Welcome to Britain

BRITAIN is packed full of amazing experiences all year round and 2019 is going to be no exception. From sporting events to literary celebrations, from music festivals to new gallery openings, visitors to #Britain during 2019 are in for a cultural extravaganza.

There is reassurance from both the UK Government and the European Commission that flights will continue to operate between the UK and the EU after the 29 March 2019 regardless of the wider #Brexit negotiations.

EU nationals will be able to continue to travel on ID cards until at least 2021. The expectations is that visitors who are citizens of current EU Member States and who have a valid passport will still to be able to use e-gates to make entry quick and easy. Visitors who are citizens of current EU member states will continue to be able to travel without a visa. Please check the UK government website for the latest advice.


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Up in the air . . .

HAWAIIAN Airlines and JetBlue today announced an expanded codeshare agreement that allows travelers from dozens of cities, most of them in the eastern U.S., to easily connect to the Hawaiian Islands via Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) starting in April. 

A large number of Americans are using unsanctioned IDs to pass through airport security and board flights, according to survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by Wakefield Research for Acuant, a global provider of identity verification solutions.

Despite current security measures, 60 percent of Americans who have ever been to an airport report they have boarded a plane without proper identification. More than half (51 percent) passed through security using some form of ID that doesn't include a picture at all.

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Visa related reforms welcomed for South Africa

A number of visa-related reforms which will make it easier for tourists, business people and academia to come to South Africa have recently been announced.

“It was agreed by Cabinet that visa requirements should be simplified for China and India. On 1 October 2018, #SouthAfrica will therefore implement an agreement on simplification of visa requirements with China in order to attract larger numbers of tourists, business people and family members from this country.” stated Minister Hanekom, The Minister of Home Affairs.

He also announced that negotiations for Visa Waiver Agreements are being finalised with a number of countries. These are mainly in Africa and the Middle East and include Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tunisia, Saharawi-Arab Democratic Republic, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, State of Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Belarus, Georgia, and Cuba.

The move towards an e-visa system is at an advanced stage and it will be piloted in New Zealand by April 2019. This will significantly enhance efficiency in the issuing of visas to tourists and business people visiting South Africa. The New Zealand pilot will enable government to improve on any challenges so that it can be rolled out to other countries.

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Egypt introduce new e-visa service

THE Egyptian government have introduced a new e-visa service, whereby citizens from stated countries, including the UK, can now easily obtain an entry visa online.

The new service offers an alternative to applications upon arrival, or through the Egyptian consulate prior to travel.

Simplifying travel to the country and speeding up the process at border control, residents from 46 countries across Europe, Asia and Australasia can now apply for a visa through a simple online application form.



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It's all in the preparation

WHETHER you're taking your first international trip or you just need a refresher on how to prepare, OneTravel.com is sharing some tips to make sure travelers have fun, memorable, and safe global getaways this summer.

Purchase travel insurance: It's no secret that international trips are expensive. Purchasing insurance may ensure you're able to recuperate the cost of your trip in case something goes unexpectedly wrong. Though most travel insurance policies don't cover when a passenger arbitrarily cancels a trip, they do cover occurrences like sickness, injury, natural disaster, or terrorist incident. All travel insurance policies are different, so make sure you read what exactly is covered under your policy.

Let your bank know you're traveling: Identity security is a top priority these days, especially for financial institutions, so it's not unusual for a bank to freeze or cancel your credit or debit card if it sees unusual activity. To avoid being locked out of your accounts, give your bank a call before you leave to let them know when you'll be out of the country and what countries you'll be visiting.

Print hotel, car, or activity confirmations: Even if you are traveling with an international phone plan, it's a good idea to have your email confirmations printed out just in case. Printing them before you leave will also force you to review your reservations to make sure all of the booking information is correct.

Make copies of important documents: If you fall victim to theft, it is critical to have photocopies of your travel documents and other important items in your wallet. Having a copy of your passport helps with getting a replacement for your return trip. Photocopies of other items in your wallet will provide back-up identification and will remind you of any credit cards you need to cancel.

Study up on your destination: Whether you think so or not, you will likely stick out as a foreigner when you are traveling abroad. Before you leave, look at a map and try to get an idea of the layout of your destination city. It's also recommended to learn some of the basic customs and laws to make sure you are acting appropriately. To go the extra mile, learning key phrases in the local language is always appreciated by locals.

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Automated self-boarding technology to trial at Gatwick

GATWICK Airport has today announced the UK’s first trial of end-to-end biometrics – where personal data collected at the airport’s self-service bag drops will be recognised by new automated self-boarding gates - simplifying and speeding up the process for passengers and reducing the risk of human error.

The trial is being run in partnership with easyJet - Gatwick’s biggest airline - and the new self-boarding technology will identify each passenger and verify that their passport, face and boarding card all match – a process which takes less than 20 seconds.

The trial will be the first and most extensive of its kind in the UK and will run for at least three months so that around 10,000 passengers take part on the 43 Gatwick routes. 

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Best passport to have?

JAPAN has taken the top spot on the Henley Passport Index, now offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a record total of 189 destinations.

Following closely behind #Japan are Singapore and Germany in joint second place, with 188 destinations accessible without a prior visa.

Third place is shared by six countries: one Asian (South Korea) and the rest European (Finland, France, Italy, Spain, and Sweden).  The UK and US hold joint fourth place.

While Schengen Area countries have traditionally topped the index as a result of their open access to Europe, developed Asian nations have been able to secure equally high scores in recent years thanks to their strong international trade and diplomatic relations.

So far, 2018 has seen little to no activity in the European and North American visa-policy space, although American and British foreign policy continues to dominate headlines. By contrast, dozens of new immigration and border policies have been legislated by countries in Asia and the former Soviet Union in recent months, as well as in Africa and the Caribbean.

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State of the art arrivals at Dubai International

THE inauguration of the new experience at arrivals at Dubai International Airport coincided with UAE’s Month of Innovation. The roll out of the latest generation of Automated Border Control SmartGates has gone live this month as part of a transformation program which aims at offering passengers a state-of-the art Border Control experience as well as enhancing the immigration security process.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) from #Dubai awarded the challenge to Emaratech and partner Vision-Box. This ground-breaking project includes the development, delivery and maintenance of a new generation of multimodal biometric passenger flow solution comprising 122 #SmartGates, deployed across all three Dubai International Airport terminals.

The SmartGates are able to expedite passenger clearance at Dubai Airports’ borders, offering a speedy self-service transaction by way of multi-biometric verification, sustained by passport, Emirates ID and SmartGate cards authentication.

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On the runway . . .

TURNING up to the airport with an expired passport will be a thing of the past for Air New Zealand customers. The airline's mobile app is now able to scan and save passport information and send a timely reminder when it's time to renew.

Every month around 550 customers turn up to the airport with an expired passport, triggering a stressful situation for would be travellers.

Air New Zealand customers can now use their smartphone camera to capture and save their passport details. Not only will this streamline their check-in experience, it also triggers expiry reminders including providing handy click through links to renew New Zealand, Australian, British and American passports.

Currently around 10 percent of Air New Zealand customers type their passport details incorrectly as they check in online. By saving these to their profile, customers will enjoy a faster check in experience and rest easy in the knowledge that their travel document has been entered correctly.

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Qatar: most open country in the region

IN the past months, #Qatar has taken huge strides in implementing visa policies to facilitate visitor access to the country, resulting in Qatar now qualifying as the most open country in the region. It is now easier than ever before for visitors from nearly half of the world’s countries to discover the destination’s renowned hospitality, cultural heritage and natural treasures.

In August 2017, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI), Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways announced that nationals of 80 countries are now eligible for #visa-free entry, without requiring any prior applications or fee payments.

A recent addition also includes the Electronic Travel Authorisation System, available to visitors of all nationalities who hold valid residence permits or visas from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Schengen countries, or the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

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Congestion on arrival in Malaysia

CONCERNS about delays and congestion experienced by tourists at Malaysia’s airports and immigration counters are being addressed by Tourism Malaysia.

YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Siew Ka Wei, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia said, “We are aware of this congestion at the airports from the various comments made directly to us as well as from postings made in blogs, and we would like to give assurance that we are working collectively with the immigration department and airport authority to address the delay in processing the entry of visitors to Malaysia.”

He continued, “We look forward to a quick solution since the situation has become critical. The coming months are the peak holiday season for many markets. In addition, the 2017 SEA Games is just around the corner for which we are expecting to welcome some 15,000 athletes and officials to Malaysia along with their army of supporters,” he added.

He said, “Tourists usually get a first glimpse of a country at the airport. The first impression there counts and will affect the rest of their holiday and time spent in our country. Let’s work together to provide a smooth welcome at their arrival by ensuring a hassle-free entry at the airport and immigration counters.”

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Botswana Tourism Levy

AS of the 1st of June 2017 #Botswana Tourism will introduce a tourism levy of US$ 30 per person payable by all tourists, other than SADC Nationals, entering Botswana. When entering Botswana the US$ 30 is payable by cash or card and once a receipt is obtained you may proceed to immigration. 

The levy is payable at all ports of entry including airports and border posts.

The objective of the Levy is to raise funds for conservation and national tourism development in order to support the growth of the industry and broaden the tourism base, resultantly improving the lives of the people of Botswana.

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Freedom to travel

ON January 27, President #Trump signed an #ExecutiveOrder suspending immigrant and non-immigrant entry to the #USA for people from Libya, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for a period of 90 days (ie until 27 April 2017). 

Information from the FCO websites states a number of exclusions from the temporary measures such as those travelling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas.

The FCO has confirmed with the US government that British passport holders (regardless of country of birth or whether they hold another passport / nationality) aren’t affected by the Executive Order.

If you’re unsure whether you’re affected by these new measures, you should contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for advice.

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Picture Credit: Darron Birgenheier 28502132@N05/23679921353 Donald Trump via photopin

South Africa announces changes in visa requirements for New Zealand passport holders

NEW ZEALANDERS now require a visa in order to travel to South Africa and South African Tourism wishes to reassure all tourists that South Africa remains a welcoming destination, open to all tourists from across the world wishing to experience our unique and diverse tourism offering.

The revised visa requirements for New Zealand passport holders will only come into effect from 16 January 2017. 

If a traveller from New Zealand travels to #SouthAfrica before the 16th January 2017 and returns after that, that traveller does not need a #visa, therefore departing the Republic of South Africa after the 16th January 2017 will not pose a problem as there will be no requirement of a visa when departing.

visit www.dha.gov.za for more details.

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Check-in procedure change at Vic Falls Airport

SINCE the opening of the new Victoria Falls International Airport there have been changes to check in procedure. Historically drivers and guides were able to join guests in the check-in queue and assist them all the way to the counter and with their check-in. This is now no longer allowed and the drivers and guides have to leave the guests once they join the queue. This is for security reasons and to avoid congestion in the queues. After check-in, guests will be directed to the immigration section for security screening and immigration formalities. After passport control, guests will go through to the departure Lounges.  These are security regulations applied by the Civil Aviation Authority of #Zimbabwe, according to International guidelines and will not be compromised.

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Up in the air . . .

FOLLOWING a major overhaul of the security search area for departing passengers, Bristol Airport has unveiled plans to address congestion in arrivals.

The £2.3 million project will take the number of passport control points from the current ten to a total of 17 when it opens in spring next year, including ten of the latest ePassport gates which provide a safe, secure and speedy alternative to the conventional border control process.

As well as introducing new equipment, the work will enlarge the immigration hall which will be redesigned to create a more welcoming environment and streamline the border process for passengers.

These improvements build on upgrades to other arrivals areas delivered as part of the current £24 million west terminal extension, including enlarged meet and greet and baggage reclaim zones, and a new World Duty Free store for arriving passengers.

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Victoria Falls Airport and Kazangula Delays

WILD HORIZONS, Victoria Falls tour operators have issued travel advice to their arriving guests that long delays are currently being experienced at both, Victoria Falls Airport on arrival, and at the Kazungula border post.

The delays are brought about by the increase in the volume of traffic using these facilities in peak season. The new Victoria Falls Airport sky-bridge system does, however, ensure a comfortable transition from aircraft to airport and guests are now able to complete immigration formalities inside the new air-conditioned arrival hall.

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Picture Credit: 60397709@N06/17318864625 Vicky Falls via photopin.com

Getting into the US

US Global Entry Enrolment Centre to open in London – FOLLOWING the announcement in December last year that UK citizens are eligible to apply for Global Entry, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will open a Global Entry enrolment centre at the US. Embassy in London for 60 days beginning September 26.

The centre will be open Monday through Wednesday from 8am to 4.30pm on an appointment-only basis.

Global Entry streamlines the screening process at airports for trusted travellers, bypassing the traditional CBP inspection line and using an automated kiosk to expedite admission into the US. More than 8,800 UK passport holders are already enrolled in the programme.

UK citizens should start their application on GOV.UK www.gov.uk/apply-faster-entry-usa. Conditionally-approved applicants can begin scheduling interviews with a CBP Officer at the London location now through the Global Online Enrolment System (GOES) website. There is a £42 processing fee on the UK side and a $100 fee on the US side.

Once fully-enrolled in the programme, Global Entry membership is valid for five years and membership includes TSA* Pre-Check when travelling with participating airlines.

*Transportation Security Administration 

www.VisitTheUSA.com/www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

Dublin Airport unveils 51st & Green for US-bound travellers – DUBLIN AIRPORT now offers travellers to the US pre-clearance ease and enhanced comfort with the opening of a passenger lounge after US Pre-clearance in Terminal 2.

The lounge – named 51st & Green to reflect Irish-American connections – is available to passengers travelling with Aer Lingus, Delta Airlines, United, and American Airlines holding business class tickets and airline club cards. The lounge has seating for 180 people, a concierge service, shower rooms, and an entertainment area with sports channels.

A record one million passengers used Dublin Airport's US Preclearance facility in 2015.

www.VisitTheUSA.com
www.dublinairport.com

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Visitors to Turkey told to carry passports at all times

BRITISH holidaymakers in #Turkey are being advised to carry their passport and a printed copy of e-visas at all times.  

The UK government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice comes as Turkey’s president announced a three-month state of emergency following last week’s failed coup. 

The FCO said some dual nationals carrying green or grey passports might be questioned on leaving Turkey, but added that the state of emergency isn't expected to affect tourists. ‘Although security force activity may be visible from some resorts, coastal resorts don't appear to be significantly affected at present'. 

The state of emergency means the government will be able to enforce curfews, restrict or suspend rights and freedoms, have tighter control on the media, and greater powers of arrest.

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Vietnam extends UK visitor visa waiver

VIETNAM’S government is extending its visa exemption programme for UK passport holders for single-entry stays of up to 15 days, until June 30 next year.  

The extension of the visa exemption programme comes just after the introduction of #Vietnam Airlines’ daily non-stop services between London Heathrow and Vietnam. The change also applies to French, German, Spanish, and Italian nationals.

According to Vietnam’s general statistics office, 4.7 million people visited the country in the first six months of 2016, a 21.3 per cent increase on last year’s figures. Annual tourism revenues have risen by 22 percent to VND200 trillion (£6.8 billion).

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