The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), is a new digital border control system for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area, replacing physical passport stamps with biometric data collection starting October 12, 2025. It aims to enhance security, streamline border crossings, and enforce stay limits by storing fingerprints and facial images securely for up to three years. Please read more about the process on this embedded link: EES
 
ETA required to enter & transit(connecting flights), the UK for travel effective January 8, 2025
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is already required for some nationalities, and the UK government is now expanding it to include all visa-exempt countries. 
 
Key Dates: 
  • November 27, 2024*: Citizens of 49 non-European countries (and their territories) which includes the US and Canada, can start applying for an ETA. They can use the ETA to travel to the UK from January 8, 2025. 
  • March 5, 2025*: Citizens of 35 European countries (and their territories) can apply for an ETA. They can travel to the UK using the ETA starting on April 2, 2025. 
For more information, please click here. 



 

Important: Purpose of Travel

 

Travel for business purposes on behalf of the Gates Foundation requires a business visa. Travelers who do not comply with this regulation put themselves and the Gates Foundation at risk for non-compliance with government regulations. Please be aware that some countries may offer visa issuance upon arrival (Visa on Arrival) or Electronic Visa (E-Visa); however, consular visas should always be obtained prior to travel whenever possible. Remember that we have a strict policy around the use of E-Visa and Visa on Arrival, which can be found on the BMGF Visa & Passport Site. Failure to secure visas before arriving at the destination will result in delays, being detained and refusal of entry by immigration authorities. Travelers who choose not to obtain visas in advance or choose to travel as a tourist despite doing Foundation business, do so at their own risk and places the foundation and its work in jeopardy.

In accordance with Foundation’s Guidelines, please use this link to upload documents containing PII data, such as images of your passport, completed visa applications, etc.

How to engage with the Seattle CIBT On-Site Team and CIBT On-line Resource:

 

Please utilize the On-Line Resource to understand visa requirements prior to contacting the onsite team. 

 

Whom to Contact:

 

To request support from the team to secure a visa, passport renewal or second passport, please use the following in-take form.

Email: [email protected]

 

When requesting assistance from the Visa team, you must let them know the following:

 

Traveler’s legal name:

Traveler’s nationality:

Traveler’s Destination:

Travel Dates:

Traveler’s Residence/Address:

 

For invitation letters, please use the template that is posted on the Global Visa SharePoint Site .

 

After Hours Support: 800 577-2428 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Central Time.  This number should only be used after 4:30 pm Central Time if immediate assistance is required.  Identify yourself as a Gates Foundation employee and reference account number gatesfoundation.