Category: News & Events

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

US Passport Processing Gets a Boost: Reduced Waiting Times

US Passport processing times have been reduced for the second time since early October, according to the US State Department. The passport processing times are now down to 7 to 10 weeks. That’s down from eight to 11 weeks in early October. Expedited service will take between three and five weeks, dropping from five to…
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Italy Extends Border Controls With Slovenia

Italy’s border controls with Slovenia will continue for the month of November with the possibility of further extensions.  The move has temporarily suspended the Schengen Agreement’s principle of freedom of movement. Italy reinstated police checks at the border in its northeast as of October 21 for an initial 10 days, suspending the free movement normally…
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Russian Visitors Granted 90 Days Visa-Free In Thailand

From November 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, Thailand will grant Russian tourists a 90-day visa-free stay, an extension from the previous 30-day limit. The move comes as tourists from the country have had increasingly few options for travel, given Moscow’s war on Ukraine, the impact of sanctions, travel restrictions, and a weakening ruble. Thailand’s…
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Finland Simplifies Student Residency Applications With Automation

Finland, known for its high-quality education system and vibrant student life, has become an increasingly attractive destination for international students. In a move to accelerate and standardise the processing of student residence permits, the Finnish Immigration Service initiated a pilot program on 19 October 2023 to automatically issue positive decisions on student residence permit applications …
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Slovenia Extends Internal Border Controls With Croatia & Hungary

The Slovenian government decided to extend border controls on the Croatian and Hungarian borders until November 19, 2023. Slovenia initially reinstated temporary border controls with Croatia and Hungary on October 21, originally planned for a ten-day period. The Ministry of Interior of Slovenia has cited the continued need for enhanced security due to elevated terrorist…
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