Category: Europe

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

German Parliament Approves Easing Citizenship Rules

German lawmakers have approved new legislation easing the rules on naturalisation and ending restrictions on holding dual citizenship.  The German government says the bill should help make Germany more appealing to international skilled workers and help to alleviate labour shortages. Parliament voted 382-234 for the plan with 23 lawmakers abstaining. The opposition fiercely opposed the…
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Austria Upholds Schengen Land Border Veto for Bulgaria and Romania

Austria continues to maintain its veto on the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area with land borders, as declared by Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, as reported by Krónika. Although the “Air Schengen” proposal has granted Bulgaria and Romania partial accession to the Schengen Zone from March this year, land border accession may…
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Venice Entry Fee 2024:What You Need To Know

This summer, visitors to the picturesque city of Venice will be required to pay an extra fee, courtesy of a newly introduced tourism tax. Officials imposed the fee on all tourists to address the issue of congestion, particularly on peak weekends in the Italian city known for its lengthy canals and lack of roads. The…
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Bulgaria and Romania Partially Joining Schengen Area: What It Means For Travellers

Romania and Bulgaria, both of which joined the European Union in 2007 and have been attempting for more than a decade to join the Schengen Area, will enter the border-free zone in stages, beginning with air and sea travel on March 31.  This border-free zone, designed to facilitate seamless travel between participating countries, currently grants…
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UK Immigration Health Surcharge Fee Price Hike Delayed

The Immigration Health Surcharge increase, initially planned for January 16, 2024, has been postponed due to a Parliamentary debate. The government’s planned hike to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is now due to be implemented on 31 January 2024 at the earliest. This delay provides a brief window of opportunity for those needing to submit…
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