New Zealand Reduces Border Processing Levy for Cruise Passengers and Adjusts Rates for Air Travellers

What changed

The UK Home Secretary has announced that, from 15 October 2026, Eritrean VIPs and government officials will no longer have fast-track access to UK visas. This action, along with new travel restrictions for Eritrean diplomats in the UK, is aimed at Eritrea because it is not cooperating with the return of its nationals who are in the UK without permission. The Home Secretary has also threatened a complete ban on visas for all Eritrean citizens if Eritrea does not quickly improve its cooperation on returns.

What changed

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has put forward a proposed rule that would make it a requirement for rail carriers to send electronic advance traveller information for all people, including crew and passengers, who are arriving in or leaving the United States by train. This requirement would also extend to rail carriers having to send advance notices of arrival or departure for the trains themselves. The aim of this proposal is to improve security and to make legitimate international rail travel smoother, addressing a current gap in national security for rail travel. You must send any comments on this proposed rule by 14 December 2026.

What changed

The UK Home Office has closed the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) travel permit route, which previously helped people with settled or pre-settled status return to the UK when they were abroad and could not update their immigration account to reflect a change in their passport or travel document. The Home Office's official guidance page records an update on 15 October 2026. Its update note says the guidance was changed to reflect the closure of the EUSS travel permit following Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584, published on 3 September 2026.

What changed

New Zealand's Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, announced that an in-person citizenship test will be introduced as part of the citizenship by grant process from late 2027. Aspeq Limited has been appointed to design and deliver this new test. This initiative is designed to ensure that applicants seeking citizenship possess a sufficient understanding of their responsibilities and privileges as citizens of New Zealand, thereby strengthening the meaning of citizenship. The test will cover concepts such as freedom of speech and the principle of equality before the law.