US: President Trump Suspends Entry of Foreign Nationals from Seven Countries
President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order that reportedly suspends the entry of foreign nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen to the United States for a period of 90 days, or through April 27, 2017. The order also reportedly suspends a worldwide program that exempted certain visa renewal applicants from consular interviews.
Although the order has been signed and is in effect, the Administration has not yet released the final signed text. The following guidance is based on Fragomen’s analysis of a draft. The final published order may differ, and Fragomen will provide updates as necessary when it is released.
New Muscat airport construction to be completed by 2016
Construction of the new Muscat International Airport will be completed in 2016, according to Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications (MoTC).
However, the official launch date cannot be announced, as it takes between four to six months to start operating flights after the construction is finished.
Kuwait Airways to NY security stopover
Kuwait Airways announced on Friday that its weekly flight to the US John F Kennedy airport in New York will include a stopover at Ireland's Shannon Airport as part of extraordinary security precautions.
The flight programme has been changed as part of coordination between Kuwaiti and American authorities, aimed at providing maximum security and safety for passengers, reported the Kuwait News Agency (Kuna).
According to Kuwait Airways, the stopover at the Irish airport will not exceed two-and-a-half hours, added Kuna.
Egypt plans to build new airport terminal
State-run Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (Ehcaan) plans to establish a new terminal for Borg El Arab Airport, with a capacity of up to four million passengers a year, said a report.
The $150-million project is being funded by Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), reported Amwal Alghad.
The company plans to start work on the new terminal by July next year, it added.
Dubai: Udrive launches pay-as-you-go car rental in Dubai
Udrive, a Dubai-based concept, launched the pay-as-you-go car rental service in Dubai, UAE.
The cars can be booked and paid for via an app, offering Dubai’s most convenient and affordable car rental options, said a statement.
Once the driver has gone over four hours with the car, a flat day rate of Dh120 ($32.6) applies, and the driver can use the car for the remainder of the day, it said.
Dubai: Airports fees approved
Travelling with London Midland over the festive period
Thursday 24 December 2015 - Sunday 3 January 2016
During this time there will be some changes to train times across the network. It’s best to plan ahead if you don’t want to risk being left behind this Christmas.
Below is a guide that shows how the train timetable is affected. You can also view the changes if you download the 'Changes to Train Times' map.
Please use London Midland's Journey planner, free App on Android and IOS or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk before you travel.
In addition to the guide below please be aware that improvement works are taking place in the Stafford area, and buses will replace trains throughout this period, with changes to London – Crewe and Birmingham – Liverpool train services. Please visit www.londonmidland.com/stafford for more information and details about this.
Venezuela: Travel update
In 2015 there have been frequent protests in Caracas and other towns and cities across the country. Some have been in response to economic issues such as the high rate of inflation and shortages of goods in the shops. Others have been political protests. Protests about the political and economic situation are likely to continue, particularly in the run up to parliamentary elections on 6 December.
U.S.: State Department to discontinue option to add pages to U.S. passports
The State Department will no longer entertain requests to add pages to U.S. passports after December 31, 2015, according to an agency regulation published today. The discontinuance of this service, which is popular among frequent international travelers, will coincide with the January release of a new and highly securitized “Next Generation U.S. Passport.”
Concerned about your carbon footprint?
We're all trying to do our little bit to help the environment, but surprisingly little public information is available about the fuel efficiency, and therefore carbon intensity, of international flights.
To rectify this, the International Council on Clean Transportation has published a report that summarises the first public, transparent assessment of the fuel efficiency of the top 20 airlines operating non-stop transatlantic passenger flights linking Europe to the U.S. and Canada. The study combined the highest quality publicly available and commercial operations data with sophisticated aircraft fuel burn modelling to benchmark the fuel efficiency of carriers on a passenger kilometre basis.
Kosovo: Travel update
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to the municipalities of Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and to the northern part of the city of Mitrovica.
The last few weeks have seen an increasing number of protests in the centre of Pristina, some of which have turned violent. Protests are expected to continue. You should exercise caution and avoid large crowds or demonstrations.
The security situation in Kosovo remains calm but tense. There have been violent clashes in the north and incidents involving grenades and vehicle explosions in northern Mitrovica. Incidents in the south are rarer, but violent demonstrations have occurred in Pristina.
If you intend to enter Kosovo from Serbia using the border crossing Gates 1 and 31 (Leposavic and Zubin Potok) you should consider alternative routes.
Residual landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain in Kosovo, although all roads and tracks have been cleared.
Remember to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
Mongolia: Change to entry requirements
Until 31 December 2015 you can visit Mongolia for tourist and business purposes for 30 days without a visa. This is applicable to visits beginning before 31 December and extending into January.
From 1 January 2016 you ’ll need a visa to enter Mongolia. A Mongolian visit visa is usually valid for a stay of up to 30 days within six months from the date of issue. You can extend your visa up to 30 days once within six months. Full details can be found at Immigration of Mongolia.
Namibia: Travel update
France: Restrictive border controls implemented
Due to the recent terror attacks and related state of emergency, France has put strict border controls into place until at least December 13, 2015, at train stations, air and seaports. Travellers should expect increased security at entry checkpoints. Issuance of visas and immigration documents could be delayed or suspended at the discretion of the French government.
Egypt: Travel update
Regular flights to and from the UK to Sharm el Sheikh were suspended on 4 November. Special security measures are now in place to allow travellers already in Sharm el Sheikh to return to the UK by air safely. These extra measures will be in place up to and including Tuesday 17 November.
If you’re visiting Sharm el Sheikh now, you should contact your airline or travel company and make arrangements to leave by Tuesday 17 November at the latest.
If you choose to remain in Sharm el Sheikh after Tuesday 17 November, you’ll need to make your own arrangements for returning to the UK. This may involve having to travel with an airline to which extra security measures eg separate baggage flights, don’t apply. You should make your own decisions about the risk based on the information in our travel advice.
Greece: Travel update
Trade unions have called a nationwide strike on 12 November affecting schools, public transport and hospitals across Greece. All ferry ports will be closed and some flights within Greece will be affected. If you are planning to travel on 12 November, contact your airline, tour operator or ferry company for advice.
Singapore: Travel update
It’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places (eg beyond the premises of bars and restaurants) from 10.30pm to 7am and all day at weekends in certain areas. Offenders will be fined.
Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment, corporal punishment or the death penalty.
The offence of ‘outrage of modesty’ (molestation) can result in a fine, jail or corporal punishment. Scams involving false claims of molest are thought to exist.
Oman: Oman Air starts daily Dreamliner flights to Frankfurt
Oman Air, the sultanate's national carrier, will be flying daily to German city of Frankfurt on the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner from its hub in Muscat starting from tomorrow (October 25).
Oman Air’s CEO Paul Gregorowitsch said with this move Oman Air has become the only airline to offer direct, non-stop flights between Muscat and Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, London, Milan and Zurich.
“Frankfurt is one of Oman Air’s most important international destinations and we are delighted to offer customers on this route an early opportunity to experience our wonderful new Dreamliner aircraft.
Egypt: Opening of The Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo
The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, the iconic luxury hotel on the shores of the Nile, opened its doors to a new wave of global travellers to the historic city today. The landmark property, which reopened under the stewardship of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., will offer leisure and business travellers to the city an opulent retreat in the heart of Cairo that is rich in history and intuitive in service.
The grand opening of the iconic property, offers visitors from around the world a stately vantage point to witness the resurgence of one of the world's most famous historic destinations. "Cairo is a city that fuses the majesty of the past with the pulse of the present and the promise of the future," stated Herve Humler, President & C.O.O., The Ritz-Carlton.