NEWSFLASH – SEPTEMBER 2017

Download Newsflash – SEPTEMBER

New Security Plan for OR Tambo

After a surge in crime incidents at OR Tambo a detailed integrated multi-disciplinary tactical security plan has been approved for the airport. A number of ACSA, SAPS and Gauteng Tourism Authority employees have been suspended amidst allegations of corruption and collusion with further suspensions and disciplinary procedures still possible. All staff working in the airport will also be vetted from this. A centralized and integrated control room will be constructed over the next few months additional EMDP officers will be deployed in routes to and from the airport precinct and CCTV cameras have been installed in strategic areas in and around the airport. The plan is not merely an intervention but a long-term implementable plan.

Kulula Changes Check –In Times

All kulula.com flights close 45 minutes prior to departure. Passengers are advised to make use of online check-in or the self-service kiosks at the airport and hand bags in at the drop-off counters.

Passport Applications Now Only at Live Capture Offices

Passport applications made in person can now only be made at Department of Home Affairs (DHA) live capture offices. This comes as the Minister of Home Affairs Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize recently announced the discontinuation of manual processing of passports as part of efforts to dramatically improve turnaround times. A live capture office captures applicants’ details including the verification of fingerprints and signatures digitally.

New Namibia Border Crossing Fees

The Namibia Tourism Board has announced that border crossing fees have increased. The new fees are as follows: R177 for motor cycles, motor tricycles, motor quadru-cycles, caravans and light trailers. R277 for motor cars single and double-cab vehicles, 2×4 and 4×4 vehicles and minibuses (fewer than 25 passengers). R579 for light goods vehicles and delivery vehicles (GVM < 3 500kg).

UK Transit Visas

There are two types of UK transit visas a direct airside transit visa and a visitor in transit visa. The direct airside transit visa costs £34 (R592) and a visitor in transit visa costs £62 (R1 079). There are various terms and conditions associated with each kind of transit visa.

Qatar Waivers Visa Requirements for 80 Countries

Qatar Airways announced visa waivers for over 80 countries including South Africa. Travellers wishing to visit Qatar will no longer need to pay or apply for a visa effective immediately. Instead travellers will be issued with a multi-entry waiver free of charge at their port of entry into Qatar. A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket must be presented. There will be two types of visa waivers. The first will be for 33 countries including Austria, Germany, France and Seychelles. The second, which will apply to South Africa, Canada, America, Australia and the United Kingdom, will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Thailand Warns About E-Cigarettes

Travellers heading to Thailand have been warned that they risk 10 years in prison for taking an e-cigarette into the country. Experts say as the ban on vaping introduced in the country in 2014 is little known, holidaymakers unaware might find themselves facing prosecution for using one and being fined or sent to jail. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has update its advice to remind travellers that they cannot bring vaporisers (like e-cigarettes and e-baraku) or refills into Thailand. These items are likely to be confiscated and those carrying them could be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years if convicted.

Proof of Identity Required for KNP Entrance

Effective of the 1st of September the Kruger National Park (KNP) will require guests who are 18 years and older to produce proof of identity to gain access to the park. The new system will assist with monitoring of people’s movement who enter and exit the Park. Visitors will still be required to go through their normal check-in or check-out at the gate, receptions before proceeding to the security scanning process where their passport or South African driver’s license will be scanned.

 


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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