In a global community that still harbors the fragmented resentments and fears of past wars and Cold wars, the weary traveler must often be left wanting. Wanting answers as to how come air travel and cross border movement are still do archaic, that is.
visa restrictions
Biometric IDs A Step Toward EU – Ukraine Visa Simplicity
Biometric IDs in Ukraine appear to be on the way in. A draft law there providing for the creation of a unified state register of every Ukrainian citizen has passed fist scrutiny there. Reportedly a measure to beef up border security between Ukraine and the EU, citizens traveling abroad may feel a bit like Big Brother is watching via a built-in proximity chip keeping tabs on each citizen.
Albania Expands Free Visa Privileges
In news from Albania, the government there has temporarily lifted all visa requirements for travelers from Azerbaijan. For visits of up to 90 days, citizens there can travel to Albania at their leisure. This follows news that Albania allowed similar privileges to other countries.
Ukraine and Serbia Sign Visa Liberalization Agreement
Serbia and Ukraine yesterday formalized a visa liberalization agreement between the two countries, the ITAR-TASS news agency has reported. The agreement was signed yesterday by the two countries’ foreign ministers, Vuk Jeremic of Serbia and Kostyantyn Gryshchenko. “It delights me to proclaim the new bilateral visa agreement with Serbia to ease visa restrictions between our […]
Austria Agrees to Ease Visa Restrictions for Russian Travelers
Austrian visas are set to become much easier for Russian citizens to obtain after the country’s president agreed to ease current restrictions, saying Vienna should be as liberal as possible when concerning the Schengen Agreement. “If the system works fine for Italy, France and Spain then I do not see why Austria shouldn’t adopt the […]
Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina Get Free Visa Privileges
The EU has now granted fee visa privileges to Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina in an effort to spur democratic reforms and progress. These two Balkan republics’ citizens can now travel freely within the Schengen area, basically all of the EU. Officials warn of a withdrawal of privileges should serious problems with immigration ensue.
EU and Russia: Free Visa Talks at Standstill
Travel and tourism for Russia is up this year despite slow progress on the free visa issue. The EU’s apparent stalling of Russia on free travel is holding up what could be a boom for the industry worldwide. Business between the EU and the Russian Federation could take many countries out of the recession with expanded cooperation, so just why the EU is holding back makes little sense to many.