena Robinson, Vice President of India Sales at Discover Destinations, highlighted this trend. “We’ve been conducting roadshows in various Indian cities, including tier-II and tier-III markets. The interest from families, students, and MICE groups for travel to the US is expanding nationwide. However,
Sri Lanka has officially announced visa-free entry for 38 nationalities, including British citizens, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and simplifying the arrival process for international travellers. This decision, which takes effect immediately, was confirmed by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, and marks a significant shift from the country’s previous visa
