Interior Ministry Plans to Link Humanitarian Benefits to Work and Residency Presence
Abu Dhabi’s New US Pre-Clearance Facility Goes Live at Zayed International Airport
EU Entry/Exit System fully operational: over 66 million crossings logged, 32 000 travellers turned away
Latest News
Brenner Corridor Shutdown on 30 May Prompts Official Travel Warning for Austria–Italy Route
Tyrol will completely close the Brenner Autobahn and parallel routes on 30 May for a protest against transit traffic. Germany’s Foreign Office has issued a rare travel alert, warning there are no detours. The shutdown threatens holiday traffic and just-in-time freight between Austria, Germany and Italy, forcing businesses to reschedule shipments and advise travellers to reroute or work remotely.
EU drops restrictive visa measures on Ethiopia, easing Schengen access for Italian firms
The EU Council has formally revoked the visa penalties imposed on Ethiopia, citing improved cooperation on migrant readmission. Italian companies will again benefit from standard Schengen rules—lower fees and faster processing—when sending staff to Addis Ababa, shortening project lead-times and reducing compliance costs.
Czech Government Proposes 30-Day Absence Limit That Would Cancel Temporary Protection for Ukrainians
Prague has released draft legislation that would strip Ukrainian refugees of temporary protection if they leave Czechia for more than 30 days, tighten the path to five-year “special long-term stay,” and impose stiffer penalties for illegal-migration offences. Companies employing Ukrainians will need new compliance controls, while refugees face tougher residency requirements from 2027.
Commission confirms ETIAS launch for Q4 2026; Italy’s travel sector told to start preparations
The ‘State of Schengen’ report confirms that ETIAS will become mandatory in the last quarter of 2026. Italian airports, airlines and corporate travel managers must now adapt systems, workflows and passenger communications to accommodate the new €7 pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers.
London Tube strikes set to snarl Heathrow access and disrupt international business travel
RMT-led walk-outs on 2 and 4 June will close or reduce service on multiple Underground lines, including the Heathrow-critical Piccadilly line. TfL expects heavy knock-on effects for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton transfers, forcing businesses to build in extra journey time and alternative routings. The strikes underscore London airports’ reliance on vulnerable ground-transport links and demand proactive contingency planning from corporate travel and mobility teams.
Etihad to Operate Two Daily Airbus A380 Flights from Abu Dhabi to Paris
From 1 July, Etihad will operate three daily Abu Dhabi–Paris flights, including two A380 rotations, restoring pre-war premium capacity and giving corporates more schedule choice. The move sharpens competition on the Europe–UAE corridor and is likely to soften business-class prices while restoring access to Etihad’s flagship onboard products.
Aer Lingus inaugurates Dublin–Montpellier route, boosting Ireland–France air connectivity
Aer Lingus launched a twice-weekly Dublin–Montpellier service on 19 May 2026, giving Irish passengers non-stop access to France’s Occitanie region for the first time. The route shortens travel times for business travellers, supports onward North-American connections via Dublin and signals the carrier’s continued network expansion ahead of the summer season. Companies with operations in France and Ireland gain a new, time-efficient mobility option.
EU Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ethiopia, Easing Schengen Processing for Belgian Consulates
The EU has ended the visa sanctions it imposed on Ethiopia in 2024 after noting better cooperation on returns. Belgian consulates can once again issue Schengen visas to Ethiopian travellers under standard, faster rules, easing business travel and academic exchanges. Corporates with Ethiopian links should prepare for a surge in travel demand but remain alert to upcoming EES biometric checks.
Thailand scraps 60-day visa-free stay; Hong Kong visitors keep 30-day waiver
Bangkok has cancelled its pandemic-era 60-day visa-free facility for 93 nationalities, citing abuse by foreign-run “grey” businesses. The standard exemption for Hong Kong, Macau, China, Russia and Vietnam remains 30 days, so Hong Kong travellers see no change but must observe stricter enforcement. Firms should review visit patterns and prepare for higher compliance costs as Thailand signals a tougher stance on long-stays.