SAA’s new Pet Lounge facility at OR Tambo International Airport opened on October 1.

The lounge has been designed to ensure the safety and comfort of pets and SAA says it minimises environmental factors that cause distress in animals that are about to travel.

The cost of the service varies depending on the weight of the pet and its destination.

The service can be purchased through pet shipping agents or directly through SAA’s Reservations Office.

Read more here.

Travel agents should advise passengers at South African airports to be wary of and report incidents of extortion from trolley operators who demand large amounts of money for pushing passengers’ luggage. Acsa told eTNWthat incidents should be reported at the nearest iHelp desk or police station.

Gellé Ritchie, Africa safari expert at Live 4 Africa.com, says that recently two separate client groups, fell victim to the operators and paid between $70 (R980) and $100 (R1 400) to OR Tambo International Airport’s trolley staff for pushing their luggage. Both groups had to connect with domestic flights immediately after their international flight had landed and were approached by the trolley staff as soon as they had cleared customs. Gellé’s clients told her that the staff became “quite aggressive” when clients offered them anything less than the amount stipulated.

The Airport Security teams are co-operating fully with the airport-based government agencies entrusted with the management and/or removal of criminal elements, says Acsa.

Passengers are encouraged to use only airport-accredited porters when they require assistance. They are identifiable by the bright orange uniform that clearly states the porter’s name and operating number.

Travellers warned of terror threat in India

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued a warning to travellers to India following media reports of the terrorist group Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) possibly attacking targets in India.

The FCO has warned that there’s an increased threat to travellers visiting religious sites, markets and festival venues. It is advised that travellers remain vigilant at this time, monitor local media and take all precautions for their safety.

ALBANIA VISA NEWS – new cruise destination

Travellers’ can enter Albania without visa if you are :-

1. a) Foreign citizens who have a valid, multiple-entry Schengen visa, which has been previously used in one of the Schengen states, or foreign citizens who have a valid permit of stay in one of the Schengen states;
2. b) Foreign citizens who have a valid, multiple-entry US or UK visa, which has been previously used in the respective country of issuance, or have valid permit of stay in the US or UK

In a move that has shocked the industry, Botswana has introduced similar requirements for children travelling into and out of the country as South Africa.

Minors travelling through Botswana’s borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports effective from October 1, 2016, Botswana government said in a statement on Thursday.

Welcome to the Visa4UK service, you can apply for a UK visa using this service if you’re an applicant who is not currently in the UK.
Register for an account using the ‘Register an Account’ button below to begin your application.
We are currently updating our online visa application service. You may be able to apply using our new service for visit visa applications if you are applying for a:
– Standard Visitor Visa
– Marriage Visitor Visa
– 1 month Permitted Paid Engagements visa

CONTACT VISALOGIX TO ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR ONLINE UK APPLICATION & or CONSULTATION

Kindly note that from Monday 17th October 2016. The Consulate General of Nigeria will only accept CLEAR COLOURED COPIES of ALL documents submitted for visa application.

This communication was sent by the,
Customer Relations Office
OIS Services
For Nigerian Visa Processing

Canada visa Form – IMM5476 “Use of Representative”
Mandatory to complete with immediate effect

From the 11th of October 2016 Spanish visas will no longer be processed through the VFS application centre.
Visas can be lodged directly through the Spanish Embassy in Pretoria or Spanish Consulate in Cape Town.

Applicants who have existing appointments with the VFS application centre for Spain must please report at the appointment date and time to the Spanish Embassy in Pretoria – 337 Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn, Pretoria.
VISALOGIX are able to assist with the booking process for the appointment and offer a meet and greet service at the Embassy/Consular General offices of Spain or a preparation consultation.

Information from Immigration New Zealand (INZ), regarding visa status changes for South Africa

From 21 November 2016 the New Zealand Government is set to introduce visitor visa requirements for all South African nationals wishing to travel to New Zealand.

Currently, people from South Africa do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to New Zealand, with genuine visitors being granted a visitor visa on arrival. This means that from on or from the 21 November 2016 ALL South African nationals will need to obtain a visa before travelling to New Zealand.

For more information please visit the Immigration New Zealand website