Last week, Israel announced a ban on the hottest new electronic gadget to hit the market in years: The Apple iPad. Citing concerns that the iPad’s strong wireless signals could disrupt other devices and wreak havoc on the communications system in the country. Even tourists are being prevented from bringing the iPad into the country, and anyone who attempts to do so will have theirs confiscated and held by the Israeli department of customs.
Read more about it [here].
The Russian Consulates will be closed MAY 1-3 and MAY 8-10. Please take a note that your orders for Russian business visa invitations and visas that come to our office on APRIL 30-MAY 3 will be submitted on MAY 4. Orders, arriving to our office on MAY 7-10 will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or the Russian Consulate on MAY 11.
Read more about these Russian Holidays!
International Women’s Day was born at a time of great social turbulence and crisis, and thus initially was associated with a tradition of protest and political activism. On March 8, 1857 textile female-workers of New York held a rally against low wages and bad labor conditions. In 1910 to commemorate these events the International Women’s Congress in Copenhagen proclaimed this date as the International Women’s Day to be marked annually. In Russia it has been celebrated since 1913 and now is also treated as the first spring holiday, which cherishes the love for and beauty of the Russian women and women all over the world.
Spring and Labor Celebration dates its history back to May 1st, 1886, when the workers of Chicago went on strike and demanded that the workday be cut from 15 hours down to 8 hours. In Russia this holiday was celebrated for the first time on May 1st, 1890 as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day. In 1997 it received its current name.
Victory Day is one of the most sacred holidays for the Russian people. Russia commemorates on this day the dozens of millions of its countrymen fallen in World War II. Flowers and wreaths are laid on the wartime graves. Veterans come out into the streets wearing their military decorations and medals. The entire nation pays tribute to the eternal sacrifice that ensured its future.
Russia Day celebrates the adoption in 1991 of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation, which opened the current page in the history book of our country and is considered to be its official National Holiday.
Civil Unity Day, though being a newly adopted holiday, refers to a critical point in Russian history and honors the liberation of Moscow on November 4th, 1612 from the Polish invaders – in great manifestation of the national unity – by a people’s army consisting of all classes of the Russian society.
CNN reported last week on the rising use of in-flight wi-fi services:
A number of domestic airlines have recently begun offering Wi-Fi Internet access aboard planes, and other airlines say they are working toward making it happen.
“This is the year” for Wi-Fi on planes, said Jack Blumenstein, president and CEO of Aircell, whose Gogo® Inflight Internet service provides access on Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, AirTran and Virgin America flights, and will begin testing on United flights later this year. Gogo is installed on more than 200 commercial planes, and Blumenstein said he expected 1,200 aircraft to have Gogo capability by the end of 2009.
Here is what major U.S. airlines offer, and what is coming up:
Airlines are charging around $10 per three-hour flight for using the wi-fi service, which is actually not bad compared to the cost of logging into various “hot spots” on the ground. The question is–will people buy it? How about you?
The U.S. Government has issued a travel advisory warning travelers against visiting the country of Honduras where a military coup has upset the current government, ousting President Manuel Zelaya; the result has been riots and an unstable, possibly dangerous environment for both citizens and visiting foreigners.
“The Department of State alerts US citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice.”
Just because it isnt on the news 24/7 does not mean that Swine Flu has gone away. It is still a major concern for travelers in and out of the country. The CDC’s website has been updated with information about protecting yourself from the virus:
When traveling internationally, you need to be prepared to answer questions about your activities and whereabouts before entering each country. And be sure to identify the closest medical facilities upon arrival just in case you suffer from any of the symptoms.
The Transportation Security Administration has begun it’s implementation of their new Secure Flight Plan. They have begun the process of changing the requirements of traveler’s identification documents. Airlines are now required to present the TSA with more specific proof of identity for all passengers. The reason these changes are being made are so that the U.S. government may “pre-screen” travelers against the National No-Fly list at east 72 hours before boarding an airplane.
So what are these changes exactly? Well, beginning Friday, May 15, 2009 all airlines will be required to provide a full name of each passenger that matches identity documentation with reservation information. What this means for travelers is your name on your flight reservation and itinerary must match your proof of identity exactly when it is presented at check-in. If your state issued driver’s license, for example, includes your middle name or middle initial, your flight reservation must also have included your middle name or middle initial. If you are a person who qualifies for frequent flyer points, your frequent flyer number must match your reservation name to receive your credit. It may be advisable to all who use these programs to contact the airline and have your account name changed to match your i.d. prior to your flight date. This change applies to all reservations made on or after May 15, 2009. If you’ve made a reservation prior to this date you will not be subject to this new rule.
Beginning August 15, 2009, airlines will also be required to provide the TSA with your birth date as well as gender for all domestic flights.
October 15, 2009, airlines will be required to provide the TSA with your birth date and gender for all international flights, both coming to and going from the U.S.
The TSA reports that these new changes “satisfy a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, and congressional requirements from the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and the 9/11 Commission Act signed into law in 2007.”
Refusing to provide this information may cause added security screening, a delay at check-in, or worse, denied boarding. Call your travel agent and make sure your information has all been provided, updated, and matches. Also, call your frequent flyer program and update your information. It is probably in our best interest as travelers to handle these things in advance, even if you don’t have travel plans in the near future.
This multi-phase Secure Flight implementation is intended to be streamlined and completed by early 2010. Between now and then, be advised to plan ahead for delays at check-in and security as many passengers may not be aware of the changes. As always, travel safely, plan ahead, and try to enjoy yourself!
For more information on the Secure Flight Plan please visit the TSA page on the subject.
For more information on the TSA please visit their main website.
If you would like to update your visa or passport information please visit us at Swift Passport Services!
If you’re planning a trip to southeast asia–particularly Thailand–you may want to know about a recent change to the Thai visa regulations.
Basically, anyone who is crossing the Thailand border on LAND (not air travel) is only allowed a 15 day stay in the country. This is a change from the 30 day allowance that was previously in place.
If you’re planning an extended stay for backpacking or simply hanging out on the beach, you want to get a tourist visa which will allow you between 30-90 days, depending on your country of origin. Also, if you plan to enter the country multiple times, you should ask for a multiple entry visa which costs slightly more but will be worth it in the end by saving you time and money.
Thailand is a popular tourist destination because of its rich culture and beautiful landscapes. However there have been recent protests that have caused the airports in the capitol city of Bangkok to close down. There has been incidents of civil unrest throughout the past few years, so before making your way there, please check with the state department for any current travel advisories.
