NEWSFLASH – FEBRUARY 2016

Download Newsflash – FEBRUARY

ZIKA Virus Spreads

The Zika Virus, is a new virus the areas affected are: Barbados, Bolivia Brazil, Colombia Dominican, Republic Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guian, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana Haiti, Honduras Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, U.S. Virgin Islands, Venezuela, Samoa, Cape Verde. Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease is fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. There is no vaccine or medications that are available to prevent or treat Zika infections. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes.

British Ariways Operated By Comaire

Amended closure time for departing flights as of the 1 March 2016, all British Airways domestic and regional flights will close 45 minutes prior to departure and no longer 30 minutes as was previously the case. Customers are encouraged to check their flights status prior to travelling, as the closing time of their flight may be earlier than previously published.

Direct Abuja Route Takes Off

SAA’s inaugural flight from Johannesburg to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, took off on Tuesday. The national carrier already operates to Lagos. The non-stop flight will operate three times a week between Johannesburg and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja (ABV).

Chinese Currency To Be Introduced

The Chinese currency the Yuan is to be introduced into Zimbabwe. Allowing it to be used as public transactions in the country. The use of the Yuan will reportedly help the country to pay off its debt to China which stands at $40-million.

SAA Mulls Additional Security Following Theft Incidents

After three confirmed incidents of pilferage and theft on board flights between Johannesburg and Hong Kong, SAA cannot rule out the possibility of introducing additional measures and procedures in order to counteract the reoccurrence of such incidents. The incidents occurred within a short space of time on one route has therefore raised suspicion that a syndicate could be involved.

New Changes To USA Visa Rules Take Effect

The US implemented tighter travel rules in a bid to keep out potential terrorists. The new rules require certain travellers who normally do not require a visa to now obtain the document. The changes to the US visa waiver programme will require passport holders of the 38 visa waiver countries to get a visa to travel to the United States if they have been to Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria in the last five years or if they are dual-citizens of those countries and a visa waiver country. The new rules do not apply to diplomats or members of the military and US officials can offer waivers to some travellers who visited Iraq, Iran, Syria or Sudan because they work for aid groups as journalists or have other legitimate business travel. Please contact Grayston Travel to enquire about the 38 Countries.

New Electronic Passes For Port Elizabeth’s Attractions

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism is now offering an electronic NMB Pass to further enhance Port Elizabeth’s offerings with travellers at a more affordable rate. The Nelson Mandela Bay Pass is a smart card access card, which provides travellers with free and discounted admission to a large number of attractions and activities in Port Elizabeth. Attractions include museums, game reserves, scuba diving etc. Please contact Grayston Travel for further Information.