Category: Italy

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

Bulgaria and Romania To Fully Join Schengen In 2025

The European Union has officially approved Bulgaria and Romania as full members of the borderless Schengen Area, effective January 1, 2025.  This historic decision removes land border controls for the two nations, marking the completion of their Schengen integration after partial admission earlier this year. Hungarian Interior Minister Sándor Pintér, representing the EU’s rotating presidency,…
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Study Abroad in Italy: New Visa Rules Could Deter International Students

Starting January 10, 2025, Italy will require Type D visa applicants, including international students in programs lasting over 90 days, to secure individual appointments at Italian consulates for fingerprinting.  This new policy is expected to increase administrative burdens for consulates and prospective students alike. In the 2022-23 academic year, Italy emerged as the top destination…
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EU to Gradually Implement Biometric Border Checks

The European Commission has proposed a gradual rollout of the EU’s long-delayed biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) starting in 2025. Initially set to launch on November 10, 2024, the system was postponed after France, Germany, and the Netherlands cited technological readiness issues. Under the new plan, EES operations will begin progressively over six months, with member…
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EU To Reevaluate Visa-Free Travel for Georgia

The European Union’s foreign ministers are set to deliberate on Georgia’s visa-free travel agreement during the Council of Foreign Affairs meeting on December 16, according to EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski.  Discussions will explore all possible options, including the suspension of the visa-free regime. Since March 28, 2017, Georgian citizens with biometric passports have…
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China Revamps Visa-Free Program Adding More Nations On The List

China has expanded its visa-free entry program to include citizens from nine additional countries, bringing the total to 38 eligible nations.  Starting November 30, 2024, visitors can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, double the previous limit of 15 days. This policy, effective until the end of 2025, aims to revive China’s inbound tourism…
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