Category: Italy

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

Visa and Travel Tips For Smooth Christmas Holiday Travel

The Christmas season is a time of joy, celebration, and often, travel.  Whether you’re planning a festive getaway to a Schengen country or reuniting with loved ones in the UK, ensuring your travel plans go smoothly requires preparation.  Here are essential tips for navigating immigration and visa requirements during the busy holiday season. 1. Prepare…
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Travel Advisory for Italy Ahead of Holy Year 2025

The number of UK holidaymakers to Italy has steadily grown over the years, reaching approximately 6.2 million in 2024. Travellers heading to Rome are being advised to prepare for an exceptionally busy year as the Holy (or Jubilee) Year begins on December 24, 2024, and runs until January 6, 2026. Held every 25 years, the…
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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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