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U.S. Travelers Will Soon Have to Pay to Enter the U.K.

By Sarah James

U.S. visitors—as well as visitors from Europe , Australia and Canada —will soon be required to apply for permission to enter the U.K. through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The U.K. government is in the process of fully digitizing U.K. borders by the end of 2025—and the ETA scheme will play its part, allowing “individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.,” the government said.

The scheme will be in place by the end of this year (2023), and visitors will be required to fill out an online application granting them permission to travel. There will be a small fee included in the application—similar to how the U.S.'s own ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system works for U.K. travelers.

Here's everything we know.

Will I need a visa to enter the U.K.?

This isn't technically a visa—the ETA system will grant travelers permission to enter the country. You will need to apply for an ETA prior to arrival. If you haven't received permission to travel before arrival, you may get fined.

Travelers from the U.S. will soon need to apply for permission to enter the U.K.

How long will it take to get an ETA?

Travelers will be advised to apply for an ETA at least a few days before their journey. Approval should be granted within 72 hours of application.

How long will an ETA last?

After your ETA has been approved, visitors will be granted permission to stay in the U.K. for six months, whether for business or tourism reasons.

The U.K. government is yet to confirm how often visitors will need to apply for a new ETA, but it's likely to be valid for two years—meaning there's no need to apply for a new one every time you visit within the valid time period.

Visitors with valid ETAs can stay—and travel—in U.K. for up to six months.

How much will an ETA cost?

We don't know yet—but the government has said that the cost will be small. The EU implemented a similar system in 2022, which costs €7. A U.S. ESTA, meanwhile, costs $21.

Who will need to apply for an ETA?

The full list of nations included hasn't been announced yet. We do know that U.S. citizens who don't hold a visa will need to apply for an ETA, as will other visa-exempt nations such as Canada and Australia. European countries are likely to be included, too.  Those traveling from nationalities without a visa-free agreement with the UK will still need to apply for another applicable type of UK visa.

What will I need to apply for an ETA?

You'll need a valid passport , an email address to register with, and to supply the details of your travel, as well as a valid debit or credit card to pay any fees to apply.

To keep up to date with the latest information on the ETA scheme, check the official website for more details as they become available.

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.  

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Millions of visa holders in UK to be offered digital replacement as major eVisa rollout begins

M illions of people in the UK with physical immigration documents are being invited to switch to an eVisa as a major Home Office digital immigration shake-up begins.

The Government is aiming for a fully digital immigration and border system by 2025, the Home Office said on Wednesday.

From Wednesday April 17, visa holders in the UK will receive an email from the Home Office, inviting them to create a UK visas and immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa.

Physical documents, called biometric residence permits (BRPs), will be gradually phased out and nearly all visa holders living in the UK will have access to an eVisa by 2025, the Home Office has vowed.

The Government hopes the introduction of eVisas will reduce the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents and strengthen border security.

But the changes will also ease the travel process for millions of visa holders, who are currently required to show physical documentation when arriving back in the UK from travel and holidays abroad.

If a BRP card is lost or stolen abroad, a visa holder currently has to pay £154 for a one-time replacement, which would allow them to re-enter the UK.

Tom Pursglove, the minister for legal migration and the border, said replacing physical BRPs with a digital system “will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study”.

Mr Pursglove added: “We’ve already taken really significant steps to digitally transform the border and immigration system, and this wider rollout of eVisas is a key part of that process.

“Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost-savings for UK taxpayers.”

Those who inspect immigration status will be able to conduct one check using an online service and visa customers will be able to access their digital status anywhere and in real time.

An eVisa is linked with the holder’s biometric information to protect against identity fraud. Invitations will initially be issued in phases.

The process will open to anyone in the UK who holds physical immigration documents in summer 2024.

Customers will be able to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa.

Creating an account will not change, impact or remove their current immigration status or their rights in the UK.

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The best countries in the world to be a digital nomad

As Italy introduces a new digital nomad visa, we detail the best places to work remotely (and how to do it)

Many of us have fantasised about living in our favourite holiday destination, swapping a dull commute for a walk along the beach, or the confines of the office for a poolside villa . Until the pandemic, moving abroad would have required a complicated visa process and, most probably, a change in career. But this is no longer the case. 

Post-pandemic, many European countries – and some farther abroad – have introduced digital nomad schemes, allowing would-be emigrés a taste of living overseas without having to change occupation. 

It is worth noting that while some countries do not officially have digital nomad schemes , other visas may provide a similar stay of residency. In Germany , for example, the Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Selbstständige Tätigkeit allows freelancers to live in the country for up to three years. 

Here, we explore some of the most attractive digital nomad visa schemes. 

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is one that allows people to live in a country for a limited amount of time while they work remotely. Digital nomads almost always need to be employed outside of the country they move to and prove a certain amount of funds in order to be eligible, plus pay a (sometimes substantial) application fee. 

Almost all require applicants to prove they have the “technological means” to support remote work – that usually means having a laptop and access to a high-speed internet connection. 

Most digital nomad visas span between one and five years, and some allow conversion to a more permanent type of residency after expiration. 

For those who work from home, it can be an alluring prospect, with countries such as Italy, Spain and Greece all offering schemes. But it is worth noting that – among all the usual concerns with moving abroad – taxation can be particularly confusing for digital nomads, and all schemes differ.

Experts advise potential applicants to consult a tax expert before taking the plunge. Some states have agreements that mean digital nomads pay tax only in their own country. Others, such as Estonia, require nomads to pay tax in both countries after a certain amount of time. 

Regardless of this complication, the visas – and the associated lifestyle – can be extremely attractive.

Which countries have digital nomad visa schemes?

Skip ahead to digital nomad visa requirements in:

The Bahamas

One year, with the option to renew for up to five years

Minimum income

£1,840 per month

Application fee

Cost of living.

One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre (monthly): £600

Basic utilities (monthly): £110

Pint of beer: £2.40

Cappuccino: £1.55

Spain’s digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to work remotely in the country for up to five years. Written permission is needed from an employer, though freelancers are accepted, too. Applicants must prove “specific expertise” in their field, demonstrated via a university degree, professional certificate or three years of work experience. 

They must also have been in their current position for at least three months; freelancers can show long-term contracts as evidence of their stability. Up to 20 per cent of an applicant’s work can come from Spanish clients (but no more). 

Applicants must prove that they have a minimum income of £1,840 per month to apply, though a higher salary is needed if they support a partner or children. They must not have lived in Spain for the last five years. 

Think Spain could be for you? Read our guides to the country here . If you just fancy a holiday, take a look at our guide to the best hotels in Spain instead. 

How to apply: Full application details can be found on Spain’s government website . Applicants should expect to attend an in-person interview at their nearest embassy. 

One year, with the option to renew

£24,000 per year

One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre (monthly): £490

Basic utilities (monthly): £170

Pint of beer: £4.20

Cappuccino: £1.35

Since April 4, “highly skilled workers” have been able to move to Italy . Digital nomads are particularly encouraged to move to the remote – and very beautiful – villages in the south of the country, which are struggling with dwindling local populations. 

Those hoping to apply must be a citizen of a non-EU state, be employed (or self-employed) in a way that allows them to work remotely, and earn at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from participation in healthcare costs. That’s currently around €28,000, or £24,000. They also cannot have been convicted of a crime within the last five years. 

Applicants need to prove they have health insurance valid for the entire length of their stay, plus prove “suitable accommodation” is booked, too. They also need to show that they have been a digital nomad, or remote worker, elsewhere for at least six months previously. 

Keen for more? Our Italy guides include where to stay in the Italian Lakes and the perfect holiday in Tuscany . 

How to apply: Applicants need to attend an in-person meeting at a “valid diplomatic consular office” and submit a declaration signed by their employer. Find out more on Italy’s Interior Ministry website . 

One year, with the option to renew 

Minimum income 

£3,000 per month

Application fee 

One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre (monthly): £340

Basic utilities (monthly): £180

Pint of beer: £3.80

Cappuccino: £2.80

Non-EU citizens have been able to apply for digital nomad visas since 2021. Applicants must have proof of health insurance, accommodation details, a clean criminal background and proof that they are able to work remotely. 

Those hoping for a breezy Aegean lifestyle should note, however, that a minimum salary of at least €3,500 (£3,000) per month is required, unless you’re bringing a spouse – in which case the minimum salary rises to €4,200 (£3,580). Bring an additional dependant and that number increases to €4,830 (£4,120). 

Planning a Hellenic odyssey? Whether it’s for a year or just a fortnight, read our guide to the perfect Greek island-hopping holiday . 

How to apply: Applicants must apply, in person, at the nearest Greek embassy. The application form can be downloaded from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website . 

£3,840 per month

One bedroom apartment outside of city centre (monthly): £375

Basic utilities (monthly): £226

Pint of beer: £4.25

Cappuccino: £2.85

Estonia launched its digital nomad visa early in the pandemic. The scheme has continued, allowing people with certain employment conditions to be based in the country for up to a year. Those conditions include having a contract with a company registered outside of Estonia, conducting business through your own company registered abroad, or working as a freelancer for clients mostly outside of Estonia.

Estonia also has an e-residency scheme, which gives successful applicants a “government-issued digital identity”, providing access to “Estonia’s transparent business environment”. Essentially allowing anyone to run an EU-based business, the scheme allows people to open an Estonian bank account, benefit from low rates of business tax and access start-up support. 

How to apply: Applicants must apply, in person, at the nearest Estonian embassy. The application form can be downloaded from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website . 

One year, with the option to extend to up to five years 

£2,800 a month

One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre (monthly): £620

Basic utilities (monthly): £95

Pint of beer: £2.15

Cappuccino: £1.50

Portugal has five types of digital nomad visa. Most will be interested in the Temporary Stay Visa, which allows those with proof of a remote job the opportunity to live in Portugal.

Their remote work must generate at least €3,280 (£2,800) a month – or 50 per cent more if entering with a spouse, and 30 per cent more on top of that if also bringing a child. As with most digital nomad visas, applicants need full health insurance, proof of accommodation and a clean criminal record. 

The Portuguese digital nomad visa lasts one year, though it can be extended four times to a maximum of five years. There are beneficial tax implications, too: for the first four years, nomads are subject to a 15 per cent tax rate, as opposed to the standard 25 per cent. The only catch? Nomads should be aware of the minimum stay requirement, which means they must spend 183 days within the country at some point during the first two years.

If you’re interested in something more permanent, the D2 Visa and the Golden Visa are targeted at those looking to move to the country in the long term. These require a substantial asset transfer into the Portuguese economy. 

Those who wish to stay for less than 90 days (and who don’t require a Portuguese bank account) are able to use a short-stay tourist visa. 

For the perfect trip to the Algarve, or a sight-filled city break to Lisbon, read our Portugal guides here . 

How to apply: Applicants must apply, in person, at the nearest Portuguese embassy. More information can be found on the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website . 

60 days, with the option to increase to six months 

No minimum, but £1,600 in savings

One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre (monthly): £130

Basic utilities (monthly): £53

Pint of beer: £2

Cappuccino: £1.60

Despite its reputation as a digital nomad hot spot, Indonesia’s current visa scheme allows people to stay for up to only six months while working remotely. It was first introduced to encourage a more sustainable travel model, encouraging people to stay within the country for longer than the typical backpacking trip. 

The B211A Business Visa requires applicants to have a job outside of Indonesia, with a minimum of $2,000 (£1,600) in savings. It’s possible you will also be asked for proof of a clear criminal record. 

How to apply: More details can be found on the Indonesian government website . 

• United Arab Emirates

£2,400 per month

One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre (monthly): £940

Basic utilities (monthly): £140

Pint of beer: £8.70

Cappuccino: £4.30

The UAE launched its Remote Work Visa in 2021 for digital nomads hoping to work from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. It lasts up to a year (with the chance to renew indefinitely) and applicants must have a monthly salary of $3,000 or £2,400, plus produce the previous month’s payslip and three months of bank statements. They must also have been working for their current employer for at least three years prior. 

This is slightly different for business owners, who must have an average monthly income of $5,000 (£4,010), plus show proof of ownership for at least a year. 

Be warned: while digital nomads can leave the country, an absence from the UAE for more than six consecutive months will result in an automatic visa nullification.

Planning a supersized trip to the City of Gold? Read on for our ultimate guide to a weekend in Dubai . 

How to apply: Applications are processed online – visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs portal for more information. 

One year, with the option to renew for two

One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre (monthly): £375

Basic utilities (monthly): £70

Costa Rica is a highly desirable holiday destination – and those who are truly enamoured can now work from there for two years. To live in the country, the applicant needs to prove a minimum salary of $3,000 (£2,400) per month – and this must be steady. 

A claim of a salary of £4,000 per month cannot be accrued by earning £3,000 one month, then £5,000 the next, meaning that freelancers are advised to form a limited company from which to pay a salary. Digital nomads are exempt from tax on their foreign income while resident. 

Applicants are also required to show proof of medical insurance, with a minimum coverage value of $50,000 (£40,100).

How to apply: Applications can be made digitally on the Costa Rican government website . The process is finalised once in the country – applicants must register their biometric data at an immigration centre within the first three months of living there. 

No minimum income (but proof of financial self-sufficiency needed)

One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre (monthly): £885

Basic utilities (monthly): £229

Pint of beer: £3.20

Cappuccino: £4.20

With the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay, or Beats, digital nomads can work from the Atlantic country for up to a year. With no minimum income (just the ability to support oneself financially), the scheme is proving particularly popular. Furthermore, remote workers are not required to pay additional income or capital gains taxes while in the country, meaning the laid-back island nation can be an affordable place to live. 

As with most schemes, applicants are required to have a clean criminal record and provide proof of employment or freelance contracts. They can also be a student enrolled in an overseas university, providing their college allows remote work. 

Beach lovers should read our Bahamas-based content before considering the move, or find out more about the greatest islands in the Caribbean . 

How to apply: Applications can be made via the Beats website . 

Cost-of-living data provided by Numbeo. 

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Update April 12, 2024

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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Global Visa Wait Times

Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice:   Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific  Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website  for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

About Wait Times

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Middle East latest: Israel 'considered revenge attack on Monday' – as ex-Mossad intelligence chief says striking Iran's nuclear facilities 'on the table'

A former Israeli spy agency official says targeting nuclear facilities in Iran is "on the table" - as a report suggests Israel considered, but decided against striking Iran on Monday. Meanwhile, Iran's president warns the "tiniest move" against the country would bring a "fierce" response.

Wednesday 17 April 2024 23:29, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Qatar 're-assessing its role as mediator' as talks hit stumbling block
• Striking Iran's nuclear facilities on the table, says ex-Mossad official
• Israel considered Iran strike on Monday but decided to wait - report
• 'Tiniest move' against Iran will spark 'fierce and painful' response, president warns
• Dominic Waghorn analysis: The coming hours could decide whether the Middle East is plunged into a widening war
• Michael Clarke analysis: All Israel's options for retaliation come with complications

These images show an Israeli Sa'ar-6 corvette warship patrolling the waters of the Israeli city of Eilat. 

The vessel is believed to be carrying an Iron Dome anti-missile system - one of a reported 10 that Israel owns and operates to defend its skies. 

Italy's foreign minister says Rome would be willing to contribute troops to any possible United Nations peacekeeping force in Gaza, even though no such proposal is on the table and Israel has previously rejected the idea.

In an interview with AP, Antonio Tajani suggested that a UN force under Arab command could help provide security if Israelis and Palestinians made headway on an eventual two-state solution. 

"If there is the solution and for a short time we need the presence of the United Nations under Arab control, we are ready for sending Italian soldiers," Mr Tajani said ahead of a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Capri.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has in the past ruled out a foreign peacekeeping force in Gaza after the war, saying only Israel is capable of keeping the territory demilitarised.

By Alex Crawford , special correspondent 

Lebanon is balanced as though on an earthquake faultline right now - whatever Israel decides to do next will have massive repercussions throughout the entire region.

That's how critical the situation is in Lebanon and the surrounding countries, as described by one seasoned Lebanese political analyst.

Khodor Taleb is also the former adviser to three different Lebanese prime ministers, so knows a thing or two about what is at stake.

Lebanon - like the entire region - is at the crossroads and it is Israel in the driving seat over which road is travelled.

'The situation will be totally out of control'

"I can tell you 100% that Hezbollah do not want war. The ball is in the Israeli court," Mr Taleb told Sky News.

The militant group Hezbollah is backed by Iran and has strong ties with both the Iranian leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

It is very much seen as the strongest and most powerful of Iran's proxies which operate in multiple countries.

It is therefore potentially in the Israeli crosshairs as it considers how or whether to retaliate against Iran and its network in response to the missile and drone attacks at the weekend.

Mr Taleb is not an isolated voice in warning that an Israeli attack could tip the region into all-out war.

"It will be a huge risk for Israel because it will lead to a big war in the region," he said.

"It will not be limited to Lebanon. It will definitely spread to Yemen and most probably to the Syrian Golan and the situation will be totally out of control of any international power," he continued.

"It will be damaging to the whole region."

His point: Any large-scale Israeli attack against the Lebanese Hezbollah or Iran risks drawing the entire so-called Axis of Resistance into war - and that would involve the Yemeni Houthis, the Iraqi Hezbollah and the various Syrian militias - all of which have links to Iran or Hezbollah.

Read more of Crawford's piece here ....

The funeral for Hezbollah commander Ismail Yusaf Baz has been held in Chehabiyeh, Lebanon. 

The head of the militant group's coastal sector was "eliminated" in a strike in the Ain Ebel area yesterday, the Israel Defence Forces said.

As we reported in our 8.39pm post, Hezbollah responded today by launching missiles and drones at a military facility in northern Israel - injuring some 14 IDF troops. 

Iran is currently holding its National Army Day parade ceremony in Tehran. 

Drones and missiles were paraded as soldiers marched alongside them, some carrying the Iranian flag. 

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other top military officials are also in attendance. 

The annual event was established by the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979. 

An update on our 12.40pm post - in which we reported that strikes from Lebanon had injured people in northern Israel.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group has since claimed responsibility, saying it launched missiles and drones at a military facility in northern Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes that killed Hezbollah members yesterday. 

At least 14 Israeli soldiers were injured in today's attack, with six in serious condition, according to the Israel Defence Forces. 

The Israeli Ynet news site said the soldiers were in a community centre in the village. 

The IDF in retaliation said it "struck the sources of fire" after identifying several anti-tank missile and drone launches from Lebanon towards the Bedouin village of Arab al Aramshe. 

For context: Iran-backed, Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which means "Party of God" in Arabic, openly calls for the destruction of the "Zionist regime in Palestine" and is deemed a terror organisation by most Western powers.

The militia has long aligned itself with Hamas and Islamic Jihad and has frequently clashed with IDF forces on the Israel-Lebanon border since the most recent conflict broke out on 7 October.

But the violence has largely been contained to areas at the border, shaped by what observers have called unwritten rules of engagement between adversaries that have long threatened each other with catastrophic damage in the event of war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously warned that Beirut would be turned "into Gaza" if Hezbollah started an all-out war.

By Ben van der Merwe and Saywah Mahmood, Data and Forensics Unit

Iran's president has vowed Israel would face a "massive and harsh response" if it attacks, as US officials believe it is planning to do.

Iran launched more than 330 missiles and drones towards Israel on Saturday in response to Israel's alleged bombing of its Syrian consulate.

On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said he hoped that Israel's potential retaliation "does as little as possible to escalate this conflict".

Experts told Sky News that Israel is likely to be considering an airstrike on critical Iranian infrastructure, including air bases and nuclear facilities.

Israel is well-equipped for such an operation. The country possesses 39 state-of-the-art F-35 stealth fighter jets, the fifth largest inventory in the world.

Sky News security and defence analyst Michael Clarke says the planes are "pretty well invisible".

"It is rumoured that Israeli F-35s have already been around and about Iranian airspace on surveillance missions," he says.

Read more here ...

The chancellor has said that the G7 will be "united" in its response to Tehran, amid reports that the West is weighing up major sanctions on Iran. 

"When Iran attacked Israel, Western support was rock solid," Jeremy Hunt told our economics and data editor Ed Conway . 

"If Iran takes action that destabilises the global economy through what it does in the Middle East, then they will face concerted response from Western countries," he warned. 

"I think G7 countries will be united in our response to what Iran has done and anything Iran may plan to do."

Earlier, Israel's ambassador to the UK urged the West to hit Tehran financially so its grasp on the region via its proxies might slip. 

"This is the time to be hard on Iran [and] there are a number of diplomatic ways to do that." Tzipi Hotovely said (see 7.00pm post). 

Israel considered a near-immediate response to Saturday's attack by Iran, but decided against it, according to a report.

Israel considered conducting retaliatory action on Monday night, before eventually postponing it, five Israeli and US sources told Axios .

The report is unverified. 

The Israeli officials reportedly told the outlet that the war cabinet changed its mind on military action "for operational reasons", while American sources said the US was not sure of the scale of Israel's planned response, but thought it was likely it would provoke Iran into escalation. 

The officials reportedly said IDF chief of staff General Hertzi Halevi and the the cabinet's other former generals — defence minister Yoav Gallant and ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot were pushing  hardest for a military for a response, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leader of the ultra-orthodox Shas party, Aryeh Deri, were said to be "more cautious".

Qatar is re-assessing its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas, the country's prime minister has said. 

Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said its role was being misused by some politicians for their own goals. 

"Qatar is in the process of a complete re-evaluation of its role because there has been damage to Qatar," he said, without providing any further detail.  

He also said the latest round of talks had largely stalled. 

"We are trying as much as possible to address this stumbling block," he said. 

It is thought the Qataris most recently proposed a six-week truce - during which Hamas would free 40 women, children and elderly or sick hostages.

The Gulf state has been a key figure in discussions between the two warring sides, alongside voices from Egypt and the US. 

The country is home to some senior Hamas officials, including Ismail Haniyeh. 

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Bondi Junction stabbing: French man who confronted attacker with bollard to receive permanent residency

Damien Guerot praised for ‘extraordinary bravery’ after CCTV footage showed him confronting Joel Cauchi

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The Australian government will grant permanent residency to a French citizen who confronted the Bondi Junction attacker with a bollard, but not citizenship, because it cannot waive residency requirements.

The clarification comes after the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, offered him the ability to stay in Australia as long as he liked and said he was someone the country would “welcome becoming an Australian citizen”.

The French construction worker Damien Guerot was dubbed “bollard man” after CCTV footage showed him confronting Joel Cauchi on an escalator in Westfield Bondi Junction, where Cauchi allegedly fatally stabbed six people on Saturday before he was shot dead by police.

On Tuesday Albanese thanked Guerot for his “extraordinary bravery” and offered to resolve visa issues for the French citizen after reports his visa is due to expire in July.

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“I say this to Damien Guerot – who is dealing with his visa applications – that you are welcome here, you are welcome to stay for as long as you like,” Albanese told reporters in Canberra.

“This is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France.

“It says a lot about the nature of humanity at a time when we are facing difficult issues, that someone who is not a citizen of this country stood bravely at the top of those escalators and stopped this perpetrator from getting on to another floor and potentially inflicting further carnage on citizens.

“I think that on Saturday we saw some of the best of human character at the same time as we saw such devastating tragedy. And I thank Damien for his extraordinary efforts.”

The promise of permanent residency was “amazing news”, Guerot told his lawyer, Belinda Robertson, after being contacted by the immigration department. He was told he would be informed on when permanent residency can be officially granted “as soon as possible”.

“It is truly heartwarming for something positive to come out of all the pain and tragedy,” Robinson told Guardian Australia.

The immigration minister, Andrew Giles, said: “Mr Guerot’s extraordinary bravery is an example of the character we all want to see in our society. “I am aware of Mr Guerot’s case and have asked my Department to look into visa options for him. Once again, we thank Mr Guerot as well as other members of the public, our heroic police officers and first responders who have helped protect others from danger.”

Earlier Albanese told WSFM radio that Australia needs “to do more” to protect women in the wake of the Bondi Junction attack, after New South Wales police confirmed they are investigating whether Cauchi deliberately targeted women and children.

“Women should be safe going about their shopping on a Saturday afternoon,” Albanese said. “They also should, of course, be safe in their home.”

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“And we’ve seen too many incidents of domestic violence as well already this year. It is a tragic statistic that tells a story well beyond just numbers. That a woman loses their life to someone that they know on average once a week in Australia.

“We need to do more on the scourge of domestic violence.”

On ABC Melbourne, Albanese declined to get into a “definitional debate” about whether violence motivated by misogyny could constitute terrorism.

Albanese said the Bondi Junction attack was “completely unacceptable” and “horrific” but said there was an “ongoing investigation as to motivation”.

It was “absolutely” up to every Australian – including men – to deal with violence against women,” he said.

“Women shouldn’t feel like they have to change their behaviour [or that] they shouldn’t be able to walk home from the train station or bus stop at night.

“Men are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of this violence and men as a group have to change their behaviour.”

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eVisa rollout begins with immigration documents replaced by 2025

Millions are being invited to switch from physical immigration documents to an eVisa – a key step in creating a modernised and digital border.

Photo: Getty Images

The next stage in the government’s plan to modernise the border and introduce a digital immigration system is under way, as the Home Office moves closer to the implementation of eVisas for nearly all visa holders living in the UK by 2025.

From today (17 April 2024), the Home Office will begin to send emails to all those with physical immigration documents, called biometric residence permits (BRPs), inviting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account to access their eVisa, a digital proof of their immigration status.

Invitations will be issued in phases before the process opens to all BRP holders in summer 2024.

eVisas are central to making the UK safer by reducing the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents, strengthening border security, and providing a more secure way to prove immigration status. This will pave the way for increased automation to deliver the government’s vision for a contactless border.

It is free and straightforward for customers who hold physical and paper documents to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. Creating a UKVI account will not change, impact or remove customers’ current immigration status or their rights in the UK.

Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP, said:  

We’ve already taken really significant steps to digitally transform the border and immigration system, and this wider rollout of eVisas is a key part of that process.  Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost savings for UK taxpayers.

eVisas bring substantial benefits to the UK public and to visa customers. They are secure, and, unlike a physical document, cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. They can be accessed anywhere and in real time, putting customers in control of their own data and allowing them to swiftly update the Home Office with new contact or passport details.

An eVisa is securely linked with the holder’s unique biometric information in the same way as a BRP or BRC , to protect against identity fraud.

People checking immigration status will be able to conduct one quick and simple check using a secure online service on GOV.UK. Selected public bodies are already able to access immigration status to determine eligibility for public services automatically through system to system checks.

eVisas are tried and tested, with millions of customers already using them across routes including the EU Settlement Scheme ( EUSS ). Most physical documents, such as biometric residence permits or cards (BRPs or BRCs), are being gradually phased out, with most BRPs expiring at the end of 2024.

This move to eVisas is in line with other countries which have replaced, or are planning to replace, their physical immigration documents with digital forms of immigration status.

Customers who already have an eVisa do not need to do anything as we make this change, but should continue to update their UKVI account with any changes to personal information, such as a new passport or contact details. Customers should continue to carry their in-date physical immigration documents with them when they travel internationally, until they expire.

Physical immigration documents will be gradually phased out by 2025, as we transition to a fully digital border and immigration system for new and existing customers. This will deliver enhanced security and cost savings for the UK public and greater convenience for customers and status checkers. 

Customers who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any passport on which they intend to travel using the online Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details service on GOV.UK, if this is not already linked to their account, to avoid delays when travelling.

As part of the wider transformation of the UK border and immigration system, the government has already introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation ( ETA ) scheme. ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK for those wanting to visit but who do not need a visa. It gives the government greater ability to screen travellers in advance of travel and prevent those who pose a threat from coming here.

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