Croatia, Immigration updates, Latest Immigration News, News & Events, Travel, USA

Croatia Formally Nominated for US Visa Waiver

The US Embassy in Croatia confirmed on 2 August that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has formally nominated Croatia to join the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP). 

Mark Fleming, the Chargé d’Affaires for the US embassy in Zagreb stated:

I would like to congratulate Croatia on this important milestone. Entry into the Visa Waiver Program requires meeting many strict requirements, and Croatian authorities have done tremendous work.

At present, Croatian nationals are required to apply for an embassy visa to visit the United States, no matter the intended length of their stay or the motive for travelling. Once Croatia enters the US VWP, its citizens do not need a visa to enter the United States for short-term stays for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

The US visa waiver program was implemented to facilitate travel to the USA for citizens of countries with low rates of non-immigrant visa refusals and immigration violations. Croatia is now very close to meeting these requirements.

Related articles:

US Visa Waiver Program for Croatian Citizens


Once Croatia is admitted to the US VWP, Croatian nationals will no longer need to apply for an embassy visa weeks in advance of travelling to the United States. Instead, they will become eligible to apply for the United States ESTA visa waiver online.

The ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation is not a visa. It is an Electronic Travel Authorisation that enhances the security of the Visa Waiver Program and is available through a simple online application. Once this form is submitted for processing, an ESTA visa waiver is usually approved quickly, within 24 hours.

Fleming asserted that the ESTA for Croatians “will allow easier planning for short notice travel and trips such as shopping in New York, attending a cousin’s wedding in Pittsburgh, visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona, attending a film festival in Austin, or delivering a research presentation in Boston”.

Upon approval, the ESTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, removing the need to print a paper document. Instead, Croatian ESTA holders can simply present their passport to immigration officers on arrival to gain entry to the United States.

Additionally, the ESTA for Croatian citizens is a multiple-entry travel authorization, which allows the holder to enter the US for multiple stays up to 90 days per entry. It is valid for a total of 2 years from approval, or until the linked passport expires, meaning there is no need to complete online registration before every trip to the USA.

In addition to the practical benefits for Croatian citizens, Fleming is also confident that the removal of US visa requirements for Croatians will also “increase and deepen our already strong people-to-people and economic ties. It takes our already close bilateral relationship and will make it even closer.”

Eligibility to Apply for a US ESTA

It has not yet been announced when Croatia will officially join the US Visa Waiver Program.

There are still several steps left to be completed in this process, including a final assessment of Croatia’s eligibility by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Mark Fleming, the Chargé d’Affaires for the US embassy in Zagreb

The date that Croatians will be able to apply for the ESTA will be announced once the DHS has completed this final assessment of Croatia as a VWP participant.

However, Fleming asserted that the fact that the Secretary of State has now nominated the country for the VWP is “confirmation of the tremendous progress in Croatia over the past three decades. The Croatian people have built a strong, vibrant, modern, democratic state, one that is capable of meeting the rigorous requirements of the Visa Waiver Program”.

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

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And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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UK Travel Update: New Countries on the Green List

On 4 August, the British government announced the latest round of changes to the traffic light system. Several EU countries have been added to the UK’s green list. This means people travelling to England from these countries will not need to self-isolate, even if they haven't been vaccinated.

Travellers from Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania and Norway will not need to be quarantined regardless of vaccination status as long as they tested negative from Covid before and after they travel. The news comes after the UK has just started allowing vaccinated EU and US citizens to enter the UK without the need to quarantine.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wanted a “balanced” approach to international travel. Speaking during a visit to Scotland, he said he knew “how important holidays are to people.”

People think about them, they save up for them, people yearn to go abroad this year — I totally get that.

We’ve got to balance that against the need to protect our country against the influx of new variants.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Related articles:

UK’s Traffic Light System for International Travel

The UK’s traffic light travel system has been a staple for overseas travel since it was first launched back in May. Despite a slow start, it has since been revisited and revised several times, with the latest update featuring a wide range of different types of vacation destinations that British travellers can take advantage of.

UK’s Transport Secretary, Grant Schapps, revealed on Twitter the new changes on the green list.

From 08 August, travellers from these countries will not need to self isolate regardless of vaccination status if they tested negative for the virus before and within 2 days of arriving in England.

The countries currently on the UK green list as of 4 AM on 30 August are:

  • Anguilla
  • Antarctica/British Antarctic Territory
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Austria
  • Australia
  • the Azores
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • British Indian Ocean Territory
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Croatia
  • Denmark

  • Dominica
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Finland
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Grenada
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • Israel and Jerusalem
  • Latvia
  • Liectenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Madeira
  • Malta
  • Montserrat
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands
  • Romania
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  • St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands

Changes on the Amber and Red List

Several countries will also make the switch from the red list to the amber list. Fully vaccinated travellers from amber countries with an approved UK vaccine do not need to quarantine upon arrival in the UK unless they tested positive for the virus.

India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will move on to the amber list, whilst heading in the opposite direction to the red list will be Georgia, Mexico, La Reunion and Mayotte due to the prevalence of variants of concern in these countries.

Despite speculation that restrictions on Spain would be tightened, it will stay on the amber list.

The UK has also backtracked on some restrictions it had placed on France. Previously, it was decided that fully vaccinated travellers returning from France would need to be isolated. This has now been reversed effective 8 August 2021.

To know the latest update on the traffic light system, check out the official UK government website.

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.

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Coronavirus, France, Immigration updates, Latest Immigration News, News & Events, Schengen Visa News, Schengen Visas, Travel, UK, UK Immigration, UK Visa News, Visiting UK

UK Travel Update: UK Relaxes French Travel Restrictions

On 4 August, the British government announced that travellers from France to England will no longer need to be quarantined upon arrival provided they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The UK Department for Transport said it had taken the decision after a drop in the proportion of cases of the Beta variant of COVID-19 in France. Experts fear the UK’s current vaccines could be less effective against this variant, which was first discovered in South Africa.

The move brings France in line with other countries on the UK’s “amber list” and allows the British government to simplify its travel restrictions by removing the controversial “amber-plus” category, which had only included France.

Those arriving from “amber list” countries do not need to quarantine, provided they are fully vaccinated and have tested negative to the virus, whereas “amber-plus” stipulated that travellers must quarantine at home for 10 days. 

Travellers from “red list” countries are required to quarantine in a government-approved hotel.

The French government had complained about the UK’s decision to make an exception of France, with French Europe Minister Clément Beaune saying the move “discriminates against the French.”

Responding to the latest change, a French government advisor said:

If it’s the case then it is a good thing, it’s something the French government has been calling for. It means the French government has been heard.

Under the UK's plan, Réunion Island itself will be added to the red list as France moves into amber. The change is effective from 05:00 CEST on Sunday, 8 August.

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Welcome Change to the Travel Industry

The rule change will be a boon for airlines and tourism companies that have been hit hard by the pandemic and objected loudly to UK travel restrictions. The British government was under growing pressure from French ministers, as well as industry bodies, to overturn its decision last month to put France in a newly created “amber plus” category.

After Spain, France was the second most-visited country by British holidaymakers before the pandemic.

While airline travel has rapidly rebounded in Europe, the UK’s evolving restrictions deterred many in Britain from booking overseas trips.

What are your thoughts on the new travel rule? Talk to us in the comment section below.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.

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US Adds Several EU Countries to Travel Warning List

As part of its ongoing efforts to keep American travellers around the world safe, the United States has issued updated travel guidance once more. The United States is now advising against travel to destinations including Greece, Ireland, and Malta.

These destinations can now be found on the US State Department and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Level 4 lists, prompted by increasing case numbers of COVID-19.

The most severe level of travel warning that the US Department of State can issue, the three nations join an ever-growing list of countries that the US is warning against travel to, as levels of COVID-19 continue to rise once more around the globe. 

A total of 16 destinations were added to its highest “Level 4: Very High” advisory level. Countries and territories with the new designation are:

  • Andorra (from level 3)
  • Curaçao (from level 2)
  • Gibraltar (COVID-19 data was previously unknown)
  • Greece (from level 3)
  • Guadeloupe  (from level 3)
  • Iran (from level 3)
  • Ireland (from level 3)
  • Isle of Man (from level 3)
  • Kazakhstan (from level 3)
  • Lesotho (from level 3)
  • Libya (from level 3)
  • Malta (from level 3)
  • Martinique (from level 3)
  • Saint Barthelemy (from level 1)
  • Saint Martin (from level 3)
  • US Virgin Islands (from level 3)

The new advisories in the US against travel to these destinations come at a time when many eagerly await when they will again be able to travel to the US.

Related articles:

Level 4 Classification

Destinations are classified as a “Level 4” if there are 500 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people.

The travel recommendations, which are based on World Health Organization data and other official sources, are meant to “better differentiate countries with severe outbreak situations from countries with sustained, but controlled, COVID-19 spread,” according to the CDC's website.

International travel poses additional risks and even fully vaccinated travellers are at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading new COVID-19 variants. CDC recommends delaying international travel until you are fully vaccinated.”

Several countries have opened to American tourists around the world, like the UK and European countries, but the US continues to restrict non-essential travel for non-US citizens from several destinations, including from the United Kingdom and the European Union. The White House has indicated that policy likely won't change just yet.

Travellers banned from entering the US can apply for a National Interest Exception if they have an exceptional reason to be in the US. Alternatively, travellers can go to stay for 14 days in a country not banned by the US then proceed to travel to the US. Check out this blog post for more information: How to Avoid the US Travel Ban Without Breaking Any Rules.

All travellers who do fly into the US from an international destination are required to get tested within three days of boarding a flight, regardless of their vaccination status. 

What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you have plans to travel? Talk to us in the comment section below.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.

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Travellers Fined After Providing False Info to Enter Canada

In order to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, Canada follows strict entry rules for arrivals. Travellers need to show proof of vaccination, pre-departure COVID test and a quarantine plan.

Two travellers from the United States were reportedly caught submitting false documents pertaining to proof of vaccination and pre-departure coronavirus tests.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said the duo attempted to enter Canada in July providing false information, found non-compliant with the quarantine requirement and to test upon arrival.

Ignoring quarantine instructions when entering Canada can lead to a $5,000 fine each day of non-compliance. People who submit false information on their vaccination status can face a $750,000 fine, up to six months in prison or both. 

As for the duo, each received four fines totalling $19,720, Canadian officials said.

The Government of Canada will continue to investigate incidents reported and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where it is warranted to protect the health of Canadians from the further spread of COVID-19 and its variants of concern.

Public Health Agency of Canada

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US-Canada Travel in August

Canada will open its borders to fully vaccinated travellers from the USA on 9 August. They'll need to show proof of vaccination status, with their last dose taken at least two weeks before their arrival in Canada, as well as a negative COVID-19 test result. You also need to have a suitable quarantine plan in place in case you contract COVID-19 while you're in Canada.

Travellers must scan a photo of their vaccine and testing documentation or manually enter the details into the ArriveCAN app within three days of departure to Canada. Those who don't have a smartphone can enter the information on the ArriveCAN website.

Once the information is uploaded, the traveller will receive a QR code that must be shown at the Canadian border. If using the website, it's a good idea to print the information or take a screenshot of it to show at the border.

According to the Canadian government, your quarantine plan must meet the following criteria:

  • It must be a location where you can stay for 14 days or longer
  • It must have access to the necessities of life including food, water, medication and heat without leaving your place of quarantine.

While you don't need to present proof of a quarantine plan at the border, you will be asked questions to determine whether the plan you have in place is suitable. So think about what you'll need before travelling.

If the coronavirus cases continue to stay low, Canada intends to open its borders to fully vaccinated visitors from the rest of the world on 7 September.

Have you been vaccinated? Are you ready to travel to Canada? Talk to us in the comment section below.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.

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