From weather warnings to travel rule changes that could cost you, we round up the latest travel news and updates from around the globe each month (newest updates top of page).
*Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok to stay updated daily — because travel never sleeps!
South African travellers heading to the United States will soon be hit with a new $250 (approx. R4,500) “visa integrity fee” on top of existing visa costs.
Part of new U.S. legislation, the fee will apply to all non-immigrant visa types — including tourism (B-1/B-2), business, study (F-1), work (H-1B), and exchange visitor (J-1) visas — and must be paid at the time of visa issuance.
The fee applies to South African passport holders, as South Africa is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
While the law allows for a potential refund after visa expiry, travellers must meet strict conditions, and no clear refund process exists yet, making the fee effectively non-refundable for now. The amount will also be adjusted annually for inflation from 2026.
This change will significantly raise the cost of U.S. travel for individuals, families, and students. Travellers are urged to monitor updates from the U.S. Department of State or nearest U.S. embassy before applying for a visa.
***
Thailand has postponed its planned 300-baht (R18) tourist entry fee to mid-2026 due to weak visitor numbers and economic uncertainty. Originally set for 2025, the fee—intended to fund tourism infrastructure and insurance—will apply to international arrivals by air, with lower rates for land and sea entries. The government says it will hold off until tourism demand picks up.
***
Travellers to Europe are battling what experts predict will go down on record as the worst summer of flight delays on record. Germany, Greece, Spain and France are the hardest hit, with hundreds of cancellations already logged due to air traffic control strikes, staffing shortages and overwhelming demand.
Eurocontrol, Europe’s air traffic agency, warns that the system is running at near capacity, with disruption levels already rivalling the worst seen in previous years. Reduced airspace from the war in Ukraine has only added to the pressure.
Travellers should expect significant delays and extended airport waits — especially in major hubs across the affected countries. If your flight is impacted and you booked through a Sure Travel Agent, contact them directly for assistance. And don’t forget: passengers are entitled to compensation or rebooking options under EU air travel regulations (if affected, ask your Sure Travel Agent for details).
***
South African passport holders no longer need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Kenya. The update, now confirmed on Kenya’s official ETA site, follows a government directive aimed at easing travel across the continent. Travellers from other Southern African countries — including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho — are also now exempt. Less admin, more adventure!
***
South African travellers hoping to visit Ireland are facing mounting frustration as visa processing delays continue to cause widespread disruptions. Since Ireland scrapped its visa-free entry for South Africans in July 2024, travellers have struggled with extended waiting times that have derailed holiday plans, family reunions, business trips, and even travel for major sporting events like the Springboks’ upcoming test matches in November.
Initially, the Irish Embassy in Pretoria estimated a six- to eight-week turnaround for tourist visas. But by May 2025, the timeframe had been pushed to 12 weeks — and as of July 1, it stands at approximately 14 weeks. The delays have made it virtually impossible for travellers to apply and receive approval within the standard 90-day window before departure, resulting in a wave of trip cancellations and financial losses.
In response to the growing backlog and criticism from affected travellers, Irish authorities have ramped-up resources. A dedicated “South Africa Desk” was set up within the Dublin Visa Office, and officials say they’ve more than doubled staffing levels both in Pretoria and in Dublin. Most recently, Irish Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, told Times Live South Africa that the number of visa officials handling South African applications has now been tripled.
According to the Ministry of Justice, over 11,700 visa applications from South Africans have been received since the policy change, with more than 7,900 decisions issued and an 89% approval rate to date. Authorities have reassured travellers that the situation is being closely monitored and that efforts are underway to further reduce processing times.
Despite these improvements, South African travellers are being urged to apply well in advance and avoid making any non-refundable bookings until their visas are approved. While the backlog appears to be easing, Ireland’s visa system for South Africans remains under strain — and the window for seamless travel remains tight. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for further advice and booking assistance.
