Category: News & Events

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

US Passport Online Renewal: What You Need To Know

Given the success of the pilot program for passport online renewal, the US State Department has stated that it intends to permanently implement the service in the first quarter of 2023. In anticipation of the new system, the State Department has established the eligibility criteria and process for renewing a US passport online.  Applicants will…
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Netherlands Prepares For Entry/Exit System

There will be major changes to the way the European Union manages its external borders in 2023 and the Dutch government is preparing for the new changes. Changes will come into force in May 2023 when the EU entry and exit system (EES) starts operating. All non-EU nationals arriving and leaving the Schengen area will…
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Germany Is Ending Mask Mandate On Trains And Buses

The German authorities have announced that starting from 02 February 2023, the mask requirement will no longer apply on long-distance trains as well as in buses. The mask requirement for long-distance travel was one of Germany’s last remaining COVID-19 rules. The mandate had been set to end until 07 April and had already been dropped…
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Switzerland Stops Accepting Russian Travel Documents Issued From Occupied Areas in Ukraine & Georgia

The Swiss authorities have announced that Switzerland is no longer accepting Russian travel documents issued in Ukraine and Georgia. According to the Federal Council of Switzerland, new travel documents issued in Russian-occupied regions as well as in breakaway territories of Georgia will not be recognized as valid travel documents to cross the external Schengen borders.…
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UK Youth Mobility Ballot Opens In January 2023

The first ballot for 2023’s Youth Mobility Scheme is set to open on Tuesday, 17 January 2023.  The ballot will be open for a period of 48 hours, closing on Thursday 19 January 2023. Most of the available places will be allocated in this first ballot, while the remaining places will be made available in…
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