#belgium visa Online

[belgiumvisa]

Christmas in Belgium – Discover Markets and Traditions

Experience the magic of Christmas in Belgium! Discover festive markets, enchanting traditions, and holiday celebrations across the country.

[us-visa]

Belgium Visa Online:-Apply for your Belgium visa with our expert assistance. Get complete details and information on how to apply for Belgium visa online.

[evisaindians]

Travelling to India from Australia, Belgium, Canada

India is a wonderful and diverse country filled with various cultural, historical, and natural riches. People from all over the world come here to make their journey more pleasant. Nowadays, Indian e-Visas are an easier and faster option for people from Australia, Belgium, and Canada to visit India.

Indian e-Visa is a great way for Australian citizens, Belgians and Canadians to get a convenient and fast way to travel to India. Through this e-Visa, you can finalize your plans and start your journey without leaving home. Through the online application process, all travelers can save their money and time and make their journey as enjoyable as possible.

The advantage of the Indian e-Visa is that it can be obtained easily and quickly, allowing travelers to make their plans securely. This also reduces the need for the traveler to seek expert assistance for visas and suggests them to apply directly from the official website of India Visa.

Thus, Indian e-Visas are a convenient and secure option to travel to India from Australia, Belgium, and Canada making their travel even more seamless.

[mariacallous]

The state of Russia’s porn industry after more than two years of war

Writing for Vertska Media, journalist Aaron Lurie reports on changes in Russia’s porn industry since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The two biggest developments in the business have been (1) federal legislation in March 2022 that closed a loophole in the Criminal Code that allowed online pornography, and (2) Western sanctions and corporate withdrawals that cut off the access of models and studios to more affluent consumers abroad. Nevertheless, studios and models continue to work with talent in Russia, navigating visa restrictions by relocating their filming to Serbia from places like Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Spain. To circumvent Western sanctions on Russians’ access to international banking, models and performers also resort, for example, to falsely registered Uzbek bank accounts to route Western payments through banks in Belgium. 

The loss of OnlyFans access has significantly reduced the earning capacity of adult performers in Russia, though some models have circumvented the ban by obtaining Turkish and now Thai residency permits—a process that costs roughly $2,000 plus airfare. OnlyFans alternatives still officially available in Russia (like Fansly, Boosty, and Chaturbate) are all far less profitable for the models. Lurie also learned that it’s not uncommon for Russian performers to pose as Ukrainians. Even before February 2022, this offered better protection against deanonymization (and apparently better earnings). In the aftermath of the full-scale invasion, pretending to be Ukrainian was also a means of maintaining viewers’ loyalty and soliciting better pay. Lurie also writes about some models and studios that tailor their performances to military themes, either in support of Ukraine or as a clickbait gimmick. 

Stricter laws against pornography and new financial hurdles on international sales have smothered Russia’s porn consumer culture in the cradle. To be sure, pornography is just as popular as ever among Russian Internet users, but the culture of paying money for this content “has died completely.”

[world-of-wales]

I’m planning a visit to Switzerland this year, but the only downside for a royalist like me is that there is no monarchy😄 As a student I will have to keep a tight budget, and I live half the world away from Europe so travel costs will be high getting there, which means I don’t think trips to Belgium or the Netherlands will be feasible (or the UK, but that requires a separate visa anyway so it’s out for me). So then I thought about Liechtenstein!! Very close to Zürich, on the Swiss transport and currency system so all good, but the only problem is that I can’t find out much about the royal family there itself. The castle in the capital is their private family home, so not open to the public (though you can walk up to see near the outside), and I couldn’t find any details on public appearances, and apparently they’re quite private, so not much is known about them in general. Do you (or anyone on here) know more about their public roles? Do they have engagements, or annual functions (something in the vein of Trooping) that I can make a point of seeing? I know the country is tiny, but surely they have some sort of public-facing role as the royal family? Any sort of insight/advice is appreciated!!

Ooh that sounds exciting. I'm not very sure about Liechtenstein like all the specifics you can do but I don't think there would be a ton to do if you are planning to a longer trip however since you are thinking about Switzerland, there are planned day trips to Vaduz and the nearby areas from Zurich, more information should be available on them online. Also while you can't visit the castle but you can have trips around the castle and of Vaduz. Ooooh and every year the Royal Family has a garden party for the public at Vaduz Castle, on their National Day. That's attended by all the royals. You can look for dates to visit coinciding with that if you want to attend it. It's on August 15. Unfortunately that's where my knowledge of Royal events at Liechtenstein ends however if someone else knows better, maybe they can elaborate.

[beardedmrbean]

BRUSSELS (AP) — Abdesalem Lassoued had been denied residency in four European countries by the time he chased two Swedish men into a building in Brussels this week and gunned them down at close range with a semiautomatic rifle.

The 45-year-old Tunisian arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa in a smuggler’s boat in 2011. He spent jail time in Sweden and was refused entry to Norway. At one point Italy flagged him as a security threat. Two years ago, Belgium rejected his asylum claim and he disappeared off the map.

Until Monday night, that is, when he killed the two Swedes, wounded a third and forced the lockdown of more than 35,000 people in a soccer stadium where they had gathered to watch Belgium play Sweden. In a video posted online, he claimed to be inspired by the Islamic State group.

Within days he has become the new face of the European Union’s campaign to toughen border controls, rapidly deport people and allow the police and security agencies to exchange information more efficiently.

“It’s important that those individuals that could be a security threat to our citizens, to our Union, have to be returned forcefully, immediately,” EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told reporters on Thursday, as EU interior ministers met in Luxembourg.

Only around one in four people whose asylum applications are denied ever leave or are deported from the 27-nation bloc. Often the countries they come from, including Tunisia, are reluctant to take them back.

With EU countries constantly bickering over how to manage migration – their differences lie at the heart of one of the bloc’s biggest political crises – the European Commission has sought to outsource the challenge.

The EU’s executive branch has helped to seal deals with Turkey and Tunisia to persuade these countries to stop people from the Middle East or Africa – not to mention their own nationals – from trying to enter Europe, as they did in large numbers in 2015.

About 25 countries that people leave or transit to get to Europe are of concern. Egypt is the next country on the list. The commission is already helping to locate and pay for new boats for the Egyptian coastguard.

Belgium’s top migration official, Nicole de Moor, said that countries refusing to take back their nationals must be made to cooperate.

“The terrorist that committed an attack in Brussels on Monday had asked for asylum in four different European countries, and every time he was rejected because he did not qualify for protection,” de Moor said.

The EU does have coercive tools at its disposal. The commission has used visas as a lever, making it harder, more time-consuming and costly for the citizens of migration source countries to gain entry to Europe’s ID check-free zone – the 27-country space known as the Schengen area.

Thanks to this, Johansson said, the EU now has “much better cooperation” on deportation with Iraq, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Senegal.

The shooter Lassoued’s case was also marked by other failures. He applied for asylum in Belgium in 2019. His application was rejected a year later, and a deportation order was issued in 2021. Officials said this week that he couldn’t be found, as they had no address for him.

Within a few hours, admittedly with public help, prosecutors conceded, the authorities had discovered where he lived. He was shot dead by police at a café nearby the following morning when they tried to arrest him.

“It turns out that the individual had been convicted and had served time in a Swedish prison, which was unknown to our police and judiciary,” Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told reporters.

“We need to improve the information exchange on these kinds of things. The man apparently arrived in Italy in 2011 (and) wandered around Europe for 12 years,” she said. Migration services and the police must share information, she said, “to ensure that this cannot happen.”

The clamor for tougher laws and better intelligence sharing are fresh, but the problem is not new. Lassoued’s case resembles that of another Tunisian man, Anis Amri, who drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin in 2016, killing 12 people and injuring 56 others.

German authorities tried to deport Amri after his asylum application was rejected but were unable to because he lacked valid identity papers. Tunisia had denied that he was a citizen.

On Tuesday, after leading security talks throughout the night while the hunt for Lassoued went on, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo loosened his tie from around his collar as he answered a reporter’s thorny question about the failings of Belgium’s police, justice and migration services.

“An order to leave the territory must become more binding that it is now,” De Croo conceded. “We have to respect the decisions that we take.”

[nomisinfoonlyinfo]

Summary Sunday - 16/02/2025

Welcome to ‘Summary Sunday’, where we will be giving information about events from the week around US politics, policies and changes. We will also be providing information about some other significant events from around the world. This post covers 10/02/2025 to 16/02/2025 (DD/MM/YYYY).

Google Maps changes ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’:

For users within the USA, the listing for the Gulf of Mexico has been changed to the ‘Gulf of America’, under Trump’s new policy to change its name entirely to US legal documents. Apple Maps has done the same for US users, and is planning to roll out a similar change globally at a later date to match this policy. For users outside of the USA, it has been changed to ‘Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)’, and users in Mexico will not experience any changes.

JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference:

On the 14th of February, the Munich Security Conference took place, where US vice-president JD Vance gave a 20 minute speech about his concerns on Europe’s internal security. In this speech, he criticised countries like Belgium and Sweden for taking legal action against misogynistic comments made online and burnings of the Qur’an, under the guise of being concerned for their lack of free speech. He criticised the UK for taking legal action against a man praying outside an abortion clinic, whilst also criticising the Biden’s administration’s crackdown on misinformation, describing it as having ‘bullied and threatened’ people and seeming ‘desperate to silence people for speaking their minds’.

Throughout the remainder of his speech, he expressed concern for the mass migration rates into Europe and Romania’s cancelled elections and the effect it has on Europe’s democracy, accusing Europe of ‘running in fear’ from their voters. However, this decision was made based on prior, similar events occurring in Moldova and Georgia, and declassified intelligence documents suggesting over 25,000 TikTok accounts suspected to be created by a foreign state were suddenly activated that supported the far-right candidate. As their content was not marked as election-content, it was illegal under Romanian law and impacted their decision.

The points made within his speech reflect the recent policies of the Trump administration - allowing for freedom of speech against marginalised groups, bans on abortion, ‘democracy’ and limiting migration. The full transcript of his speech can be found here: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/jd-vance-what-i-worry-about-is-the-threat-from-within/ 

Potential end to birthright citizenship:

Donald Trump has given the execute order to bring an end to birthright citizenship within the USA, which would violate the 14th Amendment, as a method to deny citizenship to children of immigrants on temporary visas or without a visa. However, this is a matter for the Supreme Court, and at least two federal judges have sided with mothers arguing for their children’s right to US citizenship.

Trump administration’s freezing of government funds refused by court order:

The Trump administration’s plans to freeze and cut funds for gender issues and diversity programs through an executive order was stopped by a temporary injunction, with the Judges concluding that they hadn’t complied with their order and that the freeze has caused ‘irreparable harm to a vast portion’ of the USA. However, the Trump administration has requested for the orders to be paused as they intended to appeal the decision. 

RFK Jr is sworn into office as the US Health and Human Services Chief:

In this position, RFK Jr will have control over the CDC, FDA, NIH and Medicare/Medicaid Services. He is someone known to have controversial and skeptical views on healthcare, such as running an anti-vaccine foundation for children and his firm disapproval of abortions. With his position of power, RFK Jr has claimed to aim to ‘make America healthy again’ whilst appealing to Trump’s stances on healthcare.

Transgender inclusion removed from the Stonewall Monument website:

The Stonewall National Monument site on the National Park Service website previously included information about the statues and history of the place that they were built on, such as the riots and the rights to come from them. This, as displayed on the Wayback Machine, used the acronym ‘LGBTQ’. However, under Trump’s administration, it has been changed to just ‘LGB’, with all mention of transgender individuals removed from their homepage. This is in line with Trump’s policy of there only being 2 genders in the USA - male and female, and erases decades of essential queer history.

We will begin adding other world news beginning next week (hopefully!), but haven’t this week due to time constraints. 

[meubelbaron]

meubel

meubel

MeubelBaron is your online home store for modern furniture at affordable prices. We deliver our products directly from the factory to your home, without intermediaries. This saves costs and reduces CO₂ emissions, which is both beneficial for you and better for the environment. At MeubelBaron you benefit from free shipping throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. Payment is easy via iDEAL, Klarna, Bancontact, KBC/CBC, credit card (Mastercard, Visa, AMEX), Apple Pay or in3. Are you not completely satisfied with your purchase? No problem! You can easily return your online ordered furniture or accessory within 14 days. As soon as we have received your return, we will quickly refund the purchase amount to your account. Our collection includes a wide range of furniture and home accessories, including chairs, tables, lighting and decoration. We strive to offer stylish and high-quality products that fit various interior styles. At MeubelBaron, customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we do everything we can to make your shopping experience as pleasant as possible. For more information about our products and services, please visit our website or contact our customer service. We are happy to help you find the perfect furniture for your interior.

[belgiumvisa]

Explore Belgium: A Traveller’s Paradise for UK Visitors

Explore the best of Belgium with this travel guide for UK residents. Learn about Belgium Visa, how to book a Belgium Visa appointment online, and find helpful tips for traveling to cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp. Secure your Belgium Visa from UK locations like Manchester and London today!

Belgium Travel Guide

[belgiumvisas]

Apply Belgium Visa Online From UK -  Get Best Price With Offer

Good News for travelers apply Online Belgium Visa from UK available with NEXT DAY APPOINTMENT on the Belgium visas website. Here you can get all types of Belgium visas such as tourist, Visitor, Family & Friends, Business, EEA/EU citizens, Long stay, and Children between 6 - 12 & less than 6 years old. Here you can easily apply Belgium visa from UK in just few minutes. Belgium Visas Support team is always available for your help & Belgium Visa Fee is very affordable for everyone. For more information about Belgium visas application at London center so visit our site & Fill out the Belgium visa form.

[john-william-12]

A Comprehensive Guide to New Zealand ETA

New Zealand is a land of rich Maori culture, stunning natural beauty and a plethora of outdoor adventures. This country is located in Southwestern Pacific Ocean and consists of two landmasses - South Island (Te Waipounamu) and North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui). In recent years, NZ has become a good destination for tourism, work or business purposes. If you are planning to visit New Zealand, you must have Eta for New Zealand. Also, if you hold an eta from an eligible country, you do need to apply for an e visa for New Zealand. In this article, we will explore NZeta, required documents, application process, etc information that helps you to apply NZETA successfully. 

What is New Zealand Eta? 

To prevent unauthorized entries and efficiency of immigration process, New Zealand has launched a new system “New Zealand Eta” in 2019. This system allows citizens from visa-waiver countries, cruise ship passengers, and transit people to travel to NZ without applying a traditional visa. It allows you to stay up to 6 months within a 12 month period, you can enter multiple times and ETA is valid for 2 years for Travelers. 

When you are applying eta for New Zealand, you have to pay International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) fees that help fund the protection of the environment and infrastructure. 

Update: Now, Health Screening is required before entering the country and you have to answer health related questions. Also, IVL fees are increased, so before applying eta, you should need to check the latest fee structure. 

What are the eligible countries for eTA New Zealand? 

NZ eTA is required for those citizens who are coming from visa-waiver countries, transit travelers and cruise passengers. As of 2025, 190 countries under visa waiver program, check the below mentioned list of some visa-waiver countries or Territories for New Zealand: 

Andorra

Argentina

Austria

Bahrain

Belgium

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Canada

Chile

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Kuwait

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Spain and many more.

New Zealand eTA required documents

Before applying for eta, you need to know what documents are required while applying for NZETA. 

A valid travel document or passport from a visa waiver country with 6 months validity.

Travelers must hold NZ eta.

Travelers must have a Health or Character certificate.

Purpose of visit, details of funds and travel tickets.

A valid email address to receive eta.

Master or Credit/Debit Card to pay the processing fee.

How to apply for New Zealand eta? 

The process of applying to eta NZ is very easy and straightforward. You can apply online for tourism, business or transit. You do not need to visit any office or apply for a traditional visa. New Zealand eTA Application process are below mentioned: 

For applying eta, you need to fill the application form online and enter the basic required details such as passport number, name, dob, etc.

You will be asked the questions related to Health and Character

After that, you need to upload the required documents.

Review your application and pay the processing fees visa Credit or Debit Card, Mastercard. Along with your processing fees, you need to pay IVL fees.

Once all details are verified, your eta is sent to your valid email.

Note: Eta processing time takes usually 72 hours, to avoid any delay, you should apply your eta in advance that helps you in a successful journey without problem. If you are already staying in NZ and want to stay longer then you have to apply for a visa or if you have a valid NZ visa then you do not need NZETA. 

How to check eTA NZ status? 

If you want to check if your eta is approved or in processing, then you can easily check it. When you applied for eta, a Reference number will be sent in your email. 

Go to the website. Enter the NZ eTA Reference number.

After that enter your passport number and select your nationality.

Now, you can see your eta is approved or pending.

Is it possible to extend New Zealand eTA?

No, New Zealand can not eTA for travelers. ETA is valid for up to 2 years for Travelers and 5 years for Crew members. If you have NZ eta then you are allowed for multiple entries, stay up to 3 to 6 months. If you want to stay longer in New Zealand for tourism, then you can choose other options such as New Zealand Visitor Visa which allows you to stay up to 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry). Through a Visitor Visa, you can study up to 3 months, visit family or friends and spend your holidays in New Zealand. 

Conclusion

NZ eTA is an essential travel document for travelers who are coming from visa-waiver countries, transit people and cruise passengers. Through eta, you can explore stunning landscapes, stay up to 6 months and visit family or friends in New Zealand. For visa-waiver country citizens, they do need to apply for an e visa or other kind of traditional visa, they can enter the country with the help of eTA. While applying for NZ eta, make sure to check required documents, processing and IVL fees and apply in advance to avoid any issue.

[travel-visa-tips]

Comprehensive Guide to Belgium Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know

Belgium, a country known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine, attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you're traveling for leisure, business, or to study, understanding the Belgium Visa Requirements is key to ensuring a smooth travel experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully navigate the Belgium visa application process, including requirements for Belgium tourist visas, work visas, and more.

Types of Belgium Visas

There are several types of visas that applicants can apply for, depending on the nature of their visit. The Belgium Visa Requirements vary based on the purpose of travel, and the type of visa you need determines the necessary documents, processing time, and eligibility criteria.

1. Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

The Belgium Visa Requirements for a Short-Stay Schengen Visa apply to travelers wishing to stay for less than 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is ideal for tourism, business trips, or family visits. Since Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, a Schengen visa also grants you access to other Schengen countries, allowing you to travel across Europe.

Eligibility: Nationals from non-EU countries who require a visa to enter the Schengen Zone must apply for this visa.

2. Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

For individuals who plan to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, such as for work, study, or family reunification, the Belgium Visa Requirements shift to a Long-Stay Visa (Type D). This visa is typically followed by applying for a residence permit. This visa type is crucial for anyone planning long-term stays, whether for studies in Belgium or a Belgium work permit.

Eligibility: Applicants must meet specific criteria based on their reason for staying, such as providing proof of enrollment in a Belgian university or an employment contract.

3. Transit Visa

For travelers passing through Belgium on their way to another destination, a Belgium Transit Visa might be necessary. This visa is intended for travelers transiting through Belgian airports or land borders to reach another country.

Essential Belgium Visa Requirements

Regardless of the type of visa you're applying for, there are several basic documents and requirements you'll need to provide. These documents prove your eligibility and intention to return to your home country after your visit.

1. Visa Application Form

The first step to meeting the Belgium Visa Requirements is completing the visa application form. This form is available online or at the Belgian consulate in your country. Make sure to fill it out accurately and ensure all information matches your documents. You can apply for a Belgium visa online in some cases for more convenience.

2. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in Belgium. The Belgium Visa Requirements specify that your passport should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Make sure your passport is in good condition for smooth processing.

3. Passport-Sized Photographs

Typically, you’ll need two recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specifications set by the Belgian embassy. Be sure the photos are clear, in color, and conform to international standards. Remember, this is one of the most important Belgium visa document requirements.

4. Travel Itinerary

A detailed travel itinerary is often required. This includes your flight reservations, accommodation details, and a plan for your stay in Belgium. The Belgium Visa Requirements stipulate that your itinerary should include your arrival and departure dates and any planned activities or meetings.

5. Proof of Financial Means

Applicants must show that they can financially support themselves during their stay in Belgium. This can be through recent bank statements, sponsorship letters, or income proof. The Belgium Visa Requirements include showing evidence that you can pay for accommodation, food, and transportation. Proof of financial stability is often scrutinized, especially for Belgium tourist visa applications.

6. Travel Insurance

A key component of the Belgium Visa Requirements for Schengen visas is proof of travel insurance. The policy must cover emergency medical expenses, including repatriation, with coverage of at least €30,000 for the entire duration of your stay. Ensure the insurance provider is recognized by Belgian authorities.

7. Visa Fee

There is a non-refundable visa processing fee, which varies depending on the type of visa. For a Schengen visa, the fee typically ranges from €60 to €100. The Belgium Visa Requirements also note that applicants should prepare to pay this fee at the time of application.

8. Additional Documents (Depending on Purpose)

Tourism: For a tourist visa, you may need hotel reservations, flight tickets, and a detailed travel itinerary. Some applicants may need a tourism invitation letter from a Belgian host.

Business: Business travelers must provide an invitation letter from a Belgian company or an explanation of the nature of the business visit.

Study: International students will need an admission letter from a Belgian institution, proof of sufficient financial means, and accommodation arrangements. The Belgium student visa requirements also demand proof of language proficiency in some cases.

Family Reunification: If joining a family member in Belgium, you will need to provide documentation proving your relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate.

The Belgium Visa Application Process

Once you have all the necessary documents and have determined which type of visa you need, the next step is submitting your application. Here’s a simple breakdown of the application process to meet the Belgium Visa Requirements:

Determine the Right Embassy or Consulate: If Belgium is your primary destination, submit your application to the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country. If you're traveling to multiple Schengen countries, apply to the country where you’ll spend the most time.

Submit the Application: Along with the application form, submit your passport, photos, and all supporting documents. Double-check the Belgium Visa Requirements on the consulate’s website to ensure you’ve included everything necessary.

Visa Processing Time: Visa processing generally takes 15 calendar days, but it may vary. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date, at least 3 to 4 weeks prior.

Attend an Interview: In some cases, you may be asked to attend a visa interview. The interview will cover your travel plans and the purpose of your stay in Belgium.

Receive Your Visa: After your application is approved, you can collect your passport and visa. If your visa is denied, the embassy will provide a reason, and you may appeal the decision.

Special Considerations

Visa Exemptions

Certain nationals do not need a visa to enter Belgium for short stays. These exemptions are based on agreements between Belgium and specific countries. Travelers should check the Belgium Visa Requirements for their nationality before applying.

Visa Denials

If your visa is refused, you will be informed of the reasons, such as insufficient financial means or incomplete documentation. The Belgium Visa Requirements allow for an appeal if you believe the refusal was in error. It’s important to address these issues before reapplying.

Conclusion

Navigating the Belgium Visa Requirements can be a straightforward process as long as you carefully follow the guidelines and prepare your documents ahead of time. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or to join family members, understanding the visa application process is essential. Be sure to consult the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest updates and specific requirements, such as Belgium visa extensions or changes in application procedures. With the right preparation, you can easily secure a visa and enjoy your stay in Belgium.

[theborderlessworld]

Italy, France, Germany: 38 European countries can now visit China visa-free

China's rapidly expanding visa-free scheme aims to boost tourism.

China's visa-free list continues to grow, with eight more European countries being added.

Citizens of Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia and Latvia have now been granted visa waivers for the Asian nation.

Tourists from these countries, as well as Japan, will be able to enter China visa-free from 30 November 2024 until 31 December 2025.

Passport holders from Andorra, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovakia and Norway were recently added to the list, which grants them stays in China of up to 30 days without a visa.

Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Portugal and Slovenia were granted the access in October.

It brings the total number of European countries granted visa-free access up to 38.

In July, tourists from Poland, Australia and New Zealand were also granted unrestricted entry to China until the end of 2025.

Since the start of 2024, the scheme has been announced in stages, with various European nations and Malaysia also gaining visa-free access. It aims to encourage more people to visit China for business and tourism, and promote exchanges between Chinese citizens and foreign nationals.

Which European countries can travel to China visa-free?

Citizens of 38 European countries can stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days.

The full list of European countries now includes Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. Tourists from these countries will be allowed to enter China for short stays without a visa until the end of next year.

The aim is “to facilitate the high-quality development of Chinese and foreign personnel exchanges and high-level opening up to the outside world,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a briefing on the initial announcement made in November.

International travel to China is still bouncing back

China's strict pandemic measures, which included required quarantines for all arrivals, discouraged many people from visiting for nearly three years. The restrictions were lifted early last year, but international travel has yet to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.

China previously allowed citizens of Brunei, Japan and Singapore to enter without a visa but suspended that after the COVID-19 outbreak. It resumed visa-free entry for Brunei and Singapore in July but has not done so for Japan.

In 2023, China recorded 35.5 million entries and exits by foreigners, according to immigration statistics. That compares to 97.7 million for all of 2019, the last year before the pandemic.

From July to September this year, China recorded 8.2 million entries by foreigners, of which 4.9 million were visa-free, the official Xinhua News Agency said, quoting a Foreign Ministry consular official.

The Chinese government has been seeking foreign investment to help boost a sluggish economy, and some businesspeople have been coming for trade fairs and meetings, including Tesla's Elon Musk and Apple's Tim Cook. Foreign tourists are still a rare sight compared to before the pandemic.

How else is China simplifying travel for Europeans?

Last year saw a surge in interest in China as a tourist destination among Europeans.

Data from online travel agency Trip.com showed a 663 per cent increase in overall bookings from Europe to China compared to 2022, and an almost 29 per cent increase on 2019.

The United Kingdom and Germany were among the top 10 sources of inbound travellers to China globally, the data shows.

Shanghai remains the most popular destination among Europeans with its alluring blend of modernity and tradition, followed by Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Sanya, a beachside city on the southern end of China’s Hainan Island, and Chengdu - the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan province - are emerging destinations.

Beyond it's new visa-free schemes, the country is further encouraging inbound tourism by promoting cultural and historical attractions in partnership with Trip.com. China is also enhancing tourism infrastructure by investing in technology, travel guides and e-payment systems.

Source: https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/11/22/china-aims-to-boost-tourism-by-giving-visa-free-entry-to-these-five-european-countries

[beardedmrbean]

1. Another hellish weekend on European roads with heavy traffic in both directions

After last weekend's monster traffic jams on major European roads to the most popular holiday destinations, those taking to Europe's roads can expect another weekend of major congestion. Read more.

2. New travel rules to enter Europe from next year: What is ETIAS?

Some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries – including the United States and the United Kingdom – will be required to have a travel authorisation via the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to enter most European countries from next year. Read more.

3. How to best celebrate International Beer Day in Belgium

Friday (4 August) marks International Beer Day, and given that it is one of Belgium's national symbols, there are fewer better places to celebrate the day. Read more.

4. 14-year-old dog travels 163 kilometres in one night to find owners

A dog was found by police on Tuesday on the outskirts of Geneva after travelling 163 kilometres in a single night from the house she had escaped from in the Swiss capital Bern, local newspaper La Tribune de Genève reported on Thursday. Read more.

5. Belgian kidnapped in Ecuador travelled to meet online lover

A Belgian-Moroccan national who was kidnapped and held for ransom in Ecuador had apparently travelled to the county to meet an online lover, Het Laatste Nieuws reports. Read more.

6. Today in History: The Rape Of Belgium

On this day, 4 August 1914, Germany's invasion of Belgium led to atrocious acts which shocked the world as they were relayed in vivid detail. Read more.

7. Hidden Belgium: Bombay BBQ

You can’t miss this busy Indian restaurant with its freshly painted pink and green façade on Chaussée d’Ixelles in Brussels. Read more.

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Schengen visa from Dubai

Are you living in Dubai and dreaming of discovering the wonders of Europe? A Schengen visa provides access to numerous European destinations with a single application. Check out this ultimate guide on securing a Schengen visa from Dubai! It covers all the essentials, from requirements to services, and highlights the amazing countries you can explore.

Essential Steps to Obtain a Schengen Visa from Dubai

To get started, make sure you tick off these essential criteria:

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your intended return date from the Schengen Area.

To enter the UAE, you need a valid residence visa that should be effective for at least three months beyond your return date.

Bank Statement: A genuine, stamped bank statement from the past three to six months.

Extra Paperwork:

Marriage Certificate: When journeying with your partner, ensure you have a translated copy in English.

For kids under 12, make sure to include translated birth certificates.

Explore Our Offerings for Schengen Visa Applications

At Forever Tourism, we offer:

Expert Support: Help with necessary paperwork and prerequisites.

Assistance with crafting the perfect cover letter and ensuring all your documents are verified and ready to go!

Get ready for your next adventure with seamless appointment scheduling! We handle everything from ticket bookings to visa appointments, ensuring your online visa application is completed effortlessly.

Explore the Amazing Destinations Accessible with a Schengen Visa

A Schengen visa obtained in Dubai opens up the opportunity to explore these amazing countries:

Exploring the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Romania is an adventure like no other!

Processing Time for Visas

It usually takes about 15 to 20 working days to process everything after your visa appointment. Get ahead of the game and submit your application early to steer clear of any hold-ups!

What's Included and What's Not

What you can expect: Comprehensive support throughout the whole application journey.

What’s not included: The package price doesn’t cover personal expenses, expedited processing fees, or any extra service charges.

Cancellation Guidelines

You'll find all the details about cancellation terms and any fees that may apply when you go through the application process.

Embark on Your Adventure to Europe Now!

Make sure to seize this chance to discover Europe! Kick off your Schengen visa application with Forever Tourism today and experience top-notch services customised just for you.

Get in Touch for Help

If you need assistance, reach out to Akshatha Balachandran, who oversees International Visas:

Contact: +971 526661143

Contact us at: internationalvisa@forevertourism.com or info@forevertourism.com

Wishing you incredible adventures and joyful discoveries on your journey!