Latest news with #ETA
Time Out
6 hours ago
- Time Out
It's official: Sri Lanka now offers visa-free access to 40 countries
The happiest beach, a stunning ancient fortress, and surf breaks for all didn't need more reason to travel to Sri Lanka, but we'll gladly add this one to the list: as of July 25, 2025, Sri Lanka has officially extended visa-free access to 40 nations worldwide (up from just seven countries), including heavy-hitters like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. The Sri Lankan government is giving up $66 million worth of visa fees per year, but is betting that the boost in arrivals and spending will make up for it. The decision to extend visa-free access to 40 countries comes after a trial in which it offered 30-day tourist visas to citizens of India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and Russia. What travellers should know Before you book your tickets to Sri Lanka, take note: eligible visitors still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. Thankfully, this is free. You'll receive a visa-on-arrival that's valid for up to 30 days upon entry. Here are the countries with visa-free access to Sri Lanka: Australia Austria Bahrain Belarus Belgium Canada China Czechia Denmark Finland France Germany India Indonesia Iran Israel Italy Japan Kazakhstan Kuwait Malaysia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Pakistan Poland Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey The United Arab Emirates The United Kingdom The United States
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Business Standard
8 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Heading to Europe? ₹2,000 travel permit required for each adult soon
Summer holidays across Europe may be in full swing, but by the time the continent's new travel permit system is introduced, tourists will be paying more to enter. The European Union has announced a sharp increase in the planned fee for its long-delayed European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), raising it from €7 to €20 (Rs 2014) — even before it's been rolled out. ETIAS, which is now scheduled to begin in late 2026, will apply to nationals of over 50 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan and others. Indian citizens with valid long-term multiple-entry visas or residence permits from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Israel, South Korea, Ireland, Schengen states or GCC countries will also need to apply for ETIAS. What is ETIAS ETIAS was approved in 2018 as a digital travel permit, much like the US ESTA or the UK's new ETA. Travellers from visa-free countries will need to apply online before entering most EU countries in the Schengen area. Once granted, the authorisation will be valid for up to three years or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever is earlier. However, it will only allow stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The European Commission said the price hike is due to inflation, increased running costs and new technical features. Officials also pointed out that the new €20 fee brings it closer to other systems — the US ESTA currently costs $21, and the UK ETA is £10. The Commission added that, once live, ETIAS is expected to process applications within minutes for most travellers using a fully online system. Who has to pay and who doesn't The €20 fee will apply to all eligible travellers between the ages of 18 and 70. Children under 18 and adults over 70 will not be charged. Family members of EU citizens and residents who have the right to free movement in the bloc will also be exempt. Travel industry pushes back Although ETIAS is still more than a year away, European travel and tourism groups have criticised the move to triple the fee. 'While the fee may represent a small fraction of overall travel expenses, the cumulative impact on families is not negligible,' a group of tourism associations wrote in a joint statement on July 24. HOTREC, a European body representing hotels, restaurants, and cafés, has joined the pushback. 'Europe's hospitality sector fully supports the objective of secure and efficient borders. However, the proposed tripling of the ETIAS fee raises serious concerns about proportionality and transparency,' said Marie Audren, Director General of HOTREC in a press release. 'We urge the European Parliament and the Council to reject the proposal and demand evidence-based justification. Any surplus revenue should be reinvested into strengthening the tourism ecosystem,' she said. The coalition of industry bodies is asking for: < An impact assessment justifying the €20 fee < Clarification on whether alternatives such as €10 or €12 were considered < Any surplus revenue to be redirected into tourism infrastructure, training and sustainability projects They argue that tourism is a key economic pillar for Europe, supporting millions of jobs and contributing vital revenue. They say any new administrative cost should be balanced against how it might deter visitors or weigh down the sector. The proposed fee still needs to pass through the European Parliament and Council, where such technical adjustments are usually approved without much debate.
IOL News
11 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Transport Authority presents new vision for GO!Durban network
One of the Go! Durban bus stations in the city. The project has been stalled for several years. The eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) has embarked on a critical journey to redefine its Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) under the GO!Durban programme, presenting a revised strategy aimed at overcoming key challenges in its implementation. In its efforts to address setbacks, including the prolonged negotiations within the minibus taxi and bus industries that stalled progress in 2021, the ETA's new strategy reflects a proactive realignment with national priorities and frameworks. "The revised plan was shaped through extensive engagements and collaboration with government stakeholders, focusing on ensuring that the rollout aligns seamlessly with the overarching objectives of the National Department of Transport," the City said. According to Nelisiwe Zama, Acting Director of ETA, this updated approach is pivotal to the maturation of a world-class public transport system that prioritises inclusivity and sustainability. 'We are determined to deliver this vision through robust partnerships with other government sectors, public transport stakeholders, communities, and potential users of the system,' she commented. As part of the revised strategy, the ETA aims to accelerate short-term delivery plans while ensuring long-term viability. Where dedicated roadways are yet to be operational, GO!Durban will initiate quality, scheduled bus services within mixed traffic conditions. Zama explained that these will utilise the distinctive GO!Durban-branded fleet and integrated fare management system, providing users with a seamless experience across the IPTN. As dedicated roadways come online, the existing services will be transitioned smoothly, maintaining consistency for commuters. This plan is a testament to the commitment of the ETA to ensure that public transport remains accessible and user-friendly for all citizens. In the coming days, ETA will initiate an in-depth engagement process with all relevant stakeholders, including regional briefings and discussions with affected minibus taxi and bus operators specific to phase one routes of the network.
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
‘OMG, are you the picnic girl?: How a TikTok callout gathered thousands for a picnic in Toronto
It all started with a TikTok call-out by a recent graduate who wanted to bring together people and foster social connection in Toronto without breaking the bank. Winnie Chen, a University of Guelph alumna, said Toronto lacks 'third places'— a hub beyond work and the home where people can gather to build community and form meaningful bonds. She wanted to change that this summer , but meeting new people in a place like Toronto has become expensive, especially for a 23-year-old graduate struggling to find a job in a bleak labour market. On July 5, she did more than just meet new people on a budget. She hosted a massive picnic event at Centennial Park at Exhibition Place that created a third place for the community to make meaningful connections without having to pay a fee to attend. Winnie Chen speaking at her massive picnic at Centennial Park at Exhibition Place on July 5. 'There are a lot of people who thanked me for hosting this event,' Chen said. And it couldn't have happened without the power of social media. In late May, she made a call-out in a social media video asking if a group of strangers were interested in having a picnic together. The call-out to her rather modest social media following resulted in 200,000 views overnight for the video and 2 million views in total for the entire picnic series. A post shared by Winnie || Toronto 🇨🇦 UGC (@winniemoments) 'I can't really fathom what that number is until I go out,' Chen said, adding that strangers on the street recognize her and ask, 'OMG, are you the picnic girl?'' Chen said more than a thousand name-tag wearing individuals attended the picnic where people chatted, snacked and spent quality time with strangers over board games and painting stations, while sitting on a giant picnic blanket. Picnickers danced and chanted to 'ETA' by K-pop sensations New Jeans, as well as to throwbacks from Justin Bieber in a rave-like set by DJs Eunicecycle and Sidequest Steve. 'They brought such good energy. It kind of turned into a mini rave or mini music festival at one point,' she said. The event's success highlights young people's strong desire to interact with their community after a report pointed to Toronto as the loneliest place in Canada , combined with isolation during the pandemic. Winnie Chen's picnic attracted more than a thousand people looking to make new friends. 'Some people in their 20s probably lost two years of high school or two years of university, which is in my opinion, the most important time to learn how to build connections and make new friends,' Chen said, adding that high rates of youth unemployment add to the issue as 'a lot of people can't afford to go out to events and meet new people.' She added that the event felt authentic and the high demand is a reflection of what people in the city crave. 'It was very nice. It just tells something about Toronto, that everyone wants to have a connection ... a meaningful way to meet people and making it as authentic as possible,' Chen said. She set up a GoFundMe campaign that reached $2,000 in donations and she also received some financial assistance from sponsors. Attendees were asked to bring something with them to the potluck-type event such as board games, food, a volleyball net and other activities. Toronto Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik attended the event and gave a speech. Chen recruited a group of volunteers using a Google form list with over 200 people eager to assist with the project. Chen's picnic, which she said she was 'shocked to pull off,' was inspired by a large cake picnic event in San Francisco where more than a thousand attendees were instructed to bring their own cakes to a park. The biomedical graduate says most of her friends are facing unemployment and are 'frustrated' with the lack of opportunities. 'They feel like they're not enough,' Chen said. 'But it turns out, everyone's facing the same situation and may feel discouraged to continue looking. It really hits on your self-esteem when you don't get an interview back.' Work is often considered part of one's identity and the topic of one's job is often a conversation starter and how individuals introduce themselves to others, said Yeeun Archer Lee, assistant professor in psychology at Trinity Western University in B.C. and researcher in loneliness and social connection. 'Without that, it's difficult for people to feel very confident to go see new people,' Archer Lee said. 'This specific picnic event really shows a glimpse of hope in that online connectivity, like social media, that's often blamed for a lack of in-person interactions was turned into in-person interactions. Research shows that in-person interactions still have special benefits that online connections cannot replace,' she added. Chen wants to continue hosting similar events in the future, keeping them sustainable and affordable. 'I'm thankful I got to meet everyone ,' Chen said. 'Everyone was there because of one TikTok I made, I felt really good that everyone was so supportive.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Oman Passport Offers Visa-free Travel to 88 Countries
Oman has jumped four places to 56th in the Henley Passport Index in the first half of 2025, based on several destinations including China and Russia, recently announcing visa exemption for Omanis, according to an official data from International Air Transport Association (IATA). Oman was ranked 60th in the 2024 rankings when its citizens could travel visa-free to 86 countries. Now, Omanis can travel to 88 countries with visa-free travel access. The index is powered by Timetric data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the ranks of all passports based on a number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. In May, China exempted nationals from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain from needing entry visas starting next month, expanding visa-free coverage to all states in the Gulf Cooperation Council following a similar move with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar back in 2018. Oman and Russia signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for short-term visits, which took effect on July 18, 2025. Omanis can travel without visa to Albania, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Botswana, Brunei, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iran, Russia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Armenia,Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Serbia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Cayman Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Syria, Türkiye,Turks, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Zambia, Macao, Thailand, Tunisia, Caicos Islands, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. Omanis can also get visa on arrival in Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Maldives, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palau Islands, Paraguay, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Tuvalu and Yemen. Omanis should obtain E-visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameron, Congo, EquatorialGuinea, Cuba, Gabon, Guinea, India, Liberia, Mauritania, Moldova, Montserrat, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, Taiwan, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Vietnam. Omanis also should obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to Kenya, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, ST Kitts and Nevis and the United Kingdom. Also read: Oman Sets Minimum Periodic Bonuses For Omani Workers In Private Sector
