Visitors Archives

US visa shake-up: No more ‘duration of status’; plans fixed stay limits for foreign students, exchange visitors

Department of homeland security (X@dhsgov) The United States department of homeland security (DHS) has proposed new regulations to eliminate the current “duration of status” framework for certain nonimmigrant categories and replace it with fixed admission periods, ANI reported.The changes would apply to academic students (F), exchange visitors (J), and representatives of foreign media (I), according […]

Alert! Visitors barred from receiving medical care at Kuwait government hospitals | World News

Visitors are not entitled to medical care at government hospitals and clinics/Image: File Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has reiterated that visitors are not entitled to medical care at government hospitals and clinics, underscoring official policy amidst concerns about service misuse. In parallel, the ministry is ramping up efforts to improve hotel services within hospitals, targeting […]

UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka welcomes three million visitors, since opening in April | World News

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka surpassed three million visitors, featuring five thematic zones and Japan’s first Emirati restaurant/Image: WAM In a defining moment at Expo 2025 Osaka, the UAE Pavilion has recorded over three million visitors since opening in April, solidifying its status as one of the most admired and frequently visited national […]

How to claim your 15% VAT refund in Saudi Arabia: Everything visitors need to know | World News

Tourists can find ZATCA-approved VAT refund stores by spotting “Tax Free” signs or using the Global Blue store locator tool, which also helps locate refund counters at departure points/ Image: X Tourists in Saudi Arabia can get a full refund on the 15% VAT for eligible purchases over SAR 500 (~USD 133). Refunds apply only […]

Brazil’s former president Bolsonaro under house arrest: SC cites restrictions breach; phones seized, visitors banned

Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro (Image credits: AP) Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday was placed under house arrest by the country’s Supreme Court as he stands trial for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup following his 2022 election loss to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.The order, issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre […]

UAE: Ras Al Khaimah sees 654,000 visitors as tourism sector records best-ever H1, revenue up 9% | World News

RAKTDA reports strongest-ever first half tourism results of 654,000 arrivals/Image: Shutterstock TL;DR: 654,000 visitors arrived in Ras Al Khaimah during H1 2025, a record high, up 6% year-on-year, with tourism revenues rising 9%. MICE and wedding tourism exploded by 36%, fueled by global events and destination weddings. Growth was driven by new direct flights (to […]

UAE now allows visitors from 52 nations to drive with their home country licenses: See if you are eligible | World News

License exchange in the UAE requires a valid residence visa, passing a medical exam, and submitting legal translation of documents/ representative Image 52 nationalities can now drive in the UAE using their home licenses while visiting. Residents from those countries can exchange their license for a UAE one. No driving tests required; conditions apply based […]

‘Not welcome visitors’: US revokes visas of Bob Vylan over ‘death chant’ incident at Glastonbury; UK police launches investigation

Bob Vylan performs during the Glastonbury Festival (AP) The United States Department of State has revoked the visas of the British punk duo Bob Vylan following a controversial performance at the Glastonbury Festival, where the band allegedly led the crowd in chants that glorified violence and hatred against the Israeli military. In a post on […]

New UK travel permit for European visitors rolls out today: What you need to know

Starting Wednesday, European visitors to the UK will need a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit, marking a significant shift in Britain’s travel rules. The permit aims to enhance border security and simplify entry procedures but comes with a price hike just days after its launch.What is the ETA and how does it work?The ETA, […]