Assisted entry to the USA with the MPC
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travellers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The use of MPC streamlines the traveller’s entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. Use of MPC does not require pre-approval. Travelers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form and may be provided a designated queue. As a result, travellers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing.
CBP expanded the programme to include returning Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participants with approved ESTAs on December 17, 2023
For more information, please click HERE Download the official Mobile Passport Control app from the App Store or Google Play Store
New travel rules for the UK and Europe in 2025
There are some big changes this year with visa and visa waivers for Europe. From 8th January 2025 some travellers to the UK will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) prior to travel.
ETA requires anyone visiting the UK from a visa-exempt nation, except British and Irish citizens, to secure permission to travel in advance via an ETA or an eVisa. A phased rollout will see:
- Non-European travellers require an ETA from January 8, 2025
- European travellers require permission from April 2, 2025.
Any countries that previously required a UK visa to enter the UK will still need to apply for the relevant permissions suited to their purpose of visit, such as a Visitor Visa.
Please visit GOV.UK for more information on the UK ETA Here
It is expected that Europe will introduce its own ETA and Electronic Visa mid 2025, though no date has been announced at this time.
Face to Face Meetings predicted to increase again in 2025
Recent global surveys show one trend that stands out prominently: the resurgence of face-to-face meetings. At Uniglobe Carter we’re witnessing firsthand this shift back to in-person interactions and its profound impact on the Business Travel and MICE industry.
After decades of promising to change the world of meetings, Video Conferencing found its place during the Covid period 2020/22, seeing a dramatic shift towards virtual meetings, but 2024/ 25 is marking a significant return to in-person gatherings.
According to recent data, 59% of travel buyers are observing an increase in face-to-face meetings, conferences and business travel*.
This trend reflects a growing recognition of the irreplaceable value of personal interactions in building relationships and driving business forward.
Several factors are contributing to this trend:
- Enhanced Collaboration: In-person meetings foster spontaneous idea exchanges and creative problem-solving that virtual platforms often struggle to replicate.
- Building Trust: Face-to-face interactions are crucial for establishing and maintaining trust, especially in high-stakes business dealings.
- Combating Digital Fatigue: After years of screen-based communications, professionals are eager for genuine human connections.
- Return to Office Policies: Many tech giants and other corporations are calling employees back to the office, naturally increasing the demand for in-person meetings
*Source – Impress Destination Services