Author: Charlie

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

France to Reinstate Schengen Border Checks Amid Security Concerns

Starting from November 1, 2024, France will reintroduce border checks at its Schengen zone borders, impacting six countries: Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. This measure will be in place until April 1st, 2025, with the French government citing concerns over terrorism and irregular migration as the driving forces behind the decision. Travellers from…
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Cyprus on Track to Join US Visa Waiver Program by 2025

Cyprus is making significant strides toward joining the US Visa Waiver Program, moving one step closer to visa-free travel to the United States. This milestone follows the country’s efforts in addressing key security requirements, particularly in combating serious crime, which is essential for eligibility in the program. A Cypriot Foreign Ministry official recently briefed the…
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EU Lifts Visa Requirements for Kosovo Citizens with Serbian Passports

Kosovo citizens who hold Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (Koordinaciona uprava) can now enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone for short-term stays. This long-awaited change, implemented on October 13, 2024, aligns the visa regulations for all citizens of the Western Balkans, granting them similar travel rights. The new regulation was signed…
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New Service Providers for UK Visa Applications: What Applicants Need to Know

If you’re in the process of applying for a UK visa, whether inside the country or overseas, big changes are coming that may affect your experience. The UK government is currently transitioning between commercial partners who operate the visa application centres on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This shift could impact where and…
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Finland Tightens Citizenship Rules

Finland’s new citizenship rules, effective from October 1, 2024. The required residency for citizenship has been extended from five to eight years, with the aim of promoting integration through language proficiency and long-term commitment. While most applicants must now reside in Finland for eight years, the requirement drops to five years for those fluent in…
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