Off The Path

Off The Path

I have always been one who likes to travel off the beaten path.

I don’t go on Group Tours (unless they are 1 Day ones) and I don’t like travelling by myself.

I have used all sorts of different traveling methods: an Old Soviet Train with Uncomfortable Wooden Benches in Russia; Over-Crowded Ferries; a Plane that was held together with Duct Tape; High Speed Trains; a 3 Seater Arctic Hydro-Plane; Limousines; First Class Planes; Private Taxis; Public Taxis; a Private Jet; a Hired Car with a Private Driver; a Snowmobile; a Gondola in Venice; a Monorail; a Speed Boat; in a Hot Air Balloon; an Over-Crowded Plane with no Class Sections and random Animals on it (Not Service Animals); a Paddle Boat; a Helicopter;  a Bike; a Funicular in Ukraine; a Canoe and a Dog Sled.

I have stayed in all sorts of different places: in a Hostel that was a Former Jail in Canada; in the back of a Pick-Up Truck; at a 6 Star Resort; at a Haunted Motel; at a Soviet Khrushchevka in Ukraine;  at All-Inclusive Resorts; at a Hotel that was constantly bombed during the 30 years of The Troubles; in the Back Seat of my Car;  at a French Castle; at a Closed Rest Area with no Visitor’s Center during a snowstorm; in an Ice Fishing Hut; in a Wilderness Emergency Cabin; on the Beach; in a Tent; on the Bare Ground; on a Bench during the Russian Winter; in a Cave; on a Houseboat; on a Barn; in a Tree House and at an Irish Castle.

I have done many fun and exciting things: gone Sky-Diving; gone Bungee Jumping; gone Para-Gliding; jumped out of a Helicopter into the Mediterranean Sea; gone Skinny Dipping; went to the Blue Grotto in Malta; swam in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland; went to German, Croatian, French, Dutch, British and Austrian Christmas Markets; went Rock Climbing off a Scottish Castle on Loch Lomond; skied in the Austrian and German Alps; swam with Dolphins in the Bahamas; spent the night at Frankenstein’s Castle in Darmstadt, Germany; went to Raves; went to Euro Disney in Paris; went to Disney World in Florida; went to Lego Land;  went to the Cliffs of Mohr in Ireland; walked on an Alaskan Glacier; went to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland; went to the Munich Oktoberfest; went to the Gullfoss in Iceland (where the European and Atlantic Tectonic Plates meet); went to the Gaeltacht (Irish-Speaking Area of Ireland); sat on the Throne at the Winter Palace/The Hermitage in Saint Petersburg; saw the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels); saw the Crown Jewels of England; went into the World Trade Center many times over the years when my Mom worked there; went to the Pentagon several times when my Dad worked there, went to the Rosh Hanikra Caves in Israel; saw the Canadian Maple Crown; went inside Lenin’s Mausoleum on Moscow; went to Stonehenge; went to the Masada Fortress in Israel; went to Sherwood Forrest;  went to Peterhof Castle in Saint Petersburg; flew a small plane from West Germany to England; fed Shamu at Sea World in San Antonio; reenacted in a Revolutionary War Battle at Saratoga; went to the Prime Minister’s Question Time in Canada; went to the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica; went up Magnetic Hill in Canada; took a tour of the White House; had a Colonial-Themed Meal at Colonial Williamsburg; swam in the Dead Sea; went to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem; visited the Oldest City in the World – Jericho and rode a Horse in the Rain Forrest in Costa Rica.

 I have travelled to many places most Americans haven’t: Several Hours North of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Russia (living there 2 times and visiting there 3 times); Montenegro; Croatia; Bosnia & Herzegovina; Prince Edward Island, Canada; Cyprus; the West Bank Palestinian Territories; Iceland; West Germany; Campobello Island, Canada; Poland; the Isle of Skye, Scotland; the United Arab Emirates; Northern Ireland; Malta; Kuwait; Greece; Israel and Ukraine.

I have been very lucky and have gotten to do so many fun and interesting things in so many fun and interesting places.

I don't take any of that lightly.

For the past 17 years I have lived off-the-beaten path on my Mountain here in New England where the Arctic Circle gets more Visitors every year then we do

King's Speech

From the BBC:

“Five takeaways from the King's historic address to Congress”

King Charles III's visit to the US was meant to be a celebration – of America's 250th anniversary, of enduring Anglo-American ties and of the "special relationship". But it has also been billed as a rescue mission. The current state of US-UK relations is strained – a reflection of British reluctance to fully back the joint US-Israeli war against Iran. So the King's goal has been to ease those tensions with a royal charm offensive, most notably with his joint address to Congress on Tuesday afternoon. There is some reason for hope. President Donald Trump has a notably mercurial personality. Warm relations can turn chilly in a flash. But the reverse is also true, and former antagonists can be rehabilitated, welcomed once again into the president's good graces. A strain is not a rupture. And towards the end of his speech, the King spoke of the "reconciliation and renewal" that he said characterised the centuries of interactions between the two nations. Whether such words in public and, in all likelihood, behind closed doors will be enough to reinforce the Anglo-American alliance remains to be seen. But, in brief remarks after an afternoon White House meeting, Trump appeared pleased. "He's a fantastic person," the president said of the King. "They're incredible people and it's a real honour." But there were also some lines in the King's speech, the first royal address to Congress since Queen Elizabeth II spoke at the Capitol in 1991, that may have buoyed Democrats – and raised eyebrows in the White House.

1) An acknowledgement of uncertainty Admitting you have a problem is the first step of recovery, as the saying goes. And so King Charles started his speech by diving right into the "times of great uncertainty" that confront both the US and the UK. He ticked through conflicts in the Middle East and Europe – sources of recent contention between the US and the UK - while also noting the threat to democracy presented by the kind of political violence that upended Saturday night's White House Correspondents' Dinner. From there, the King pivoted to talking about the fact that the US and the UK haven't always seen eye to eye. "With the spirit of 1776 in our minds," he said, "we can perhaps agree that we do not always agree". That was all a set-up, however, for his conclusion that the two nations, when in alignment, can do great things "not just for the benefit of our peoples, but of all peoples".

2) Music to the ears of Democrats When King Charles noted the British legal tradition, enshrined in the Magna Carta, that "executive power is subject to checks and balances", he received another standing ovation – with a twist. The cheers started on the Democratic side of the chamber, before spreading across the entire room. Donald Trump's critics on the left have frequently denounced the president for what they see as his abuse of power. A sense that the president should be subject to rigorous checks and balances was one of the motivating sentiments behind the "no kings" rallies that have drawn hundreds of thousands across the nation over the past year. Later, as the King closed out his speech, one of his final lines prompted some muttering – of both agreement and concern – from the Democratic side. "America's words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence," the King said. "The actions of this great nation matter even more." Democrats, of course, have frequently been critics of Trump's words, and how he delivers them, as well as his actions. Whether intended or not, it appears liberals in the audience may have viewed the King as delivering a message of warning to the nation – while offering them a chance, once again, to express their "no kings" sentiment.

3) A nod to Nato and the transatlantic alliance Quoting former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the King spoke of an Atlantic partnership and noted – not for the first time among America's European allies – that the only time Nato mobilsed in defence of one of its member-states was after the 9/11 terror attacks by al-Qaeda. Trump has derided the British Navy, long a source of pride for the kingdom. He called their ships "toys" and said their aircraft carriers "didn't work". King Charles, who served for five years in the Royal Navy, made a specific mention of his time in the service – using it as an entry point to remark on benefits of security and intelligence relations between the two nations – and between America and Europe. He even found an avenue to mention climate change, an issue that has been a longtime concern of his. "From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice-caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of Nato, pledged to each other's defence, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries," he said.

4) No mention of Epstein's victims Issues of international politics aside, one of the biggest questions surrounding King Charles's visit had been whether he would reference Jeffrey Epstein in his remarks or address the late sex offender's victims. He did not. The closest he came, perhaps, was an oblique reference to the need to "support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today", That, as Americans might say, is weak tea. Last year, over the objections of the Trump administration, Congress passed legislation mandating the release of US government-held files related to the Epstein investigation. Those files led to new revelations about the depth of connections Epstein had to the rich and powerful, including former UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson and the King's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. For now, the Epstein saga has had greater repercussions in the UK compared to the US, where few in current positions of political power have faced adverse consequences. Even if the subject didn't come up during the speech, the issue is not fading from the headlines – and the full story here in the US may be yet to emerge.

5) A touch of royal humour Given the seriousness of the King's objectives – with no less than the future of US-UK relations at stake – his speech was, at times, whimsical. He opened with the oft-quoted – and misquoted - line from Oscar Wilde about the US and England having everything in common "except, of course, a language". He joked about the member of British parliament who is held "hostage" when the King speaks at Westminster – and wondered whether anyone in Congress had volunteered for such a job today. He also riffed on how US independence was "just the other day" for a nation as old as Great Britain and that he wasn't coming to the US as a "cunning rearguard action" to reestablish British rule. There may be tensions between the US and the UK at the moment, but on Tuesday the King appears to have successfully broken the ice. A thin, grey banner promoting the US Politics Unspun newsletter. On the right, there is an image of North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher, wearing a blue suit and shirt and grey tie. Behind him is a visualisation of the Capitol Building on vertical red, grey and blue stripes. The banner reads: "The newsletter that cuts through the noise.”

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jvl3x19v9o

EES

 

The EES (Entry-Exit System) started in the Schengen Area on October 12, 2025.

On April 10, 2026 it became Mandatory at every Border Checkpoint (Airport, Land Border and Sea Border) in all 29 Countries of the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark (not including Greenland or the Faroe Islands), Estonia, Finland, France (not including Overseas Territories), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands (not including the Caribbean Netherlands), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and hundreds of other Non-Schengen Members have to use the EES to both enter the Schengen and to leave the Schengen.

There have been hours-long waits for Hundreds of Passengers at many European Airports and Border Checkpoints because of EES.

Airline Passengers who arrived at the Airport 3 hours before their flight missed their flight because of EES (they couldn’t arrive any earlier as the Airline Check-In Counters didn’t open earlier.

It’s not the Airlines fault, but The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) and the Officials running the EES inside the 29 Member Country Schengen Area.

The System started in October 2025, but became Mandatory 4 days ago and yet the problems with the EES continue.

The EES needs to be fixed and fixed soon otherwise it will make the busy Summer Travel Season hard for thousands of People.

Note 1: You will no longer receive an Immigration Stamp in your Passport.

Note 2: Starting at the end of 2026 Americans and other Non-EU Citizens will also need to get Electronic Authorization to travel to the Schengen Area before they travel under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS.)

Systemic Failure

From MSN:

“‘A systemic failure’: How the new Entry/Exit System (EES) brought chaos to EU border control”

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) brought travel “chaos” to airport border control over the weekend, with queues of up to three hours and reports of stranded passengers missing flights.

Following a series of delays and phased preparations, the biometric border control system was officially introduced across the Schengen area on Friday 10 April, and is now in place across 29 European countries.

Applying to non-EU travellers entering any of the Schengen states for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, the system replaces manual passport stamping with digital records of entries, exits and refusals of entry, while also collecting biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints alongside passport details.

Travellers have been advised to arrive at airports with plenty of time to spare ahead of their journeys. Even so, Friday’s first day of full operations was “marked by passenger disruptions, delays and missed flights”, according to a joint statement issued by ACI EUROPE and Airlines for Europe (A4E). For weeks, the two groups have “cautioned” about the EES “operational rollout challenges” and say that the “major concerns” are “now a reality”. They have called on the European Commission and EU Member States to “immediately introduce additional flexibility” in the operation of the new system.

In a separate statement issued on Monday, A4E was even more scathing, saying that three hours queuing at border control is not an EES “teething issue”, it is a “systemic failure”. “Airlines are working tirelessly to get flights to their destination on time – a top priority for passengers and airlines,” A4E said. “But the EES rollout this weekend told a different story: disruption and excessive waiting time – all outside airlines’ control, leading to delays and missed flights."

The group added that while European airlines are supportive of the overall objective of the EES to strengthen border security, “it must not mean persistent and recurring travel disruptions”. A4E called for greater flexibility in the rollout as essential for operations to run smoothly. “The only feasible solution is for the European Commission to allow for the full and partial suspension of EES until the end of summer, where necessary,” it said.

Passengers left behind in Milan

There were many incidents of travel chaos following the full EES launch. At Milan's Linate airport on Sunday, there were meant to be 156 passengers booked on an Easyjet flight to Manchester in the UK. After facing hours-long queues, only 34 passengers boarded the aircraft, leaving 122 behind in Italy, who “watched their plane depart without them”, said The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder. In order to get home, one family spent more than £1,600 (€1,838) to take a connecting flight via Luxembourg, which would get them home 24 hours late.

A spokesman for Easyjet told the BBC that the border delays caused by the implementation of EES were “unacceptable”. “We continue to urge border authorities to ensure they make full and effective use of the permitted flexibilities for as long as needed while the European Entry/Exit System is implemented, to avoid these unacceptable border delays for our customers,” the statement said. “While this is outside of our control, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/a-systemic-failure-how-the-new-entryexit-system-ees-brought-chaos-to-eu-border-control/ar-AA20QMwI

75: Airlift

75 years ago (March 1951) Israel airlifted 130,000 Jewish Men, Women and Children from Iraq and brought them to Israel under Operation Ezra and Nehemiah.

(Iraqi Jews arriving in Israel in 1951.)

Jews had been in Iraq since 586 BCE.

During the British Mandate of Iraq from 1920-1932 Jews ran the Judicial and Postal Systems of Iraq.

In 1941, 180 Jews were murdered, 2,000 Jews were wounded, 586 Jewish-Owned Businesses and 900 Jewish Homes were destroyed during the Farhud Pogrom in Baghdad, Iraq.

With the establishment of Israel in 1948 Iraq made it illegal for Jews to engage in Banking, Foreign Currency Transactions, work on the Railways, the Post Office, the Telegraph Department or work in any Iraqi Government Ministry.

From 1948-1950 the Iraqi Government made it illegal for Jews to emigrate to Israel while at the same time Officially Discriminating against the Jews inside Iraq (torturing and executing many.)

From 1948 and 1950 the Iraqi Zionist Organization began to illegally smuggle 1,000 Jews from Iraq (through Shah Iran) every month.

To stem the Brain and Money Flight out of the Country the Iraqi Government allowed Jews to legally leave Iraq for Israel if they gave up their Iraqi Citizenship (and all their property and money inside Iraq) in 1951.

The Iraqi Government received $351 Million US Dollars worth (in 2026 Money) of Iraqi Jews’ property.

Every single Jewish Man, Woman and Child leaving Iraq was humiliated every step of the way by both Iraqi Government Officials and the Iraqi People.

The trucks taking the Jews to the Airport at stones thrown at them and every Jew was physically search for jewels and cash at the airport.

Every 3 hours a flight left Iraq for Israel (via Cyprus.)

In 1952, after 130,000 Jewish Men, Women and Children had left Iraq the Iraqi Government banned the remaining 6,000 Jews from leaving the Country and continued their Official Anti-Jewish Discrimination against them.

This was part of the wider Mass Migration of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa starting in 1948 until the 1960s.

900,000 Jewish Men, Women and Children fled the Anti-Jewish Countries of: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Sudan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The majority went to Israel and the United States.

From 1949-1959 Israel was dealing with severe Austerity so adding 900,000 Jews from the Muslim World including the 130,000 from Iraq in such a short time put a strain on Israel.

It had just won its Independence and stopped the Militaries of: Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Yemen during the Arab-Israel War.

Because of International Pressure and lack of Foreign Currency and Support Israel had to make Rationing on Basic Foods, Furniture, Footwear and most other things.

 

ETA Increase

Starting February 25, 2026 the price of The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will increase from £16 to £20 ($27 American Dollars) per Traveler.

ETA is mandatory for Citizens of the following Countries:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United States, Uruguay and Vatican City.

The United States has:

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

In September 2025 the price rose from $21 to $40 per Traveler from the following Countries:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel,  Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

 

Canada has:

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

It costs $7 Canadian Dollars ($5 American Dollars) per Traveler from the following Countries:

Foreign Visitors who can travel to Canada Visa-Free when coming by Air: Andorra, Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, British Citizens, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizen, (re-admissible to the United Kingdom), British Overseas Territory Citizens with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British Overseas Territories of: Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Island, Saint Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands, British Subjects with a right of abode in the United Kingdom, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR., Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, (must have a national Israeli Passport), Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania (Electronic Passport Holders only), Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (must have an Ordinary Passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the Personal Identification Number), the United Arab Emirates and Vatican City.

Foreign Visitors who Need a Canadian Visa except when coming by Air: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay.

 

Israel has:

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL)

It costs 25 Israeli Shekels ($7 US Dollars) per Traveler from the following Countries:

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eswatini, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden),  Fiji,  Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Kosovo,  Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Macau,  Malawi, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

South Korea has:

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)

It costs 10,000 South Korean Won ($7 US Dollars) per Traveler from the following Countries:

For 6 Months of Travel: Canada

For 90 Days Of Travel: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador. El Salvador, The European Union (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti. Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Macao. Morocco, Nicaragua. Norway, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.

For 3 Months Of Travel: Belgium, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname and Switzerland.

For 60 Days Of Travel: Lesotho and Russia

For 30 Days Of Travel: Albania, Andorra, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Cyprus, Eswatini, Fiji, Guyana, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Paraguay, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tunisia, Tuvalu and Vatican City.

 

New Zealand has:

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

It costs $17 New Zealander Dollars ($10 US Dollars) for the NZeTA on the App or $23 New Zealander Dollars ($14 US Dollars) on the Website and an additional $35 New Zealander Dollars ($21 US Dollars) for IVL Tax per Traveler from the following Countries:

Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea,  Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macao,  Malaysia, Mauritius,  Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore,  Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uruguay and Vatican City.

 

Australia Has:

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

It costs $20 Australian Dollars ($15 American Dollars) per Traveler from the following Countries:

Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong,  Japan,  Malaysia,  Singapore,  South Korea, Taiwan, the United States.

 

The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden) will have the:

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) starting at the end of 2026.

It will cost €20  ($24 American Dollars) per Traveler from the following Countries:

Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados,  Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Macau, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and  Venezuela.

 

Japan will have the:

The Japanese Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) starting in 2028.

It will cost per Traveler from the following Countries:

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden),  Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Laos, Lesotho. Liechtenstein, Malaysia, the Maldives, Malta, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan. Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City and Vietnam.

El Al Menorah

 

Tourists Vs Residents

 

E-Visas 2

Australia:

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

Required Since: 2001

Allows: 3 months per visit, in a 12-month period for Tourism or Business.

Required For Citizens Of:  Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong,  Japan,  Malaysia,  Singapore,  South Korea, Taiwan, the United States.

Cost: $20 Australian Dollars ($15 US Dollars.)

Procedure: You have to go to ETA Website (available only in English), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when arriving into Australia.

 

Australia:

eVisitor

Allows: 3 months at a time for Tourism or Business.

Required For Citizens Of: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Vatican City.

Cost: Free

Procedure: You have to go to eVisitor Website (available only in English), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when arriving into Australia.

 

New Zealand:

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

Required Since: 2018

Allows: Travel up to 90 days (6 months for British Citizens)

Required For Citizens Of: Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea,  Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macao,  Malaysia, Mauritius,  Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore,  Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom,the United States of America, Uruguay and Vatican City.

Exceptions For: Australian Citizens

Cost: $17 New Zealander Dollars ($10 US Dollars) for the NZeTA on the App or $23 New Zealander Dollars ($14 US Dollars) on the Website and an additional $35 New Zealander Dollars ($21 US Dollars) for IVL Tax.

Procedure: You have to go to the NZeTA Website (only available in English) fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when flying into New Zealand.

South Korea:

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)

Required Since: 2021

Required For Citizens Of:  For 6 Months of Travel: Canada

For 90 Days Of Travel: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador. El Salvador, The European Union (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti. Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Macao. Morocco, Nicaragua. Norway, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.

For 3 Months Of Travel: Belgium, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname and Switzerland.

For 60 Days Of Travel: Lesotho and Russia

For 30 Days Of Travel: Albania, Andorra, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Cyprus, Eswatini, Fiji, Guyana, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Paraguay, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tunisia, Tuvalu and Vatican City.

Cost: 10,000 South Korean Won ($7 US Dollars)

Procedure: You have to go to the K-ETA Website (available in Korean, English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Thai) fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when travelling to South Korea.

 

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

Required From: 2025

Will Allow: Travel to the EU and EFTA for 90 days in any 180-day period.

Required for Citizens Of: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados,  Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Macau, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and  Venezuela.

Exceptions For: Citizens of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and the Vatican and Holders of a Permanent Residence Card for an EU Member Country.

Cost: It will Cost 7 Euros ($8 US Dollars)

Procedure: You have to go to the ETIAS Website (available in Bulgarian, Spanish, Czech, Danish, German, Estonian, Greek, English, French, Gaelic, Croatian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Maltese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovakian, Slovenian, Finnish and Swedish – but the application can only be filled out using the Latin Alphabet when using Bulgarian and Greek), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when flying into the EU or the EFTA.

 

E-Visas 1

 Israel:

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL)

Will Allow: Travel to Israel for up to 90 days.

Required From: January 1, 2025

Required For Citizens Of: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eswatini, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden),  Fiji,  Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Kosovo,  Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Macau,  Malawi, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

Cost: 25 Israeli Shekels ($7 US Dollars)

Procedure: You have to go to ETA-IL Website (available only in English), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when arriving into Israel.

Note: The ETA-IL will follow the Electronic Gate Pass- started in 2013 so that there are no Israeli Immigration Stamps in a Foreign Passport since the following Muslim and Arab Countries refuse entry to anyone (including Foreigners) that have ever been to Israel: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.

The United Kingdom:

United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Required Since: January 8, 2025

Required For Citizens Of: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates.

Will Be Required For The Citizens Of (Starting 2025 or 2026): Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United States, Uruguay and Vatican City.

Exemptions For: Ireland, British Subjects with right of abode in the United Kingdom and British Overseas Territories Citizens.

Cost: 10 British Pounds ($17 US Dollars)

Procedure: You have to go to the ETA Website (available in English) fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when travelling to the United Kingdom.

 Canada:

 eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Required Since: 2015

Allows: Travel for 6 months.

Required for Citizens Of:

Foreign Visitors who can travel to Canada Visa-Free when coming by Air: Andorra, Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, British Citizens, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizen, (re-admissible to the United Kingdom), British Overseas Territory Citizens with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British Overseas Territories of: Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Island, Saint Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands, British Subjects with a right of abode in the United Kingdom, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR., Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, (must have a national Israeli Passport), Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania (Electronic Passport Holders only), Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (must have an Ordinary Passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the Personal Identification Number), the United Arab Emirates and Vatican City.

Foreign Visitors who Need a Canadian Visa except when coming by Air: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay.

Exceptions For: American Citizens, American Nationals and Holders of American Permanent Residence Cards (Green Cards) and French Citizens coming directly from Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Cost: It costs $7 Canadian Dollars ($5 American Dollars) per Person.

Procedure: You have to go to the eTA Website (only available in English and in French), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when flying into Canada.

 

The United States:

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Required Since: 2009 (by Air) and 2022 (by Sea and Land)

Allows For: Travel to the United States, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands and Guam for 90 days.

Required For Citizens Of: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden,  Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Exemptions For Citizens Of: Canada, The Compact of Free Association (Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands), US Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders), Bermuda, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands anyone needing an American Visa.

Cost: $21 US Dollars

Procedure: You have to go to the ESTA Website (available in English, Arabic, Czech, Chinese, Danish, German, Estonian, Greek, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Croatian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovakian, Slovenian, Finnish and Swedish) fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when travelling to the United States.

Note: Every Foreigner entering the United States either with a Visa or with an ESTA has to have their Biometrics taken through United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (commonly referred to as US-VISIT.)

US-VISIT started in 2004 (for those needing an American Visa) and in 2009 (for those not needing an American Visa.) Only Canadian Citizens don’t have to do US-VISIT,

Here are the Countries that Will Require Electronic Travel Authorization Prior to Travel:

The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden)

UK ETA

 

Starting January 8, 2025 The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) becomes mandatory for many  Nationalities including Americans and Canadians.

Citizens of: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, British National Overseas (Hong Kong), Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,  Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United States and Uruguay.

A UK ETA is valid for Multiple Entries for two years or until the Applicant's Passport expires, whichever is sooner.

It costs £10 per Passport.

It may be used for Temporary Stays for Tourism, Visiting Family and Friends, Business, Study, certain types of Work, or Transit.

Note: EU Citizens (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lativia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden) and Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican will need a UK ETA starting on April 2, 2025.

Bali Volcano

From the DW:

“Bali volcanic ash disrupts international flights”

An ongoing eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on the island of Flores has caused dozens of flight cancellations to and from Bali, which is 500 kilometers away. International airlines have had to cancel dozens of flights to and from Indonesia's island of Bali, after a nearby volcano sent a large ash column into the sky.  Bali is Indonesia's top tourist hotspot and is a popular destination for Australian visitors.

Activity at the volcano has disrupted flights at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai international airport since eruptions began. "Due to volcanic ash caused by Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia, it is currently not safe to operate to and from Bali," Australian airline Jetstar said on Wednesday. "Volcanic ash poses a significant threat to safe operations of the aircraft in the vicinity of volcanic clouds," said AirAsia several cancellations were announced.

On Tuesday, authorities expanded the danger zone to 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) as volcanic material, including smoldering rocks, lava, and hot fragments of gravel and ash were thrown up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the crater on Friday.

The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, situated on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province — just 500 kilometers (360 miles) from Bali — has been active since late 2023. Multiple eruptions from the 1,703-metre (5,587-foot) volcano in recent weeks have killed nine people and injured dozens more while forcing the evacuation of more than 11,000 people. Indonesia — which has close to 130 active volcanoes — is situated on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the most geologically active zone on Earth.

^ It seems Bali gets cut off from the rest of the world due to their Volcanoes on a regular basis. ^

https://www.dw.com/en/bali-volcanic-ash-disrupts-international-flights/a-70771408

Travel Advisories

^ The US Government says it is unsafe to travel to these countries.

The only country where it is completely illegal for an American to go to is: North Korea (since 2017.)

Travel to Russian-Occupied Crimea is also Illegal for Americans (since 2014.)

Any Foreigners who travel to Russian-Occupied Crimea and apply for a US Visa or the Visa Waiver Program will be denied.

Travel to Cuba for Tourism is Illegal for American Citizens (since 1962) travel for other purposes is allowed.

 

The rest of the Countries on this list are suggestions:

Afghanistan (because of the return of the Taliban in 2021, its treatment of Women, ISIS and Taliban Terrorism and no American Diplomatic Recognition)

Bangladesh (because of the recent Protests.)

Belarus (because of the Dictator Lukashenko, the closure of the US Embassy there in 2022, Russian Soldiers inside Belarus and the Russia-Belarus Union State.)

Burkina Faso (because of its 2022 Coup.)

Burma (because of the 2021 Coup and their ongoing Civil War.)

The Central African Republic (because of the Civil War there started in 2011.)

Haiti (because of President Moïse 2022 Assassination and the rule of Armed Gangs across the Country.)

Iran (because of the taking over of the US Embassy in Tehran by the Iranian Government from 1979-1981, the taking and holding of 65 Americans, the continued  gostale acts of the Iranian Government and no American Diplomatic Recognition.)

Iraq (because of ISIS and Iranian-Backed Terrorist Attacks.)

Lebanon (because of Iranian-Backed Hezbollah attacks and the threat of War with Israel.)

Libya (because of its Recent Civil War and continued violence.)

Mali (because of the 2021 Coup.)

Russia (because of its Dictator Putin, Russia’s War in Ukraine, Human Rights Violations on Russian Citizens, Bombings across the Country from Ukraine, the Ukrainian Occupation of parts of Russia, the Forced Downsizing of the American Embassy and Consulates and Kidnappings and Arrests of American Citizens.)

Somalia (because of the constant violence from ISIS and al-Shabaab Terrorists.)

South Sudan (because of Violence still stemming from their Recent Civil War.)

Sudan (because of its 2019 Coup and its ongoing Civil War.)

Syria (because of the Civil War that started in 2011.)

Ukraine (because of Russia’s bombing and occupation there since 2022.)

Venezuela (because its Dictator Maduro and his torture tactics.)

Yemen (because of the Civil War started by the Houthi Terrorists backed by Iran in 2014.)

 

If you do go to these Countries (or to a Country where a new issue or conflict arises) then do the following:

U.S. Citizen Travelers:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and be located in an emergency.

In Case of an Emergency Overseas:

Call 1 (888) 407-4747 (U.S. and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 (Overseas) or contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. ^

Putin In Mongolia

From Reuters:

“Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals”

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a red carpet welcome on Tuesday on a state visit to Mongolia, whose failure to arrest him under a warrant from the International Criminal Court was criticised by Ukraine as a blow against justice. As he stepped out of his limousine in the capital Ulaanbaatar, Putin was greeted by his Mongolian counterpart Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in front of a row of ceremonial guardsmen on horseback wearing helmets with pointed tops. The Kremlin leader stooped to kiss a young girl who stepped forward to welcome him in Russian and present him with flowers.

An International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued last year against Putin obliges the court's 124 member states, including Mongolia, to arrest the Russian president and transfer him to The Hague for trial if he sets foot on their territory. Mongolia's failure to act on it was "a heavy blow to the International Criminal Court and the system of criminal law", Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi said. "Mongolia has allowed an accused criminal to evade justice, thereby sharing responsibility for the war crimes," he wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Ukraine, he said, would work with its allies to ensure Mongolia felt the consequences.

The ICC warrant accuses Putin of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. The Kremlin has rejected the accusation, saying it is politically motivated. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last week that Moscow had no worries about any action in connection with the warrant, as Russia had a "great dialogue" with Mongolia and all aspects of the visit had been discussed in advance. "Relations with Mongolia are among the priorities of our foreign policy in Asia. They have been brought to a high level of comprehensive strategic partnership," Putin told Khurelsukh.

The Mongolian leader said he hoped the visit would boost trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. Mongolia is on the planned route of a major pipeline that Russia wants to construct in order to carry 50 billion cubic metres of natural gas a year from its Yamal region to China. The project, Power of Siberia 2, is part of Russia's strategy to compensate for the loss of most of its gas sales in Europe since the start of the Ukraine war. It is the planned successor to an existing pipeline of the same name which already supplies Russian gas to China and is due to reach its planned capacity of 38 billion cubic metres per year in 2025. The new venture has long been bogged down over key issues such as the pricing of the gas. However, Putin said on the eve of his visit that preparatory work, including feasibility and engineering studies, were proceeding as scheduled.

^ This is a shame. I had high-hopes for Mongolia being the Democracy it says it is rather than the Soviet Communist Satilite Country it was from 1924-1990.

Aligning with Putin and Russia now is like aliging with Hitler and Nazi Germany in 1945.

You know they will be defeated so why it makes no sense to bet on a Loser. ^

https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-gets-lavish-welcome-mongolia-despite-icc-warrant-2024-09-03/

Passport Stamped

 

ETAs

On August 1, 2024 Israel announced that starting in January 2025 Israel will require an Electronic Travel Authorizations.

Israel:

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL)

Will Allow: Travel to Israel for up to 90 days.

Required From: January 2025

Required For Citizens Of: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eswatini, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden),  Fiji,  Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Kosovo,  Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Macau,  Malawi, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

Cost: 25 Israeli Shekels ($7 US Dollars)

Procedure: You have to go to ETA-IL Website (available only in English), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when arriving into Israel.

Note: The ETA-IL will follow the Electronic Gate Pass- started in 2013 so that there are no Israeli Immigration Stamps in a Foreign Passport since the following Muslim and Arab Countries refuse entry to anyone (including Foreigners) that have ever been to Israel: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.

 

Here Are the Other Countries That Currently Require Electronic Travel Authorizations Prior to Travel (Not Including Countries that Require Electronic Visas):

 

Australia:

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

Required Since: 2001

Allows: 3 months per visit, in a 12-month period for Tourism or Business.

Required For Citizens Of:  Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong,  Japan,  Malaysia,  Singapore,  South Korea, Taiwan, the United States.

Cost: $20 Australian Dollars ($15 US Dollars.)

Procedure: You have to go to ETA Website (available only in English), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when arriving into Australia.

 

Australia:

eVisitor

Allows: 3 months at a time for Tourism or Business.

Required For Citizens Of: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Vatican City.

Cost: Free

Procedure: You have to go to eVisitor Website (available only in English), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when arriving into Australia.

 

 

Canada:

 eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Required Since: 2015

Allows: Travel for 6 months.

Required for Citizens Of:

Foreign Visitors who can travel to Canada Visa-Free when coming by Air: Andorra, Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, British Citizens, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizen, (re-admissible to the United Kingdom), British Overseas Territory Citizens with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British Overseas Territories of: Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Island, Saint Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands, British Subjects with a right of abode in the United Kingdom, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR., Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, (must have a national Israeli Passport), Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania (Electronic Passport Holders only), Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (must have an Ordinary Passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the Personal Identification Number), the United Arab Emirates and Vatican City.

Foreign Visitors who Need a Canadian Visa except when coming by Air: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay.

Exceptions For: American Citizens, American Nationals and Holders of American Permanent Residence Cards (Green Cards) and French Citizens coming directly from Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Cost: It costs $7 Canadian Dollars ($5 American Dollars) per Person.

Procedure: You have to go to the eTA Website (only available in English and in French), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when flying into Canada.

 

New Zealand:

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

Required Since: 2018

Allows: Travel up to 90 days (6 months for British Citizens)

Required For Citizens Of: Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea,  Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macao,  Malaysia, Mauritius,  Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore,  Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom,the United States of America, Uruguay and Vatican City.

Exceptions For: Australian Citizens

Cost: $17 New Zealander Dollars ($10 US Dollars) for the NZeTA on the App or $23 New Zealander Dollars ($14 US Dollars) on the Website and an additional $35 New Zealander Dollars ($21 US Dollars) for IVL Tax.

Procedure: You have to go to the NZeTA Website (only available in English) fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when flying into New Zealand.

 

Pakistan:

Pakistan Electronic Travel Authorization

Since: 2024

Allows: Travel up to 30 days.

Required For Citizens Of: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Monaco. Mozambique, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia.

Cost: $60 US Dollars

Procedure: You have to go to the ETA Website (only available in English) fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when flying into Pakistan.

 

South Korea:

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)

Required Since: 2021

Required For Citizens Of:  For 6 Months of Travel: Canada

For 90 Days Of Travel: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador. El Salvador, The European Union (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti. Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Macao. Morocco, Nicaragua. Norway, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.

For 3 Months Of Travel: Belgium, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname and Switzerland.

For 60 Days Of Travel: Lesotho and Russia

For 30 Days Of Travel: Albania, Andorra, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Cyprus, Eswatini, Fiji, Guyana, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Paraguay, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tunisia, Tuvalu and Vatican City.

Cost: 10,000 South Korean Won ($7 US Dollars)

Procedure: You have to go to the K-ETA Website (available in Korean, English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Thai) fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when travelling to South Korea.

 

The United Kingdom:

United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Required Since: 2024

Required For Citizens Of: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates.

Will Be Required For The Citizens Of (Starting 2025 or 2026): Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United States, Uruguay and Vatican City.

Exemptions For: Ireland, British Subjects with right of abode in the United Kingdom and British Overseas Territories Citizens.

Cost: 10 British Pounds ($17 US Dollars)

Procedure: You have to go to the ETA Website (available in English) fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when travelling to the United Kingdom.

 

The United States:

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Required Since: 2009 (by Air) and 2022 (by Sea and Land)

Allows For: Travel to the United States, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands and Guam for 90 days.

Required For Citizens Of: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden,  Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Exemptions For Citizens Of: Canada, The Compact of Free Association (Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands), US Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders), Bermuda, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands anyone needing an American Visa.

Cost: $21 US Dollars

Procedure: You have to go to the ESTA Website (available in English, Arabic, Czech, Chinese, Danish, German, Estonian, Greek, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Croatian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovakian, Slovenian, Finnish and Swedish) fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when travelling to the United States.

Note: Every Foreigner entering the United States either with a Visa or with an ESTA has to have their Biometrics taken through United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (commonly referred to as US-VISIT.)

US-VISIT started in 2004 (for those needing an American Visa) and in 2009 (for those not needing an American Visa.) Only Canadian Citizens don’t have to do US-VISIT,

 

Here are the Countries that Will Require Electronic Travel Authorization Prior to Travel:

 

The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden)

And the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) will require the:

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

Required From: 2025

Will Allow: Travel to the EU and EFTA for 90 days in any 180-day period.

Required for Citizens Of: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados,  Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Macau, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and  Venezuela.

Exceptions For: Citizens of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and the Vatican and Holders of a Permanent Residence Card for an EU Member Country.

Cost: It will Cost 7 Euros ($8 US Dollars)

Procedure: You have to go to the ETIAS Website (available in Bulgarian, Spanish, Czech, Danish, German, Estonian, Greek, English, French, Gaelic, Croatian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Maltese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovakian, Slovenian, Finnish and Swedish – but the application can only be filled out using the Latin Alphabet when using Bulgarian and Greek), fill out the online form, pay the fee, print the Confirmation Page and bring that with your Foreign Passport when flying into the EU or the EFTA.