France Brings Back Border Checks: UK Tourists, Buckle Up for Queue Season!

Starting November 1, France is bringing back its border checks with six neighboring Schengen countries—think of it as a six-month reunion tour for the borders with Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. The good news? Not every traveller will get the full border experience. The slightly-less-good news? UK tourists heading to France are still in for a potential lineup. All this is part of a French plan to tackle security concerns, and yes, it’s sparking some “Schengen Surprise” moments across Europe.

UK Travelers: Get Ready for the Checkpoint Challenge

Whether you’re driving in from Belgium or hopping the Eurostar from London, the new checks could turn your breezy hop into France into more of a “brace for the wait” situation. The French government assures us these checks are “sporadic,” meaning you might skate through—or find yourself exchanging glances with the other travelers in an impromptu queue. And if you’re flying in? Well, don’t celebrate just yet. Airport security lines might get an upgrade from “long” to “eternally memorable.”

The Official Reason for France Brings Back Border Checks

According to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, it’s a matter of public safety and national security, with a particular focus on minimizing illegal migration and managing potential threats. Following in the footsteps of other European nations tightening borders, France is stepping up to bring a bit of “national security chic” back to Schengen, 1995 style.

What This Means for Travel Plans

Tourists driving in from Belgium, Luxembourg, or Italy (who just wanted a peaceful French vacation) could see some holdups. And if you’re boarding Eurostar? Maybe pack an extra baguette and a crossword for potential passport checks. It’s a return to the “good old days” of border control.

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So, What’s This Mean for the Travel Industry?

The return of these checks is like tossing a handful of pebbles into the smooth waters of European travel. Airlines, coach companies, and rail services might need to do a little scheduling shuffle to accommodate longer wait times at borders, which could mean more updates and delays for passengers. For hospitality folks, this could also mean a few surprises at check-in as travellers trickle in from all that extra border bonding time.

Quick Travel Tips for UK Tourists Tackling France This Winter

While the romance of France is still very much alive, a little prep can help keep it from becoming a long-distance relationship! Here’s how to keep your trip smooth:

• Allow Extra Time for Travel: With some passport control déjà vu back on the menu, add a little buffer time to your plans—no one wants to miss the first cheese plate of the trip.

• Monitor Travel Alerts: Stay plugged into the latest travel advisories for France and its neighboring countries. French police are just as likely to throw in a curveball at the last minute.

• Consider Alternative Routes: Fancy a scenic detour? Explore different ways to get to your destination (hello, sky-high view!) if your road or rail route has you in too deep with the border lines.

A New Era of European Travel: Adjusting to the Border Backtrack

This reintroduction could mean that other Schengen countries might join the border check revival, so keep an eye out for changing policies. And for those who cherished Europe’s passport-free days, this could be a cue to savor the “classic” lines and checks once again. So UK tourists, let’s embrace the slight return of red tape with good humor and a smidge of nostalgia.

The magic of France still awaits—now just with a slightly longer preview. Bon voyage, and may your lines be short and your pastries fresh!

New Direct flight Dubai to Switzerland

The first flight of flydubai’s direct service between Dubai and EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) was inaugurated. This makes it the first UAE carrier to connect these cities directly. This service will enhance travel, trade and tourism among the regions.

Key Highlights New Direct flight Dubai to Switzerland:

Inaugural Flight:

• Ceremonial Welcome: The inaugural flight received a water cannon salute when it landed at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg.
• Strategic Addition: Basel is now flydubai’s 29th European destination along with other cities such as Budapest, Krakow, and Milan-Bergamo. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is an unusual airport that exclusively serves Switzerland, France and Germany in a tri-border capacity.

Passenger Connections:

Tourists from Basel are able to reach holiday destinations like Kenya, the Maldives or Thailand via Dubai.

Aircraft and Services:

• Fleet: The route will be operated by Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
• Cabin Options: Onboard entertainment has been improved in both Business class and Economy class cabins for the passengers’ convenience.

Leadership Insights:

Jeyhun Efendi, Senior VP of flydubai: “We are committed to opening underserved destinations and are pleased to add Basel to our network. This will not only benefit our customers from the UAE but also around the world.”

Matthias Suhr, Managing Director of EuroAirport: “Regular direct flights to Dubai meet the growing demand for travel to this region and strengthen our connectivity.”

Flight Schedule:

• Frequency: Departures from Dubai International (DXB) Terminal 3 are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
• Codeshare: Passengers can also avail themselves of additional connection possibilities due to Emirates’ codeshare on this route.

The new Dubai-Basel route by flydubai is yet another network expansion enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Europe. With this, travellers will be presented with more alternatives, as well as easy access to numerous destinations across the globe.

Planning your next trip to Switzerland? Let our marvellous DMC Time Change help plan your itinerary, accomodation and anything else you need help with. Contact Time Change today. 

Emirates  Dubai to Tokyo, Geneva, and Brussels Flights - 

Emirates has announced the addition of its latest Boeing 777 cabin interiors to flights between Dubai and Tokyo Haneda, Geneva and Brussels. For the first time, these flights will include Emirates' signature Premium Economy as well as the next-generation Business Class seats in a new 1-2-1 configuration.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer for Emirates Airlines said: “By adding newly retrofitted Boeing 777s into our fleet mix, we are also providing ourselves with opportunities to bring in popular offerings such as Premium Economy to more cities served by this aircraft type within our network already and introducing more seat options across four classes.”

“Inspired by our flagship A380 in every cabin, our revamped Boeing 777 with enhanced interiors offers the best possible customer comfort. The redesigned Business Class cabin features additional privacy for customers along with sleek design touches and signature cabin finishes. Our investment ensures a consistent experience on all of them - both Boeing 777s and A380s.”

From July 1st, the first Emirates Boeing 777 will undergo a complete nose-to-tail refurbishment of its interior that will take approximately two weeks per aircraft. This includes refreshing the First Class cabin whilst installing upgraded seating options consisting of 38 new Business Class seats in a modernised 1-2-1 configuration, along with 24 Premium Economy seats and 256 Economy Class seats.

The new Business Class seats have been designed for optimal personal space and privacy which convert into fully flat beds whilst being each up to 20.7 inches wide with an average pitch of up to 44 inches apart. The staggered seating arrangement provides aisle access from each seat. Other features include touch screen seat controls, personal mini bars , large tables, storage areas for personal devices plus charging points; while there will also be a small bar area in the Business Class cabin for mid-flight snacks and drinks.

A total of 81 Boeing 777s are planned to be retrofitted by Emirates as part of its extensive programme. Further destinations will be announced over the coming months. The airline is investing over US$3 billion in revamping 191 aircraft across its fleet.

Currently, Emirates operates refurbished A380 aircraft fitted with Premium Economy on several routes including New York JFK, Los Angeles, London Heathrow, Sydney, Singapore, Mumbai and Tokyo Narita. By February 2025, Emirates plans to offer Premium Economy to over 36 cities with the A350 joining its fleet from September this year and more refurbished A380s and Boeing 777s entering service.

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China Expands Visa-Free Travel to Six European Countries -

Great news for wanderlusters! A new 15-day visa-free travel policy makes it possible for more tourists from six extra European countries to enjoy China. Starting on March 14 and ending on November 30, 2024, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg citizens can enter China without a visa.

Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg have been added to the list of countries whose nationals may enjoy visa-free entry into China.

Reasons for traveling

In addition to business visits and tourism purposes ordinary passport holders of these six countries may also pass through China or visit the country within the stated period without any form of visa since they are going on transit or visiting friends and relatives here.

What is the meaning?

This move demonstrates that China is committed to facilitating foreigners’ visits by promoting personnel exchanges and building fast-track networks for cross-border travels.

Any diplomatic significance?

Yes. This year alone saw Chinese Premier Li Qiang promise during his meeting with Swiss President Viola Amherd in January that her countrymen would get unilateral free access into China. The pledge was part of efforts aimed at forging closer diplomatic ties between Beijing and Bern besides boosting economic cooperation between them.
China Expands Visa-Free Travel to Six European Countries

The new development is aligned with Beijing’s desire to foster worldwide ties while making it easier for people from abroad come here either temporarily or permanently hence enhance mutual understanding among different cultures at such times when there are higher demands for various types of communications across borders than ever before due mainly but not limited solely globalization which necessitates establishment many more international linkages even though they might seem unnecessary initially given current technological advances especially those related air transport industry where flights can cover very long distances faster than other modes like rail or road thus reducing travel time significantly thereby increasing efficiency levels significantly also consequently further improving quality standards globally throughout all sectors involved both directly indirectly related tourism being one them hence this move will no doubt benefit the tourism industry not only locally but also internationally provided other countries reciprocate by allowing Chinese passport holders enter their territories without having to apply for visas additionally each nation should encourage its citizens visit another state during this trial period so as enable them appreciate diversity within humanity while still recognizing commonalities among different peoples across globe.

China has expanded its visa-free travel scheme to six European nations in an effort to build bridges between countries and simplify global connections, it said on Tuesday. The country hopes that by doing so there will be a greater understanding of different cultures during what is considered a time when communication across borders has never been more necessary due mainly (but not limited solely) globalization which necessitates establishment many more international linkages even though they might seem unnecessary initially given current technological advances especially those related air transport industry where flights can cover very long distances faster than other modes like rail or road thus reducing travel time significantly thereby increasing efficiency levels significantly also consequently further improving quality standards globally throughout all sectors involved both directly indirectly related tourism being one them.

The announcement comes after promises made earlier this year by China’s Premier Li Qiang at a meeting with Swiss President Viola Amherd. At the same conference, Beijing agreed to give Swiss citizens visa-free access to the country- a move that was welcomed as strengthening diplomatic relations and economic ties between the two countries.

Giant Panda

Breaking down barriers between nations through simplified border crossings could open up new possibilities for travellers. Whether you are an adventurer eager to see the Great Wall of China, a business person looking for manufacturing opportunities in Shenzhen or a backpacker seeking enlightenment from ancient Buddhist temples in Chengdu, this trial period offers something special for everyone.

The program builds on commitments made by Premier Li Qiang when he met with Swiss President Viola Amherd stating that Switzerland will receive unilateral free entry into China among other things which are aimed at deepening ties between Beijing and Bern as well as boosting economic cooperation both sides.

The move expands on China’s previous moves to simplify visa procedures for people from around the world. In 2016, the country introduced a 30-day visa-free stay for tourists visiting Hainan Island, and in 2017 it extended the same policy to non-Chinese visitors of several cities in Liaoning province.

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Zurich Riga Flight Boost - Starting January 31, 2024, airBaltic and SWISS are teaming up to make your travel life easier! They're kicking off an amazing partnership that connects Zurich and Riga flights. So, if you're planning a trip to Latvia, get ready for more travel options and flexibility.

SWISS is adding its magic code to airBaltic flights between Zurich and Riga, making your journey even easier! This partnership operates on a connecting codeshare basis, meaning it applies to the Zurich-Riga route when combined with an additional connecting flight.

Martin Gauss, airBaltic's CEO, was genuinely excited about teaming up. He highlighted how SWISS is a top-notch airline, bringing awesome perks to travellers flying between Switzerland and Riga, which is not just any city—it's the heart of Latvia and airBaltic's main hub.

Now, the cool part? SWISS is adding its LX code onto airBaltic flights, making the journey from Zurich to Riga and back even more appealing. This move might mean more folks hopping on airBaltic flights, thanks to SWISS's massive network touching down in over 100 places worldwide—picture spots in North and South America, Asia, and Africa.

airBaltic isn't lagging behind either. They've got a strong route game with over 100 options from their bases in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tampere. So, whether you're eyeing Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, or the Caucasus, airBaltic have got your travel cravings covered!

Let the Baltic Travel Group help manage your next trip to Latvia.

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Tunisia's Soaring Connectivity to Europe: A Record-Breaking Summer

Tunisia has more capacity to Europe than any other African country, after Morocco and Egypt, . It will offer a record 3.54 million departing seats between April and October, according to Cirium data, a 14.6% rise over 2019. In the past two decades, this is only the fourth time that Tunisian capacity has exceeded three million seats — showing strong recovery from the  global pandemic among other things.

Highlights of Tunisia's Soaring Connectivity to Europe:

• Record Capacity: Highest ever for Tunisia with 3.54 million departing seats.
• Strong Growth: Up by 14.6% on 2019.
• Resilient Recovery: Overcoming the impacts of theglobal pandemic etc.

However, development has been held back by delays to an eagerly anticipated EU open skies agreement – much like Morocco, increased foreign (Ultra)LCC presence would benefit Tunisia to stimulate tourism and VFR traffic. Nevertheless, significant growth has been recorded by Nouvelair – a leisure operator based in Tunisia.

A Record Summer with Many New European Routes:

Over 30 new routes have been launched this summer – all are brand-new or not operated within the last decade by stated carriers; All are 2-weekly, except those with an *, which are weekly, and **, which are 3-weekly:

• 14 March: Nouvelair, Tunis-Basel (Switzerland)
• 27 March: easyJet, Bristol-Enfidha
• 31 May: Eurowings, Stuttgart-Monastir*
• 31 May: TUI fly Deutschland, Stuttgart-Djerba*
• 3 April: Nouvelair, Tunis-Berlin
• 5 April: Eurowings, Dusseldorf-Monastir
• 7 April: Nouvelair, Tunis-Bordeaux
• 19 April: Nouvelair, Sfax-Paris CDG
• 3 May: Eurowings Discover, Frankfurt-Monastir
• 6 May: Bulgaria Air, Sofia-Djerba*
• 26 May: Nouvelair, Tunis-Munich
• 1 June: Nouvelair, Djerba-Poznan*
• 1 June: Nouvelair, Sfax-Istanbul IST
• 12 June: Neos, Milan MXP-Djerba
• 12 June: Neos, Verona-Djerba*
• 12 June: Nouvelair, Monastir-Lublin/Katowice*
• 19 June: Neos, Bologna-Djerba/Monastir*
• 19 June: Neos, Rome FCO-Djerba/Monastir*
• 28 June: Nouvelair, Monastir-Bratislava*
• 19 June: Nouvelair, Tunis-Stockholm ARN*
• 2 July: Brussels Airlines, Brussels-Monastir
• 4 July: Eurowings, Hamburg-Tunis*
• 7 July: Nouvelair, Monastir-Banja Luka*
• 17 July: Nouvelair, Tunis-Milan MXP
• 10 September: Nouvelair, Tunis-Frankfurt**
• 11 September: Nouvelair, Tunis-Copenhagen*
• 14 September: Nouvelair, Tunis-St Petersburg
• 17 September: Nouvelair, Tunis-Bologna
• 29 October: easyJet, Basel-Enfidha
• 30 October: easyJet, London LTN-Enfidha**
• 30 October: Transavia France, Paris ORY-Tozeur

This year has seen a tremendous increase in the number of flights between Tunisia and Europe, with new routes being added at an unprecedented rate. Six airports in Tunisia now have direct flights from European cities, including Tozeur which will receive its first European flight since Tunisair stopped flying there last year when Transavia France starts serving Paris Orly on 30 October.

These developments demonstrate that Tunisia is serious about growing its tourism industry and aviation sector – an exciting future awaits for travellers and the country’s economy.

Tunisia has never been so easy to get to. Why not let our fantastic DMC in Tunisia help plan your next trip? Contact Barclay's Group Travel and get planning the trip of a lifetime!