Category: Europe

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

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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Belgium Travel Alert: UK Foreign Office Issues New Guidance for Tourists

UK travellers planning a trip to Belgium are being urged to stay cautious following an important travel update from the UK Foreign Office.  Belgium, a favourite destination for city breaks, especially in the colder months thanks to its enchanting Christmas markets, is now flagged for potential risks related to terrorism, strikes, and demonstrations. In the…
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Romania Set to Join U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2025

Exciting news for Romanians, starting in March or April 2025, Romanians will no longer need a visa to visit the United States.  Romania’s ambassador to the US, Andrei Muraru, confirmed this major development during a recent interview, announcing that Romania is set to join the US Visa Waiver Program. Once part of the program, Romanians…
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EU Pushes Back November Launch of Electronic Border Checks

Once again, the launch of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to streamline border checks for non-EU travellers, has been delayed. It was previously set to launch on November 10, 2024 but the rollout has been pushed back due to continued technical challenges in numerous member countries At a recent meeting of EU interior ministers,…
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EU Commission Proposes Digital Passports and IDs to Simplify Schengen Travel

The European Commission is taking steps to revolutionise travel within the Schengen zone by proposing digital versions of passports and identity cards.  Announced on 08 October, this initiative aims to make travel easier and more efficient by providing digital credentials that can be accessed via mobile phones, complementing the traditional physical documents. These digital IDs…
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