travel visa pro.com

Visa Status & More: 10 Things To Know About Travel Visa Pro

• Travel Visa Pro is an agency that helps customers apply for visas and passports, simplifying the complex process of acquiring travel documents.
• Travel Visa Pro is not a government agency and cannot issue passports or travel visas.
• Travel Visa Pro is a legitimate company with a good reputation and ratings, providing expert services to customers.

Traveling abroad is an exhilarating experience filled with once-in-a-lifetime adventures and unforgettable memories, but before the journey even begins, many travelers have the daunting task of obtaining an up-to-date passport and travel visa. The list of countries that require United States travelers to apply for a visa before visiting is constantly changing. While some applications can be fairly straightforward, some visas require extensive paperwork and rigorous communication with consulates or embassies.

Thankfully, there are agencies, like Travel Visa Pro , that help streamline the application process and guide applicants through expediting passport applications, applying for work visas, and even translating and authenticating necessary documents. Travel Visa Pro offers unparalleled expert services, but there are a few misconceptions about what exactly agencies like this one do. Here are ten things to know about Travel Visa Pro.

Related: What Is A Digital Nomad Visa? & 9 Other Things To Know

What Is Travel Visa Pro?

Travel Visa Pro is an expedited visa and passport agency that helps customers obtain travel visas and passports for international travel. They specialize in simplifying the often complex and time-consuming process of acquiring the necessary travel documents required for entry into foreign countries.

Among their many services, they help customers apply for passports and specific visas. They also provide legalization and translation services.

• Short Answer: Travel Visa Pro is an agency that helps customers apply for visas and passports.

Related: 10 Places To Travel To If You Have A Passport Renewal Delay

Is Travel Visa Pro A Government Agency?

Travel Visa Pro is not a government agency. It is a private company that helps individuals and organizations with the application process of applying for visas and passports. Not every passport's requirement is the same, and some passports are much stronger than others .

At the end of the day, it is up to foreign embassies and the United States passport agency to issue passports and travel visas. Travel Visa Pro is limited to facilitating and expediting the application process.

• Short Answer: No

Is Travel Visa Pro A Legit Company?

A commonly asked question is if Travel Visa Pro is a legitimate company. It has an A+ Accredited rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 3.52 out of five-star star rating from consumers .

Travel Visa Pro has been in business since 2009 and has gained a reputation as a serious and legitimate company.

• Short Answer: Yes

How Do Customers Know What Type of Visa Is Needed?

Along with having dedicated team members who can answer questions, Travel Visa Pro has a tool on its website that lets customers quickly search for the visa requirements for their intended trips.

All travelers have to do is enter their nationality and where they wish to travel.

• Short Answer: Travel Visa Pro's website quickly lets clients search what type of visa they need to obtain.

What Types of Visa Services Does Travel Visa Pro Provide?

While some countries allow tourists to get enter their borders with walk-in visas , many require visitors to apply far in advance for their travel visas. Travel Visa Pro helps customers apply for various types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, student visas, and expedited emergency visas.

Digital Nomads, people who work remotely while traveling , have lengthy visa application processes to navigate and should be aware of this and other particulars (there's a lot to know about digital nomads and the visa process; it's a new global initiative that came about from the pandemic, after all). The application process for these visas can be time-consuming and confusing, and Travel Visa Pro is committed to simplifying this process.

Its employees offer expert advice, assist clients in understanding the specific visa requirements for their intended destinations, and help with the application process. These services are especially useful for travelers wanting to visit countries that require an extensive visa application, such as China and India.

• Short Answer: Travel Visa Pro assists customers in applying for various types of visas.

What Is Travel Visa Pro's Concierge Service?

Concierge Service is a premium feature designed to simplify and expedite the passport and visa application process for Travel Visa Pro's customers.

With this service, clients are paired with Travel Visa Pro's dedicated Concierge Team, who provide personalized assistance and updates every step of the way. This includes completing application forms, collecting necessary documents, reviewing applications over the phone, and ensuring that clients receive the correct passports and/or visas promptly. It is meant to eliminate the guesswork and offers a hassle-free experience.

The Concierge Service fee is $199, and an additional $99 for each additional destination or service, excluding government fees and other associated costs. It's an ideal option for those seeking a seamless and hands-on approach to travel document procurement.

• Short Answer: Concierge Service is a premium service offered by Travel Visa Pro that connects customers to a dedicated team member who will answer questions and assist along every step of the application process.

Is Travel Visa Pro Worth It?

For travelers who are simply looking to renew their passport or apply for a standard tourist visa, Travel Visa Pro's services might not be worth it. On top of the standard $190 processing fee owed to the US government's passport agency, the company's fees mean customers will be charged $349.00 by Travel Visa Pro for a two-week processing time on their passport application. This service fee is $799.00 if an expedited two-day processing time is selected.

For expedited and more complex applications, such as applying for an expedited passport or business visa, Travel Visa Pro's services and fees can be necessary and well worth the money.

• Short Answer: Depends on how much help is needed.

How Do Travel Visa Pro's Notarization And Translation Services Work?

Travel Visa Pro offers Notarization and Translation Services that can be completed in standard and expedited time frames. Standard processing time is five to six days, while its rushed processing time can be completed in three to four days. For document notarization, they ensure customer documents meet legal requirements, adding an extra layer of authenticity.

Their translation services ensure all documents are accurately translated into the required language. Customers can expect professional handling of essential paperwork, reducing the risk of errors that could lead to application rejection. These services provide peace of mind, ensuring that all documents are correctly prepared.

• Available Language Translations To/From English: German, French, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Italian, and Spanish
• Most Commonly Translated Documents: Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Apostille Translations, Death Certificates, Patents, and Diplomas

Related: Tips For Getting Visas, Extending Visas, and Overstaying Around The World

Do Clients Still Need to Visit An Embassy Or Consulate If They Use Travel Visa Pro's Services?

Whether or not clients need to visit an embassy or consulate if they use Travel Visa Pro's services depends on the particular visa they require. Typically, clients do not need to visit an embassy or consulate when using Travel Visa Pro's services.

Travel Visa Pro serves as an intermediary between clients and the relevant government agencies or foreign embassies, streamlining the application process. They handle the paperwork, submission, and communication with authorities on behalf of the clients, reducing the need for in-person visits. However, there may be cases or specific visa requirements that necessitate an embassy or consulate visit, and Travel Visa Pro will provide guidance in such instances.

• Short Answer: It depends

Can Travel Visa Pro Help With Visa Services For Group Or Family Travel?

Travel Visa Pro can assist with visa services for group or family travel. They offer comprehensive support for multiple applicants, streamlining the visa and passport application process for groups traveling together. This includes expert guidance, document collection, and efficient submission.

Whether it's a family vacation, a business delegation, or a group educational trip, Travel Visa Pro can cater to the specific needs of travelers, ensuring that all members obtain the required travel documents conveniently and efficiently.

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Travel Visa Pro Review

Sunday, April 28th

2024 Travel Visa Service Reviews

• Travel Visa Pro
• Mostly offers tourist and business visas
• VIP and Executive Choice concierge service available
• Help available via phone, text, live chat, online form, or in person at one of 50+ USA office locations
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

If you want all of the features of a large agency with the one-on-one service of a boutique travel visa company, Travel Visa Pro is the right place for you. In business for over a decade, this service specializes in making travelers' lives easier with full-service in-person locations and simple online applications, support even on weekends and at night, and the kind of attention you'd expect from a world-class travel visa provider. You can also get passport services here, whether you need one for the first time or you're replacing a passport that's expired or stolen

Won't make you apply for something you don't need

Let's take a look at how Travel Visa Pro did with three countries we used for comparison across providers.

• With respect to Australia , who was requiring applicants to get tourist visas directly through a government website at the time of this evaluation, Travel Visa Pro didn't spell that out. But, in contrast with some rival visa platforms who let us go ahead and apply for... something... TVP said that we would need to reach out to them so that they could research our request, because the requirements weren't updated in their system. We would have liked to see a clear explanation of what was going on with Australian tourist visas, but this approach was good enough for us.
• Brazil was also a special case at the time of this evaluation: it wasn't requiring tourist visas for US passport holders, but those fees were scheduled to be reinstated in a few months. While Travel Visa Pro didn't have anything about the reinstatement date, it correctly indicated that we wouldn't need a visa for tourism of 90 days or less.

Excellent choice for Chinese travel visas

China was the third destination in our comparison, and we were pleased to see that TVP offered several travel visa types (employment, family visit, business, crew, tourist) - because the visa types for other countries here were more limited than some rival services. The information provided for travel to China was the most comprehensive we saw on any visa site, explaining everything from different visa types to document and photo requirements. Travel Visa Pro also gave us lots of options for processing time on our China visa: 16-30 days for a service fee of $499, 11-15 days for $999, and 5-10 days for $1,499. That's a big advantage over many rival services who were only offering 15-30 day processing at the time of this evaluation. We could also opt for concierge service for $199 (VIP) or $499 (Executive Choice): extras with those packages include overnight inbound and outbound delivery, photo printing, and so on. Those services are available as a la carte purchases if you prefer not to pay for a package, but the bundled services will always be a better deal.

Round-the-clock support

We appreciate that Travel Visa Pro makes it easy to get help, too. You can reach out via phone, email, text, or online form 24/7 - or you can even visit one of their in-person locations nationwide. That makes this an excellent choice for anyone who might want a little face-to-face reassurance that their travel visa application will be in good hands.

Travelers love this company

And yes, Travel Visa Pro really does live up to its promises. Everywhere you look, you'll find almost nothing but five-star reviews for this travel visa and passport service. Some of the phrases that jumped out at us include "TVP saved my trip and my sanity" , "reliable and extremely responsive" , and "I wish more companies were this good" . The Better Business Bureau agrees, giving Travel Visa Pro its accreditation and an "A+" rating.

Best for travelers who need extra support or quick processing

Travel Visa Pro comes in as a very close second to our #1 pick in the industry. TVP wasn't quite as clear on why certain countries weren't available for visa applications, and travelers who need visa types beyond tourism or business might not be able to apply here, depending on the destination. But, this company goes above and beyond most rival services with respect to customer service, especially with the ability to reach out to a rep 24/7. If you think you might need a little extra reassurance during your travel visa application process, or if you're in a tight situation time-wise, we strongly recommend that you get in touch with Travel Visa Pro.

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The 9 Best Travel Visa Services

What's the easiest way to get a travel visa.

Online travel visa providers have revolutionized the way individuals apply for visas when planning their international trips. These services offer a wide range of benefits that simplify and expedite the travel visa application process, making it more convenient and accessible than ever before.

One of the most significant advantages of using online travel visa providers is the convenience they offer. Traditionally, getting a travel visa required multiple visits to embassies or consulates, which could be time-consuming and inconvenient. With online travel visa providers, you can complete the entire application process from the comfort of your own homes or office. This eliminates the need for in-person visits and long waiting times, saving you valuable time and effort.

Travel Visa Service FAQ

What is a travel visa, which countries require me to have a visa, how much do travel visas cost, what do i need to apply for a travel visa, do i have to go in person to apply for a travel visa, why should i use a travel visa service, how much do travel visa services cost, how long will it take to get my travel visa approved and my passport back in hand.

Continued from above...

Expert guidance is another valuable benefit provided by online travel visa providers. These services often employ professionals who are well-versed in travel visa regulations and requirements. They can review documents, provide advice, and ensure that applications are accurate and complete. By having experts oversee the process, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your application is being handled by knowledgeable individuals that also help reduce the chances of errors or omissions that could lead to visa rejection.

Another hidden benefit of online visa providers is that they can increase the chances of visa approval. Due to their extensive knowledge and experience with visa regulations, these services understand the specific requirements of destination countries. They can provide valuable insights and advice on gathering the correct supporting documents and preparing applications that comply with the embassy's guidelines. This attention to detail significantly enhances the likelihood of obtaining a travel visa successfully.

Of course, you need to understand what a visa is and why you might need it for an upcoming trip. A travel visa is an official paper that a country's government gives you to let you enter and stay in their country. Common visa types include tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and work visas. Countries have different visa rules, depending on factors like the purpose of your visit, how long you plan to stay, and where you're from.

There are additional services that some online travel visa providers offer, that can enhance your overall travel experience. For instance, some platforms provide visa tracking services, which allow you to monitor the progress of your application. Additionally, some providers offer visa expediting services for urgent travel needs, ensuring that you receive your travel visa within a shorter timeframe.

So, which service should you choose to make it fast and easy to get your next travel visa? There are lots to choose from, and many of them seem pretty similar at first glance. But, if you're trying to narrow down the possibilities a little, here are some factors that might tip the scale towards one or the other:

• Ease of navigation. Getting a travel visa (especially on short notice) can be nerve-wracking. The best services are simple to use from the get-go, showing you exactly which countries require visas and what you can expect from the application process.
• Timeframe. How long does the visa service say it will take to get your application approved and your passport back into your hands? Can you get it expedited if you're supposed to travel in the near future?
• Fees. Governmental fees will be the same no matter where you apply for your visa, but check out how much the service charges to take care of the application for you. Pay close attention to shipping/delivery fees.
• Reputation. What do other travelers say about the travel visa service? Did they get their paperwork done on time? Would these clients use this service again?

If you're traveling to a country that requires a travel visa for entry, you can simplify your life by using one of the top-rated services in our rankings here at Top Consumer Reviews. We've done the work to show you the best of the best - and the worst of the worst - so that you can rest assured that your travel visa paperwork is in good hands. Enjoy your trip!

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Travel Visa Pro

based on 46 locations

About Travel Visa Pro

Travel Visa Pro has an average rating of 4.3 from 404 reviews. The rating indicates that most customers are generally satisfied. The official website is travelvisapro.com. Travel Visa Pro is popular for Passport & Visa Services, Travel Services, Hotels & Travel. Travel Visa Pro has 46 locations on Yelp across the US. Read below to see the top rated Travel Visa Pro businesses on Yelp and their customer service rating.

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Travel Visa Pro - Entry Visa and Passport Expediting Service

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

Travel Visa Pro provides professional expediting of all your travel visa and US passport needs. They can expedite your visa to China, Brazil, India, Russia, Vietnam and 200+ other countries.

Passport Services Offered

• New passport
• Passport Renewal
• Lost or Stolen Passport
• Lost of Stolen Passport
• Child Passport
• Name Change
• Second Passport

Travel Visa Pro Expediting Fees

Travel visa processing.

Visa expediting fees range from $39 to $99 depending on the country you wish to visit and the type of visa required.

Applications downloadable from site

Payment forms.

* By Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx). * PREFERRED METHOD: By Check/Money Order. Make checks payable to "TRAVEL VISA PRO" * By PayPal: Send payments to infoATTravelVisaPro.com

Contact Info

Website Travel Visa Pro

Telefone: +1-833-TVP-VISA(887-8472)

1055 W. 7th St, Suite 3338  Los Angeles, CA 90017 Local phone: 310-878-2590 email: laATtravelvisapro.com

More Information About TravelVisaPro.com

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Reviews 4.8.

2,484 total

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I had a great experience working with Travel Visa Pro.

I had a great experience working with Travel Visa Pro. The person that handled my case did a great job with communicating with me updates on my visa status. She was very courteous and helpful. I appreciated the personal touch of good customer service. Even the people who answered the phone initially were all very friendly. They were thorough with following through with my case until the end.

Date of experience : March 27, 2024

Ease of documentation

Ease of documentation, I had done it 4 months ago, having most on file already helped. Speed of response - I got my visa back approved in less than 2 weeks after the end of my last trip

Date of experience : March 28, 2024

Kian Torres was a rock star!!!

Kian Torres was a rock star!!!! He truly had me feel as though this was a white glove service, from start to finish’s he kept me updated, assured me when I felt unsure and anxious about the process. I will definitely be using this company again and requesting Kian, specifically!

Date of experience : March 18, 2024

Fast Passport!

Annalyn Castillo was great to work with, very knowledgeable and helpful. My passport arrived today, actually several days earlier than expected.

Date of experience : April 17, 2024

I am very happy with the service provided.

I am very happy with the service provided. Everything was done right and on time. Great communication. All my questions were answered. They contacted me by phone and email when there was some small issue. Everything was resolved quickly. I liked the website very much. It has all information, very detailed instructions, status of the request and very easy to navigate. Great. I was impressed. I would recommend the company to anyone.

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Expedite a passport for an international trip

We had an emergency need to get a passport renewed. I found Travel Visa Pro with an internet search and called them rather randomly. They quickly responded and walked me through the process for getting this done. They were professional and reassuring- we were pretty stressed out. The price was reasonable and the staff amazing. Knowledgeable and kind. I booked an expedited plan, sent off documents on a Monday and had the passport the next Monday. Delightful with the outcome and service. Highly recommended.

Date of experience : March 15, 2024

Getting our visa earlier than expected

Date of experience : April 19, 2024

I used travel pro to get my passport…

I used travel pro to get my passport renewed. I wasn’t in a significant rush but I was planning to travel in the next 2 months so I just got regular service which they charged around $280 for everything and to my surprise I got an email about two weeks later saying it was ready for pickup. I figured this may be a mistake from an automated email but when I called it was indeed ready. I’m so happy with their service. Another service provider said they would charge me $650 for the same service so I am very happy with my choice and now my company and my family will use Travel pro going forward for all our passport and visa needs.

Visa application went very smoothly

Visa application went very smoothly. I placed an order over the phone. Within 24 hours received an email from Kian. Kian was very helpful and responded quickly to questions. He made sure all of our documentation was in good order.

Best 1st time experience

I called Karen and she worked diligently with me to make sure everything was correct and walked me through each process and was very professional. I received confirmation of document receipt to the office and a preview of the completed passport via email. My passport arrived 4 days earlier than expected. Price was reasonable and the process was quick and smooth.

Date of experience : March 26, 2024

I was very please with the service

I was very please with the service. I was able to group my visa application with a friend so we could go through it together at the same time. Kian Torres was our assigned person and he was always quick to respond to my emails, answer phone calls, as well as return a phone calls. It was always within an hour or so! He made me feel important and because of this, I felt confident in the process. Thank you Kian!!!!!! 💕

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

They went out of their way to do a great job.

The customer experience was top notch. They were in constant communication to make sure everything was on track, to make sure I had the right documentation for the right steps, and to inform me options to complete the process efficiently. I would not be going on a last minute trip if it wasn't for them.

Travel visa pro is good

Travel visa pro is good. I always recommend it to others.

I needed my tourist visa in less than 2…

I needed my tourist visa in less than 2 weeks and Rita was so good that I got to fulfill my dreams in little time they are great and will b using them again yes I recommend this company to anyone

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Ellen has been wonderful to work with…

Ellen has been wonderful to work with getting my daughter’s passport. She is very knowledgeable in what was needed and how to complete them.

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

Anna was very helpful

Anna was very helpful. Received my before date I expected it.

Date of experience : April 16, 2024

Overall very happy with the outcome

Overall very happy with the outcome. However, there were multiple hiccups during my initial conversations and having an agent that was consistent. Basically spoke with a different agent EVERYTIME I tried contacting the assigned agent on my case. This was specifically for my 11 yr. Old son, so a minor. Therefore, there were a couple more hoops to jump through to make it a smooth process. Additionally, we only had a 14 day window to complete the whole process and they really came through in the end. Travel Visa Pro agency was able to help pinpoint several errors in my documents, which really helped ensure everything was up to par. There were no discrepancies when completing/filing the application w/ the government agency because Travel Visa Pro was thorough in preparing me/us in submitting the correct docs. Everyone was professional, and they made it happen within 7 days!! I would highly recommend using their services, and felt safe as they are a reputable company. Happy + safe travels to all!!

Date of experience : March 19, 2024

They are very knowledgeable and very…

They are very knowledgeable and very attentive. They keep us updated on the status.

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

Amazing experience with great team…

Amazing experience with great team members. Processing time was exactly within the window. Could not have asked for more

You can trust this company

The company contacted me quickly after receiving my packet as I had made a mistake on my form. And still received my passport back with my new visa in less than three weeks from my submission.

Date of experience : March 07, 2024

New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

Politics latest: MSP who could decide Humza Yousaf's fate appears to reveal price for her support

Scotland's first minister says he will fight a vote in his leadership and is "very confident" of winning. Listen to this week's episode of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast while you scroll through the latest updates.

Friday 26 April 2024 18:00, UK

• Yousaf tells Sky News he'll 'fight' vote of no-confidence and is optimistic of winning
• MSP who could decide his fate seems to have named price for her support
• Connor Gillies:  First minister must reset relations with very people he's burned bridges with
• Explained: How did we get here - and what happens next?
• Coming up on Sunday: PM sits down with Trevor Phillips
• Tap here to follow Electoral Dysfunction
• Sam Coates explains why the local elections matter
• Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

Rishi Sunak  sits down this Sunday with Trevor Phillips for a wide-ranging interview ahead of the local elections.

With the Rwanda bill becoming law this week and the PM announcing a commitment to increase defence spending, there's been plenty to talk about.

You can watch it in full from 8.30am on Sunday .

Trevor will also be joined by Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting .

Embattled Humza Yousaf has told Sky News he will not resign as Scotland's first minister.

Pressure has been building on  the SNP leader  after he tore up the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens - prompting a no-confidence motion in his leadership and a threatened knife-edge vote.

However, Mr Yousaf, on a visit to Dundee that was arranged at short notice after he pulled out of a speech in Glasgow, insisted he was getting on with the job and accused the opposition of "playing games".

He said he would be writing to the leaders of all Scottish political parties to seek talks on making a minority government work.

He told Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies : "I intend absolutely to fight that vote of no confidence, I've got every intention of winning that vote of no confidence.

"And let me say to the opposition for minority government to work in the interest of the people of Scotland also requires the opposition to act in good faith."

Humza Yousaf's future as first minister is hanging in the balance ahead of a motion of no confidence next week.

Now, as leader of a minority government, his fate may be hanging on just one vote - that of a former SNP leadership rival. 

We take a look at how:

The numbers

In the Scottish parliament, the SNP has 63 seats out of 129 , two short of an outright majority;

The Conservatives have  31;

Labour has 22;

The Greens have  seven;

The Liberal Democrats have four;

The Alba Party has one ;

There is also one presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who is both an MSP and Scotland's equivalent of the Commons speaker.

How the numbers are expected to fall

The motion of no confidence was brought by the Scottish Conservatives.

The Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems have all said they are backing the motion.

That would translate into 64 votes against the first minister versus 63 SNP votes.

So the one Alba vote is expected to be key.

How it may all come down to one ... Ash Regan

Once an SNP leadership rival to Mr Yousaf, Ash Regan defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party last October. 

If she backs Mr Yousaf then that would mean both sides have 64 votes.

Ms Johnstone would then be expected to vote in favour of the status quo, so the first minister would survive.

But if Ms Regan votes against Mr Yousaf, then the opposition parties will have 65 votes against the SNP's 63, and the first minister would lose.

He wouldn't be compelled to resign in this situation, but he'd be under huge pressure to step aside.

More to come

And remember, Scottish Labour have lodged a separate motion of no confidence in the Scottish government. 

Alba have said it won't back that motion.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf is battling to save his job as he faces a knife-edge no-confidence vote.

The SNP leader triggered a crisis at Holyrood after he dramatically brought the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens to an end.

The backlash has plunged Mr Yousaf's future into doubt, although party colleagues insist he will not resign.

How did we get here?

The Bute House Agreement - signed back in 2021 and named after the first minister's official residence in Edinburgh - brought the Green Party into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.

It gave the SNP a majority at Holyrood when the votes of its MSPs were combined with those of the seven Green members, and also made Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater junior ministers.

Without it, the SNP would need to have operated as a minority administration at Holyrood.

What caused the relationship to sour?

There had been mounting tensions between the largest party at Holyrood and their junior partners in government.

The Greens were angered at the SNP-led administration's recent decision to ditch a key climate change target.

That, combined with the decision to pause the prescription of new puberty blockers to under-18s at at Scotland's only gender clinic, resulted in the Greens announcing they would have a vote on the future of the power-sharing deal. 

Read more here:

The 2 May local elections will see more than 2,600 seats at stake across 107 English councils.

Labour's Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among the 10 mayors up for re-election.  

Those in Blackpool South will also be voting for their next MP after ex-Tory Scott Benton broke Commons lobbying rules, triggering a by-election.  

With the Conservatives lagging behind Labour in the polls, the outcome will offer some insight on how voters in England and Wales feel ahead of the general election.

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss why the elections are so important for the prime minister's future and where the key political backgrounds are.

By Daniel Dunford , senior data journalist

There might not be a general election just yet, but there are important votes that will define how the areas around us are run for the next four years. 

See what's happening where you are here:

With the local elections less than a week away, deputy political editor Sam Coates explains why they matter and what they might tell us about the upcoming general election.

Ash Regan - the MSP who could decide the future of Humza Yousaf - has appeared to name her price for her support in next week's no-confidence vote.

She has said, in a letter to Alba Party members, that investment in the Grangemouth refinery will be a key condition of her backing the first minister.

The refinery is currently due to shut as early as next year and move to being an import and export terminal.

Alba has launched a a campaign to sustain jobs at the refinery.

"A sign of good faith would be a significant government investment, reinforcing the campaign to save the Grangemouth refinery from closure," she says in her letter.

"I am requesting the undertaking to produce such an initiative in the early course.

"I am hopeful that the first minister will commit to such an initiative in the near future as a sign of our shared dedication to Scotland's welfare."

Ms Regan was once part of the SNP and ran in the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as leader last year, the contest Mr Yousaf won.

She defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party in October. 

The battle for a town that no one there wants.

Sky News is reporting from Grimsby in the run-up to the general election as one of its Target Towns - a key constituency prized by both Conservatives and Labour - Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

But it turns out that Grimsby doesn't really want them.

It hasn't always been a town doused in apathy. 

In 2016, 70% of people here voted to leave the EU - one of the highest results in the country - and in the 2019 election, the constituency turned Tory for the first time since the Second World War.

But five years on, polling by Sky News found that since then, the number of people saying they "almost never" trust the British government to place the needs of the nation above the interests of their own party has nearly doubled - from 26% to 49%.

It's a stark but bleak view. Voters described both leaders as uninspiring and uninteresting.

When asked what they make of the current prime minister, words like "weak" and "performative" were used. 

Voters couldn't make their minds up about the Labour leader, saying they were unsure about him or his policies.

The lack of a clear dividing line between the two parties could be a problem in the general election, especially as both parties have been trying to show a bit more leg this week ahead of a fully-fledged election campaign.

Labour has shown a hint of more radical policies, with their announcement on aiming to nationalise railways within five years. 

But have they waited a bit too long to impress the people of Grimsby?

The Conservatives ratified their Rwanda policy into law, but voters here weren't hugely enthused by that either, with one member of the audience tonight proclaiming they care much more about housing and the environment. 

They asked - why is the centre of political debate about Rwanda and a policy we don't really care about?

Apathy might override this election.

By  Jennifer Scott , political reporter

Voters in Grimsby - one of Sky News's election Target Towns - have been offering their views on politics, politicians and "broken promises".

The electoral battle in Grimsby and Cleethorpes,  the Target Towns , will be fierce. Labour will need an 11.7 point swing to win this newly-merged constituency back from the Conservatives.

In 2019, residents in Grimsby voted Tory for the first time since the end of the Second World War. The old Cleethorpes constituency was always more of a bellwether, having voted Conservative since 2010.

However, it has shed some of its rural, Conservative-voting residents in the merger.

Speaking on the  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge , small business owner Shannon said she might not vote in the next general election later this year as she "just can't trust anything anybody says".

She said she has felt this way since Brexit - something Grimsby was overwhelmingly in support of - because "we were promised 'x' and 'y' and it hasn't happened, so I'm just totally disengaged from it".

Asked whether local MPs on the panel - Conservative Lia Nici and Labour's Melanie Onn - could change her mind, Shannon said "possibly", but reiterated how let down local people feel.

"We're promised a lot, but it's never delivered," she said. "Talk of things happening... and then it doesn't happen and people are just fed up... have been told this is what we're going to get, but it doesn't actually happen. And that's why people have just lost faith."

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