A Comprehensive Analysis of Last Month’s Changes in International Relations and Travel Arrangements Across the Globe
- Europe
Named relevant jurisdictions: Ireland, Ukraine, Guatemala - Middle East
Named relevant jurisdictions: Israel, United States, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, Bulgaria - Asia
Named relevant jurisdictions: Kazakhstan, India, China, Iran - Oceania
Named relevant jurisdictions: New Zealand, Australia
Europe
• On 18 July 2022, Ireland announced that it is to temporarily suspend visa-free travel for refugees coming into the country from 20 “safe” European countries. The Cabinet made the move to tighten immigration rules amid the ongoing accommodation shortage for refugees.
• On 22 July 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a draft agreement with the Government of Guatemala on the mutual waiver of visa requirements. The draft agreement envisages the possibility of citizens of Ukraine and Guatemala making mutual visa-free trips for a period of up to 90 days within 180 days.
Asia
• On 10 July 2022, Kazakhstan announced a 14-day visa-free travel is now in place for citizens of Iran, China and India.
Middle East
• On 7 July 2022, Israeli and United States authorities concluded the final deal required for Israel to participate in the United States’ visa waiver scheme. The arrangement will permit Israel and the US to check fingerprints belonging to each other’s citizens up to 1,000 times each year and ask for details about those with serious criminal histories.
• On 8 July 2022, Thailand announced that Saudi nationals are eligible for a visa exemption to travel to Thailand. Saudi passport holders can now travel to Thailand without a visa and stay in the country for travel purposes for 30 days.
• On 27 July 2022, the Turkish government has approved a visa exemption for tourists from Bulgaria. The visa exemption was approved for touristic purposes and transit passes with a maximum residence period of 90 days within 180 days.
Oceania
• On 8 July 2022, the newly elected Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese announced a joint press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern that he would consider giving voting rights to New Zealanders based in Australia, and look at pathways for more New Zealand residents to become citizens.