- Menu
-
- Help & Support
- Contact Us
- Request a Quote (Legalisation)
- About Us
Leaving so soon?
Fill in the form below we'll send you our latest blog posts as soon as they're published, so you can keep up-to-date with the legalisation and travel situation across the globe.
What’s happening in 2020 – Get your visa sorted for the big events of the year!
The year ahead will be full of exciting events across the globe, including many large sporting events that are sure to attract thousands of visitors. After experiencing long waiting times for visa appointments and extended processing times for visas in busy periods in 2019, we're here to give you the heads up so you don't miss out on that special trip to the big events of 2020!

The year ahead will be full of exciting events across the globe, including many large sporting events that are sure to attract thousands of visitors. After experiencing long waiting times for visa appointments and extended processing times for visas in busy periods in 2019, we’re here to give you the heads up so you don’t miss out on that special trip to the big events of 2020!
CONTENTS
Sports fans will already be making plans for their trips, if they’re lucky enough to get tickets for some of the events happening in 2020. After securing tickets to the event, as well as booking a flight and some accommodation nearby, it’s important to consider any visa requirements.
These will differ dependent on your nationality, residency and destination. If there are several people in your party, check this information with each of them to ensure no one loses out at the last minute! If you’re taking a long haul flight, or transiting through another country to reduce travel costs, check the requirements here too. Most countries will allow you to transit through without any visa requirements but it’s not always the case. Some popular transit destinations, such as China, even allow you to apply for a short transit visa when you arrive, allowing you to explore further and add an extra experience to your trip!
Below are some of the main sporting events which are happening in 2020 so far.
Event | Date | Location |
Six Nations Rugby | February – March | UK, France, Italy, Ireland |
Formula One Grand Prix | March | Australia, Bahrain |
Formula One Grand Prix | April | Vietnam, China |
Formula One Grand Prix | May | Netherlands, Spain, Monaco |
Formula One Grand Prix | June | Azerbaijan, Canada, France |
UEFA Euro 2020 | June – July | 12 countries across Europe |
Formula One Grand Prix | July | Austria, UK |
Olympics Tokyo 2020 | July – August | Japan |
Formula One Grand Prix | August | Hungary, Belgium |
Formula One Grand Prix | September | Italy, Singapore, Russia |
Formula One Grand Prix | October | Japan, USA |
Formula One Grand Prix | November | Mexico, Brazil |
Formula One Grand Prix | December | Abu Dhabi |
Olympics Tokyo 2020
Tokyo is hosting the Summer Olympics in 2020. It will be just over two weeks of fun, excitement and competition, with many flocking to the city to watch this global event. The multi-sport event will take place from 24th July to 9th August in Japan’s capital. With 206 countries and over 11,000 expecting to take part in over 30 events, it is set to be the biggest sporting event of the year.
With its traditional culture and its love for technology, there are many more reasons to visit this colourful city than just the Olympics. From visiting a robot restaurant, exploring a Samurai Museum, to walking through a temple, there are many things to do and see in Tokyo.
While UK citizens do not need a visa to travel to Japan for up to 90 days, there are many citizens that do require a visa before they can travel to Japan. We would advise you to contact the Embassy of Japan to find the full requirements before you plan your trip to Japan. The Japanese Authorities have discussed releasing an e-visa for people going to Japan to watch the Olympics, however the full information about this e-visa has not been disclosed yet.
While Japan is both interesting and beautiful, there are many travellers that are using the Olympics as an opportunity to explore the diversity of Asia by visiting other countries nearby.
After you have enjoyed the excitement of the Olympics and had your fill of Japan, why not venture elsewhere in Asia? You could walk the Great Wall in China, learn yoga in Indonesia, Sail along Halong Bay in Vietnam or enjoy the many beaches in Thailand.
The visa requirements differ from country to country and some citizens can enjoy visa free travel for short stays in some of these countries. However, depending on the country, your citizenship and how long you wish to travel, you may be required to obtain a visa before you travel. For example, if you hold a UK passport, you can travel to Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. If you wish to stay for longer, you need to apply for a visa beforehand.
Formula One Grand Prix
The Grand Prix runs all year round and the races take place all over the world, kicking off in Australia in March and finishing up in the United Arab Emirates in November. 2020 is set to be one of the most spectacular events in the sport’s history, with the championship being held over 22 countries, which makes it the longest championship ever. Everyone will be on the edge of their seats to see if Lewis Hamilton will win his seventh championship, thus tying the legendary Michael Schumacher.
With many car enthusiasts wanting to be in the crowd of one of the most exciting sport events, it’s paramount to start planning your trip to the tracks. Visa-free travel is available to many of these countries, so the trip could be as simple as checking your luggage in and hopping on the plane.
For other countries, you will need to get authorisation before you travel, such as the United States ESTA and the Australia ETA. These are fairly straight forward and do not take that long to process, however simple mistakes on the application forms can lead to delays or even your travel authorisation being delayed. In the case of the United States, this can result in applicants having to attend an appointment at the US Embassy to apply for a full travel visa. This can potentially delay the process for a couple of months and cost you a lot more money! We do advise that you apply for the ESTA well in advance, to ensure that you get the authorisation to travel in time for the big race.
For other countries, you will need a full visa before you can travel. This includes China and Russia. Both countries are beautiful and full of rich culture, but getting there can be a bit tricky. For both Russia and China, you will need to attend the relevant visa centre in order to provide your biometrics, which is where they take a scan of your fingerprints and a photo of your face. You also need to present a range of documents and complete an online application form.
Citizens of some countries may be required to obtain a visa before they travel to European countries. For most of the continent, this is known as a Schengen visa, which covers all 26 countries in the Schengen Area. While this simplifies matters once the visa has been acquired, it can be very confusing when you are researching and applying for the visa! This is because there are strict rules on which country you should apply for, and each country has slightly different requirements. It can seem like walking through a maze as you try to understand the different requirements and procedures.
For each Schengen visa application, you will be required to attend an appointment at a visa centre. The Schengen visa centres can get really booked up, and we have seen over a month’s wait for some centres before. You can apply for a Schengen visa up to three months before your trip, so we would advise starting the process as soon as you can, particularly if you are travelling over the summer. You can read our full guide on this visa type and how to apply here.
What else is happening in 2020?
United States
The United States holds the most colourful and entertaining festivals. Each one is different, and every culture, trend and interest is catered for. There is truly something for everyone in America!
The festivals kick off in January with the Sundance Film Festival, held in Park City, Utah. Great minds and storytellers get together to showcase documentaries, features and short films. Running from 1985, this festival has grown and gained critical recognition and acclaim. It attracts audiences from across the global and some events over the week include panel discussions, live music events and award ceremonies.
In February, the crowds will arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana for the yearly celebration of Mardi Gras. This annual event brings in people from all of the globe, with its great music, massive parades and floats and colourful costumes. This festival should be on everyone’s bucket list! There is so much to do over this period, from dressing up in bright costumes, catching beads and doubloons thrown from the floats, listening to Jazz at a local club to trying the famous local cuisine such as jambalaya or beignets. It is definitely the place to be in February.
The next big event will be on the West Coast, to Indio, California. Thousands of people will gather for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festivals, which will be held over 2 weekends in April. With previous headliners such as Ariana Grande, Beyonce and Guns N’ Roses, this year is set to be just as spectacular. It is a time to relax, dance, sing and enjoy the amazing art installations, which contribute to making this festival so popular.
Superheroes, Jedi and princesses alike will assemble in San Diego, California for the annual San Diego Comic-Con International. The weekend is full of fun activities, such as cosplay, workshops, anime and film screenings, games and discussion panels. Every year there is a host of special guests and people come from all over the world to meet them. It is an event that brings together young and old to enjoy the things that bring them joy, including comic books, movies, TV shows and literature.
Even though there are many amazing events going on throughout the US in 2020, the final one we will discuss is the annual Burning Man, held in Black Rock Desert, Nevada in August. Tens of thousands of people will gather in the desert to create a temporary city dedicated to community and art. Attendees are encouraged to express themselves through their creative powers and to immerse themselves in the temporary society for 9 days. At the end of the event, a huge structure of a man is burned. It is a unique and special event which promotes self-love, self-reliance and participation.
So, you may have planned your tickets, flights, accommodation and costumes, but do not forget about the important visa! For 39 countries, this would be in the form the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which is a simple online form. You complete the form and within 72 hours, you will know if your application has been accepted or not. Then you just print it off and take it with you to the airport. Simple as that!
We would advise that you leave more than 72 hours to complete the application as the website may be down for maintenance or you may not be granted the ESTA for whatever reason. The application could be denied for many reasons, from a simple spelling mistake to you not being eligible for the visa waiver due to having a criminal background. If the application is denied, then you will need to apply for a full B2 tourist visa through the US Embassy. This process takes more time and involves a lot more steps.
You need to complete a long online form, provide more documents and attend an appointment at the US Embassy. We have known the wait for appointments at the Embassy to be more than 2 months before, so we would advise sorting out your visa as soon as possible. Once you have the ESTA, you have up to 2 years to use it, so applying for it a couple of months before you travel would mean that you have plenty of time to get a visa if something goes wrong. After all the planning and money that you have put into your trip, you don’t want to get caught out at the last step.
Remember, if you do not qualify for the ESTA, you will need to go through the Embassy, which can be a lengthy process. Don’t miss out on your trip!
Europe
If you’re in Europe, there are plenty of exciting things going on a little closer to home which you definitely don’t want to miss out on! A variety of European countries are boasting some superb sporting and entertainment events in 2020 which many fans will want to attend but, as mentioned above, getting an appointment at the relevant Visa Centre can be easier said than done.
Six Nations Rugby
If you are a big fan of rugby union, you’re likely looking forward to cheering on your favourite team in the Six Nations Championship, which pits the six highest-ranking teams in Europe against each other to determine the victor for the year. Some of the matches will take place in the UK as three of the stadiums are based there, in England, Scotland and Wales respectively.
If you’re wanting to travel in person to watch the matches in France and Italy and you require a Schengen Visa to enter these countries, you’re going to need to be quick. The Six Nations begins on the 1st of February, leaving only a couple of months to get your visa sorted. With no appointments for the French Visa Centre until mid-January and the appointments for the Italian Visa Centre booking up almost as quickly, you will need to begin the Visa process very soon to ensure you don’t miss the action!
The final country vying for the Six Nations trophy is Ireland, which is not part of the Schengen area. Therefore, if you require a Visa to travel there, it will be a dedicated Irish Visa you will need to apply for. There are both pros and cons to the Irish Visa application process in that you do not need to attend an appointment which is a bonus as you aren’t competing with other travellers trying to secure an early appointment. On the other hand, the process does take up to 4 weeks from the time of submission of your application so it’s another case of having to be quick in order to get the Visa issued in time.
UEFA Euro 2020
For football fans, the UEFA Euro 2020 is on the horizon; beginning on the 12th of June 2020, the event will see 20 teams fight to become the European football champions. The stadiums where the matches will be played are based in the following countries:
United Kingdom | Germany | Italy | Azerbaijan |
Hungary | The Netherlands | Denmark | Ireland |
Scotland | Spain | Romania | Russia |
Of the 12 host cities, half are in the Schengen area so, if you aren’t eligible to travel there without a Visa, you will need to ensure you leave plenty of time to book a suitable appointment. Remember that, once you have attended your appointment, it can take up to 15 working days for the Visa to be issued so it is a good idea to begin your application two to three months before you are due to travel. We advise not applying before this because you don’t want to risk your Visa expiring before you even set off!
One of the most interesting developments in regards to the Euro 2020 is Russia’s decision to offer Visa-Free entry into the country for the duration of matches hosted in Saint Petersburg. Normally, UK passport holders are required to obtain a Visa to travel to Russia so this removes the hassle of having to undertake the whole Visa process. To ensure you can take advantage of these Visa-Free conditions, you must have a FAN ID (compulsory for everyone attending a match at Saint Petersburg Stadium, including locals) and you can only apply for this once your tickets have been purchased. Even more exciting is that you will be able to enter Russia from the 30th May, which is two weeks before the first match even kicks off! You can then remain in Russia up to the 13 July 2020, ten days after the final match in Saint Petersburg has come to an end.
Eurovision Song Contest
It’s not just a big year for sport in Europe. Music fans can also rejoice as the Eurovision Song Contest comes to Rotterdam in The Netherlands in May 2020. The last time the country hosted the event was in 1980 so it is likely that many will want to travel to see the show in person, especially considering its close proximity to the UK in comparison with 2019’s host, Israel. As ever, the appointments for Schengen countries book up quickly as we approach the summer months so ensure you get your application completed in good time so you don’t risk missing the largest of the live music events of 2020!
Popular Topics
Other Topics
Stay up to date...
Sign up to our monthly round-up newsletter, where we will let you know about any news, exciting new services we can offer and other information we think you'll enjoy.
A Brief History of the Amazing Trans-Siberian Railway
Choo choo! All aboard. I’d type a whistle sound if I knew how. Phhhhwwwhhhhhp!! Something like that, anyway. Jump on, we’re going travelling down the history of the Trans-Siberian railway.
...An Easy Guide to: Visas and Visa Requirements For UK Citizens
Are you a bit confused by visas? I was too. Then I learnt all about them, realised they were actually pretty simple, and wrote this article to help explain them, ...
What visas do you need to travel the Trans-Siberian railway?
The Trans-Siberian railway has an old-worldly charm that makes it seem like a dream; read on as I help you make that dream a reality.
Travel updates from July 1st – Where you can travel abroad
Flights from the UK will expand in number and destinations from the beginning of July. With two of the largest European airlines resuming their flights from the 1st, as well ...
Lockdown – Has it put people off travel and relocation?
Being in lockdown has affected everyone differently. With many people working from home, some people furloughed and others still on the front line, everyone has had to adapt. As travel ...
Travel After COVID-19 – What Will It Be Like?
With travel currently highly restricted across the globe, many are wondering what state the industry will be in once the Coronavirus epidemic is hailed to be over. With most people ...
Getting a tourist visa for Egypt – Which type is right for you
Egypt is a popular tourist destination, with over 9 million people travelling there each year. With its ancient history and luxury resorts, it’s clear to see why. Whether you are ...
Planning A Cruise? Don’t Get Caught Out By Visa Requirements
Despite the UK having one of the strongest passports in the world, there are still countries which require a UK passport holder to obtain a pre-travel visa or travel authorisation ...
Christmas Travel – Are Your Documents Valid For Your Winter Break?
Christmas markets, festive theme parks, even a bit of winter sun! There are many reasons why travelling abroad in the holiday season is an enticing idea and there are many ...
Chinese Transit Visa – More Cities Ready To Be Explored
China’s G-Visa, the 144 hour transit visa, is about to see some great new destinations added to its list. As of December 1st 2019, the total number of cities and ...
How To Stop Your Last Minute Holiday Bookings Being A Washout
Last minute holiday bookings can be a great way to visit some great destinations for a fraction of the price; everyone loves to grab a bargain! But the terror of ...
Obtaining a Russian Visa for UK Citizens – Part 1 – Visa Types
If you need to know how to get a Russian Visa from the UK, firstly you’ll need to know which type to apply for. Russia offers several options with varying ...
Schengen Visa Guide Part 3 – How do you get a Schengen Visa Appointment ?
This is the third and final part of our Schengen Visa series. Many tourists choose to make the most of their trip to Europe by travelling to several countries in ...
Russian Visa – Why the process is about to get easier
Russia is the latest country to announce a review of its tourist and business visa policies. After enjoying a massive boost to its economy following the relaxing of Russian visa ...
The Chinese Visa Centre – Avoid Any Surprises With Our Guide
Getting a visa to travel to China can be a long and extremely complicated process. China requires UK citizens to attend Visa Centres in person before they can be issued, ...
Travel to Europe Post-Brexit – How much of a headache will it be?
With the political landscape currently in a state of deep uncertainty, one of the biggest worries for Brits is how this will affect their ability to travel within Europe post-Brexit. ...
Neom – Saudi’s Expat Capital of the Future?
In the first quarter of 2019, Saudi Arabia’s new mega-city named Neom, or “The Red Sea Project”, commenced construction. The vision of Saudi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this new ...
Business Visas – When Are They Required?
If you’re travelling for business, you’d think it’s a given that you’d require a business visa for the country you’re visiting. In reality, that depends on what you’ll be doing ...
Easing Travel Visa Restrictions – Which Countries Are Leading The Way?
Countries across the world are exploring how to open their doors more widely to tourism and international business. Making visa processes simpler and less expensive can be an important factor ...
Chinese Travel Visa – Do you really need one?
China is a popular transit hub with excellent transport links across the globe. This can be a great opportunity to take in some of China’s sights, if you’re able to ...
Moving to Spain after Brexit from the UK
Tired of the UK? Looking to move to sunny Spain? Don’t blame you. Read on to see how you can make it happen.
Spanish Non-Lucrative Visas From The UK – Ultimate Help Guide
Relocating to Spain can feel like a confusing process when you have so many documents to gather. Even if you’ve been living there for a while, changes in status due ...
Schengen Visa Guide Part 3 – How do you get a Schengen Visa Appointment ?
This is the third and final part of our Schengen Visa series. Many tourists choose to make the most of their trip to Europe by travelling to several countries in ...
Travel to Europe Post-Brexit – How much of a headache will it be?
With the political landscape currently in a state of deep uncertainty, one of the biggest worries for Brits is how this will affect their ability to travel within Europe post-Brexit. ...
Schengen Visa Application from UK – Part 2 Essential Information
The document requirements for Schengen Visa applications from the UK can be confusing, especially as each destination has their own unique guidelines as to what must be provided. Following on ...
Schengen Visa Guide Part 1 – What is it and who needs one?
What is a Schengen visa? The topic is both vast and complex. With this in mind, we have decided to create a series of blog posts on this topic to ...
A Brief History of the Amazing Trans-Siberian Railway
Choo choo! All aboard. I’d type a whistle sound if I knew how. Phhhhwwwhhhhhp!! Something like that, anyway. Jump on, we’re going travelling down the history of the Trans-Siberian railway.
...How To Get A Russian Visa In The UK – The Complete Guide
Applying for a Russian tourist or business visa from the UK can be a confusing process. With many documents required to apply, followed by a mandatory visit to a visa ...
Russian Visas for UK Citizens – Part 3 – Visiting the Application Centre
In our third and final part of our series on acquiring Russian Visas for UK Citizens, we look at the final stage of the processes once you’ve collected all of ...
Russian Visas for UK Citizens – Part 2 – Letters and Vouchers
If you’re looking to get travel to Russia, you’ll need to know about the paperwork involved in getting your visa. After Part 1 in our series where we looked at ...
Obtaining a Russian Visa for UK Citizens – Part 1 – Visa Types
If you need to know how to get a Russian Visa from the UK, firstly you’ll need to know which type to apply for. Russia offers several options with varying ...
Russian Visa – Why the process is about to get easier
Russia is the latest country to announce a review of its tourist and business visa policies. After enjoying a massive boost to its economy following the relaxing of Russian visa ...
Don’t lose access to the sites you love overseas – VPN for expats
VPNs are an essential piece of kit for expats. Here’s why!
Teaching English In China 2023 – Time To Stop Yearning And Make The Move
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most global relocation was on hold for almost 2 years. New restrictions on movement were put in place, more paperwork was required, things were tough. ...
China PU Letters 2022 : Latest Update On Requirements for Z-Visas
Big changes in China have made it easier for those looking to relocate there, as well as those wishing to be reunited with family on an Dependency Visa. Will this ...
Private tutoring sector in China fighting the cuts – by trying to avoid the rules
New legislation was introduced in China in June 2021, restricting the amount of hours and times during which private tutoring of children could take place. The restrictions have been met ...
Chinese Application Form For Legalisation- Complete Step By Step Guide
If you need to get your documents legalised for a job in China, you will need to complete the official application form. This can be confusing and is full of ...
Leaving a TEFL Job in China – Complete Guide on Doing it Right
Whether you’ve decided you’re leaving a TEFL job in China and returning home, or simply transferring to a different school, you’ll need to make sure your paperwork is in order. ...
Going to work in China – The latest on the situation
Although life in China is returning to something close to normal, the government continues to keep a close eye on who’s allowed to come into the country. And while most ...
Getting a PU Letter for China – Guide to Invitation Letters
With the Coronavirus pandemic causing so many travel restrictions globally, most countries are keen to keep movement across their borders to a minimum. Although China made quick progress in returning ...
All you need to know about legalising your TEFL for use overseas
Teaching English abroad with a TEFL qualification is becoming a popular option for many people who are looking to relocate. The chance to immerse yourself in the local culture through ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected for legalisation
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Teacher Retention Crisis
Retention is a challenge facing schools all over the world. From the UK to China, teachers are leaving their jobs in higher numbers than ever before. Why is the world ...
Getting A Job In China – Complete Guide To Paperwork
As a legalisation and visa company, we have extensive experience in helping clients with the paperwork required to obtain their dream jobs in China. We’ve been dealing with documentation for ...
Planning A Cruise? Don’t Get Caught Out By Visa Requirements
Despite the UK having one of the strongest passports in the world, there are still countries which require a UK passport holder to obtain a pre-travel visa or travel authorisation ...
The UK Legalisation Process for China Is Changing – New Costs Issued
As of the 8th of November 2019, the process for legalising UK documents for China has changed. There have also been increases in the costs levied by the Chinese authorities ...
Requirements for Teaching English Abroad
Teaching English as a Foreign Language, otherwise known as TEFL, is a great way to travel the world whilst also gaining teaching experience. Whether you would prefer to explore Europe, ...
Chinese Transit Visa – More Cities Ready To Be Explored
China’s G-Visa, the 144 hour transit visa, is about to see some great new destinations added to its list. As of December 1st 2019, the total number of cities and ...
English Teachers in China Being Exploited by Rogue Agencies and Schools
What began as a dream transformed slowly into a nightmare. Vanessa Wachtmeister had moved to China to work as an English teacher on the back of promises made by her ...
The Chinese Visa Centre – Avoid Any Surprises With Our Guide
Getting a visa to travel to China can be a long and extremely complicated process. China requires UK citizens to attend Visa Centres in person before they can be issued, ...
What Can Go Wrong With Chinese Legalisation?
In this final part in our Legalisation Fixers series, we are focusing on the complex process of Chinese document legalisation. As a destination with one of the most exacting list ...
Police Clearance Certificates – What Are The Different Types?
Some form of police clearance check is now mandatory for employment in most sectors, and for the majority of countries when working overseas. This is especially true for all applications ...