Recent Visa News

Recent news highlights stricter visa enforcement policies in the United States. U.S. embassies in Europe have issued warnings to visa holders, emphasizing compliance with immigration laws. Violators may face visa revocation and deportation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 300 student visas had been revoked due to activities deemed unlawful, such as promoting terrorist organizations or participating in campus protests.

These developments reflect intensified scrutiny and enforcement of visa regulations. Let us know if you’d like more details or insights!

Germany, Poland, Czech Republic First To Be Included in Ukraine's Multiple Citizenship law

Ukraine, for the first time ever, officially opens the door to dual or multiple citizenship—but only with select partners to kick things off. And the lucky line-up? Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. That means Ukrainians or foreign nationals tied to these countries will be able to hold more than one passport without the usual legal headaches.

President Zelensky made the nod official during the Ukrainian World Congress on August 26, 2025, and added that Canada and the U.S. are next in line after that initial launch.

ETIAS Won’t Become Mandatory for Travel to EU Until 2027

  • The requirement to apply for an ETIAS before travel to the EU is not expected to become mandatory until April 2027, at the earliest.
  • ETIAS will follow in the last quarter of 2026, once the Entry/Exit System is fully operational.
  • There will be a transitional and grace period, each six months, meaning that ETIAS will become compulsory for a majority in April 2027 and fully compulsory in October 2027.

New Company Will Handle French Visa Applications in US Starting April

Starting April 18, TLS Contact will be in charge of handling visa applications of applicants from the US applying for France visas, with the company substituting VFS Global.

EU Nationals Can Apply for UK’s ETA

  • EU passport holders can apply for the UK’s ETA starting tomorrow, March 5, 2025.
  • The requirement to hold an ETA for entry to the UK will become mandatory for all EU nationals on April 2, 2025.
  • The ETA requirement currently applies to all other foreign nationals who are eligible for visa-free entry to the UK.

The New EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The Entry/Exit System (EES) has not yet launched. Recent updates indicate that its implementation has been delayed and is now expected to become operational in October 2025.  Once active, it will modernize border management across 29 European countries, replacing manual passport stamps with automated biometric checks like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. This system aims to enhance efficiency and security at airports, seaports, land borders, and rail crossings.

Digitalization of Schengen Visa Procedures

Starting in 2028, Schengen visa procedures will undergo a major digital transformation. The European Union plans to launch a unified online platform where travelers can conveniently submit visa applications, upload necessary documents, and pay fees digitally. Traditional visa stickers will be replaced by cryptographically signed barcodes, boosting security and minimizing the risk of fraud.

The transition will occur gradually, with EU member states expected to adopt the system within five years. By 2033, the digital visa process should be fully implemented across all Schengen countries, streamlining travel and improving efficiency.

The Schengen zone and Schengen visas

The Schengen Area started in 1985 with a simple idea—free movement without border checks. Five European countries signed the first agreement, and by 1990, the Schengen Convention made it official. There are currently 29 member states in the Schengen Area. This includes 25 EU countries and 4 non-EU countries namely Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, which joined through special agreements.

Here’s how it works:

🟢 Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway – These countries are in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Economic Area (EEA). They follow Schengen rules to stay in sync with EU travel policies.

🔵 Switzerland – Not an EEA member, but it has its own agreements with the EU. It cooperates on border security while keeping its independence.

For travelers, this means passport-free travel across these countries, just like within the EU. No border checks—just smooth, seamless journeys!

Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa Switzerland, World’s Best Hotel Spa, travel Lake Lucerne min

Alpine Spa Switzerland: A Luxurious Escape in the Heart of...

Geiranger the most beautiful fjord in Norway 1st time visitors guideGeiranger - The Most Beautiful Fjord in Norway

Geiranger Fjord – Norway’s most BeautifulLet’s give a quick overview:Towering...

Top 10 most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland including what to see and where to stay plus helpful travel tips

The best of this postcard-perfect country: Switzerland is a traveler’s...

Ski Slopes in Zermatt, where to stay in Zermatt, what to eat in Zermatt, how to get to Zermatt, ski holiday Zermatt min

Conquering the Slopes in Zermatt’s Alpine Wonderland!Having experienced it firsthand...

Visit Romania and Bulgaria with your Schengen visa.

Romania and Bulgaria are now full members of the Schengen Area as of January 1, 2025. Travelers can enjoy seamless movement across all Schengen countries, including Romania and Bulgaria, without border checks. This milestone enhances travel convenience and strengthens European integration.

Planning a trip to Romania or Bulgaria? Don’t miss our in-depth articles packed with tips and inspiration to help you explore these fascinating destinations!

Orsova Romania Discover Europes largest rock carving Danube river boat cruise
Bulgaria's best ski resort is Bansko, 2024 award, where to stay near Bansko ski lifts
snow and ski holidays tours france austria hungary poland italy bulgaria min
Visit Transylvania in Romania best things to do draculas castle min

Visit Croatia on your Schengen visa.

You can travel to Croatia with a Schengen visa! Croatia is a full Schengen Area member, allowing visa-free movement for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. If you’re from a non-visa-exempt country, a Schengen visa is required, enabling travel across all Schengen countries seamlessly.

Top Things to Do in Trogir Croatia’s UNESCO Island Town min
Dubrovnik travel guide, known as the pearl of the adriatic sea, travel and home min
Cavtat, Croatia, Must see travel guide, Adriatic Sea, travel and home min
top safe holiday destinations, global peace index, gpi June report, solo travelers, safest travel, safe travels min
Croatia vs Montenegro which is nicer

Going to China is much easier!

China has expanded its visa-free entry list, welcoming travelers from eight European countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, and Croatia. Starting November 30, 2024, tourists from these nations, alongside Japan, can visit China visa-free until December 31, 2025. Citizens from Andorra, Finland, Monaco, Slovakia, and Norway are also eligible for stays up to 30 days. As of December 1, 2024, the policy is extended to 38 countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, and Belgium, allowing for 30-day visa-free stays for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes. Exploring China’s wonders has never been easier!

Guilin Top villages to visit and things to do and see
Taiwan, travel guide, eplore Asia, travel and home, holiday, tourist, island holiday min
Hotel Review of Sound on the Clouds Hotel Santorini, Dali, travel and home

Passport Applications - Online

Travel documents that you'll need to travel to our most popular destinations.

Visit Antigua Barbuda Travel Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda eVisa online

Dreaming of crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and the laid-back Caribbean vibe? Look no further! The Antigua and Barbuda eVisa is your passport to this tropical paradise.

ARMENIA;ZERO COVID travel restrictions, open for unvaccinated

Armenia Business eVisa

Armenia, a rising tech hub in Southwestern Asia, is perfect for business. This eVisa offers seamless application, granting single-entry for air or land travel, with stay duration dependent on the visa type. Ideal for exploring business opportunities!

The Twelve Apostles Melbourne Australia After the collapse

Australia eVisa online

Australia offers diverse experiences: beach escapes, outback adventures, vibrant cities, unique wildlife, cultural immersion, and world-class wine regions. Unforgettable!

Visit Antigua Barbuda Travel Caribbean

Azerbaijan Medical eVisa

A single-entry visa for medical purposes, valid for 14 days without extensions. Some nationalities, including Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine, are exempt.

brazil rio

Brazil Tourist eVisa

It's a multiple-entry visa designed for citizens of four nationalities: Australia, the United States, Japan, and Canada. This travel document simplifies the application process and saves unnecessary visits to the Embassy if requested well in advance.

CAYMAN ISLANDS beach Playa sand Palm Tree Beach Chairs Loungers

Cayman Islands eVisa

This electronic single-entry visa ensures a 30-day stay in the Cayman Islands -a tax haven with financial stability- with a 90-day validity post-arrival. You can complete it 100% online!

Visit Cartagena the vibrant city of Colombia reasons why you must go what to see and do where to stay

Columbia eVisa online

Unlike Australia's laid-back beaches or India's ancient heritage, Colombia captivates with its lush coffee plantations, colorful colonial towns, and the rhythmic energy of its culture.

Strib Fyr, Lighthouse at Middelfart, Funen, Denmark, travel and home

Denmark Schengen Visa

This Visa facilitates visits to 27 European countries with a single document for tourism, studies, family visits, and business purposes.

India Jaipur Amber Fort Fortress Antique

India eVisa online

While Australia is known for its beaches, outback adventures, and wine regions, India captivates with its rich cultural heritage, ancient monuments, bustling cities, and diverse landscapes.

Castle Hotel 12 Czocha Castle Lesna Poland

Poland Schengen Visa

This single-entry document grants a 90-day stay within a 180-day validity, not just in Poland but across all Schengen Area countries, more than enough to discover the country’s culture and castle scene

Enea Peoples Friendship Fountain Moscow Russia

Russia eVisa online

Russia offers historical treasures, dramatic landscapes, cultural richness, river cruises, iconic Trans-Siberian journeys, and vibrant cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire, UK, best wedding venues in the UK, #travelandhome

United Kingdom Electronic Visa Waiver

An electronic visa waiver has been introduced for access to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, providing a faster entry for some Persian Gulf countries.

Grab your travel guide from Amazon – printed or Kindle…

Amsterdam    |    Argentina    |    Athens    |    Australia    |    Austria    |    Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas    |   Bangkok    |    Barcelona  |  Beijing    |    Belgium    |    Berlin    |    Brazil    |    Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp    |    California    |   Cape Town    |     Copenhagen    |    Corfu and the Ionian Islands    |    Costa Rica    |    Crete    |     Croatia    |    Cuba    |    Dordogne, Bordeaux and the Southwest Coast    |    Dublin    |    Egypt    |    England’s South Coast    |    Estonia    |  Europe    |    Florence and Tuscany    |    France    |    Germany    |    Great Britain    |    Greece    |    Greek Islands    |   Iceland    |    Ireland    |   Italian Riviera    |    Italy    |    Japan    |    Kenya    |   Latvia    |     Lisbon    |    Lithuania    |   London    |    Luxembourg    |    Madrid    |   Marrakech  |   Mexico    |     Mexico City    |  Milan and Northwest Italy    |   Morocco    |    Munich and the Bavarian Alps    |    Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Italy    |    New Zealand    |    Norway    |    Paris    |    Poland    |    Porto    |    Portugal    |    Provence and the Cote d’Azur     |     Rio de Janeiro    |    Rome    |    San Francisco and Northern California    |   Scotland    |      Seattle    |    Seoul    |    Seville and Andalucia    |    Sicily    |   South Africa    |     Spain    |     Sweden    |    Switzerland    |    Thailand    |    The Netherlands    |   Tunisia    |   USA    |    USA National Parks    |     USA, Southwest and National Parks    |    Vancouver and Vancouver Island    |    Venice and the Veneto    |    Vietnam    

Road Trips

  Australia    |  Back Roads California    |     France    |   Germany    |    Great Britain    |    Back Roads Ireland    |   Northern and Central Italy    |    Spain  

Visual Travel Phrase Books

  French    |   German    |    Italian    |    Japanese    |  Mandarin Chinese    |    Norwegian    |     Portuguese    |    Swedish     |    Spanish