Portugal: I travelled across “the land shaped by fire”—here’s what took my breath away

Jessica Kelly Lisbon: As I walked up the trail overlooking Sete Cidades, one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, the landscape unfolded like a gift—an immense volcanic crater carpeted in green, clouds reflecting in the twin lakes. It was a side of Portugal I never expected to find—and that was before the incredible wildlife encounters. […]

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Tomar Portugal emerges as Europe’s top hidden gem for a peaceful and affordable summer holiday in 2025

Newswire Lisbon: As The Summer Of 2025 Approaches, Travelers Are Seeking Alternatives To The Usual Crowded European Hotspots. While Cities Like Lisbon, Paris, And Barcelona Continue To Attract Millions Of Tourists, A New Wave Of Hidden Gems Is Emerging, Offering Peaceful Retreats Without The Overwhelming Crowds. Among These, Portugal’S Medieval Town Of Tomar Stands Out […]

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Bulgaria, UK partner in awareness campaign on risks of transporting irregular migrants in lorries

Newswire Sofia: More Than 100 Billboards In Bulgarian, English And Turkish About The Risks Of Hiding Illegal Migrants In Lorries Will Be Placed On The Main Transit Routes Of Bulgaria In An Awareness Campaign By Bulgaria’S Interior Ministry And The British Embassy In Sofia, The Ministry Said This Week. The Campaign Is Aimed At Lorry […]

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Uk and France strike historic deal to return channel migrants and boost border control

London: Britain And France Have Reached A Landmark Agreement To Launch A Pilot Programme That Will Allow The UK To Send Back Some Migrants Who Arrive In Small Boats Across The English Channel. The Deal, Announced Thursday By Prime Minister Keir Starmer And President Emmanuel Macron In London, Aims To Curb Illegal Migration And Strengthen […]

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Kazakhstan opens new air routes to Central Asia, China

Astana: Kazakhstan is enhancing regional air connectivity and international flight offerings with several new routes launched by Kazakh and foreign carriers, the country’s Civil Aviation Committee reported this week. Starting June 27, Kyrgyz carrier Asman Airlines will launch direct flights from Issyk-Kul to Almaty, operating twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. Kazakhstan’s low-cost airline, […]

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Facts you may not know about Portugal

Newswire Lisbon: Portugal is a beautiful country in Europe with attractions for everyone. The country is home to Europe’s westernmost point, Cabo da Roca, located near Lisbon. It’s not just a picturesque spot but also holds historical significance as it marks the edge of the European continent. The University of Coimbra, established in 1290, is […]

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Europe’s migrant crisis continues as Spanish islands ‘demand help’

Ali Rehman Malik Walk through some of the post-industrial towns of Lancashire and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into another century. In places like Blackpool and Burnley, home to some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in England, the streets still echo with the ghosts of Victorian Britain, not from nostalgia, but from neglect. […]

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China’s expanding visa-free policy enhances inclusive globalization

Global Times Starting Monday, China began implementing a trial visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. With this expansion, China now offers unilateral visa-free entry to 47 countries. Not long ago, China extended its unilateral visa-free policy to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by granting visa-free entry to […]

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Italy: Referendum on easing citizenship rules thwarted by low turnout

Newswire Rome: An Italian referendum on easing citizenship rules and strengthening labour protections this week failed after hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni encouraged voters to boycott the vote. As polls closed on Monday, it emerged that many citizens had heeded Meloni’s call as only 30 percent of the electorate cast their ballots over two days […]

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International tourists drive shopping surge in China

Henan Daily Zhengzhou: Favourable policies such as visa-free transit and a nationwide instant tax refund system are helping to make China an increasingly popular destination for international travellers, alongside strong global demand for “Made in China” products. At a DJI store in Beijing’s SKP mall on April 23, an American tourist browsed drones on his […]

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China’s consumer goods trade-in program spurs 1.1 trillion yuan in sales

Henan Daily Zhengzhou: China’s consumer goods trade-in program has generated 1.1 trillion yuan (about 153.1 billion U.S. dollars) in sales in the first five months this year, the Ministry of Commerce said this week. As of Saturday, nationwide trade-ins had fueled a surge in transactions, including 4.12 million vehicles, 77.62 million units of household appliances […]

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Expanding visa-free ‘circle of friends’ shows China’s focus on openness, cooperation

Global Times China’s visa-free “circle of friends” has once again expanded. Effective June 1, China began implementing a trial policy that unilaterally grants visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay. Beginning June 9, the policy will also apply to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. These initiatives vividly reflect China’s diplomatic […]

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France to ban smoking on beaches, parks and bus stops from July 1

Newswire Paris: France will ban smoking in all outdoor places that can be accessed by children, including beaches, parks and bus stops, the health and family minister announced this week. Famed as a country where smokers linger over cigarettes on cafe terraces or strolling down cobblestone streets, France has increasingly tightened restrictions on tobacco use […]

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Meet the winners: Turismo de Portugal

Newswire Lisbon: Representatives from Turismo de Portugal this week spoke with Routes in Seville after winning the Destination category at the Routes Awards for the second consecutive year. Turismo de Portugal is the national tourism authority tasked with promoting, enhancing and ensuring the sustainability of tourism activity in Portugal, a sector critical to the country’s […]

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Portugal to process work visas within 20 days for foreign workers

Newswire Lisbon: Portuguese authorities will fast-track agreement for foreign workers. Portuguese employers will need to meet several criteria to bring foreign workers to the country through the fast-track scheme. Under this agreement, Portugal will process work visa applications for foreign workers with job offers within 20 days from the date of application and will make […]

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What is the ETA? European travellers need €12 entry permit to visit the UK starting this week

Newswire Brussels: The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has officially expanded to European travellers. Starting 2 April 2025, all European visitors will need ETA approval – or, for some non-EU nationals, a visa – to enter the UK. The system became mandatory for travellers from the US, Canada and Australia on 8 January 2025, […]

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Germany introduces new visa appointment system in Pakistan

Karachi: Germany’s Consulate General in Karachi this week implemented a significant change to its visa appointment system, effective immediately. Due to overwhelming demand, applicants will no longer be able to book appointments directly. Instead, they must first register on a waiting list, with appointments being allocated based on availability and registration order. The change specifically […]

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Pakistan may face travel ban by US if govt doesn’t address ‘deficiencies within 60 days’

Islamabad: Donald Trump’s administration in Washington is considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban and Pakistan has been placed in a group that would be considered for a partial suspension of visa issuance if their governments “do not make efforts to address deficiencies within […]

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Denmark grants ‘historic’ low asylum requests in 2024

Copenhagen: Denmark’s strict immigration policies resulted in the granting of just 860 asylum requests last year, the lowest number with the exception of 2020, when Covid-19 lockdowns halted new arrivals. Denmark’s immigration approach has been influenced by the far-right parties for over 20 years, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the head of the Social Democrats, […]

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China’s railways see over 200 million passengers since start of Spring Festival rush

Henan Daily Zhengzhou: China’s railways have transported over 200 million passengers since the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush kicked off on Jan. 14, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) said. As of Jan. 30, the country’s railways had transported a total of 206 million passengers, according to the China Railway. The transportation was […]

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Portugal might grant citizenship to stateless people after 3 years of residency under new proposal

Newswire Lisbon : Portugal’s green political party, Livre, has proposed to grant Portuguese nationality to stateless people who have been residing in Portugal for at least three years, provided they have sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and don’t pose a risk to national security. The bill proposed by Livre was discussed in the Parliament […]

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The stunning seaside town in Italy with a ‘Santorini feel’ you may have never heard of

Newswire Rome: A quaint little town in the southern region of Puglia offers up the quintessential Italian experience, described as being similar to Santorini but with much a calmer ambiance. Monopoli charmingly combines its historic medieval centre with its picturesque coastline and is one of the loveliest places to stroll. The town is home to […]

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2024, a record year for international tourism in France

Newswire Paris: The ministry of economy this week announced a record year 2024 for French tourism, due to the growth of international visits. The 2024 attendance and revenue figures bear show that over 100 million international visitors came to France (+2 million), generating €71 billion in international revenue (+12%). An encouraging and promising balance sheet […]

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