Visa updates
Launch of EES in November and ETIAS scheme next year will add significant complexities for many travellers: Julia Lo Bue-Said
Looking ahead to the introductions of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), Said gave her comment.
August, last window for Indians to secure Greek Golden Visa/Permanent Residency at just €250,000
Leptos Estates urges potential Indian investors and home buyers to utilise the month of August so as to not miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a home in Greece and acquire the globally much-coveted Greek Golden Visa/Permanent Residency.
Central Africans wanting to travel through Spain need to get a Transit Visa first
According to sources from the Spanish Interior Ministry, this decision follows reports that Central African nationals were using the transit in Spanish airports for irregular entries and taking advantage to apply for asylum
Eased visa restrictions for Chinese tourists suggested for the Philippines
With the recent ban against Chinese nationals working as Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), an expert on tourism and hospitality suggested that visa restrictions be eased for legitimate Chinese tourists.
VFS Global appointed to deliver Algeria visa services from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka
VFS Global has been appointed to manage submission and collection for Algeria visa applications in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Demand for the ‘Visa At Your Doorstep’ service grew by 20% across Middle East & North Africa in H1 2024 v/s H1 2023
VFS Global’s Visa At Your Doorstep solution, which provides visa application services at the applicant’s home or office, has witnessed a 20% growth in demand from travellers, both from Middle East and within the UAE, in the first half of 2024.
France has issued 326,954 residence permits in 2023, 2.5% more to foreigners in 2023
The French government has issued 326,954 residence permits in 2023, which is 2.5 per cent more than in the previous year.
Shaanxi now covered under China’s visa-free transit policy
China announced that Shaanxi Province is now listed together with 36 other locations compliant with the country’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy.
India allows VoA for nations of Japan, South Korea & UAE
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the Visa-on-Arrival facility would now be available for nationals of Japan, South Korea, UAE.
VFS Global brings Bulgaria visa application services closer to home for Qatar residents
Residents of Qatar can now apply for their Bulgaria visas at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Doha.
GCC outbound travel and tourism market is set to reach USD 75.64 billion by the end of 2024
The GCC outbound travel and tourism market is set to reach $75.64 billion by the end of 2024 and $181.48 billion by the end of 2036, with a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecasted period.
Atlys launches its AI-Powered Visa Probability Evaluator to reduce 80% visa rejections
Atlys, a travel tech startup, announces the launch of its AI-Powered Visa Probability Evaluator tool that aims at reducing 80% visa rejections.
Bulgaria to cease issuing Visas from 9-18 August
The Bulgarian consular authorities abroad will cease issuing visas on August 9, and up until August 18, due to the implementation of a new version of the National Visa Information System (NVIS), that will take place throughout those dates.
VFS Global introduces ‘Japan Visa Services’ for UAE residents
VFS Global, in association with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE and Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai, has opened Japan Visa Application Centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on 1 August 2024.
China introduces 144-hour visa-free policy
China introduced visa-free entry for 144 hours to citizens from 54 nations, including major countries in Europe and North America.
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