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Surging requests for travel plans, tickets and related logistics has hinted a high-demand but short supply for tickets! Some travel components such as accommodation are not in short supply with little change to cost. It is expected that such will be the case as the world battled the pandemic and enacted various policies -some generic and others peculiar. These policies have impacted businesses, the usual way of living and most particularly travels and tourism.

So, over the past months, we have examined policies and regulations from most frequented travel destinations and summarised them to assist travellers with accurate information to aid their travel choices. Our learning included visa status & processing, COVID-19 travel test, health insurance, ticketing, luggage handling, transit, among others. We also analysed airports’ modifications and how they impact travel.

Here at AFARI Travels & Tours, we have recorded a swelling number of needs for travels as the Nigerian government announced a rescheduled date for international flight resumptions to 5 September, 2020. From requests garnered, we could identify some key components that may need extra attention when planning a trip or making one. These components may appear trivial but will guarantee an enjoyable journey if appropriately processed. Our team has established protocols to enable smooth & efficient handling of requests.

The following areas are more likely to cause difficulty with travel in the “COVID-19 Travel Era”:

Visa Status/Processing – some countries remain fully closed while some are partially open to diplomats, business operations and medicals. More so, nationality plays a significant role in what policy applies to a traveller. It is evident in embassies and consulates that have resumed operations across the world and Nigeria in particular.
We have collated changes to visa processing and various regulations to enable us process visa faster and assist you with making the best choices for your trip.
COVID-19 Test – while you may agree that COVID-19 test should be compulsory for travellers, the validity of such tests is entirely dependent on varying factors. These are, a government authorised testing centre and the period between testing and travel date. The discomfort in having a swap from your nostrils, mouth or blood tests may be your contribution to the safety of the world! Note also, some countries may require another test on arrival. Some countries so far that do COVID-19 test on arrival are Benin, Nigeria, among others. These tests are mandated to double-check; however, some may argue its use as a means of generating revenue. We also discovered, that not all nationalities or location of departure requires a COVID-19 test on arrival -for those countries which have such policies.
You can contact us to have a rapid test done with results within 24-hours of the test. We offer assistance also for those who wish to have a rapid test in South Africa.
Health Insurance – some airlines may automatically include travel insurance alongside your ticket; however, it is a peculiar find. Such inclusion raises the cost of your ticket. Some countries require travel insurance to acquire a visa. In contrast, some others do not, but recent development has most states, including such as a requirement for travel. An example is the United Arab Emirates which has made travel insurance mandatory.Through established partnerships, we process discounted yet valid Travel Insurance that is COVID-19 regulations compliant.
Flight Ticket – getting a flight ticket comes in two flavours as our team will call it. The “cheap and easy” but less economic activity route (best for connecting flights); and the other “high-cost and limited” is more associated with busy economic routes such as Dubai, London, among others. However, not to worry the rule is not universal as other airlines offer far cheaper services than premium airlines.
We have developed a Ticket Request Form to enable us to deliver in time on ticket requests and also source the best in terms of cost and itinerary. Simply follow this link https://afaritravels.com/ticket to make your request. Travellers can also request for chartered flights or private jets for their trip.

Kindly fill out our survey on traveller’s perception and expectations in the new travel era! We wish to know your views and develop more convenient protocols for your travels; click here to take the survey.

Thanks for reading this article we hope it was helpful. Comment your reaction, inquiries and other information you may have – we love to know them.

Travel Safe with AFARI Travels & Tours!

For consultations, new visa applications and renewals contact us at info@afaritravels.com or call +234 906 307 0000. Drop your comment or questions in the comment section below.