NEWSFLASH – OCTOBER 2019

Download Newsflash – OCTOBER

VISA Information

Australia Visa Applications
The Australian High Commission are now entering their peak season. The processing time for tourist applications is roughly +-1 calendar month. You can apply up to three months in advance.

USA Visa Appointments Delayed
Please note there is currently a delay in the availability of visa appointments for the USA.

Various Airlines have ban Apple Laptops

Apple recently announced a recall of 15-inch MacBook Pro models sold between September 2015 and February 2017 citing defective batteries that could overheat and pose a fire safety risk. As a result of this travellers will not be permitted to carry certain MacBook Pro models as checked or carry-on baggage when travelling on various airlines. Some of the airlines affected include Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airlines, Ethiad Airways and Emirates. Please contact your airline to confirm if you may be affected.

Portugal – War on Cigarette Butts

Portugal has introduced a strict law aimed at combatting smokers who throw cigarette butts on the ground in public. Fines of €25 (R407,00) to €250 (R4076,00) will be enforced against anyone caught dropping cigarette butts, cigars or other cigarettes containing tobacco products in public spaces. Restaurants and other establishments where recreational activities take place must have ashtrays for the disposal of cigarettes.

Europe/UK Confirms Flights to be Unchanged

Flights by UK airlines between the UK and the EU will still be able to operate until at least October 2020 following an extension of the deadline set by the European Commission. Previously legislation set this deadline as March 2020 but the extension means that travellers can book their travel further in advance in the confidence that flight schedules will not be affected.

Qantas International Carry on Bag Allowance

Qantas has increased the carry-on weight limit in first class, business class and premium economy on inter-national flights. Passengers are now able to bring a cabin bag weighing up to 10kg. The move brings Qantas’s international baggage policy in line with that of its domestic flights which may aid passengers travelling in the above classes connecting between domestic and international flights.

New Lounge at Brisban Airport

Virgin Australia and British airport lounge operator have opened a new lounge at Brisbane Airport’s International terminal .The lounge is free for all eligible Virgin Australia business-class passengers, Platinum and Gold members of the Velocity Frequent Flyer Programme as well as Virgin Australia lounge members travelling to New Zealand.

Jamaica State of Emergency

A state of emergency is in effect for Clarendon and St. Catherine Jamaica. The move is in response to high levels of violent crimes in both parishes.

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind South Africa will no longer be offering cub petting to the public with immediate effect. The reserve is refocusing its efforts on animal welfare.

Malaysia Air is Increasingly Unhealthy

The unrelenting hazy conditions in Malaysia have worsened that 40 areas in the country are firmly in the ‘unhealthy’ band according to the Department of Environment’s Air Pollution Index. One area has been classified ‘very unhealthy’ that four flights were cancelled at Ipoh Airport due to visibility being reduced to only 2km. The Health Ministry says that the number of haze-related illnesses like conjunctivitis, asthma, respiratory infection and rashes has increased by 40 percent in the past fortnight.

Ethiopian Airlines to Fly to Greece

Ethiopian Airlines has been granted fifth freedom rights to commence services to Athens, Greece from the 13th of December as a stopover on its flight to Domodedovo Moscow Airport.

Malaria – South East Asia

Malaria parasites resistant to key drugs have spread rapidly in South East Asia. The parasites have moved from Cambodia to Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, where half of patients are not being cured by first-choice drugs. The parasite’s DNA showed resistance to the two-drug combination (artemisinin and piperaquine) treatment.


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.

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