EU Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ethiopia, Easing Schengen Processing for Belgian Consulates
Abu Dhabi’s New US Pre-Clearance Facility Goes Live at Zayed International Airport
Brenner Corridor Shutdown on 30 May Prompts Official Travel Warning for Austria–Italy Route
Latest News
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.
EU Entry/Exit System fully operational: over 66 million crossings logged, 32 000 travellers turned away
The European Commission’s first statistical bulletin on the Schengen Entry/Exit System shows 66 million crossings recorded and 32 000 refusals of entry since full deployment in April 2026. For France, the data heralds stricter enforcement of the 90/180-day rule and underscores the need for corporates to tighten short-stay compliance ahead of ETIAS in late 2026.
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.
New cross-border rail rules streamline freight and passenger operations between Tornio (FI) and Haparanda (SE)
Traficom’s 19 May 2026 bulletin confirms that a single safety certificate now covers rail operations across the Tornio–Haparanda border, letting Finnish-authorised rolling stock run into Sweden (and vice versa) without extra licensing. The change simplifies freight flows and opens the door to new passenger services, but operators must add cross-border annexes and carry adequate insurance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Interior Ministry Plans to Link Humanitarian Benefits to Work and Residency Presence
The Interior Ministry intends to make humanitarian aid for Ukrainian holders of temporary protection conditional on employment or active job-seeking and a minimum 16-day monthly presence in Czechia. The draft, revealed on 19 May, dovetails with wider plans to tighten migration rules and will have direct consequences for corporate hiring and compliance.
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.