UK Closes EU Settlement Scheme Travel Permit

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

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its guidance concerning Secure English Language Test (SELT) centres, revising the lists of approved testing locations both inside and outside the United Kingdom. This update, effective from 12 October 2026, provides current information for individuals who need to demonstrate their English language proficiency for visa or citizenship applications. The changes primarily involve adjustments to the availability and details of authorised test centres, impacting all applicants required to take a SELT.

What changed

On 12 October 2026, the UK Home Office announced that the government had put forward two changes to the Immigration and Asylum Bill. These changes aim to make the assessment of family-life claims under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) stricter and to address asylum and other immigration claims made very shortly before someone is due to be removed from the UK. These proposals are part of a wider set of laws intended to strengthen immigration control, reduce chances for procedural delays, and change how human rights arguments are considered in immigration cases.