Category: Europe

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

Ireland Imposes New Visa Rules on Eswatini, Nauru & Lesotho Travellers

As of March 10, passport holders from Eswatini, Nauru, and Lesotho must obtain a visa before traveling to Ireland. Additionally, a transit visa is now required for those passing through Ireland en route to another destination. Nationals of these countries with travel plans booked before March 10, 2025, may be eligible for emergency visa accommodation…
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Post-Brexit Shopping: What Travellers Must Know

Belgium’s customs service is reminding travellers that post-Brexit shopping rules apply when returning from the UK.  With the UK no longer in the EU, customs checks now cover all travellers, including those arriving by train, boat or plane. Duties and taxes are based on the total value of the goods, including any VAT already paid…
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Over 120,000 British Nationals Gain EU Citizenship Since Brexit

More than 120,000 British nationals have been naturalised in European countries since the 2016 Brexit referendum, according to the latest Eurostat data. Between 2016 and 2023, 110,295 British nationals obtained citizenship in EU member states, with Germany leading at 36,888, followed by France (20,966), Sweden (11,384), the Netherlands (9,000), and Belgium (7,741). An additional 11,000…
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UK Holidaymakers Warned as Italy Braces for Strikes

Holidaymakers heading to Italy this week may face travel disruptions due to a nationwide general strike on March 8, affecting air, rail, and road travel.  Supported by the SLAI-COBAS, CUB, and USI-CIT unions, the strike could impact flights, particularly with British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair, affecting 8,000 to 11,000 passengers. Major routes like London-Rome, London-Milan,…
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EU Plans October Rollout for EES Biometric Border Checks

The EU’s long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) could finally launch in October, following an agreement reached between member states. The EES, designed to replace passport stamps for non-EU nationals, was initially set to begin last November but faced last-minute delays. Under the new plan—pending European Parliament approval—the system will be rolled out gradually over six months.…
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