Latest news with #Customs
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
How an electronic visa waiver can help Miami travelers — but there's a warning
Traveling to Miami and across the United States with an electronic permit is a simple process for those eligible under the Visa Waiver Program. But the U.S. Customs and Border Protection warns of strict rules and 'limitations,' now under increased scrutiny due to new immigration and security policies by Trump administration. 'Foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S must use legal pathways,' said Carlos C. Martel, director of Customs and Border Patrol field operations in Miami and Tampa. Criteria to consider The Customs official reminded travelers that there are two primary legal avenues for tourists seeking to enter the United States: the B-1/B-2 visitor visa and the Visa Waiver Program. 'Each has strict eligibility criteria and limitations,' Martel warned. His post includes an announcement addressed to citizens of the 42 participating countries of the Visa Waiver Program. Both the B-1/B-2 visas and the Visa Waiver Program allow travelers to enter the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. In the case of the VWP, beneficiaries must apply online for what is known as the ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, before entering U.S. territory. Those who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, according to Customs and Border Patrol. Increased monitoring of travelers The Customs announcement follows strong statements from the Trump administration about tightening the monitoring of foreign travelers entering and staying in the U.S. In particular, the U.S. government announced measures against those who remain in U.S. territory after their visas expire, following the terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, for which Egyptian Mohamed Sabry Soliman was accused. This week, Customs also launched the new CBP Link mobile app, described as a 'user-friendly tool' aimed at reducing data requirements and streamlining the entry process. The app includes features for travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program to complete certain airport procedures. Meanwhile, Customs limited the use of its CBP Home platform, which allows migrants to initiate self-deportation.
Time Out Dubai
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
7 Dubai visa changes you need to know in 2025
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. In the past year, the emirate has introduced a number of new Dubai visa changes and initiatives to make it easier to extend your stay, visit the city and even move with a long-term residence visa. Whether you're interested in moving to Dubai or are looking at extending your stay, it's always worth knowing about the latest visa news. Here's what you need to know. The Blue visa has launched The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) First announced in May of 2024, the blue visa was only officially launched in February 2025. Holders can get The blue visa is a 10-year residence visa aimed towards people who have made a significant positive contribution to the environment inside or outside the UAE. It will be given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, global award winners, distinguished activists and researchers. The visa is an extension of the highly sought-after UAE golden visa system and the green residency permit which have both been in place for some time. After launching in February, applicants across the world will have 24/7 access to the blue visa service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Nurses to get golden visas Hamdan bin Mohammed issued directives to grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years. The decision comes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community and their crucial role in advancing the quality of… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025 The highly sought-after golden visa has been granted to nurses in Dubai. Granting holders a 10-year residence, the golden visa is awarded to those who work every day to make Dubai such a great place to live. To coincide with International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE issued a directive to grant nurses golden visas. Nursing staff who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years will be issued with the long-term residency visa in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community. The nursing golden visa rewards those who have played a crucial role in advancing the quality of healthcare services in the emirate. Influencers to get golden visa help The Creators HQ in Dubai will help people get a UAE influencers golden visa (Credit: Canva) If you're a content creator then you could be in line for a special long-term residency in the UAE. The influencer golden visa has been rolled out following the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2025. Influencers, photographers, writers and more content creators who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation are able to apply via the newly established Creators HQ. The Creators HQ will assist up to 10,000 online personalities with getting their hands on a long-term residence permit. Criteria for applicants to qualify include a proven track record of impactful or creative work and strong potential for contributing to the UAE's creative community. New AI-assisted Dubai visa application Dubai has introduced a new AI-powered digital platform which will make it easier and quicker to renew Dubai visas. Salama will allow people living in the emirate to renew their existing Dubai visa within minutes. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs launched the platform on Monday February 24 to improve the efficiency of government services. Available services include renewing and cancelling the residency of sponsored persons and finding the answers to questions. Dubai visa rules expanded for Indian nationals Indian nationals are now able to get a visa-on-arrival in Dubai and the rest of the UAE following an expansion to the visa rules. Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea will now be able to get a visa upon entry at all UAE ports including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Previously rules were expanded to allow Indian nationals with valid European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America permits to also obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival. It means that there is now much less hassle for Indian travellers coming to Dubai. Golden visa for teachers introduced The golden visa is now available to educators (Credit: Adobe Express) Announced on Saturday October 5 in 2024, World Teachers' Day, educators are now able to get their hands on a golden visa. It is available to exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai's private education sector. Applicants need to meet a certain set of criteria to qualify including success in raising the quality of education at institutions they've worked at and having a positive impact on the wider educational community. The full set of criteria can be found on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority site. It's quicker to get a work visa The work bundle changes outlined (Credit: Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE) Introduced in summer of 2024, the UAE work bundle means it's now quicker to go through the process of applying for a visa. As part of the government's plan to eliminate bureaucracy, the application process has now been reduced from one month down to five days. Previously you needed 16 documents to apply for a residency visa but now you need just five. Life in Dubai In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades UAE public holidays All the details on the official public and private sector holidays here New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
1News
11 hours ago
- 1News
New Zealand's role in international half-tonne cocaine seizure
New Zealand Customs has played an important role in an international operation which led to the seizure of more than half a tonne of cocaine destined for Australian shores, officials confirmed this week. The operation, which ran across April and May, targeted the increasingly popular "Rip" method of concealment, where drugs are hidden in or extracted from legitimate shipping containers, often with the help of corrupt port insiders. Authorities from New Zealand, Jamaica, the United States, and French territories – including New Caledonia and French Polynesia – worked together to track suspicious containers as they moved through international shipping routes. As part of the operation, officers deployed advanced data visualisation tools, real-time intelligence sharing, and both traditional and emerging inspection technologies to detect narcotics hidden deep within container infrastructure. Customs NZ maritime manager Robert Smith said New Zealand was the final checkpoint in the operation. ADVERTISEMENT "When the containers deemed suspicious arrived at the New Zealand border, Customs officers at the frontline of our defence used a layered approach using intelligence information and targeting, border technologies and good old-fashioned determination to carry out a physical search and examination." He said Customs contributions included not just physical inspections but sharing valuable intelligence back to international partners. "International operations require considerable coordination and cooperation, and we do this well when comes to securing our borders. New Zealand is one piece of the puzzle when it comes to combating transnational serious and organised crime." Smith said international collaboration make it harder for transnational criminals to operate. "A seizure like this is a win for all combating transnational organised crime." Successful intercepts resulting from the operation included 142kg of cocaine found hidden in insulation panels inside a refrigeration unit in French Polynesia; 67kg seized in New Caledonia behind container panels; and more than 285kg discovered across three separate seizures from shipping containers in Melbourne. Australian Border Force (ABF) international commander Claire Rees said the Rip method was becoming "hugely popular" for drug smuggling. "It is only a possible strategy due to the increase of trusted insiders and criminal infiltration throughout the global supply chain. "The operation is one of many examples of ABFs commitment to deepening our connection and capabilities with our international counterparts and our valued industry partners."
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Exotic monkeys, tortoises seized at Chennai airport, one held
CHENNAI: The Customs officials of Chennai international airport foiled a bid to smuggle two exotic monkeys and seven tortoises by a passenger who came from Thailand on Wednesday night. An official release said upon checking the checked-in trolley bag of an Indian male passenger, who arrived on the Thai Airways flight, the officials found a two ventilated carry bags and a small cloth bag concealed under layers of confectionery items. On closer inspection, movements were noticed inside the ventilated bags. Further scrutiny revealed two live monkeys of different species - each hidden in a separate carry bags - and seven tortoises wrapped inside the taped cloth bag. The animals were deported to Thailand. Customs said import of such wildlife without valid authorisation is prohibited under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Customs Act, 1962, and the CITES regulations governing international trade in endangered species.
Malay Mail
13 hours ago
- Malay Mail
KLIA drug busts uncover RM2.65m in cannabis, ecstasy and meth
SEPANG, June 20 — Customs officers have foiled multiple attempts to smuggle 30.14 kilogrammes (kg) of drugs estimated to be worth RM2.65 million through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). KLIA Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said that on April 17, a man was arrested for trying to smuggle out 14.65kg of cannabis buds worth almost RM1.44 million in his checked baggage on a flight to a European country. He said the man was subjected to a baggage inspection after his travel was blocked by the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) due to a blacklist record. 'During the baggage scan, the man attempted to flee but was apprehended by Customs personnel. 'The inspection found that the cannabis buds were packed in vacuum-sealed plastic to avoid detection,' he told a press conference yesterday. Zulkifli said on May 16, Customs found 5.31kg of ecstasy worth almost RM900,000 that was being smuggled in through a consignment at a cargo terminal operator in the KLIA Free Trade Zone. He said the drugs, believed to have originated from a European country, were packaged and declared as laptop components. Then, on May 24, he said that 10.18kg of syabu, worth nearly RM300,000, concealed in a consignment along with clothing, was also intercepted. He said investigations into both drug shipments are underway, but face obstacles as the smugglers were likely using fake company names and addresses. 'We have gone to the (premises) as declared in the consignment information, but the company either does not exist or is using someone else's address,' he said. — Bernama
