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Visas, Immigration & Nationality

What Schengen Membership Means for Travel in Romania and Bulgaria

Starting January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria will officially become full members of the Schengen Area, Europe’s borderless travel zone.  This landmark move will simplify travel between these countries and the rest of the Schengen states for over 450 million citizens. Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union (EU) in 2007, but border controls have…
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Home Office To Raise Immigration Fees in 2025

The Home Office has unveiled plans to significantly increase immigration and nationality fees, as announced on 16 January 2025.  These proposed changes, outlined in the draft Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2025, are set to take effect as soon as they receive approval from both the House of Commons and the Lords. The Government…
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Spain Proposes 100% Tax on Homes Bought by Non-EU Residents: What It Means for British Nationals

Spain is taking bold steps to address its growing housing crisis, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez unveiling a controversial plan that includes a tax of up to 100% on properties purchased by non-European Union residents such as UK citizens. The move is part of a broader strategy to tackle skyrocketing rents, rising home prices, and…
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UK To Simplify Visa Rules To Lure AI Experts

The UK government is reviewing its visa policies in a bid to attract top-tier Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals from around the globe, aiming to ramp up the industry and boost economic growth. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the UK recently unveiled its AI Opportunities Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to enhance…
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Cuba Off US Terror List: Changes Ahead for ESTA and Travel

The United States has removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, signaling a step toward improved diplomatic relations and easing travel restrictions for individuals who have visited the country since 2021. In one of his final decisions before leaving office, US President Joe Biden announced Cuba’s removal from the controversial list. First…
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UK Exempts ETA Requirement for Transit Passengers

Travellers transiting through the UK have received a significant reprieve: they will no longer need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not pass through UK border control. Earlier this month, non-Europeans travelling to the UK without a visa were required to apply online and pay £10 for an ETA. However,…
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