Category: Asia Pacific

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

Israelis Can Now Apply for ESTA Under the Visa Waiver Program

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Israeli passport holders will be able to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) starting October 19, 2023. On September 27, 2023, the United States welcomed Israel to its Visa Waiver Programme. The original effective date for Israelis’ eligibility for ESTA was November 30,…
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EU Proposes Tougher Visa Suspension Rules To Address Security Concerns

The European Commission has proposed sharpening its visa suspension rules to address the “abuse” of visa-free travel in Europe. The revised rules would give the EU more flexibility to temporarily suspend its visa-free travel schemes, including when it considers that third countries’ policies could lead to increased migrant arrivals to the EU. Speaking on Wednesday,…
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Singapore To Go Passport-Free By Early 2024

One of the world’s busiest travel hubs is poised to eliminate the need for passports prior to departure. Travellers heading to Singapore in 2024 will have the privilege of experiencing seamless passport-free travel. According to Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs, the plan is to introduce the technology…
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Changes to the UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)

The UK Government is reviewing the expansion of visas for Australian and Canadian nationals. The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is set to undergo some changes, which include an expansion of the eligible age range for Australian and Canadian citizens from 18-30 to 18-35. In addition, the maximum duration of stay under YMS for these citizens…
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United States Includes Israel In Visa Waiver Program

Israeli nationals have joined a growing list of countries granted visa-free travel to the United States. United States President Joe Biden and his administration announced that Israel would be added to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), granting Israeli nationals visa-free access to the United States starting on November 30, 2023. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas…
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