Download Newsflash – JUNE
New Requirements for Hotel Check In
Remember to bring your identity document and present it upon check in at any hotel. This is to comply with the amended Immigra-tion Act 13 of 2002. It is now a legal requirement for all hotels to keep a detailed register containing details of all guests including a copy of their identity document/license.
Kruger Park Issues Malaria Warning
Recent heavy rains have increased the risk of Malaria in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Usually classified as a low-risk area the Park is now advising visitors to take the necessary precautionary measures against the Malaria. The Park is experiencing an increase in Malaria cases especially in the northern part of the Park.
Electronic Ban to Europe Rejected
US and EU officials have decided against a ban of laptops and tablets in cabin baggage on flights from Europe. Brussels to discuss the threats to aviation security other measures were still being considered. US officials had previously said they were looking into extending to Europe ban of electronics on flights from eight mostly Muslim countries. The measure was introduced over fears a bomb could be concealed in a device.
Ebola Outbreak in DRC
The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the DRC. At least one person has died after contracting the virus in the country’s northeast. The Congolese health ministry told WHO that it was a “lab-confirmed case” of Ebola. More than 11 000 people died in the Ebola outbreak in West Africa mainly in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Nairobi Cholera Outbreak
Kenya has issued an alert over a cholera outbreak in Nairobi after five cases of the disease were confirmed and three other suspected cases were being investigated. The disease came from travellers from the town of Vihiga in western Kenya who were in Nairobi for a wedding. Cholera is a fast-developing, highly contagious, water-borne illness that can spread in areas without clean drinking water and with poor sanitation. Nairobi’s county government has been criticized over sanitation. Travellers are advised to take extra precautions to avoid infection.
US Issues Travel Alert for Europe
The US State Department has issued a travel alert for Europe urging US citizens to be aware of a continued threat of terrorist attacks throughout the continent. The State Department cited recent incidents in France, Russia, Sweden and the UK as a catalyst for the alert. According to the department the alert has not been raised by a specific threat, but rather by the fact that the Islamic State and Al Qaeda have the ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Europe. This is especially in light of the upcoming summer holiday period coming up for US citizens. The latest alert is set to expire on the 1st of September malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, airports and other locations are all possible targets for attacks.
Bomb Explosion in Bangkok
There was an explosion inside Phra Mongkut military training hospital near the National Monument in Bangkok which caused a number of injuries. The incident comes just weeks after more than 50 people were injured in a double explosion at a shopping centre in Pattani, southern Thailand.
Nigeria Expedites Visa Applications
The Consulate General of Nigeria has announced that all categories of visas will now be processed within 48 hours. Previously standard visa applications took seven working days while express visas took two to three days to process. Visa applicants will also only pay the standard visa service fee and not the ‘Express Service Fee’, which was the higher fee imposed for express visa applications. Express visa applications were intended for emergency travel to Nigeria, however all visa applications will now be treated as urgent and be processed within 48 hours. Applications for all visas have to be made at Online Integrated Solutions centres and will then be sent to the relevant consulate for processing. The 48-hour processing time starts once the visa has arrived at the consulate.
Ethiopian Airlines to Fly to Jakarta
Ethiopian Airlines will launch its thrice-weekly service between Addis Ababa and Jakarta on the 2nd of June.
PLEASE CHECK GRAYSTON TRAVELS WEBSITE FOR HOLIDAY SPECIALS.
PLEASE NOTE:
All prices quoted are subject to change without prior notice, due to airfare increases and / or currency fluctuations and subject to availability.
