The urgent passport warning holidaymakers in the UK needs to know
AN urgent warning to holidaymakers who have passports due to expire has been issued – as passengers fall foul of new rules. New rules brought in following the UKs exit from the European Union now mean certain passports still appearing ‘in date’ are no longer valid. The rules, which apply when travelling to most EU countries, now say […]
Staggered starting dates for returning to universities in England
Students will have staggered starting dates for returning to universities in England after Christmas – with some not back until 7 February. The government’s plan will mean students taking hands-on courses such as medicine or performing arts returning from 4 to 18 January. Other subjects would be taught online at the start of term, with […]
Covid Pfizer vaccine approved for use next week in UK
The UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use. British regulator, the MHRA, says the jab, which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19 illness, is safe for roll out next week. Immunizations could start within days for people in high priority groups. The UK […]
Points-based immigration system opens
New global system awards points for skills, having a job offer and speaking English. Applications for the new skilled worker visa open today (1 December), meaning the brightest and the best from around the world can now apply to work in the UK from 1 January 2021. Under the points-based immigration system, points will be […]
Looking to travel to Europe in 2021
New European rules apply from 1 January 2021. Make sure your passport is fit for purpose. Under current immigration rules British passport holders can still enjoy visa free access to European countries until 31st December 2020. On the 1st of January 2021 these rules will change. From next year you must obtain an electronic visa […]
New Hong Kong BN(O) visa
The UK will open a ‘Hong Kong BN(O) visa’ for BN(O) citizens and their close family members from 31 January 2021. More details will be published before the visa opens for applications. You’ll be able to apply to enter or remain in the UK for a period of 30 months (which you can extend by a […]
Residents renewing BNO Passports
Hong Kong residents have been renewing their British National Overseas (BNO) passports in record numbers last year. It was estimates that around 150,000 BNO passports were issued in 2019 which is a massive jump from the previous year and around 30,000 have so far applied to renew their BNO passport this year up to the […]
Hong Kong to add Britain to high-risk coronavirus list
Hong Kong requiring travellers to have negative Covid-19 test before flying, spend two weeks in hotel room Hong Kong is adding Britain to its list of high-risk countries for Covid-19, a move requiring travellers from the nation to test negative for the coronavirus before departure, and to quarantine in a hotel on arrival. The measure […]
Second ballot of the Youth Mobility Scheme 2020
The second ballot for the Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 for Hong Kong SAR passport holders will launch next month. The UK/Hong Kong Youth Mobility Scheme is now in its seventh year and allows young people aged between 18 and 30 to live, work or study in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years. The […]
Guide to British passport application countersigning
Some passport applications require someone else (the ‘countersignatory’) to prove the identity of the person applying. You will need to have your application countersigned under the following conditions first adult passport first child passport replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged passport renewal of a passport for a child aged 11 or under renewal of […]
