Latest news with #Non-European
Time Business News
16 hours ago
- Time Business News
UK ETA for Non-European Travelers: Your Essential Guide
The United Kingdom is rolling out a big change for visitors from many countries. This new system, called the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), is for travelers who are not from Europe. It makes border security stronger and helps people get into the country more smoothly. Knowing about the rules and how to apply will make your trip to the UK much easier. This guide will show you everything you need to know about the UK ETA for non-European visitors. Apply UK ETA for UAE Gulf (GCC), European & Non-European Countries. What is the UK ETA? The Purpose and Functionality of the ETA The UK ETA is a new digital permit for travel. Think of it as an online check before you even leave home. Its main goal is to make the UK's borders safer and help control who comes into the country. You apply for it online, and it links straight to your passport. This means airlines can check if you have permission to fly to the UK before you even board your plane. This system is much like the ESTA used for travel to the United States. It's also similar to the ETIAS, which the European Union will soon use. All these systems aim to pre-screen travelers without requiring a full visa. They are about speeding up entry for low-risk visitors. Who Needs a UK ETA? Many people from outside Europe will need a UK ETA. This includes visitors from countries that currently do not need a visa for short stays. For instance, if you are from the USA, Canada, Australia, or many Asian and South American countries, you will likely need an ETA. It applies to tourism, business trips, or short studies. Some people won't need an ETA. If you are a British or Irish citizen, you are exempt. Also, people who already need a visa for the UK, such as those planning to work or study long-term, will still follow their regular visa process. An example of someone who needs an ETA? A tourist from Japan planning a two-week holiday in London. They will submit an ETA application before their flight. The UK ETA Application Process Eligibility Criteria and Requirements Getting your UK ETA ready means having certain things in order. First, your passport must be valid for your whole trip to the UK. Make sure it won't expire soon after you plan to leave. You will also need to share personal details like your name, date of birth, and contact information. The application asks about your travel plans. This includes when you plan to arrive and how long you might stay. You also need to state the reason for your visit. It's important to be honest about any past criminal history. The system will ask about such matters, if they apply to you. How to Apply for a UK ETA You will apply for your UK ETA through an official online portal. Look for the government's dedicated website. The process is straightforward, but it needs your full attention. First, you create an account or sign in. Then, you fill out the application form with all your details. Next, you will need to upload a clear scan of your passport. Sometimes, you may need a recent photo of yourself. After filling everything in, you will pay a small fee. The site will tell you how much it costs and what payment types are accepted. Most people will use a credit or debit card. Processing times are usually quick, often just a few days. Still, it's wise to apply early. Common Application Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them The biggest mistake people make is entering wrong information. Always double-check every detail you type. A simple typo in your passport number can cause big delays. Make sure your scanned documents are clear and readable. Blurry images or missing pages can lead to your application being denied. Also, be careful with dates and names. They must match your passport exactly. Do not rush through the form. It helps to review everything before you hit the submit button. Taking your time here can save you a lot of trouble later on. A quick check of all entered information before submission is a smart move. Traveling to the UK with an ETA What Happens After Approval? Once your UK ETA is approved, you will get a confirmation email. This email tells you that your travel is authorized. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport. This means you do not need to print anything out or carry extra papers. Your passport is your key. An approved ETA is usually valid for multiple trips over a certain period, often two years. During this time, you can visit the UK many times, as long as each stay is short. Check the exact validity period on your approval notice. Boarding and Arrival Procedures When you check in for your flight to the UK, the airline will scan your passport. Their system will automatically check if you have an approved ETA. If you do not have one, you might not be allowed to board the plane. This is why getting your ETA ready beforehand is so important. Upon arriving at a UK airport, you will go through immigration. You just present your passport to the border officer. Their system shows your ETA status. The process should be very quick for most travelers. Expect standard security checks and questions about your visit. It is much like arriving in any other country that uses electronic travel systems. What If Your ETA is Denied? Sometimes, an ETA application might not get approved. This can happen for a few reasons. Maybe there was a mistake in the application, or you did not meet all the rules. A criminal record or previous immigration issues could also lead to a denial. Don't worry if this happens. If your ETA is denied, the UK government will tell you why. You might be able to appeal the decision. Or, you may need to apply for a standard UK visa instead. This is a more involved process. Experts suggest contacting a legal advisor if your ETA is turned down and you are unsure of your next steps. Important Considerations for Non-European Travelers Impact on Travel Planning The ETA system means you need to plan your trip to the UK a bit more in advance. Do not wait until the last minute to apply. Give yourself plenty of time, at least a few weeks before your departure date. This avoids any stress from processing delays. If your travel plans change a lot, like getting a new passport, your ETA might need an update. It is always a good idea to check the official guidance on such matters. An approved ETA generally allows for multiple entries into the UK within its validity period. This is good news for frequent visitors. Integration with Other UK Travel Requirements The ETA is not a visa. For some nationalities, a visa will still be needed for longer stays or specific purposes like work. Always check if your nationality requires a visa in addition to, or instead of, an ETA for your planned trip. Your passport must always be valid for your entire journey. A passport that expires during your trip can cause huge problems. The UK also has general health and safety rules for all visitors. Keep an eye on any public health advice from the UK government. These are important for safe travel for everyone. Conclusion The UK ETA system is a new step for many non-European travelers. By understanding the application, knowing the rules, and planning ahead, you can make your journey to the United Kingdom stress-free. Get your application in early, check your details carefully, and then simply look forward to your trip! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Jordan News
28-06-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Microsurgical Anatomy Lab at Applied Science University Receives EU Accreditation as the First Non-European Center in NASCE Network
Microsurgical Anatomy Lab at Applied Science University Receives EU Accreditation as the First Non-European Center in NASCE Network In an unprecedented achievement at the regional level, the Microsurgical Anatomy Laboratory at the Applied Science Private University has officially received accreditation from the Network of Accredited Clinical Skills Centres in Europe (NASCE), which operates under the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). With this recognition, the lab becomes the first center outside the European continent to join this prestigious network, which includes a select group of leading surgical centers specialized in medical training and development. اضافة اعلان This accreditation represents a high-level international recognition of the lab's excellence and advanced readiness in terms of infrastructure, cutting-edge equipment, and simulation systems. It also certifies the lab as a specialized regional training center in the field of microsurgery, enhancing the global standing of the university that houses it in the realm of medical education and training. The accreditation crowns years of continuous work and qualitative development. The Microsurgical Anatomy Lab offers a fully integrated training environment that realistically simulates actual surgical procedures. It regularly hosts specialized training programs across various surgical disciplines, in collaboration with elite local and international surgeons and experts. This directly contributes to improving the competence of medical personnel, reducing surgical errors, and elevating the quality of healthcare in Jordan and the wider region. This recognition reinforces the university's vision to serve as a hub for medical and research excellence at the regional level. It also embodies its strategic direction toward building high-quality international partnerships that empower a new generation of doctors and surgeons to perform surgical procedures at an advanced academic and practical level.
Economic Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
UK replaces passport stickers with eVisas for some: What you need to know if you're planning your travel
The UK Home Office has started digitizing its immigration system, replacing physical visa stickers with electronic visas (eVisas) for various work and other visa routes. Applicants must create a UKVI account to access their eVisa, while employers need to adjust right-to-work policies. This change aims to streamline the process, reduce travel restrictions, and modernize immigration status verification. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Also Read: UK study visa applications witness a sharp rise despite graduate route cuts Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Create a UKVI account Link their current passport to their eVisa Check their account for accuracy Generate and carry an 'S' share code in case their eVisa is not viewable while travelling Verify that new employees have completed all steps in the pre-travel checklist Conduct right-to-work checks online using the eVisa system Guide applicants with dependants on the differing procedures for family members View their visa status and expiry Share their immigration status with landlords or employers using time-bound share codes Update personal and travel document details Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Non-European nationals granted UK entry clearance through work and specific other visa routes now no longer receive a physical visa sticker in their passports. Instead, applicants will be issued an electronic visa, or eVisa , accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. The move, that kicked off on June 15, is part of the Home Office's plan to fully digitise the UK's immigration to the UK Home Office guidance, this change applies to those applying under the Skilled Worker (including Health and Care), Global Business Mobility, Global Talent, International Sportsperson, Temporary Worker (including Creative Workers and Government Authorised Exchange), Youth Mobility Scheme, and Student visa under these routes will no longer need to hand over their passports at visa application centres for visa vignette placement, reducing travel restrictions and courier delays. They can remain mobile during the processing period, though may still be called for an interview on short with stays under 90 days or dependants of main applicants will continue to receive vignette stickers in their eVisa serves as a digital record of a migrant's immigration status, replacing several physical documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), biometric residence cards (BRCs), passport endorsements, and visa vignette stickers. This rollout builds on earlier implementation through the EU Settlement Home Office said, 'Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.'Expired BRPs and BRCs are no longer valid for travel. Travellers must ensure their eVisa is linked to a valid passport before entering the UK. If the eVisa is not properly linked, carriers may refuse under 18 must also have individual UKVI accounts, with parents or guardians managing them where who have other physical evidence of indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter (ILE), such as wet ink stamps or vignette stickers, are advised to apply for a no-time-limit (NTL) eVisa. Individuals eligible under the Windrush Scheme or those applying under the EU Settlement Scheme can also receive an Home Office reiterated that, 'Millions have already received their eVisas since 2018 and more categories will follow as we fully transition to digital status.'Applicants are advised to follow guidance carefully, especially before international travel, and to keep both their passport and immigration details updated in the UKVI system.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UK replaces passport stickers with eVisas for some: What you need to know if you're planning your travel
Live Events You Might Also Like: UK may rethink non-dom inheritance tax as wealthy foreigners exit Create a UKVI account Link their current passport to their eVisa Check their account for accuracy Generate and carry an 'S' share code in case their eVisa is not viewable while travelling Verify that new employees have completed all steps in the pre-travel checklist Conduct right-to-work checks online using the eVisa system Guide applicants with dependants on the differing procedures for family members View their visa status and expiry Share their immigration status with landlords or employers using time-bound share codes Update personal and travel document details You Might Also Like: UK study visa applications witness a sharp rise despite graduate route cuts Non-European nationals granted UK entry clearance through work and specific other visa routes now no longer receive a physical visa sticker in their passports. Instead, applicants will be issued an electronic visa, or eVisa , accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. The move, that kicked off on June 15, is part of the Home Office's plan to fully digitise the UK's immigration to the UK Home Office guidance, this change applies to those applying under the Skilled Worker (including Health and Care), Global Business Mobility, Global Talent, International Sportsperson, Temporary Worker (including Creative Workers and Government Authorised Exchange), Youth Mobility Scheme, and Student visa under these routes will no longer need to hand over their passports at visa application centres for visa vignette placement, reducing travel restrictions and courier delays. They can remain mobile during the processing period, though may still be called for an interview on short notice.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)Applicants with stays under 90 days or dependants of main applicants will continue to receive vignette stickers in their eVisa serves as a digital record of a migrant's immigration status, replacing several physical documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), biometric residence cards (BRCs), passport endorsements, and visa vignette stickers. This rollout builds on earlier implementation through the EU Settlement Home Office said, 'Updating your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.'Expired BRPs and BRCs are no longer valid for travel. Travellers must ensure their eVisa is linked to a valid passport before entering the UK. If the eVisa is not properly linked, carriers may refuse under 18 must also have individual UKVI accounts, with parents or guardians managing them where who have other physical evidence of indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or indefinite leave to enter (ILE), such as wet ink stamps or vignette stickers, are advised to apply for a no-time-limit (NTL) eVisa. Individuals eligible under the Windrush Scheme or those applying under the EU Settlement Scheme can also receive an Home Office reiterated that, 'Millions have already received their eVisas since 2018 and more categories will follow as we fully transition to digital status.'Applicants are advised to follow guidance carefully, especially before international travel, and to keep both their passport and immigration details updated in the UKVI system.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Trump could spur central banks to adopt digital coins: Peacock
(The views expressed here are those of the author, the former head of communications at the Bank of England.) LONDON - Central bank digital currencies have often been deemed a solution in search of a problem. But U.S. President Donald Trump appears to have provided a rationale for CBDCs, even as he has banned the development of a digital dollar. A CBDC, as its name suggests, is a digital version of an existing fiat currency that would be issued and controlled by a central bank and have the same guarantees. A study by the Atlantic Council, published shortly before Trump's election win last year, found that 134 nations – including the U.S. at the time – representing 98% of the global economy were exploring digital versions of their currencies, with almost half at an advanced stage. But Trump then issued an executive order in January prohibiting U.S. agencies from establishing, issuing or promoting a digital dollar, seemingly as part of a drive to promote private cryptocurrencies and stablecoins instead. That may leave the door open for other countries to set the rules for CBDCs and other forms of digital money as they evolve. The arguments for and against CBDCs are various. They could lower the cost and complexity of financial transactions, while potentially bringing more people into the digital economy. Critics counter that existing technology can offer the same benefits, and some warn that CBDCs could threaten individual privacy and become a tool for government snooping and control. From a central bank perspective, if private stablecoins – or cryptocurrencies backed by a hard currency – come to dominate the digital currency space, they would have to be closely regulated. So the simpler option may be to issue their own digital currency instead. But the most compelling reason may be that we appear to be entering a new era of economic nationalism in which the U.S. dollar may no longer be relied upon, meaning state-run digital currencies could thus become a matter of national financial security. DIGITAL DEPENDENCY This risk of getting left behind in the digital payments race is particularly acute in Europe. Non-European payments firms process about two-thirds of euro zone credit card transactions. On top of that, U.S. tech applications process almost 10% of euro retail payments, and usage is growing fast. Additionally, most existing stablecoins are linked to the dollar, so if their use increases, the primacy of the euro within Europe's currency bloc could be undermined. This was spelled out powerfully in a recent speech by European Central Bank Chief Economist Philip Lane. 'The digital euro is not just about making sure our monetary system adapts to the digital age. It is about ensuring that Europe controls its monetary and financial destiny, against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical fragmentation.' he said. The Bank of England has sounded more agnostic about a digital pound but has nonetheless been planning and studying the matter for years. BoE Governor Andrew Bailey has voiced concern that commercial banks are not stepping up to innovate in the digital currency space, leaving the field open to less-regulated tech firms. If that persists, the Bank may need to create its own CBDC. At the same time, China is racing ahead. Usage of the digital yuan – or e-yuan - is accelerating, with transactions more than tripling between June 2023 and June 2024. DOLLAR DECLINE? The U.S. administration has indicated that it wants a weaker dollar, but not a world that can operate around the greenback. The latter would have profound consequences for U.S. economic power and its ability to service its mountain of debt, which last year amounted to more than 120% of GDP or some $35 trillion. The greenback accounts for almost 60% of global foreign exchange reserves, so a major shift away from the U.S. currency would take years, maybe decades. But given the growing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, it is possible that China could seek to use CBDCs as a tool in a long-term battle to unseat the U.S. dollar as the foundation of global finance. And if the U.S. is the only major economy not to offer a CBDC, it risks becoming far less dominant in the global monetary system, especially if CBDCs become widely used in cross-border payments, terrain currently dominated by the dollar via the SWIFT global payments network. The Bank for International Settlements has noted that mutually compatible CBDCs could lead to more efficient cross-currency and cross-border payments, reducing costs and delays in the payments process. Already, the central banks of China, Hong Kong, Thailand, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are collaborating on a cross-border payments platform dubbed "Project mBridge" using wholesale CBDCs. And Moscow wants the BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - to create a "BRICS Bridge" international payment system, though experts see little chance of the latter coming to pass. Trump has reacted negatively to any suggestion of a rival to the dollar. In January, on his Truth Social platform, he warned the BRICS against attempts to create a new currency or back any alternative to 'the mighty dollar', at the risk of seeing their exports to the U.S. face 100% tariffs. But Washington has already let the financial security genie out of the bottle by upending established international trading norms, spurring other countries to rethink their dependency on a dollar-based and U.S.-led global economic order. It is not clear if that can be rebottled. (The views expressed here are those of the author, Mike Peacock, the former head of communications at the Bank of England and a former senior editor at Reuters). (Writing by Mike Peacock; Editing by Anna Szymanski and Nia Williams)
