Any person from a country listed as having a high COVID-19 infection and transmission rate, who wish to undertake business travel into South Africa, may with effect from 01 October 2020, in writing, apply to the Minister of Home Affairs and demonstrate reasons for their request to enter the Republic for business purposes during the period of the national state of disaster.

Such applications must be directed to email Covid19BusinessTravel@dha.gov.za 

*updated 30 September 2020

Indications are over 600 000 people including 150 000 British citizens who are out on holiday and will need to be repatriated. Over 1 million flights and flight hotel packages booked have been booked for future travels.

In this instance, Thomas Cook is a member of ATOL – Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing – a UK Civil Aviation Authority scheme offering customers financial protection from a member tour operator. So, customers and tour partners are protected.

ATOL does have its limitations though. It is only required for UK travel and it only covers travel companies that offer packaged holidays and flights. If you buy directly from an airline or, if you book a flights-only trip or even a cruise, you may not be covered.

Thomas Cook is not alone in its woes, in recent years companies like Monarch, Primeria Air, WOW Air, XL Leisure Group, Niki Air and dozens more have filed for bankruptcy.

Flights and accommodations are not the only arguments for comprehensive travel insurance. Holiday-makers are often far more active; sightseeing, doing tours, trips, hikes and even adventure activities putting them at higher risk of accidents and injuries.

A holiday is all about relaxing and exploring and it is easy to let your guard down. Even in the safest cities, tourist hot spots are notorious for scammers, pickpocketers and credit-card skimmers.

So, b4i.travel has partnered with a global Travel Insurance provider, World Nomads to offer insurance cover against:

Adventure Activities

Designed to help you explore your boundaries

Medical Repatriation

I’m all banged up overseas. How do I get home?

Terrorism

How will you help if I get caught up in a terrorist attack?

Travel Accidents

I’m hurt. How do I get help?

Lost or Delayed Baggage

My gear has gone. How can you help?

Schengen Area – Multi-Country European Trip

I am heading to multiple European countries. Can you help?

Trip Cancellations

I need to cancel my trip. Am I covered?

Travel Health

Travel Insurance isn’t health insurance. Find out why. Book Travel Insurance with B4i.travel.

Death Overseas

How will you get my body home?

Stolen Credit Cards

Someone’s snatched my plastic. Can I get a replacement?

Natural Disasters

If disaster strikes, what if I’m injured or unable to travel?

Stolen Passports

Someone has stolen my passport. Help!

Delayed Baggage

Where did my bags go? Will insurance cover that?

Overseas Emergency Medical

I’m sick or injured overseas. How do I get help?

Overseas Emergency Dental

Ouch, my teeth hurt! Will my insurance cover the dentist’s bill?

Assault

How will you help me if I get attacked?

Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but things can and do happen. So be prepared. Not all travel insurance is equal. It is essential you understand what you are getting. For a hassle-free, obligation free quote, click here

Source:

https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/2533048/holiday-atol-protection-explained/

https://www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Consumers/About-ATOL/

https://www.aol.com/article/finance/2019/09/23/thomas-cook-collapses-why-and-what-happens-now/23817811/

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been “talking like a local” in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. We have partnered with some of the worlds biggest car rental, flight bookings, travel experiences and travel insurance companies. Getting you set up and ready to go – before you travel. It’s time to ‘Explore your world with us’.

1. The Tipping culture

Tipping your waiter is always required whether you’re in a taxi, at a bar or in a restaurant. It’s regarded as a token of appreciation if the service you received was hospitable.

2. The price on the label is not the final price!

Most things you’ll buy will exclude sales tax which is generally 10% extra in addition to the total cost. When in doubt, just take your phone out to calculate the exact amount you need to pay.  

3. Don’t underestimate the national parks

Forget the concrete jungle that you always see on TV. Make time and go visit the national parks scattered all across America. Some of them such as Yellow Stone National Park, The Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park & Zion National Park are the ones that you cannot miss.

4. Your ESTA Application

Don’t we all love some paperwork! If you’re arriving from a country under the Visa Waiver Program, you are subject to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) and obtain approval before coming to the USA.

5. Not everywhere is safe!

Like every country, there are some places that are unsecured and not guarded at all times. Try and get as much advice as you can from the friendly locals and assess your situation regularly. Wander often but wander safe.

6. Make sure to have your travel and health insurance sorted before you travel.

This is pretty much a step that’s imperative before you go to any country especially where its currency is the American dollar. Invest wisely and keep a printed document of your ID, Health insurance and your plane ticket with you at all times.

7. Turning right on a red light is rule-worthy.

Across the 50 states, drivers can take a right turn on a red light when it’s safe and if there’s no sign that forbids a right turn. So watch out when you’re driving or crossing the road.

Source article: https://www.travelanddestinations.com/things-to-know-before-visiting-the-usa/

B4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with B4I.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.