Latest news with #ETA
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
The UK Standard Visitor Visa made simple: Fees, rules, and more
Thinking of visiting Big Ben, or catching a West End show? If you're heading to the UK for a short visit, be it for tourism, family, business, or even medical treatment, you'll likely need a Standard Visitor visa. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here's a complete lowdown on how to apply, what it costs, and what documents you'll need. For more clarity and details, visit: Do you even need a visa? Before you do anything, check if you actually need a visa. Depending on your nationality, you might be able to: Visit the UK without a visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for up to 6 months. Visit the UK with an ETA, which you apply for online. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa, if your country isn't on the visa-exempt or ETA-eligible list. You can easily check your visa status . When and how to apply If you do need a visa, apply online at least 3 months before your intended travel date. After submitting your application, you'll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to verify your documents and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). Good news: you can save your application and return to it later if you need more time. Read more: Fees and validity: What's it going to cost? Type of visa Fee Validity Standard Visitor visa £127 6 months Medical treatment visa (Standard Visitor route) £220 11 months Academic visitor visa (for academics) £220 12 months Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years) £475 6 months per visit Long-term visa (5 years) £848 6 months per visit Long-term visa (10 years) £1,059 6 months per visit Note: Even on a long-term visa, each visit is capped at 6 months. What documents will you need? You must have a valid passport (with at least one blank page) and provide the following in your online form: Travel dates Accommodation details Estimated cost of your trip Your current address and how long you've lived there Your income details (if any) Parent's names and birthdates (if known) Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offences You may also be asked for: Travel history from the last 10 years Employer's details Details of your partner or family in the UK TB test certificate (if visiting more than 6 months) Certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh Read more: Biometric appointment and processing time As part of your application, you'll need to attend an in-person appointment at a visa application centre, which may be in another city or even another country. There, you will: Verify your identity using your passport Provide biometric data (fingerprints + photo) Submit supporting documents After the appointment, it typically takes up to 3 weeks to get a decision. Changes, cancellations, and refunds Changed your mind or made a mistake? You can cancel your application, but you'll only get a refund if it hasn't been processed yet. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now If your application is refused or you're granted a shorter visa than requested, there's no refund. Be cautious: if your travel history suggests you're living in the UK too frequently, your visa can be shortened or cancelled. Ready to go? Applying for a Standard Visitor visa is a straightforward process—as long as you follow the steps and have your documents ready. Whether you're there for castles or conferences, family reunions or fish and chips, a bit of planning can go a long way toward a smooth UK entry.
Herald Sun
21 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Visa requirements when transiting through the USA
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions. Do passengers on flights connecting via the United States still have to go through immigration? Unfortunately, yes. No matter your ultimate destination, if your flight includes a connection via LAX, Dallas Forth Worth or any other US airport, you will need to go through immigration and customs. Provided there are no issues, you'll then have to claim your baggage and check it back in with your airline for your onward flight, then present yourself for security screening before heading to your connecting gate. Not only will you need to ensure you've got a lengthy connection time to get through the queues, you'll also need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before departing Australia. Consider alternative routes, if possible. EU passports can still be used for visiting the UK for up to six months, but from April 2025, a new rule was mandated that EU citizens must now apply for the UK ETA to travel. I have an Australian passport as well as an EU passport, but can I still use the latter to travel to Britain? Yes, EU passports can still be used for visiting the UK for up to six months, but from April 2025, a new rule was mandated that EU citizens (as well as EEA and Swiss citizens) must now apply for the UK ETA to travel. The same rules apply for those travelling on an Australian passport, so it's up to you which one you choose to enter the UK with. Australians who hold dual or multiple citizenships should use their Australian passport to leave and re-enter Australia, even when using a foreign passport overseas. For further information on travelling as a dual citizen, please visit the Department of Home Affairs' website. When you're travelling with diabetes equipment, you must carry copies of a letter from your GP outlining your medical condition, your medications and the devices you're using for your insulin and blood glucose testing. Having recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I'm confused about how best to travel overseas with my medication injection pens. What do I do if my accommodation doesn't have a fridge? I can see why you're confused; the information for your particular medication (Mounjaro) is all over the place. Basically, the pen should be stored in a fridge (with the temperature between 2C and 8C) until it is in use, but then it can be stored unrefrigerated for up to 21 days provided the room temperature doesn't exceed 30C. You can buy a cooler travel wallet from the likes of the Diabetes Shop or even from Chemist Warehouse, and this can do much of the heavy lifting while you're on the road. Brands to look out for include Frio and Glucology. As a general rule, airlines will not refrigerate drugs on board (space is at a premium), but cabin crew will replenish your cooler with ice as required so don't be afraid to ask for help. Happily, things will be a little easier aboard your Uniworld cruise. I had a chat with the team and they said all you have to do is approach a Uniworld crew member when you board the ship and they'll store your pens for you in one of their fridges, no problem at all. Remember, too, that when you're travelling with diabetes equipment, you must carry copies of a letter from your GP outlining your medical condition, your medications and the devices you're using for your insulin and blood glucose testing. You should also carry scripts (readable, and in your name) for all medications, as well as your National Diabetes Services Scheme card, which is accepted as proof you need to carry your diabetes equipment. You'll need to present your medication at security, but it's helpful to know that your supply is exempt from the 100ml of liquid maximum in carry-on rule for international travel. I've travelled around cities by tuktuk without once giving thought to whether my insurance covered me or not. I'm planning on joining an organised tuktuk tour in Thailand. Can you advise on travel insurance companies which will provide cover for this? When I read your email, I started thinking about the number of times I've travelled around cities by tuktuk without once giving thought to whether my insurance covered me or not. Did I start panicking on behalf of all Aussie travellers who've done exactly the same thing? You betcha, but happily, Natalie Ball from Compare Travel Insurance provided reassurance. 'Most insurers automatically cover you for being a passenger in a tuktuk,' she said. 'While Thailand has a mandatory helmet law for motorcycle riders and passengers, there is no law that you must wear a helmet in a tuktuk.' Most insurers automatically cover you for being a passenger in a tuktuk. Travel insurers take individual circumstances into account and many tuktuks do not provide helmets for passengers, she added. 'We're not aware of any travel insurer that specifically says that you must wear a helmet when travelling as a passenger in a tuktuk, but if you're heading to Thailand, it would pay to check with your insurer.' If you're struggling to find the right insurers, Fast Cover and Travel Insurance Direct both clearly state that they provide cover for those riding as passengers in tuktuks. Phew! Need help? Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email docholiday@ Personal replies are unfortunately not possible . Originally published as Doc Holiday: Do I need a visa if I'm transiting through the USA?
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
35% rise in tax revenues for FY2024/2025 with no new burdens: Egypt's ETA chief
Egypt - Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), announced that Egypt has emerged as a leading regional model for the digital transformation of tax administration. Within just a few years, the authority has successfully shifted from a paper-based system to a fully integrated digital ecosystem, now covering all aspects of tax operations. This transition, driven by comprehensive databases and advanced digital platforms, has significantly improved collection efficiency and voluntary compliance. Abdel Aal made these remarks at the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) held in Rabat, Morocco, attended by 22 heads of tax authorities from across the continent. The annual event is one of Africa's largest tax gatherings. Her speech received widespread praise from ATAF's chair and other participants, who commended Egypt's achievements in digitalisation and capacity building. She noted that in February 2025, the ETA introduced the first package of tax facilitation measures aimed at supporting the business community and fostering trust with taxpayers. This package focused on removing administrative obstacles and resolving tax disputes swiftly and transparently, reinforcing tax fairness. A central component of the reforms was Law No. 6 of 2025, which established a simplified tax system for businesses with annual turnover below EGP 20m. The law applies a tiered tax system based on turnover, helping to integrate informal economic activities into the formal economy. Abdel Aal outlined the ETA's digital transformation strategy, built around key pillars: the mandatory e-filing system launched in January 2021; the rollout of e-invoicing and e-receipt platforms, which have collectively processed over 1.5 billion digital documents; and the establishment of a dedicated e-commerce unit, which has registered over 225,000 business activities, including major international platforms. She also highlighted the adoption of a unified payroll tax system, which contributed to a 36% year-on-year increase in tax revenues. Meanwhile, the electronic tax risk management system enabled the recovery of more than EGP 12bn in previously unpaid taxes, supported by expanded data-sharing with other government entities. Abdel Aal confirmed that total tax revenues for fiscal year 2024/2025 rose by 35% without imposing any additional tax burdens on citizens or businesses. 'We aspire to work together based on shared goals to strengthen policies that combat tax evasion and avoidance, prevent profit shifting, and stop base erosion, ensuring sustainable development across all countries of our continent,' Abdel Aal concluded. © 2025 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Courier-Mail
a day ago
- Courier-Mail
Visa requirements when transiting through the USA
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions. Do passengers on flights connecting via the United States still have to go through immigration? Unfortunately, yes. No matter your ultimate destination, if your flight includes a connection via LAX, Dallas Forth Worth or any other US airport, you will need to go through immigration and customs. Provided there are no issues, you'll then have to claim your baggage and check it back in with your airline for your onward flight, then present yourself for security screening before heading to your connecting gate. Not only will you need to ensure you've got a lengthy connection time to get through the queues, you'll also need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before departing Australia. Consider alternative routes, if possible. EU passports can still be used for visiting the UK for up to six months, but from April 2025, a new rule was mandated that EU citizens must now apply for the UK ETA to travel. I have an Australian passport as well as an EU passport, but can I still use the latter to travel to Britain? Yes, EU passports can still be used for visiting the UK for up to six months, but from April 2025, a new rule was mandated that EU citizens (as well as EEA and Swiss citizens) must now apply for the UK ETA to travel. The same rules apply for those travelling on an Australian passport, so it's up to you which one you choose to enter the UK with. Australians who hold dual or multiple citizenships should use their Australian passport to leave and re-enter Australia, even when using a foreign passport overseas. For further information on travelling as a dual citizen, please visit the Department of Home Affairs' website. When you're travelling with diabetes equipment, you must carry copies of a letter from your GP outlining your medical condition, your medications and the devices you're using for your insulin and blood glucose testing. Having recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I'm confused about how best to travel overseas with my medication injection pens. What do I do if my accommodation doesn't have a fridge? I can see why you're confused; the information for your particular medication (Mounjaro) is all over the place. Basically, the pen should be stored in a fridge (with the temperature between 2C and 8C) until it is in use, but then it can be stored unrefrigerated for up to 21 days provided the room temperature doesn't exceed 30C. You can buy a cooler travel wallet from the likes of the Diabetes Shop or even from Chemist Warehouse, and this can do much of the heavy lifting while you're on the road. Brands to look out for include Frio and Glucology. As a general rule, airlines will not refrigerate drugs on board (space is at a premium), but cabin crew will replenish your cooler with ice as required so don't be afraid to ask for help. Happily, things will be a little easier aboard your Uniworld cruise. I had a chat with the team and they said all you have to do is approach a Uniworld crew member when you board the ship and they'll store your pens for you in one of their fridges, no problem at all. Remember, too, that when you're travelling with diabetes equipment, you must carry copies of a letter from your GP outlining your medical condition, your medications and the devices you're using for your insulin and blood glucose testing. You should also carry scripts (readable, and in your name) for all medications, as well as your National Diabetes Services Scheme card, which is accepted as proof you need to carry your diabetes equipment. You'll need to present your medication at security, but it's helpful to know that your supply is exempt from the 100ml of liquid maximum in carry-on rule for international travel. I've travelled around cities by tuktuk without once giving thought to whether my insurance covered me or not. I'm planning on joining an organised tuktuk tour in Thailand. Can you advise on travel insurance companies which will provide cover for this? When I read your email, I started thinking about the number of times I've travelled around cities by tuktuk without once giving thought to whether my insurance covered me or not. Did I start panicking on behalf of all Aussie travellers who've done exactly the same thing? You betcha, but happily, Natalie Ball from Compare Travel Insurance provided reassurance. 'Most insurers automatically cover you for being a passenger in a tuktuk,' she said. 'While Thailand has a mandatory helmet law for motorcycle riders and passengers, there is no law that you must wear a helmet in a tuktuk.' Most insurers automatically cover you for being a passenger in a tuktuk. Travel insurers take individual circumstances into account and many tuktuks do not provide helmets for passengers, she added. 'We're not aware of any travel insurer that specifically says that you must wear a helmet when travelling as a passenger in a tuktuk, but if you're heading to Thailand, it would pay to check with your insurer.' If you're struggling to find the right insurers, Fast Cover and Travel Insurance Direct both clearly state that they provide cover for those riding as passengers in tuktuks. Phew! Need help? Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email docholiday@ Personal replies are unfortunately not possible . Originally published as Doc Holiday: Do I need a visa if I'm transiting through the USA?
Daily News Egypt
a day ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
35% rise in tax revenues for FY2024/2025 with no new burdens: ETA chief
Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), announced that Egypt has emerged as a leading regional model for the digital transformation of tax administration. Within just a few years, the authority has successfully shifted from a paper-based system to a fully integrated digital ecosystem, now covering all aspects of tax operations. This transition, driven by comprehensive databases and advanced digital platforms, has significantly improved collection efficiency and voluntary compliance. Abdel Aal made these remarks at the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) held in Rabat, Morocco, attended by 22 heads of tax authorities from across the continent. The annual event is one of Africa's largest tax gatherings. Her speech received widespread praise from ATAF's chair and other participants, who commended Egypt's achievements in digitalisation and capacity building. She noted that in February 2025, the ETA introduced the first package of tax facilitation measures aimed at supporting the business community and fostering trust with taxpayers. This package focused on removing administrative obstacles and resolving tax disputes swiftly and transparently, reinforcing tax fairness. A central component of the reforms was Law No. 6 of 2025, which established a simplified tax system for businesses with annual turnover below EGP 20m. The law applies a tiered tax system based on turnover, helping to integrate informal economic activities into the formal economy. Abdel Aal outlined the ETA's digital transformation strategy, built around key pillars: the mandatory e-filing system launched in January 2021; the rollout of e-invoicing and e-receipt platforms, which have collectively processed over 1.5 billion digital documents; and the establishment of a dedicated e-commerce unit, which has registered over 225,000 business activities, including major international platforms. She also highlighted the adoption of a unified payroll tax system, which contributed to a 36% year-on-year increase in tax revenues. Meanwhile, the electronic tax risk management system enabled the recovery of more than EGP 12bn in previously unpaid taxes, supported by expanded data-sharing with other government entities. Abdel Aal confirmed that total tax revenues for fiscal year 2024/2025 rose by 35% without imposing any additional tax burdens on citizens or businesses. 'We aspire to work together based on shared goals to strengthen policies that combat tax evasion and avoidance, prevent profit shifting, and stop base erosion, ensuring sustainable development across all countries of our continent,' Abdel Aal concluded.
