Category: Europe

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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Bulgaria and Romania To Fully Join Schengen In 2025

The European Union has officially approved Bulgaria and Romania as full members of the borderless Schengen Area, effective January 1, 2025.  This historic decision removes land border controls for the two nations, marking the completion of their Schengen integration after partial admission earlier this year. Hungarian Interior Minister Sándor Pintér, representing the EU’s rotating presidency,…
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Study Abroad in Italy: New Visa Rules Could Deter International Students

Starting January 10, 2025, Italy will require Type D visa applicants, including international students in programs lasting over 90 days, to secure individual appointments at Italian consulates for fingerprinting.  This new policy is expected to increase administrative burdens for consulates and prospective students alike. In the 2022-23 academic year, Italy emerged as the top destination…
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Netherlands Tightens Internal Border Controls

The Netherlands has launched temporary border checks at its crossings with Germany and Belgium to address irregular immigration, Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber announced on December 9, 2024.  The initiative aims to curb the “influx” of migrants and enhance national security. The border controls will involve random checks and mobile inspections of vehicles…
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Switzerland Retains Skilled Worker Numbers For 2025

Switzerland has announced it will maintain its foreign skilled worker quota at 8,500 for 2025, matching the 2024 allocation. The Federal Council confirmed that 4,500 of these permits will be B residence permits, while 4,000 will be L short-term permits. This quota ensures Swiss companies can address labor shortages while keeping immigration controlled. The Council…
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