Category: Latvia

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

EU Implements Stricter Guidelines for Suspending Visa-Free Travel from Non-EU Nations

The EU has defined three additional grounds on which it can ban visa-free travel for people of non-EU countries. On 13 March, EU member states’ ambassadors endorsed a new provision empowering the EU to suspend visa-free travel privileges for countries whose citizens are exempt from visa requirements when visiting the Schengen area. This regulation will…
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Biometric Passport Checks Threaten Eurostar Services

The much-delayed post-Brexit EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is due to go into effect in October this year, and Eurostar may be driven to reduce the number of trains because the facilities at London St Pancras have been considered “inadequate” to perform these new checks. The EES is an automated IT system for registering travellers from…
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EU Updates Schengen Borders Code

The European Union Parliament, in conjunction with the Council of the EU presidency, has successfully negotiated an updated Schengen Borders Code, marking a significant step towards reinforcing seamless movement within the Schengen area. The reform aims to strengthen free movement within the Schengen area, clarify rules, and reduce the amount of temporarily reinstated border controls…
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EU Proposed To Raise Schengen Visa Fee

The European Commission is contemplating a 12 percent increase in the fees associated with obtaining a Schengen visa.  The proposal suggests raising the basic fee for adults from €80 to €90 and for children from €40 to €45. Schengen visas are required for non-EU citizens from countries not covered by the EU/Schengen area’s 90-day rule. …
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Discovering Destinations: Where Your Soon-to-Expire British Passport Still Holds Value

Planning a trip abroad? Dealing with an expiring passport can turn the pleasure of arranging a surprise getaway into a nightmare, especially for UK travellers who must wait a whopping ten weeks for their passport renewal from the Passport Office. Ensure a smooth journey by understanding the passport validity requirements of your chosen destination. Here’s…
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