visas

The United States is not the only business destination to tighten its immigration rules. And unlike the US, the UK has been quick to act, with a logic that may escape some travellers. Since 25 February, travellers with dual nationality - including British nationality - have been required to present a valid...

It's finally a done deal: since 15 August 2025, citizens of twelve additional European countries have been able to enter Vietnam using just their passport. However, the passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry. This is a further opening-up of the country, which is now...

Beware, travellers to the UK or planning a trip to the UK. Wednesday 2 April 2025 marks the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for travellers within the European Union. This authorisation had already become compulsory for travellers from other continents. The document applies to travel...

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has become the norm for crossing the borders of many business destinations, and is becoming the norm for both business and leisure travellers. While Europe is struggling to roll out its ETIAS system, the UK authorities have already taken the plunge. From 2 April...

The 2024 Henley Passport Index had crowned France - and five other countries - for the ability of its passport to open the doors of the world. The French, Italian, Spanish, German, Singaporean and Japanese passports gave access to 194 destinations around the world without a visa. Those days are gone now, with 195 destinations...

Since the Covid restrictions were lifted, several Asian countries have eased their entry requirements for travellers from France. China has recently done so, and now grants visas without any special preconditions for stays of up to 15 days for tourists or business travellers...

Israel is introducing a new procedure for entering its territory with the introduction of the ETA-IL system, an electronic travel authorisation similar to the ESTA required in the United States. Whether they are travelling for business or pleasure, French and Belgian nationals - as well as those from all countries exempt from visa requirements for entry into Israel...

Although France is part of the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) for entry into the United States, with only an electronic passport required and a two-year Esta to pay for, this precious passport is compulsory in certain cases, including travel since 12 January 2021 to Cuba or since...

China has extended its visa-free policy to six other European countries on a trial basis. They are Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last Thursday. From 14 March until 30 March, the...

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are preparing to launch a common tourist visa modelled on the existing Schengen visa in the European Union. The idea, first mooted in 2021, has now been approved by six GCC countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates....

Another African country has decided to cross the Rubicon when it comes to lifting travel restrictions. Malawi, the southern African state landlocked between Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, has decided to unilaterally lift visa requirements for citizens of 47 countries. The Minister of Internal Security, Ken Zikhałe, announced this change...

The 2024 edition of the Henley Passport Index will therefore have crowned the French passport as the most "powerful". However, France has to share top spot with three of its European neighbours - Italy, Spain and Germany - as well as two Asian representatives who have been doing so for the past five years: Singapore and Japan....

Will China end up giving lessons to the rest of the world for opening its borders to travellers? Practically every month, China's leaders announce new measures to simplify entry for international travellers. China recently abolished the requirement for visas for a period of one year for a dozen...

Kenya is entering 2024 with a new sign of openness for international travellers. The visa in force until now is being replaced by an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) with a view to simplifying arrivals. The first beneficiaries were welcomed on 5 January. The system is based on a dedicated platform, accompanied...

Five countries have been chosen by the Chinese government to be able to enter China for a period of one year without needing a visa, a procedure that is usually complicated by the number of documents required - particularly for business travel. Citizens of France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom will be able to...

Sixteen: that's the number of days that Russia allows travellers to visit the country with an e-visa. The Russian Federation has just launched an e-visa for travel to the country. With simplified formalities for citizens of 55 countries. Visa applicants...

As part of Egypt's "Vision 2030" development plan, the national carrier Egyptair announced at the end of June the possibility of obtaining a free transit visa. The measure, announced by Mohamed Abbas Helmy, Minister of Civil Aviation, should help revitalise tourism. This facility offers visitors the chance to stay in Egypt for a few days,...

The new interline agreement between Emirates and Etihad is aimed primarily at tourist circuits. But it will also have an impact on business travel. The new agreement signed at the beginning of May 2023 offers travellers additional itinerary options by allowing departure or arrival from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Abu Dhabi:...

Vietnam was one of the first Asian countries to lift Covid restrictions on international visitors. The idea was that by 2022, the country would be able to attract between 5 and 6 million travellers after two years of being closed to the outside world. In vain: last year, Vietnam only welcomed 3.36 million visitors...

The Chinese government is reverting almost entirely to its pre-pandemic visa regime, more than three years after hermetically sealing its borders. The latest provisions now allow visitors of all categories (tourism, study, culture, sports, MICE, etc.) to come to the country. The abolition of the last controls comes after...