Emirates has resumed flights to Bangkok today, September 1.

The Dubai airline is now operating daily passenger flights to the Thai capital from the UAE.

However, only a very limited number of people can actually travel on Emirates’s newly announced flights as the resumption of service comes after Thai authorities extended a ban on international flights to the country until September 30. Plus, Thai consulate in Dubai has said that Thai citizens cannot take these flights.

Fares from Dubai to Bangkok start from just Dh2,745 return, but before you go planning your next holiday you’ll have to check if you fit into the restricted list of passengers who are currently allowed to enter Thailand.

Who can travel to Thailand?

All nationalities, other than Thai, currently need a visa to enter the country, but tourist and transit visas are still not accepted. This means that thoughts of a last-minute summer trip to Thailand are currently out of the question.

Other than citizens, the country is open to foreigners that are a spouse, parent or child of a Thai national, or who hold permanent residency in the country.

For business travel, those who aren’t Thai can enter the country if they have a work permit, are on diplomatic or consular missions or are a representative of a government organisation.

Students can fly back into Thailand as can those travelling for medical reasons, along with up to three guardians. This does not apply to anyone seeking Covid-19 medical treatment. Airline flight crews are also allowed into Thailand.

Travellers who do meet these restrictions must first obtain permission from the Thai embassy in the UAE before travelling, as well as getting several other documents.

These include a certificate of entry, fit to fly documentation, a negative Covid-19 PCR test result and health insurance covering treatment for the virus of no less than $100,000 (Dh367,250).

Travellers also have to quarantine for 14 days and must book state-approved accommodation before they can book flights with any airline.

Thai citizens cannot currently fly on Emirates commercial flights

Thai citizens hoping to return to the country from the UAE can do so, but at the moment they cannot fly on Emirates flights. The Thai consulate in Dubai clarified this on its Facebook page.

“Emirates airline has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to operate commercial flights to Bangkok currently from the period of September 1 – October 24. However, the above-mentioned commercial flights are operating only for ‘non-Thai citizens’,” it said.

It also states that Thai citizens who are UAE residents must only travel to Thailand on approved flights organised by the Thai embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Thai consulate in Dubai. The next repatriation flight will depart Abu Dhabi on September 9, operated by Etihad.

Etihad is operating to Bangkok, but the national airline of the UAE confirmed to The National that these flights are not currently on general sale.

Thailand’s tourism minister was pushing for an October 1 reopening date for tourism, but authorities have said no further steps have been taken towards this. When travel does open, tourists are expected to have to quarantine and entry will be limited to those travelling from select countries.

Source: https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/emirates-resumes-flights-to-thailand-but-many-travellers-can-t-currently-go-1.1071165

Kenya’s travel and hospitality industry is slowly picking a month after resumption of international and domestic flights.

International airlines, among them Qatar Airways, KLM, Air France, British Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines have resumed flights to Nairobi, albeit with low frequencies as Covid-19 continues to limit global movement.

National carrier Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are also connecting the country to different destinations, with Ethiopian boosting connectivity to Mombasa with direct international flights.

Yesterday, hotels at the Coast, Nairobi and lodges inside parks reported average occupancy of between 25-40 per cent, majority being domestic tourists. 

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has recorded a number of international visitors mainly business travellers, according to officials, and Kenyans living abroad taking a break from Europe, the US, UAE and other African countries.

“We are starting to see international arrivals though the numbers are still low,” a ministry official, told the Star yesterday saying Tourism CS Najib Balala is expected to give an update in the next three to five days.

The lifting of cessation of movement into and out of Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera Counties by President Uhuru Kenyatta in July, that opened resumption of domestic flights on July 15, and SGR passenger services has also boosted domestic tourism.

The growing hotel business is from nill bookings between March-June when most facilities were shut over Covid-19.

Baobab Beach Resort reported 40 per cent occupancy on weekdays and 60-70 per cent over the weekends.

Baobab which runs three luxurious properties – The Baobab, The Maridadi, and Kole Kole, has also noted international inquiries for November and December into next year.

“Things are beginning to look up for us,” general manager Sylvester Mbandi told the Star.

Most hotels in Diani have re-opened, among them Neptune, Pinewood, Nomads, Lantana Galu, Diani Sea Lodge, Diani Resort, Swahili Beach, Diani Reef and Leopard Beach Resort.

“We have started receiving guests but occupancy is still low. The market feedback especially from Nairobi is positive, people want to travel and support recovery of the industry which we appreciate,” Joan Ndungu, residences manager-Leopard Beach Resort said.

The facility is averaging 30 per cent on occupancy.

In North Coast, PrideInn group of hotels reported occupancy of 30–40 per cent at its Shanzu Beach Resort, Mombasa, and 25-30 per cent at its Nairobi Pride Inn Azure hotel located at Westlands.

“August has been slow but climbing progressively. International inquiries are coming but quarantine measures for different countries are limiting travel,” managing director Hasnain Noorani told the Star.

“In Nairobi, business is mainly driven by conferences which is yet to pick up,” he added, calling on the government to support its institutions to hold conferences at hotels which will help in recovery.

Parks in the Tsavo and Amboseli circuits are currently attracting domestic tourists from Nairobi and Mombasa, according to the region’s Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC) chairman Willy Mwadilo.

Mwadilo who is also the general manager Salt Lick Safari Game Loddge and Taita Hills Safari Resort reported 30-40 per cent occupancy at his facilities.

He has called on Kenya Railways to allow SGR stops at Mtito Andei and Voi towns to support facilities in the parks.

“There is potential for business both for them and hotels in the Tsavo National Park,” Mwadilo said, noting the current express train is denying travellers an opportunity to visit the Tsavo.

KAHC national vice chairman Wasike Wasike said on average, most hotels are operating at a high of 30 per cent and the lowest are at between five and 10 per cent.

“There is some light at the end of the tunnel,” Wasike said in a telephone interview.

He said though the country and industry is open for business, the international market is yet to respond as expected.

International tour operators TUI and FTI Group have started planing for scheduled charter flights direct to Mombasa, said Wasike, with tourists from Germany expected in October-November at the beginning of winter.

Numbers are expected to remain low this year, with Tourism CS Najib Balala projecting international arrivals will fall by 90 per cent.

Based on last year’s 2, 048,833 total arrivals, the country is likely to miss out on about 1.8 million (1,843,949) international arrivals this year as a result of Covid-19, which has dampened the global travel and hospitality industry.

Earnings from the sector are expected to fall by 80 per cent, according to the CS.

This translates to Sh130.9 billion based on 2019 total industry revenues where the sector generated a total of Sh163.6 billion.

Between March and June, the country lost 50 per cent of total annual tourism earnings which is about Sh81.8 billion.

“We expected to earn almost Sh189 billion in 2020-21. Unfortunately from February till June, we lost Sh80 billion and now July and August we are still calculating, but definitely we have no international tourism,” Balala said at a recent event.

“We are concerned but it is beyond us. It (Covid-19) is an international pandemic,” Balala said.

Source:  https://www.the-star.co.ke/business/kenya/2020-09-02-flights-give-hope-to-tourism-hotels-at-30-occupancy/

Air France, Qatar Airways and United Airlines made international service restarts on Sept. 2 from Houston, meaning nearly two-thirds of the airlines that operated international service at Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Houston Hobby (HOU) airports prior to the COVID-19 pandemic have now returned.

“Houston has the most airlines providing service to Mexico [among markets in Texas],” Houston Airports said in a statement.

“Some airlines—[Mexico’s] VivaAerobus and Volaris—are even adding new service to select destinations they had not previously served from Houston.”Routes to thirteen airports in Mexico are now operating from Houston, and flights to 14 other Latin American and Caribbean cities are also available from the city. There are also eight intercontinental destinations being served by IAH: Amsterdam (AMS); Doha (DOH), Qatar; Dubai (DUB); Frankfurt (FRA); Istanbul (IST); Paris (CDG); Taipei (TPE), Taiwan; and Toronto (YYZ).

The following airlines have restarted international service to and from Houston: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Emirates, EVA Air, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, VivaAerobus and Volaris.

“We are an international city with an economy that thrives on global connectivity,” Houston mayor Sylvester Turner said. “These significant steps in restoring air service will help Houston begin to recover from the economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. I can assure you that this meaningful and significant restoration of international air service is being matched with a strong emphasis on safety.” 

Photo credit: Houston Airports

Source: https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/293524/air-france-qatar-airways-and-united-airlines-are-latest-to-restart-international-flights-from-houston/

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling on governments to work together to urgently find ways to re-establish global connectivity by re-opening borders and to continue with relief measures to sustain airlines during the COVID-19 crisis.

IATA’s call reflects deep industry frustration as government policies such as closed borders, travel restrictions and quarantines continue to annihilate travel demand. This was evident in a disappointing “peak (Northern Hemisphere) summer travel season” that saw minimal improvements compared to the May-June period, as four in five potential travelers stayed home, based on comparisons with the year-ago period.

• Total July 2020 traffic was 79.8% below 2019 levels
• International traffic in July 2020 was 91.9% below 2019 levels

“Protecting their citizens must be the top priority of governments. But too many governments are fighting a global pandemic in isolation with a view that closing borders is the only solution. It’s time for governments to work together to implement measures that will enable economic and social life to resume, while controlling the spread of the virus,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Specifically, IATA calls for governments to grasp the seriousness of the crisis facing the airline industry and its consequences for their citizens; and IATA urges governments to focus their attention on these key issues:

• Re-opening borders
• Continuing relief measures
• Global leadership

Re-Opening Borders 

The world remains largely closed to travel despite the availability of global protocols to enable the safe re-start of aviation (Take-off guidance) developed by governments through the leadership of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO). This guidance covers all aspects of the passenger journey and recommends sanitary measures to keep travelers safe and reduce the risk of importing infection.

“Airlines have been largely grounded for a half-year. And the situation is not improving. In fact, in many cases it is going in the wrong direction. We see governments replacing border closures with quarantine for air travelers. Neither will restore travel or jobs. Worse, governments are changing the entry requirements with little notice to travelers or coordination with their trading partners. This uncertainty destroys demand. Ten percent of the global economy is sustained by travel and tourism; governments need to do better to re-start it,” said de Juniac.

The prerequisite to open borders is the ICAO Take-off guidance. Additionally, IATA is proposing travel bubbles to mitigate risks between specific markets and foresees a much wider and strategic use of COVID-19 testing as technology improves accuracy, speed and scalability.

“No government wants to import COVID-19. Equally, no government should want to see the economic hardships and associated health impacts of mass unemployment. Successfully getting through this crisis requires careful risk-management with effective measures. If government policies focus on enabling a safe re-start, aviation is well-prepared to deliver. Risk-management is a well-developed discipline that airlines rely on to keep travel safe and secure,” said de Juniac.

IATA proposes a three-point action plan for governments to safely re-open borders as follows:

1. Implement the ICAO Take-off guidance universally.
2. Build on the solid work of ICAO Council’s Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) by developing an agreed common framework for states to use in coordinating the safe re-opening of their borders to aviation.
3. Develop COVID-19 testing measures that will enable the re-opening of borders by reducing the risk of COVID-19 importation to what is acceptable to public health authorities with accuracy, speed and scalability that also meet the exacting requirements for incorporation into the travel process.

“As a participant in the ICAO CART, IATA will work with governments, medical experts and testing manufacturers to accelerate proposals specifically focused on using COVID-19 testing to re-build confidence, re-open borders, re-start aviation, re-charge demand and restore jobs. There is much at stake and no time to lose,” said de Juniac.

Relief Measures

With the exception of some domestic markets there is little evidence of an early industry recovery. Airlines continue to lose billions of dollars and are facing difficult decisions to resize their operations and workforce for the future.

“Many airlines will not have the financial means to survive an indefinite shutdown that, for many, already exceeds a half-year. In these extraordinary times, governments will need to continue with financial and other relief measures to the greatest extent possible. It’s a solid investment in the recovery because each airline job saved supports 24 in the broader economy. And a functioning airline industry will be a critical enabler for economies to regain their full power,” said de Juniac.

IATA urges governments to focus relief measures in two areas:

• Financial Relief: Facing an industry loss of $84.3 billion this year, a 50% cut in revenues and high fixed costs for aircraft and labor, the financial viability of many airlines is in question. Government relief has been a critical lifeline. But what relief has been given is quickly running out. Government measures to provide additional financial buffers against failure will be critical, and these must not increase already ballooning debt levels.
• Regulatory Relief: The most urgent regulatory relief is a global waiver on the use-it-or-lose-it 80-20 slot rule. The severe uncertainty in the market means that airlines need the flexibility to adjust schedules to meet demand without the pressure of being penalized for not using allocated slots. Airlines cannot afford to fly empty planes when market demand drops. Similarly, they cannot pass up revenue when opportunities open up.

Many governments, including China, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand have granted waivers for the winter 2020 season (October 2020-March 2021) recognizing the severe constraints on planning schedules during this period of extreme disruption. Unfortunately, the European Commission (EC), which many governments look to for leadership on air transport policies, is under-estimating the severity of the crisis and dragging its feet:

• The EC has stated that traffic will be restored to between 75% and 85% of February 2020 levels (pre-COVID-19 in most markets) for the winter season. This is far more optimistic than industry scenarios.
• Moreover, the EC believes that granting a waiver in mid-October will give a sufficient window for airlines and airports to plan for what is already the most challenging time in aviation history. Given the extraordinary circumstances, over the last several weeks both airports and airlines have been calling for the governments to provide clarity as early as possible. Together with independent slot coordinators they have jointly agreed conditions to allow the EC to progress swiftly.

“The European Commission’s delay in granting a full-season waiver of the 80-20 slot rule for the Northern Hemisphere winter season is bad for everyone. Airlines and airports will scramble while consumer uncertainty will only increase. As the Commission returns from its summer activities, granting a full-season waiver should be at the top of the aviation priority list,” said de Juniac.

Global Leadership

“Governments have cooperated to set the guidelines for a safe re-start of aviation. But they have not cooperated to actually make a re-start happen. That’s why 90% of international flying has stopped. The demand is there. When borders open without quarantine, people fly. But there is too much uncertainty in how governments are managing the situation for passengers to re-build the confidence to travel.

In fact, what is killing aviation is the fact that governments are not managing the risks of opening borders. Instead, they are keeping global mobility effectively in lockdown. And if this continues, the damage to global connectivity could become irreparable which will generate its own severe consequences for economies and public health.

The global protocols for safely re-starting aviation are agreed and no industry is as experienced in successfully implementing global safety programs as aviation. But we need governments to take on the leadership to manage risks and adopt a mindset of not being defeated by this virus. Then, with testing, technology, science and determination we can re-open borders and get the world moving again,” said de Juniac.

Source: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2020-09-01-03/

Recent trends in international travel aren’t encouraging. Many places are either doubling down on lengthy quarantine requirements or reimposing restrictions as COVID-19 cases spike. Border closures and quarantine rules change frequently. Air traffic appears to have peaked in August, and it’s unclear what’s ahead for the aviation industry. On all fronts there is a great deal of uncertainty around the coming autumn and it looks as if international travel is still a long way off for many of us.

However, there are quite a few countries currently open to both tourism and business travel, many with no restrictions whatsoever. A number of them require either a negative test just before travel or upon arrival – but as long as visitors don’t test positive, no quarantine is necessary. With that in mind here’s a look at nine countries most people can travel to right now with minimal hassle – along with a note about their current infection trends.

Whether it’s responsible to travel the world right now remains a hotly debated topic, and the risk of testing positive and getting stuck somewhere for at least two weeks remains a significant one – but if you do decide to go, these countries won’t stop you.

Mexico

Entry requirements: none. While the land border between the US and Mexico remains closed, it’s still possible to fly into various Mexican cities from anywhere that has a flight operating. No testing or quarantine requirements are currently in place.

Current COVID-19 trend: not looking great. Current daily case numbers are slightly below their recent peak but remain high, as do daily deaths.

Turkey

Entry requirements: none. Normal entry requirements for Turkey apply, and no COVID-19 test or quarantine is necessary for visitors. However incoming passengers will likely be checked for symptoms, and those who seem ill may be given a test on arrival.

Current COVID-19 trend: not the best, not the worst. Turkey continues to see relatively high case numbers daily and the trend has been increasing slightly. However numbers are well below their peak in April.

French PolynesiaEntry requirements: proof of negative test. This “overseas collectivity” of France requires proof of a negative PCR test taken at most three days prior to arrival. Visitors then must administer a self-test four days after arrival. No quarantine is required.

Current COVID-19 trend: overall very low numbers, but rising recently. August saw a spike in cases. Numbers are low but the spike is notable because the country had almost none prior to that (the islands opened to tourism in mid-July). Still, total cases number just 573, with no deaths reported to date.

MaldivesEntry requirements: proof of negative test. From September 10 the Maldives will require travelers to arrive with proof of a negative PCR test. Otherwise, no special rules apply – though only certain islands and resorts are open.

Current COVID-19 trend: elevated infections. The Maldives hasn’t had a big outbreak at any point but its daily infections in recent days are among the highest it has seen during the pandemic. The country has recorded just 29 deaths.

UAE (Dubai)

Entry requirements: proof of negative test and/or a possible additional test on arrival with a self-quarantine at your hotel or other residence for around 24 hours until results come back. Some arrivals will not be tested on arrival and they will not need to self-quarantine at all. Arriving passengers must also download a special COVID-19 app. At the moment many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival but only when arriving in Dubai.

Current COVID-19 trend: trending slightly upward across the UAE, with some recent spikes. The UAE has recorded 71,540 cases in total but only 387 deaths. For now, they seem to be on top of the outbreaks that are occurring.

KenyaEntry requirements: proof of negative test. The test must have been conducted within 96 hours of arrival. Otherwise, Kenya is currently fairly relaxed at the border, and travel around the country is not restricted.

Current COVID-19 trend: fairly good. After a spike in July and August, daily case numbers have fallen and deaths remain relatively low. It’s interesting to note that Kenya restarted international flights to and from the country on August 1 and since then case numbers have steadily decreased. Kenya has had 34,493 cases in total.

Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia

Entry requirements: none (details for Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia). With the European Union’s external borders closed to most people residing outside, it may be interesting to note that this Balkan trio of countries is open to just about anyone with few requirements. Each is distinct, of course, but given that they lie next to each other and form a notable exception for ease of entry on the continent, it seemed reasonable to lump them together. The three could even theoretically be combined for a multi-country trip, a real rarity these days.

One small caveat: for those entering Serbia from North Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria, or Romania, a negative PCR test will be required. Otherwise just about everyone is free to enter with no testing or quarantine requirements.Current COVID-19 trend: mixed. Albania has seen a rise in cases lately but still has under 300 deaths. North Macedonia’s curve is looking fairly flat but is probably worth keeping an eye on. And Serbia saw a peak in July but numbers have gone down quite a bit in recent weeks.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/gabrielleigh/2020/09/02/9-countries-you-can-travel-to-right-now/#6899b546758c

Forbes Magazine has listed Kenya among 9 countries open for both tourism and business travel, citing ‘fairly good’ COVID-19 trend.

The country is listed among countries like Mexico, Turkey, Maldives, and Dubai.

Of the many considerations, the country is seen as a favourable choice of destination during the ongoing global pandemic due to its lenient entry requirements.

According to the Ministry of Health, foreigners only need proof of a COVID-19 negative test, with the test having been conducted at least within 96 hours of arrival.

The current drop in cases of infections has also placed the country in a favourable position.

“It’s interesting to note that Kenya restarted international flights to and from the country on August 1st and since then case numbers have steadily decreased,” reads the article by the Forbes Magazine published on Thursday.

By yesterday, Kenya had 34,493 coronavirus cases recorded since March, out of which 20,449 have recovered and 581 fatalities.

The tourism sector has been on its knees since March when the country witnessed a lockdown from the rest of the world.

Over time, President Uhuru Kenyatta has relaxed some of the stringent precautionary measures though a dusk to dawn curfew is still in effect.

Bars and night clubs have been given 30 days to come up with the regulatory measures to curb the spread of coronavirus among revelers.

Source: https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2020/09/kenya-listed-alongside-9-countries-open-for-tourism-and-business-travel/

Thai government plans to ease travel restrictions to welcome foreign tourists from low- risk countries in a bid to revive the local economy.

Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha said the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) would discuss which areas will be suitable to receive foreign tourists as well as related disease control measures.

It will begin with the limited number of arrivals. They will be screened from the origins to the destinations and will stay only in tourist zones, he said. To help the most economically affected tourist destinations, the government is looking at allowing foreign tourists to stay in those prepared areas as a ‘sand box’ model.

The return of tourists is necessary for revival of the economy. If the government does nothing, all premises will be shut down and employees will be laid off. The government needs to relax restrictions and implement suitable measures to handle it, he added.

Meanwhile, Public Health Ministry’s Division for Communicable Diseases, Sophon Iamsirithawon said Thai has had zero local transmissions for more than 90 days since May 25.

Easing restrictions to allow resumption of business activities went smoothly but strict disease control measures must remain in place, he said.

Tourism will be also resumed under restricted safety rules.

It is expected to start receive foreign tourists in October. Initially, it targets to allow tourists from low-risk countries who come to Thailand for medical purposes and tourism, he added. (TNA)

Source: https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thailand-prepares-to-receive-foreign-tourists-in-october-312559