EU, TRAVEL INDUSTRY SEEK TO HARMONISE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

 Cyprus Mail 10 September 2020 - by Andrew Rosenbaum

The European Tourism Manifesto, an alliance of more than 60 trade organisations and private companies in the tourism sector, has called on Member States to urgently agree to harmonised travel restrictions, so that safe travel throughout the EU again becomes possible.

 The move follows the EU Commission’s announcement last Friday proposing a set of recommendations to prevent discriminatory measures applied by member states in a new attempt to harmonise fragmented COVID-19 travel restrictions across the bloc.

The Commission has re-released a new website, “Reopen EU” (first opened in June, but now upgraded)

(https://reopen.europa.eu/en ) which provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on travel restrictions by country. “This interactive tool provides you with the information that you need to confidently plan your European travel and holidays, while staying healthy and safe,” the site says.

Every 2.7 per cent increase in travel flows would generate or bring back one million jobs in the sector. Harmonising the inconsistent patchwork of COVID-19 rules and travel advice in Europe could lead to an increase in travellers by as much as 27 per cent, recreating 10 million jobs in travel and tourism across Europe, the European Tourism Manifesto notes, citing the latest WTTC research.

“European travel and tourism is the ecosystem most affected by the coronavirus crisis due to insufficiently coordinated travel restrictions, declining traveller confidence and reduced consumer demand. The 2020 summer season was strongly impacted by this crisis, with traveller confidence reaching a record low.” the European Tourism Manifesto alliance said in statement published on Tuesday.

“We call on national governments to urgently approve the European Commission’s proposal and to:

• Establish common criteria and thresholds for determining epidemiological risk, including a common colour-coding system to identify risk areas. These criteria should be evaluated on a detailed regional level, considering relevant geographical factors (particularly islands).
• Implement common measures to put in place upon departure to and return from risk areas. These measures should be determined with sufficient detail and based on scientific evidence (as there is no reason to restrict travel to entire countries if only certain regions are affected), and comprise:

• Replacing the need for quarantine of travellers with comprehensive cost-effective testing and tracing
• Avoiding blanket restrictions to free movement by implementing more targeted measures which are limited in geographical scope
• Avoiding imposing travel restrictions on passengers in transit
• Agreeing on common rules for requesting pre-travel COVID-19 negative test results where needed
• Ensuring the interoperability of contact tracing apps in the EU and the harmonization of Passenger Locator Forms based on international standards.
• Follow a common structured and transparent process to publish clear, comprehensive and timely information about any travel restrictions where these are needed,” the statement said.

These proposals comprehend and expand on those of the EU Commission.

“While many Europeans were keen to travel again during the summer, the inconsistent and everchanging border restrictions along with confusion about quarantine and test requirements, caused frustration for both businesses and travellers, deterring booking and damaging materialisation for both leisure and business travel,” the statement concludes.

 

FOREIGN MINISTRY UPDATES ADVICE FOR TRAVEL ABROAD

 Cyprus Mail 8 September 2020 - by Annette Chrysostomou

People planning to travel abroad from Cyprus are advised to avoid non-essential travel to all countries except those in coronavirus categories A and B, according to the latest travel advice issued by the foreign ministry.

Countries currently in category A are:  Canada, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway and Thailand

Countries in category B are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lichtenstein, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Uruguay

“The classification of countries, based on the epidemiological risk assessment, is extremely dynamic and may change at any moment. You are therefore encouraged to check the travel advice regularly,” the ministry said in an announcement late on Monday afternoon.

Citizens of the Republic of Cyprus who are temporarily located or permanently reside in countries not in category A and B are advised to be cautious, to follow local and international media on the latest developments regarding Covid-19, to adhere to the relevant instructions of the country’s authorities including restrictions or guidance concerning Covid-19, to take measures to protect themselves, and to inform the accredited diplomatic mission of the Republic of their presence in the country.

Cypriots who are currently abroad, or intend to travel abroad for any reason, are encouraged to register on the website www.connect2cy@gov.cy.

Passengers intending to return to or arrive in Cyprus will be required to comply with the applicable process, register at https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy and meet the requirements for entry to Cyprus.

Relevant decrees, announcements, press releases and information published by the ministry of health and other authorities and services of the government are available at https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/

In accordance with current regulations, only Cypriot citizens, permanent residents of Cyprus or holders of a special entry permit are entitled to board direct flights from countries not in category A and B to Cyprus.

Contact details in case of an emergency:

• Diplomatic missions of the Republic of Cyprus abroad:

Contact details for our Diplomatic Missions are available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/mfa50_en/mfa50_en?OpenDocument

• Consular affairs department of the ministry of foreign affairs:

22-651113 8.30am to 3pm, Monday – Friday

• Duty officer of the ministry of foreign affairs:

99-660129 outside working hours*

• Crisis management department of the ministry:

+22-801000 8.30am to 3pm, Monday – Friday

* The Duty officer’s line is reachable outside office hours and is intended to provide assistance in emergency situations.

ITALY ORDERS CORONAVIRUS TESTS FOR ARRIVALS FROM FOUR COUNTRIES

 Reuters 12 August 2020

© Reuters/GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Rome

ROME (Reuters) - Italy ruled on Wednesday that people travelling from Croatia, Greece, Malta and Spain must be tested for the coronavirus on arrival, as new infections increase in the four countries which are popular holiday destinations for Italians.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Facebook he had signed the new order, adding that anyone travelling from or through Colombia would not be allowed in Italy.

"We have to continue with a prudent approach to defend the results we've achieved thanks to the sacrifice we have all made in recent months," Speranza said.

Italy was the first country outside China to be badly hit by the disease, and has recorded more than 35,000 deaths since its outbreak came to light on Feb. 21.

The daily tally of new cases in Italy has accelerated over the last month, though less steeply than in numerous other European countries.

Some 481 new infections were registered on Wednesday, and 10 deaths, the Civil Protection Agency reported.

(Reporting By Gavin Jones; editing by Valentina Za)

CORONAVIRUS - TUI CANCELS ALL HOLIDAYS TO CYPRUS UNTIL AUGUST 23

 Cyprus Mail 12 August 2020 - by Evie Andreou

British tour and flight operator TUI announced on Wednesday that it was cancelling all holidays to Cyprus until August 23, citing the testing requirements imposed by the Cypriot authorities.

“Due to the local authorities in Cyprus implementing testing requirements, we have cancelled all holidays to Cyprus up to and including 22 August 2020,” the operator said in a brief statement.

It added that customers will be able to cancel and receive a full cash refund or amend their holiday and receive a booking incentive.

Similar announcements were issued by TUI for Morocco, Spain and Portugal. The company, citing UK Foreign Office advice, extended holiday cancellations up to and including August 28 for mainland Spain and Portugal and the Balearic and Canary Islands up to and including August 23.

“We know this is very disappointing for those looking forward to their well-deserved break. The health and safety of our customers and colleagues is always our highest priority,” the company said.

Another tour and flight operator from the UK, Jet2, announced on Tuesday it would resume flights to Cyprus from August 17 citing “clear demand” from the British market.

Flights to Larnaca are scheduled to begin on August 17 and Paphos on August 18.

BRITISH AIRWAYS SET TO BE THE 'UK's FIRST AIRLINE TO CARRY OUT PRE-FLIGHT COVID-19 TESTS'

 The Mirror 12 August 2020 - by Rosaleen Fenton

© Getty Images British Airways could be the first European airline to offer the service

British Airways is reportedly set to become the first airline in Europe to offer passengers pre-flight coronavirus tests.

The carrier is said to be working with Boots, who will conduct the Covid-19 testing at a number of pharmacies across the UK.

The airline said that it was looking at all options to "make travel as safe and stress-free as possible for our customers in these unprecedented times."

This could see travellers having to take two coronavirus tests - one before flying with BA and another when they arrive at their destination, if the country requires it.

Sources talking to travel blog God Save The Points said training for Boots colleagues will begin next week.

More airlines could follow suit in a bid to restore confidence among travellers.

Emirates Airline previously introduced the service in March - alongside insurance for all travellers valid for 31 days from the day they travel which covers them if they catch coronavirus.

Globally, the aviation industry is feeling the financial hit following months of lockdown and cancelled flights.

All airlines now require passengers to wear a mask at the airport and on board the plane - apart from those with medical exemptions.

Brits travelling to France face even stricter measures with the government requiring passengers to wear surgical masks.

Two travellers flying with easyJet have said they were not allowed to board due to wearing reusable mask, before fellow passengers supplied some.

A British Airways spokeswoman said: "British Airways is not making pre-flight testing mandatory for all customers.  

"We are currently discussing the possibility of helping our customers access pre-flight testing through third parties if their destination requires this, however no plans have been finalised. We will share more in due course.

"We are doing everything we can to make travel as safe and stress-free as possible for our customers in these unprecedented times."

Nearly three million travel and ­tourism jobs in the UK travel and tourism sector could be lost — while the economy is close to losing £142billion from the sector.

The World Travel & Tourism Council has said rapid coronavirus testing at airports could help save jobs and stop the need for blanket travel bans.

A spokeswoman said: “WTTC is calling upon Governments around the world to begin a substantial programme of investment to ensure comprehensive testing facilities are implemented at airports, which will help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and see the return of safe travels.

"It is imperative that all airports, catering for international travel, implement globally recognised testing standards for both inbound and outbound passengers.

"This will provide reassurance to all travellers, maintain ‘air corridors’ between countries, and remove damage and disruption caused by blunt quarantines which massively impact the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector.”

CYPRUS MOVES POLAND TO CATEGORY B FROM A ON ITS GREEN LIST [wef 14/8]

 in-cyprus 12 August 2020 - by Annie Charalambous

Cyprus has moved Poland to category B from category A and Portugal to Category B from C as regards the classification of countries based on their epidemiological risk, according to a Health Ministry announcement.

The new classification is valid as of August 14, and this means that all passengers from Category B need to show a COVID-19 negative test done 72 hours prior to their departure for Cyprus.

Cyprus citizens and their spouses, citizens with legal residency in the country and passengers who fall under the Vienna Convention category can be tested at the airport upon their arrival.

Passengers who cannot be tested at the countries of their origin because a Covid-19 test is not provided at labs, can also be tested in Cyprus.

All these passengers bear the cost of the test and have to be in isolation until the results are out.

(CNA)

WIZZ AIR SAYS SORRY TO PASSENGERS TURNED AWAY FROM ATHENS FLIGHT FOR MISSING OUT OPTIONAL MIDDLE INITIAL

 The Independent 11 August 2020 - by Simon Calder

© Provided by The Independent

Wizz Air has apologised to passengers who were turned away from an Athens-bound flight for perceived flaws on the Greek “passenger locator form” (PLF).

Twenty-eight passengers were offloaded from the airline’s flight W9 4467 from Luton to Athens on Thursday 6 August.

Some were denied boarding by ground staff because they had not included a middle initial when completing the online form.

But the instructions for the form, which was introduced by Greece when it reopened borders for the summer, make it clear that the middle initial is optional.

Harry Young and his partner spent over £600 on alternative transportation after being refused boarding at Luton.

Under European air passengers’ rights rules, airlines need not pay compensation or offer refunds if they present themselves with “inadequate travel documentation”.

Initially a spokesperson for Wizz Air told The Independent: “Passengers who do not complete the form or do so incorrectly will be refused carriage, and are not entitled to compensation.”

The carrier said that missing middle names would result in offloading.

But the Budapest-based airline has now “established that passengers travelling to Greece are not required to include a middle name on their passenger locator form”.

The spokesperson said: “As a matter of priority, the airline is investigating whether any passengers were wrongfully denied carriage on the W9 4467 flight as a result of not including a middle name on their PLF, despite correctly completing the rest of the form.

“Should there be any affected passengers, Wizz Air will contact them directly to apologise and offer the relevant compensation, as well as the options of rebooking or refunding their ticket.”

Such travellers are due €400 (£360) in statutory compensation under the air passengers’ rights rules, known as EU261.

In addition, the carrier is liable for additional costs for alternative flights.

Mr Young said: “Our form was correct, we had it on time, we had checked in to the flight, the rest of our party were able to travel.

“It was simply one check-in woman was having a bad day.”

Many other travellers on a wide range of airlines have faced problems since the PLF was introduced.

Issues include listing family members and the late receipt of the "QR code" granting permission, which is supposed to be emailed at midnight on the day of departure.

The Greek Embassy in London has not yet responded to enquiries from The Independent about the scheme.