- May 2009
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International
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China visa rules modified for US citizens
According to reports from the Associated Press, China has modified its rules regarding visa processing for U.S. citizens. Processing time for visa applications is estimated at six business days, and expedited visa processing is currently suspended for U.S. travelers. Previously, visas could be processed in as little as one day using express service.
In addition, visa applicants must complete a declaration form, outlining the countries and U.S. states they have visited over the previous two weeks. These new visa regulations went into effect as of May 4.
Sources: Associated Press, CWT
One emergency number for travelers in Europe
When traveling abroad, travelers may want to know that there is one internationally recognized number that will connect a caller to the emergency services (ambulance, fire response, police) in all 27 European Union (EU) member states.
Although local emergency numbers vary from country to country (e.g. 911 in North America), the emergency number 112, introduced in 1991, works in all EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
Calls to this number are free of charge from both land line and mobile phones. Private companies provide 24-hour access to interpreters who can provide help.
Sources: cnn.com, www.eena.org
