Travel

At the Skytrax World Airline Awards gala in Paris on 17 June 2025, Qatar Airways was crowned the World’s Best Airline for a record-tying ninth time, consolidating its dominant position with additional honours for Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge (Al Mourjan Garden) and Best Airline in the Middle East. Singapore Airlines, a five-time winner of the coveted Airline of the …

From 1 July 2025, Germany will end the remonstration procedure, a free appeal process that allowed visa applicants to challenge a rejection without going to court. Currently, if your visa is denied, you can file a written appeal (called a remonstrance) without going to court. This informal process usually takes between one and three months and gives applicants the chance …

In a significant policy shift, Namibia has introduced a visa requirement for German nationals and citizens of 32 other countries, effective from 1 April 2025. The policy aims to establish reciprocity with nations that mandate visas for Namibian citizens. The affected countries span Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania, including:​ Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, …

The European Commission has proposed designating seven countries as “safe countries of origin,” aiming to expedite the processing of asylum applications from their nationals. Under this proposal, asylum claims from individuals originating from these nations would be subject to accelerated procedures, with decisions expected within three months, compared to the standard six-month timeframe. The Commission justifies this move by citing …

Travellers to the United Kingdom now need a digital travel authorisation called ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). However, consumer advocates are warning of widespread online scams that are catching many people off guard, German media report. Since 2 April 2025, most non-visa visitors to the UK – including tourists from the EU – must apply for an ETA before entering the …

Germany has updated its travel advisory for citizens visiting the United States following multiple reports of German nationals being detained at border entry points. The advisory warns that obtaining a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) does not guarantee entry, as final admission decisions rest with US border officials. The revision comes after several German travellers were …

I was in an African restaurant in Berlin recently, and the topic of discussion was travel — not just to our countries of origin. As German passport holders, we are fortunate to have access to 189 countries and territories around the world without needing a visa. In effect, the world is at our feet. The same applies to those who …

The just concluded ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s leading travel trade show, underscored the resilience and innovation driving the global tourism industry amid ongoing challenges. From 4 to 6 March, the event welcomed 100,000 attendees, 87% of whom were international participants and featured 5,800 exhibitors from 170 countries. This year’s showcase reaffirmed ITB Berlin’s status as the premier meeting point …

The UK has announced the introduction of a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for European Union nationals. Similar to the US ESTA program, the new system will require EU travellers to obtain a digital travel permit before entering the UK, starting from 2 April 2025. Here’s what you need to know about the scheme: The application process is generally quick …

In a groundbreaking move for Nigeria’s aviation industry, Air Peace, the country’s leading airline and West Africa’s largest carrier, is set to make its debut at the prestigious ITB Berlin, the world’s largest international travel trade show. This marks the first time a Nigerian airline will participate as an exhibitor at the globally renowned event, which attracts over 10,000 exhibitors …

Nigeria is set to introduce an automated system for processing short-stay visas, aiming to streamline approvals, boost tourism and attract business travellers. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo recently announced that the new system would eliminate long wait times upon arrival at Nigerian airports. Under the new policy, travelers can apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals expected within 24 to 48 …

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is facing significant challenges with baggage handling, leading to growing frustration among passengers due to long waiting times and lost luggage. A recent survey by Allianz Direct found that 11.85% of travellers at BER experience baggage issues, ranking the airport among the top four in Germany for such incidents. On average, passengers wait approximately 2.73 days …

ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, will once again bring together the global tourism industry from 4-6 March 2025. The 2025 event, taking place under the motto “The world of travel lives here”, is expected to attract more than 10,000 exhibitors from 190 countries. This year, African countries are expected to make a significant impact, showcasing the continent’s …

‘Detty December’ has become synonymous with Lagos’s vibrant end-of-year celebrations, attracting Nigerians from the diaspora and international visitors eager to partake in the city’s dynamic festivities. The term, a playful adaptation of “dirty,” signifies the uninhibited revelry that characterizes the holiday season in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. Detty December has become an annual homecoming that fosters reunions with family and …

Ghana has officially announced a groundbreaking visa-free policy for all African nationals, underscoring its commitment to fostering Pan-African unity and economic integration. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the initiative on 18 December 2024. The move positions Ghana among a select group of African nations — Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin — that offer visa-free entry …

Travel experts have scored London areas out of 100 based on their suitability for tourists Camden is revealed as the best destination, achieving the highest score in the study Westminster places second, while Hammersmith and Fulham is third on the list   Experts recommend that those traveling to London consider these destinations for their stay New research has discovered which …

An online expert warns of a surge in holiday accommodation scams, noting a 28% rise in bookings and highlighting August as the peak month for bookings Common scams include fake listings, phishing attempts, fake reviews, payment fraud, and bait-and-switch tactics To protect yourself, verify accommodations by checking reviews and ratings while being cautious of overly positive or negative feedback, with …

A new study has revealed the European cities with the cleanest Airbnb’s accomodation, with Split, Croatia taking the top spot.  Holiday rental experts at GuestReady analysed Airbnb data to find the average cleanliness rating for rental properties in 50 popular European cities. They considered the 100 most reviewed properties in each city to determine which cities have the cleanest accommodations …

The first ITA Airways flight from Rome Fiumicino arrived at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, on 6 June, marking the launch of weekly non-stop flights from Rome to Accra, Ghana. The new development increases travel options to the West African country. To celebrate the launch of the new intercontinental route, the airline’s first destination in sub-Saharan Africa, a ribbon-cutting …

Planning holidays in Europe, many travellers look for destinations with a good offer of water sports and activities, especially to entertain the youngest. And that’s why waterparks are a popular choice but selecting the best one for the whole family can be challenging. New research by the travel insurance experts at PayingTooMuch has analysed 30 of the top waterparks in Europe, to …