Category: Immigration updates

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

Travel Hit Hard by Spain and Portugal Blackout

A widespread power outage on 28 April has caused major disruption across Spain and Portugal, and travellers are already feeling the effects. The blackout, which hit major cities like Madrid and Lisbon, knocked out subway systems, traffic lights, ATMs, and phone networks, and it has also started affecting airports. Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica warned…
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EU Set to Grant Visa-Free Access to Saudi Nationals

Saudi citizens may soon travel to Europe without a visa, joining countries like the US, Canada, UAE, and Singapore in enjoying visa-free access to the Schengen Area. The European Union is working toward exempting Saudi nationals from short-stay visa requirements, allowing eligible travellers to visit or transit through the Schengen countries without a visa.  This…
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UK Updates English Test Requirements for UK Visas and Citizenship

To get a UK visa or citizenship, you need to pass an English test to show you can communicate in everyday situations. Knowing English helps people settle in more easily, find jobs, study, and use public services. The UK Home Office has updated its list of approved English tests for people applying for visas or…
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Brazil Tightens Travel Rules for North American and Australian Visitors

As of April 10, 2025, travellers from Australia, Canada, and the United States will need a visa to enter Brazil. This move ends a six-year visa-free policy and comes as part of Brazil’s reciprocity principle, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The government emphasised that Brazil does not offer unilateral visa exemptions, and it…
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Post-Brexit Shopping: What Travellers Must Know

Belgium’s customs service is reminding travellers that post-Brexit shopping rules apply when returning from the UK.  With the UK no longer in the EU, customs checks now cover all travellers, including those arriving by train, boat or plane. Duties and taxes are based on the total value of the goods, including any VAT already paid…
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