Category: Immigration updates

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

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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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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Impact of International Student Numbers on UK Migration and Economy

Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that 728,000 people migrated to the UK in the year ending June 2024 which is a 20% decline compared to the revised figure of 906,000 for the previous year. This drop was sharper than initially expected, reflecting recent policy changes impacting migration patterns. Among those…
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UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for EU Travellers

From 2 April 2025, EU nationals traveling to the UK for tourism or transit must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. This requirement, previously only for non-EU nationals,​ will now apply to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens including ​those simply passing through the UK. You don’t need an ETA if you are a British…
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US to Sell $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visas Under New Plan

US President Donald Trump has announced a new “gold card” visa program, offering permanent residency to affluent foreigners willing to pay $5 million. Speaking at the White House, President Trump described the scheme as providing “green card privileges plus” and a “pathway to citizenship” for those who purchase the card. “Wealthy individuals will come to…
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