Excelsior Travel & Tours

16/05/2024

We are at Ushguli, one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe

02/01/2024

"Morocco: Unveil the Tapestry of Tradition and Adventure!"

02/01/2024

"Discover Morocco: Where Ancient Charm Meets Modern Marvels!"

29/08/2023

Travelling ideas !

They ranked in the same list as Italian coastal towns and Hobbiton in New Zealand.

13/07/2023

New volcanic eruption in Iceland

After a series of thousands of earthquakes over the past weeks in the southwestern part of Iceland, another volcanic eruption was expected to happen very soon.

On Monday, 10 of July at 16:40 Icelandic time, a fissure eruption started very close to the Fagradalsfjall eruption site of 2021 and 2022.

The new eruption site is about 38 kilometers away from the capital Reykjavik, located in a remote and uninhabited part on Reykjanes Peninsula in the Southwest of Iceland. The current eruption doesn't show any threat to aviation, infrastructure or populated areas at this point of time

28/10/2022

G'day.

09/10/2021

https://fb.watch/8xUbaJ5uh2/

When borders reopening !! 🥰🥰🥰

22/11/2020

Lufthansa Group

Lufthansa Group airlines – Austrian, Lufthansa and SWISS will close its sales office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with effect from 31 December 2020.

07/07/2020

List of countries allowed to visit the United Kingdom, and list of countries not allowed

If you like to visit the United Kingdom you should better look at the list of countries allowed to do so without having to lock yourself into a hotel room for two weeks. The good news is if you are from any of the 14 British Overseas Territories you are exempt.

If you are from the United States, Canada, and much of Central or South America, Africa, the Middle East and most of Asia, Sweden Portugal, and Russia- you better postpone your trip until the U.K. will change policies based on COVID-19 virus threats.

Arrivals are exempt from quarantine if they arrive in England from:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Réunion, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, South Korea, Spain, St Barthélemy, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Vatican City, Vietnam.

01/07/2020

European passports dominate top ten list of world’s most powerful passports

According to the latest global mobility data, Europeans will benefit more than any other citizens worldwide in terms of restriction-free travel from 1st July onward, as the threat from COVID-19 begins to lift.

With the global pandemic essentially bringing global mobility to a grinding halt –international travel has changed beyond recognition- yet Europe now dominates the top 10 with the UK, Ireland, Switzerland and France all leading the way in terms of reopening international travel to the public and their citizens being able to enjoy visa-free travel to the greatest number of destinations.

The shifting sands of global mobility are ever-changing and over the past five years, this has largely been positive – with world openness growing year on year. However, the global health pandemic has thrown order into chaos, and the face of global travel has changed significantly – and will continue to do so as countries unlock their borders and passengers can board planes once more.

The data points to a near level playing field at the top of the rankings, with the number 1 ranked (Belgium) having access to just one more country without a pre-arranged visa than the 15th ranked (Norway).

The difference that separates the index’s top 15 nations is how many countries they can visit totally visa-free; whilst Belgium in first place can visit 81 countries without any visa requirements, Switzerland, despite being able to visit the same number of countries without a pre-arranged visa, can only access 77 countries visa free.

Below is the rankings of the 10 most powerful passports now, as the COVID-19 restrictions begin to gradually lift.

The mobility score [MS] is a measure used to track the number of countries which any nation has agreements with to allow visa unrestricted / visa on arrival travel (all figures adjusted for current COVID-19 restrictions).

Visa Free [VF] represents the number of countries which passport holders can visit totally visa free, with no need for a pre-arranged visa or a visa on arrival.

Rank Country Reopening Date MS VF
1 Belgium 1 July 113 81
2 Finland 1 August 113 80
3 Austria 1 July 113 80
4 Luxembourg 1 July 113 80
5 Spain 1 August 113 78
6 Ireland 1 July 113 78
7 UK 15 July 113 78
8 Switzerland 1 July 113 77
9 Sweden 1 July 112 80
10 Netherlands 1 July 112 80

29/06/2020

EU re-opens borders to visitors from 18 countries, US and Russia not on the list

According to diplomatic sources, EU Committee of Permanent Representatives yesterday approved a draft list of 18 countries, to whom the European Union’s borders will start re-opening on July 1.

The list includes Balkan states, Canada, China, South Korea and Japan. However, according to the sources, the consultations with China were still ongoing.

Russia and the United States were not included into the list, in line with epidemiological criteria.

The document is yet to be formally agreed by the Council of the European Union next week.

The list of countries that is currently being drafted by the EU will be reviewed regularly and will be expanded later.

Earlier, the European Commission called on all member states to reopen all domestic borders by June 15. Moreover, it recommended to give a go-ahead to gradual lifting of restrictions on foreign travel starting with July 1. At the same time, the EU regulations stipulate that it is up to national governments to make decisions on border-crossing and travel issues rather than EU bodies.

26/06/2020

Honeymoon destinations re-opening as COVID-19 travel restrictions end

As the airlines begin operations again, loved-up holiday makers are now on the lookout for that perfect place to celebrate weddings that took place COVID-19 pre-lockdown.

With major honeymoon hotspots like St Lucia already accepting visitors and many more, such as the Maldives and Barbados, all expected to reopen for international travel in the coming weeks – interest is again on the rise to find out exactly when long-awaited trips abroad might be able to go ahead.

Below is the list of top 10 list of honeymoon destinations worldwide and when they are opening their doors to tourists again.

The ‘openness score’ is a measure used for demonstrating how “open” a country is to visitors – in terms of allowing visa-free travel.

Bora Bora

Openness score – 43

Reopening date – 15 July

Sri Lanka

Openness score – 1

Reopening date – 1 August

Bahamas

Openness score – 0

Reopening date – 1 July

Barbados

Openness score – 137

Reopening date – 1 July

Bali, Indonesia

Openness score – 0

Reopening date – 10 July

Mauritius

Openness score – 0

Reopening date – TBA

Maldives

Openness score – 1

Reopening date – 1 July

Cartagena, Colombia

Openness score – 0

Reopening date – 1 July

Antigua and Barbuda

Openness score – 112

Reopening date – 4 June

St Lucia

Openness score – 143

Reopening date – 4 June

Some of these honeymoon destinations also offer unique long-term benefits for those wishing to apply for second citizenships:

Saint Lucia – Apply for citizenship by investing 250k in a special Covid-19 Relief Bond and get your money back after 5 years.

Antigua and Barbuda – Apply for citizenship by investing min 100k (NDF donation).

In both cases, these islands offer the following benefits:

Remote, safer haven than overpopulated urban centres

Well developed and stable economies

Picturesque, welcoming, friendly

Accessible and well connected

Increased global mobility.

Only for St Lucia:

Minus admin fees, Saint Lucia offers their citizenship for free (after 5 years, they get their investment back) making it the best and most cost-effective option on the market right now.

22/06/2020

Japan takes gradual steps towards reopening borders

Malaysia がんばれ (Ganbare) 💪💪💪

Japan removed all coronavirus-related restrictions on domestic travel last Friday 19 June, with people now able to sight-see, attend concerts and other events as the country seeks to bounce back from a pandemic recession.

The latest easing also marked the end of a government advisory for people to stay put in infected prefectures or avoid travelling to them, a move that is expected to bring relief to hotels, resorts and areas that rely heavily on tourism.

Gatherings of up to 1,000 people at indoor and outdoor events are now permitted.

Meanwhile, Japan will also begin to ease restrictions on business travel, starting with countries which have the coronavirus pandemic under control.

Japan Times reported that the government will seek to advance discussions with Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand, the first batch of countries from which Japan plans to accept visitors.

Travel restrictions on Thailand and Vietnam are likely to be eased ahead of Australia and New Zealand, as the latter two countries are prioritising the resumption of travel across the Tasman Sea, the report quoted Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi as saying.

Under the plan, foreign business travellers from the permitted countries are required to test negative for the polymerase chain reaction tests before and after arriving in Japan. They will also have to save their GPS data on their smartphones to enable contact tracing.

After coming to Japan, they will be banned from using public transport, and their travel will be limited in principle to between their workplaces and the facilities where they are staying, according to Japan Times.

18/06/2020

IATA releases criteria for COVID-19 testing in air travel process

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released criteria for the use of COVID-19 testing in the travel process. Should governments choose to introduce COVID-19 testing for travellers arriving from countries considered as high risk, testing must deliver results fast, be able to be conducted at scale, and operate to very high rates of accuracy. Additionally, testing must be cost-effective and not create an economic or logistical barrier to travel.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) published " Takeoff " guidance which is the global guidance for governments to follow in reconnecting their people and economies by air. " Takeoff " outlines layers of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel and the risk of importation of COVID-19 via air travel. COVID-19 testing should not be a necessary condition for re-opening borders or resuming air services.

Technology for rapid point-of-care Polymerised Chain Reaction (PCR) testing could be a useful layer of protection for travellers from countries considered as higher risk, potentially removing the need for more burdensome and intrusive measures such as quarantine which is a major barrier to travel and the recovery of demand.

“Airlines are committed to reducing the risks of COVID-19 transmission via air travel and COVID-19 testing could play an important role. But it must be implemented in line with ICAO’s global re-start guidance with the aim of facilitating travel. Speed, scale and accuracy are the most critical performance criteria for testing to be effectively incorporated into the travel process,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

As part of the travel process COVID-19 testing would need to be conducted by trained public health officials and meet the following criteria:

Speed: Testing results should be delivered quickly, with results available in under an hour as the minimum standard.

Scale: If testing takes place at the airport, testing capacity of several hundreds of tests per hour must be achievable. The use of saliva for taking samples rather than nasal or throat swabs would facilitate this and would also be expected to reduce time and improve passenger acceptance.

Accuracy: Extremely high accuracy is essential. Both false negative and false positive results must be below 1%.

Where does testing fit in the travel process?

Ideally COVID-19 testing would be required in advance of arrival at the airport and within 24 hours of travel. Passengers arriving “ready-to-fly” reduces the risk of contagion in the airport and enables early re-accommodation for any traveller who tests positive.

If testing is required as part of the travel process, it is recommended at departure. Governments would need to mutually recognise test results and data transmission should take place directly between passengers and governments in a similar manner as e-visa clearances are currently handled.

Any testing requirements should only be in place for as long as necessary. To ensure this, regular evaluations should be conducted.

Who Should Pay?

Cost is an important consideration. Testing should facilitate travel and not provide an economic barrier. With testing at some European destinations costing in excess of $200, this is a real concern. IATA supports the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Health Regulations which requires governments to bear the costs of mandatory health testing. Where a test is offered on a voluntary basis, it should be charged at cost price.

What happens when someone tests positive?

Ideally testing takes place prior to travel or at the point of departure and a positive result would mean that the passenger could not travel as planned. In this case, airlines have been offering flexibility to consumers. This includes re-booking or refunds in line with the airline’s commercial policy. Many airlines are offering the same flexibility to passengers who suspect that they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 as well as members of the same travelling party, particularly when they are members of the same household.

If testing is mandated on arrival and a passenger tests positive, then the passenger should be treated according to the requirements of the receiving State. Airlines should not be required to repatriate the passenger(s) or ‘punished’ with financial penalties such as fines or through operational penalties such as the withdrawal of the right to operate in the market.

16/06/2020

Thailand to trial ‘travel bubbles’ allowing foreign arrivals

BANGKOK – A plan to implement “travel bubbles” with selected countries that have shown they can effectively contain the spread of Covid-19 has been approved in principle by The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday.

Under the proposal, one thousand foreign visitors are expected to be allowed entry to Thailand daily without needing to adhere to the standard 14-day quarantine rule.

However, the visitors will still need to undergo Covid-19 screening tests before leaving their countries and upon arrival in Thailand. Once in Thailand, they will also have to be tracked via a smart phone application, reported Bangkok Post.

The initial bulk of these visitors will be formed by business travellers and patients seeking medical treatment in the country, who must come as part of the bilateral cooperation on tourism between Thailand and the identified countries, according to deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.

If there are no infections among the initial foreign arrivals, the programme would be widened to include general international tourists, according to Ms Traisuree.

While the proposal has been welcomed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry as it is seen as the first step to safely reopen Thailand’s tourism to international visitors, security authorities have opposed it due to concerns of a new spike in imported cases as well as a possible new wave of locally transmitted cases.

A recent poll on public opinion about the government’s reopening policy revealed that 54.4% of all 1,116 respondents felt it was not time to welcome international tourists back to the country yet.

12/06/2020

IATA Interactive Map Gives Travelers Latest COVID-19 Restrictions with Real-time Alerts Available

Amsterdam - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced a free online interactive world map to provide travellers with the latest COVID-19 entry regulations by country. The map relies on IATA’s Timatic database which contains comprehensive information on documentation required for international travel. To keep pace with the dynamic situation with respect to COVID-19, Timatic is updated more than 200 times per day to provide accurate travel restrictions specific to the current pandemic, based on one’s citizenship and country of residence.

‘’As the aviation industry prepares to safely restart, travellers will need to know which countries’ borders are open and what health restrictions exist. Travellers can rely on Timatic for comprehensive and accurate information on travel during the pandemic,’’ said Anish Chand, IATA’s Assistant Director, Timatic.

In a recent survey commissioned by IATA regarding concerns people had about air travel post-crisis, more than 80% of travellers said they are as concerned about potential quarantine restrictions as they are about actually catching the virus during travel. With the uncertainties and quickly changing health restrictions from one country to the next during the pandemic, this new resource for travel planning is timely and important.

‘’We support the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines to harmonize the measures to keep people safe while travelling and provide the confidence to open borders without quarantine measures. And this Timatic offering will be a vital tool for travellers who need easy access to accurate information on entry requirements,” said Chand.

IATA’s COVID-19 interactive world map, also available for mobile. The Timatic COVID-19 Alerts service was also launched this week to offer subscribers real-time notifications for all travel updates related to the pandemic.

Map can be view here: https://bit.ly/2MOUUFO

11/06/2020

Vietjet adds eight new domestic routes for Malaysians to get excited about

While awaiting Malaysia to lift international air travel restrictions, there are more options for new alternative routes in Vietnam once international flight operations resume. Vietjet has fully resumed its domestic flight network and just announced eight new domestic routes with operations to commence from 18 June 2020.

The eight new domestic routes include Hanoi – D**g Hoi (Quang Binh province); Hai Phong – Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh province); Vinh (Nghe An province) – Phu Quoc; Da Nang – Phu Quoc, Da Lat (Lam D**g province) and Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak province), Vinh and Thanh Hoa, increasing the number of Vietjet’s domestic routes to 53.

Speaking at the 2020 Ho Chi Minh City Domestic Tourism Promotion Conference on 9 June 2020, Vietjet Director of International Sales and Distribution, Mr. Jay L Lingeswara, said: “Vietnam has countless safe and attractive destinations, including well-known cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and also famous destinations such as the unique cultural tourism sites of Buon Ma Thuot, beautiful beaches in Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), the world’s largest cave complex in Phong Nha and Ke Bang (Quang Binh). Working together with the government authorities and travel companies, Vietjet has quickly resumed all of its domestic flight network along with its significant promotion program to bring travelers back to the attractive destinations across Vietnam.”

With 53 domestic routes in total, Vietjet now operates the largest domestic flight network, bringing travellers and tourists to their dream destinations on the airline’s green flights while meeting all passengers’ needs with its diverse and flexible flight schedules. All thanks to its new, well-furbished fleet with comfy leather seats, delicious hot meals, beautiful and friendly cabin crew, Vietjet brings a different experience to millions of passengers at the altitude of 10,000 meters.

10/06/2020

Soon everyone would be able to fly again !!

PETALING JAYA: Allowing international flights to resume in July will allow families to unite with loved ones who have been separated due to travel restrictions in many parts of the world, says Malaysia Airlines.