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Month: September 2024

Monaco Life goes around the world: Rio de Janeiro

by: Niki Borisova
15/09/2024

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Monaco Life‘s Around the World series, where we embark on a global journey to uncover the hidden gems of some of the most captivating cities and destinations on the planet, starting with Rio de Janeiro, a city pulsating with vibrant culture, exhilarating nightlife and mouth-watering cuisine.  

From its top restaurants to the best places to unwind and soak in the breathtaking sights of Rio, let Monaco Life guide you through an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. 

A night out in Rio 

Time Out magazine recently named Rio de Janeiro as the best place in the world to party in 2024. 

The city’s current hotspot is Elena Horto, found in the upscale Jardim Botânico neighbourhood. This two-storey glass-walled mansion blends creative cuisine by Chef Itamar Araújo, which features dishes inspired by Asian flavours, with a world-class cocktail menu and top-flight DJ sets. It’s a place that attracts Brazil’s elite society, from football legends to famous singers and actors. To put it simply, this is the place to be seen, and reservations for Elena Horto are incredibly difficult to obtain as they’re only possible through locals who are known clients there or through exclusive concierge services. 

The highly exclusive upstairs bar in Elena Horto. Photo by Monaco Life

Another must-try spot is Eleninha, a more informal and accessible extension of Elena Horto that opened in February 2024. Eleninha provides an intimate setting, particularly on its balcony, which boasts views of Christ the Redeemer and the Botanical Gardens.  

For a more casual option, Bar Jobi is perfect. Opened in 1956, this iconic bar in Rio’s most expensive neighbourhood, Leblon, is a beloved spot for locals and tourists. Known for its Brahma draft beer, the bar balances tradition with modern flair. The menu features a variety of drinks, with plenty of takes on the caipirinha, the signature drink of Brazil. 

Also located in Leblon, Boteca Belmonte is a trendy bar with a laid-back vibe. During national football matches, it becomes a lively spot to enjoy the game. 

The sounds of Rio 

Music and dance are essential parts of the Brazilian way of life. To fully immerse yourself in Carioca nightlife, the Lapa neighbourhood is the place to be. Situated in the historic centre of downtown Rio, this neighbourhood is a world away from the polished beaches of Ipanema and Leblon, and its nightlife scene is legendary. 

Caipirinha and chill on the beaches of Leblon. Photo by Monaco Life

Once a district of crumbling mansions, Lapa has undergone significant gentrification, with many of its historic buildings now housing hip bars and vibrant nightclubs. Despite the changes, the area retains its authentic appeal, attracting both locals and an increasing number of international visitors. The district is most famous for its weekend street parties, which fill the area around the iconic Arcos da Lapa with crowds ready to dance into the early hours. 

Lapa’s nightlife caters to all tastes. Long-standing venues like Rio Scenarium offer a multi-floor experience of live samba and eclectic music, while newer hangouts like Leviano Bar reflect the area’s ongoing transformation. Lapa is also where Brazilian Funk, often referred to as Funk Carioca, can be witnessed. This dynamic dance style originates from Rio de Janeiro’s favelas and is a powerful form of expression, reflecting the social realities of urban Brazil while also serving as a symbol of identity for many young Brazilians. 

An increased police presence supervises the neighbourhood’s lively atmosphere, making it safer than in the past, but caution is still advised. 

Rio’s gastronomy 

Rio’s restaurants are in another league, with the freshest produce and impeccable service a given at almost every address.  

Reservations are uncommon in Rio—something that might take some visitors by surprise—so arriving close to the restaurant’s opening time is advisable to secure a table. On top of this, service times are non-existent, meaning that one group can sit at their table for the entire duration of the restaurant’s opening hours. 

Founded nearly 40 years ago by Italian restaurateur Miro Leopardi, Satyricon is a staple of high-end dining in Rio de Janeiro. Now run by his family, the restaurant specialises in classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes. The entrance features a display of fresh seafood, with platters offering combinations like oysters, king crab and shrimp. Monaco Life recommends the giant shrimp served in risotto with burrata and salmon roe. 

A member of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants club, the Mee restaurant in Copacabana Palace, the most famous hotel in Rio, is the city’s first pan-Asian restaurant. The Michelin-starred address, overseen by renowned Chef Ken Hom, offers an authentic Southeast Asian dining experience. The menu features a dedicated sushi bar with 16- or 19-course omakase options, a nine-course tasting menu and an à la carte selection with each dish’s origin marked by a flag illustration. 

A classic in the Leblon neighbourhood is a place called Sushi Leblon. This exclusive dining spot has been a top choice for high-quality Japanese cuisine for nearly four decades. Known for its blend of tradition and modern food trends, the restaurant features an intimate space with dark tones and wood décor. Monaco Life recommends the tuna tartare with egg yolk and black roe. The menu also includes a variety of sushi, sashimi and ‘combinados’ platters that feature a selection of the best dishes. 

For lunch, Aprazivel, located in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood, is well-worth a visit. A favourite spot of Madonna, this establishment feels like the jungle, perched on a cliff surrounded by palm trees and greenery, and offers a panoramic vista over Rio. Here, one can experience the true flavours of Brazil as dishes are made only with organic and biodynamic ingredients. Monaco Life suggests the free-range ‘galinhada caipira’, featuring flavourful chicken rice, plantains, Minas Gerais sausage, braised cabbage and pepper jelly with beans. 

The lunchtime hotspot of Aprazivel. Photo source: Facebook

The best restaurant for meat lovers would be Rubaiyat, which is suitable for lunch or dinner. The restaurant is situated in the Hipódromo de Gávea, adjacent to the botanical gardens, and offers stunning views of the horse-racing track and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. The large dining room features a counter with a glass window overlooking the churrasco grill.  

Tourist attractions 

One of the most iconic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer statue stands atop Corcovado Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Rio, but it can get quite crowded so beat the other tourists and head up there first thing in the morning.

Another prominent attraction, Sugarloaf Mountain, provides a breathtaking cityscape and Guanabara Bay vistas. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the summit for an unforgettable experience. 

Famous for their golden sands and lively atmosphere, the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are ideal spots for sunbathing, swimming and enjoying the local beachside bars and famous fitness zones. The best part? You can buy a fresh coconut to enjoy on the beach for only a dollar.  

The Jardim Botânico is a must-see. This peaceful haven is home to countless plant species, including rare and endangered plants and a wide variety of orchids, a staple plant in Brazil. The gardens provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. 

Jardim Botânico, a peaceful haven in a vibrant cityscape. Photo by Monaco Life

Accommodation 

The Belmond Copacabana Palace, a landmark in Rio de Janeiro, is renowned for its luxurious accommodations and timeless elegance. Situated on the iconic Copacabana Beach, the hotel offers stunning ocean views and a blend of classic and contemporary design. With its opulent rooms, fantastic dining options and world-class amenities, such include a rooftop pool and an exclusive spa, the Copacabana Palace remains a top choice for travellers seeking glamour and comfort in Rio.

Situated on Ipanema, the Fasano Hotel in Rio blends luxury and style. Set in a prime location, the hotel features a stunning pool with breathtaking views of the Two Brothers Mountain. Guests enjoy modern comforts, an excellent restaurant and generous amenities. 

For a more affordable alternative to Fasano and Copacabana Palace, the Janeiro Hotel in Leblon offers a fresh take on luxury with its chic, modern design and relaxed vibe. It features stylish rooms with stunning ocean views and a sleek pool area perfect for unwinding. 

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Main photo source: Agustin Diaz Gargiulo, Unsplash

Tennis: Monaco and Morocco face off in Davis Cup

by: Niki Borisova
14/09/2024

Monaco and Morocco will face off in the Davis Cup group stage, with fans able to catch the action live on beIN Sports.

The Davis Cup is back in action, and fans in Monaco and Morocco will be keenly watching the upcoming matches between the two nations on 14th and 15th September at the RTCMA club in Marrakech. The schedule includes two singles matches on the first day, followed by a doubles match and a singles match on the next.

Fans in Monaco can watch the game on the beIN Sports channel.

Monaco’s last Davis Cup match was against Paraguay on 3rd and 4th February in Asuncion, where they secured a 3-1 victory. Monaco is currently ranked 58th on 247 points.

For a detailed schedule of the Davis Cup Finals, click here. For more information about where to watch the match, click here.

UPDATE:

Monaco has advanced into Group 1 following a spectacular 0-4 victory against Morocco over the weekend. The win means that the Monegasque side will now compete in the 2025 World Group I Play-offs.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo credit: Direction de la Communication / Juliette Rapaire

Interview: Tech expert Svend Albertsen on the power and potential of artificial intelligence

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/09/2024

In this interview, we dive into the exciting world of artificial intelligence with computer expert Svend Albertsen, the founder of Albertsen Informatique and President of the Professional Chamber of Experts of Monaco.

Here, Svend breaks down the complexities of AI, from the basics to the cutting-edge developments shaping its future, while also tackling some of the ethical issues that come with this fast-evolving technology.

Whether you’re just starting out with AI or want to expand your knowledge, this conversation will shed light on how AI is impacting industries like finance and healthcare, what it means for everyone’s daily life and what the future holds for this game-changing field.

(This is a summarised version of the podcast interview with Svend Albertsen. To listen to the podcast, press play below.) 

Monaco Life: How would you describe AI to someone who’s just starting to learn about it?

Svend Albertsen: That’s a good question! To put it simply, artificial intelligence has one goal: to reproduce the way a human behaves—thinking, talking, understanding and reasoning. A famous figure, Alan Turing, developed a test in the 1950s known as the Turing Test. His idea was that if a human could not distinguish between talking to another human and a computer, then the computer was considered to possess artificial intelligence. Essentially, if you can’t tell the difference between a human with knowledge and a computer with knowledge, that’s AI.

What is the core difference between AI and traditional computer programs?

Traditional computer programs operate with predefined rules. The programmer sets instructions like, “If you do this, then do that.” There’s no learning involved in these systems. However, with AI, the computer is provided with vast amounts of data—whether it’s text, images or even video—and through a complex system, it learns. This concept of learning is different because while the computer isn’t truly understanding, it’s able to reproduce answers based on the data it has been trained on.

Could you explain a bit more about how AI learns and improves over time?

It’s a complicated topic, but I’ll simplify it. AI learns from massive amounts of data, which can include text, pictures, drawings, audio or videos. There are generally three major steps in learning. The first is unsupervised learning, where the AI is given a lot of data, but no labels. For example, we might give it images of tomatoes and carrots, but we don’t tell it which is which. The second step is supervised learning, where we label the images and teach the system to differentiate between them. Finally, there’s reinforcement learning, where the system receives feedback—positive or negative—based on its responses. It’s much more complex than that, but this is the general idea.

There are many different types of artificial intelligence. Image source: Unsplash

There are different types of AI. Could you break down the main ones and how they differ?

AI is often categorised into three main types. The first is Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), which is the AI we have today. It’s specialised to perform specific tasks. For example, an AI in a self-driving car can only drive the car—it can’t select music or recommend products like other AIs might.

The second type is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). We’re not there yet, but AGI would be on par with human intelligence. It could answer questions on various topics, reason and analyse just like a human. Some believe AGI might be achievable within a few years, while others think it’ll take longer.

The third type is Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI), which is an intelligence far beyond human capabilities. This concept is still speculative, and opinions vary on when or if we’ll ever reach ASI. It’s the stuff of science fiction, but some believe it could happen within decades, while others think it may never be realised.

We spoke a few months ago, and things have already changed dramatically. What recent developments in AI have caught your attention, and how are they shaping the future of this technology?

AI is evolving rapidly. In my 40 years in the tech industry, I’ve never seen anything move so fast. The most significant recent developments are in generative AI, like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. These systems are becoming almost human-like in how they interact. For example, a recent Turing Test with ChatGPT showed that we are there, and in some cases, it even performed better than real humans.

Generative AI is changing the way we approach creativity. It can write poems, create images, generate videos and even answer questions in a conversational manner. The new versions of these AIs, like GPT-4, can now engage in real-time conversations, detect emotions based on voice, and soon, they’ll even be able to interact with cameras, analysing images or videos in real time.

ChatGPT is one of the most well known AI apps today. Photo source: Unsplash

That’s incredible. Could you explain what generative AI is and how it’s impacting creative industries?

Generative AI is truly fascinating. It’s an AI that can create—whether it’s text, music, art or videos. Many people were amazed when ChatGPT was first released, expecting it to be limited to technical tasks. But instead, it showed immense creativity, composing songs, writing poems and summarising or editing text.

We also have AI tools for generating images, like DALL-E and others like MidJourney and Stable Diffusion, which are excellent at creating visuals. OpenAI has announced a video creation tool called Sora, which can generate short videos based on text prompts. The tool allows you to refine and adjust your video just by talking to the AI.

This makes content creation easier, faster and more accessible to everyone, which is revolutionary.

AI is impacting many industries, but what about non-creative sectors like finance or manufacturing?

AI is already benefiting nearly every industry. In finance, for instance, AI is used for fraud detection and automated trading. Many banks rely on AI to detect unusual patterns in transactions, like flagging your credit card if you make a purchase in an unfamiliar country.

In manufacturing, AI plays a significant role in robotics and automation. Predictive maintenance is also crucial, where AI systems can predict when machinery might need servicing, preventing costly breakdowns. Big companies like Amazon use AI to optimise their supply chains, ensuring efficiency in everything they do.

What about healthcare? How is AI being used there to improve diagnosis and treatment?

Healthcare stands to benefit greatly from AI. We already see AI systems analysing medical images like X-rays or MRIs to detect diseases, heart conditions or neurological disorders with greater accuracy than ever before. Predictive analytics can also anticipate future health problems based on current data, which could help in preventing diseases before they manifest.

AI is also speeding up drug discovery by allowing researchers to simulate millions of potential treatments in a fraction of the time. In remote healthcare, AI could diagnose patients without them needing to visit a doctor in person. Google’s AMIE project showed that AI-assisted diagnoses can sometimes outperform human doctors, which is both fascinating and a bit scary.

Waymo/Google self-driving car at the Computer History Museum. Mountain View, CA. June 2024. Photo source: Unsplash

Autonomous vehicles, robots, smart cities—AI is driving progress in all these areas. Can you tell us more about that?

It’s amazing, isn’t it? AI in autonomous vehicles has advanced object detection and decision-making processes, though accidents still happen, just like with human drivers. As AI technology improves, these accidents will decrease.

In robotics, we’re seeing humanoid robots that can walk and carry items, and in healthcare, robots may soon assist with tasks like taking blood samples. In smart cities, AI optimises traffic management, reducing congestion and improving energy efficiency. Public safety is another area where AI is used, with emergency services being automatically dispatched when accidents are detected.

AI is becoming a part of our everyday lives. What does this mean for the average consumer?

For consumers, AI is making life more personalised and convenient. We already see it in personalised product recommendations from companies like Amazon or in smart assistants like Siri and Alexa. AI is also behind smart products like thermostats that learn your habits, adjusting your home’s temperature based on your daily routine. 

It’s about making life easier, more comfortable and tailored to individual needs. However, there are still challenges, and things don’t always work perfectly yet, but we’re moving in the right direction.

As AI evolves, it raises ethical concerns, especially around privacy, bias and transparency. How do we address these issues?

Privacy is a big issue, particularly with data collection. Many companies make money by collecting and selling data. The phrase “If it’s free, you’re the product!” is quite relevant here. We need to be mindful of facial recognition technology, data security and potential identity theft.

Bias is another challenge. AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on, and if the data is biased, the AI’s decisions will be too. Transparency is key—companies should explain how their AI systems work and ensure fairness in their algorithms. And of course, regulation will play a critical role in making sure AI is used responsibly.

Deep fakes are becoming a major concern, especially after incidents like Donald Trump sharing the Taylor Swift deep fake. How can we combat that?

It’s a big challenge. We need to ensure that AI companies use diverse and representative data sets, implement bias detection tools and are transparent about how their systems produce results. The issue is that even the creators of AI don’t always fully understand how their systems work because they’re so complex. This is why we need interdisciplinary teams—ethicists, sociologists, legal experts—to balance out the impact of AI.

AI is becoming more integrated into critical infrastructure. How can we ensure that AI systems are secure and protected from misuse or hacking?

Security is crucial. We need robust cybersecurity measures like encryption, access controls and regular updates to ensure that AI systems aren’t hacked or misused. Companies need to employ security by design, meaning that security is considered at every stage of the AI’s development. Regulations will likely play a role here as well, ensuring that AI systems meet high-security standards.

AI robotics will soon become mainstream. Photo source: Unsplash

People are worried about AI replacing jobs. How do you see AI affecting the workforce, and what can we do to prepare for these changes?

This is one of the most critical topics. AI will undoubtedly transform many jobs, particularly those involving routine tasks. We’ll likely see augmented jobs, where workers are assisted by AI to be more efficient, and we’ll need upskilling programs to help people adapt to these changes.

There will also be new job opportunities in managing AI systems, but this won’t make up for the jobs lost. It’s important that we focus on education and retraining to prepare workers for the future.

What do you think will be the next big breakthrough in AI?

That’s hard to predict! AI is already making strides in healthcare, and I think we’ll see even more advancements there. The education system will need to adapt as AI becomes more integrated.

Other exciting developments include brain-computer interfaces, like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which could enhance human capabilities. Quantum computing is also on the horizon, which could revolutionise everything from cryptography to energy consumption. The possibilities are endless.

AI consumes a lot of energy. Where is all this power coming from, and how can AI address climate change?

AI does use a tremendous amount of energy. Some AI data centres are so large that they require the equivalent power of a nuclear plant to run. We’ll need to rely more on renewable energy sources like solar and wind to meet these demands.

That said, AI can also help optimise energy use through smart grids, sustainable agriculture and energy-efficient building management. It’s a double-edged sword, but with the right approach, AI can play a role in addressing climate change.

Finally, what advice would you give to policymakers and industry leaders about advancing AI responsibly?

First, it’s essential that AI systems are thoroughly checked to ensure they don’t produce harmful or manipulative outcomes. We also need to focus on mitigating job displacement by providing education and reskilling opportunities.

Policymakers must understand that AI isn’t just about replacing humans—it’s about determining how many humans will still be needed in various roles. And we need strict regulations, especially when it comes to military applications of AI, because while AI can be used for good, it also has the potential to be used for harm.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Main photo source: Unsplash

 

Podcast: Svend Albertsen talks AI, ethics, and the future of technology

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/09/2024

In this podcast, we sit down with Svend Albertsen, a leading expert in computer science and founder of Albertsen Informatique, to unravel the world of artificial intelligence. 

As a member of Monaco’s Professional Chamber of Experts, Svend offers a unique perspective on AI’s evolution, from its foundational concepts to the advanced technologies driving innovation today. 

Throughout the discussion, he also explores the ethical dilemmas posed by AI’s rapid development and its growing presence in sectors such as healthcare and finance. Whether you’re a novice or an enthusiast, this interview offers fresh insights into how AI is reshaping our future.

 

Read a summarised version of the interview below:

Interview: Tech expert Svend Albertsen on the power and potential of artificial intelligence

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Monaco’s Conseil National weighs in on SNCF plans to halt evening train services

by: Stephanie Horsman
13/09/2024

Monaco’s elected representatives, the Conseil National, have gone public with a statement deploring the SNCF’s handling of the incoming train line disruptions to the Principality, which will see all trains between 9pm and 6am cancelled on five nights per week for the next nine months. 

Earlier this month, the SNCF made the surprise announcement that all train services between Nice and Ventimiglia, and between the hours of 9pm and 6am, will be cancelled from Sunday through Thursday for the next nine months, starting from 15th September.

The Monaco Government responded promptly to the announcement, calling for an urgent meeting with railway heads to find a solution to the disruptions, which are likely to be substantial. This response has been approved by the Conseil National – the National Council in English – but the elected body has also gone further in its reaction to the news. 

See more: Monaco Government shocked at SNCF rail disruptions, calling the last-minute announcement “unacceptable”

“Following the government press release, which stated that it was ‘deeply shocked to read that the trains would no longer stop in Monaco’, the Conseil National deplores the lack of participation [by the SNCF in this matter] and notes with satisfaction the reaction of the Minister of State, who is requesting an emergency meeting with SNCF Réseau and the Région Sud,” reads a statement published by the Conseil National on social media on 12th September. “The Conseil National deplores the lack of consultation and demands the implementation of a replacement [travel] plan.” 

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF PLAN? 

Though the Conseil National says it appreciates the efforts made by the government, the post appears to question whether there was more prior knowledge about the plans than has been disclosed.

“First of all, the elected officials question the total absence of prior consultation between the government and its interlocutors at the SNCF and with the Région Sud,” says a spokesperson for the Conseil National. “According to SNCF Réseaux procedures, the planning of works that interrupt the traffic of a railway line takes place well in advance of the construction site, during which a consultation phase occurs, which is entirely absent in the current situation.” 

SUGGESTIONS 

The elected body has proposed a slew of solutions, including a complete review and revision of the plans, the implementation of a substitute transport system and the suspension of work during major event dates in Monaco. 

The situation will also be discussed by the Conseil’s President, Thomas Brezzo, with the mayors of nearby French municipalities at a future meeting. 

To read the statement in full, click here.

Read related:

Upgrades to local train lines to impact services between Nice and Ventimiglia for nine months

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo by Monaco Life

All European visitors will need an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2025

by: Stephanie Horsman
13/09/2024

The UK Government has confirmed the schedule for the rollout of its digital travel authorisation system, known as the Electronic Travel Authorisation or ETA, which is set to change the way in which tourists from the European Union and beyond enter British territory. Under the new rules, travellers from EU countries and other visa-exempt nations like Monaco will be required to apply for an ETA before entering the UK from April 2025.  

The ETA is part of the UK Government’s effort to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for visitors. According to the UK Home Office, the ETA will apply to all travellers who currently do not require a visa. 

The scheme already applies to a number of countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. As of 2nd April 2025, it will also apply to nations in the EU and EEA, as well as Monaco.  

FAST AND EASY ONLINE APPLICATION 

Visitors will need to apply online, providing personal and travel details in advance. Once granted, the ETA will be valid for multiple entries over a two-year period or until the applicant’s passport expires, making it similar to systems used by countries like the United States, with its ESTA system, and the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). 

This move comes in the context of the UK’s post-Brexit border management reforms. Until now, EU citizens could travel freely to the UK without any pre-approval. However, the new rules are designed to give the UK more control over who enters the country, ensuring that only those meeting entry requirements can cross its borders. The EU will implement a similar scheme this November. 

The ETA is intended to be a swift and straightforward process, with most applications expected to be approved within a few minutes or hours. 

“Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year,” says Seema Malhotra, the UK’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship. “The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhancing security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.” 

For tourists, this change means an increase in planning, as they will now need to apply for travel permission before arrival. While the UK government is working to ensure the system is user-friendly, there may still be concerns about how this impacts spontaneous travel, which was a hallmark of EU-UK relationships before Brexit. 

For more information on the ETA, click here.

Read related:

EU Entry/Exit System expected to be operational by November 2024

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo source: Belinda Fewings, Unsplash