Download Newsflash – NOVEMBER
New Zealand – Travellers to Unlock Electronic Devices
Visitors to New Zealand can be fined NZ$5,000 for refusing to provide passwords to unlock electronic devices and allow customs officials to examine them under a new law. It also gives customs officials authority to copy data found on searched devices.
SA Exprss Relaunch Another Domestic Flight
SA Express has announced its return service to two of its routes, Walvis Bay in Namibia and Hoedspruit in Mpumalanga. Both flights will be departing from Johannesburg.
UAE – Dubai Launches Facial Recongnition Tunnels
First and Business class travellers can board flights without passports via Dubai International Airport. Travellers only need to walk through a smart tunnel and look at the camera equipped with biometric recognition technology. Once cleared passengers can board the flight without waiting to get their passports stamped.The tunnel will work hand in hand with the smart gates equipped with latest face-recognition software that allow residents to use their Emirates ID or registered passports to get through without any encounter with passport control officers.
Hong Kong – Ban on e-Cigarettes
Hong Kong is banning alternative smoking devices Hong Kong joins at least 27 countries that have banned next-generation smokeless devices The products have come under fire. Hong Kong will impose a complete ban on e-cigarettes and other alternative smoking devices.
Air France to Reduce Economy Baggage Allowance
Air France, KLM and Joon will change their baggage policy for flights to and from South Africa to Europe in the economy cabin. Economy class passengers will now only be allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 23kg. The checked baggage allowance in premium economy, business class and first class are unchanged.
India – Zika Outbreak
India has recorded its biggest outbreak of Zika virus to date with 32 cases confirmed in Jaipur. The country’s health minister JP Nadda has deployed a seven-member team to Jaipur to continually monitor the situation and assist with control and containment operations. Mosquito samples from the area are being examined. Travellers are advised to take necessary precautions against mosquito bites.
DRC – Ebola Outbreak
The rate of Ebola outbreaks in Democratic Republic of Congo has more than doubled in the last month. Congo’s health ministry says there are now 179 confirmed cases including 104 deaths. The World Health Organisation recently said the risk of regional spread was “very high” as confirmed cases were reported close to the heavily travelled border of Uganda. This is DRC’s tenth Ebola outbreak but this is the first time the deadly virus has appeared in the far northeast. WHO plans to convene a meeting to discuss whether DRC’s latest Ebola outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Travellers are informed to take the necessary precautions while entering an Ebola affected area.
Visa Infomation
There are delays with obtaining appointments at all Schengen Embassies/Visa Application Centres. ITALIAN VISAS Please note that during peak season the 15-day required processing time for applications will strictly be enforced in Cape Town. Therefore visa applications for persons due to leave in less than 15 days from the date of submission of their appointment at Capago will not be accepted. Processing starts from date of appointment pending appointment availability.
Spanish Visas
Please note that during peak season the 15 working days required processing time for applications will strictly be enforced in Cape Town and Pretoria. Therefore visa applications for persons due to leave in less than 15 days from the date of submission of their application at the BLS Application centre will not be accepted. Processing starts from date of appointment pending appointment availability.
USA Visas
Due to high volumes of visa applications for the USA appointment system currently has a waiting period of 6-10 weeks to secure a date for submission. Please ensure all visas are applied for in time for your date of Travel.
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.
