Monday, December 5, 2011

Male' Ibrahim Nasir International Airport "Airport Development Charge"

Dear All,

Kindly note Airport Development Charge (ADC) of USD25 will be collected from all international departing passengers (age 02 years and above) from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) , Male' on flights scheduled after 00:00hrs of 01st January 2012.

The same has been authorized by Government of Maldives:



  • Payment of ADC will be in United States Dollars.

  • However,Maldivian passport holders and holders of valid Maldivian wrk visa/dependent visa are allowed to pay ADC in equivalent Maldivian Rufiyaa at the prevailing exchange rate.

  • ADC will be collected at the check-in counter at the International departures and receipt for the same wil be issued for the passenger.

  • ADC will be accepted either way of cash or credit card.

For further information visit : http://www.maldivesairport.aero


Regards,


Liswith

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Sri Lanka Implements E Visas

Please be aware of the new regulation. Make sure all are informed of this to avoid hassle at the respective airports. We have not received any official announcements as yet but this was on the Sri Lanka news portal. For any inquiries, advise pax to contact the Sri Lanka High Commission on 3322845.



Sri Lanka to start e-visa for 78 countries


Sri Lanka will start electronic visa approval for 78 countries with a online portal being opened after September 30, but Singapore and Maldives nationals will continue to be given on arrival visas at entry points.



The online visas could be applied through http://www.eta.gov.lk/ , Sri Lanka's department of immigration and emigration said.


The border agency said applications have to be submitted in English but explanatory information would be given on the site in nine languages.


'Electronic travel authorization' could be sought by applicants themselves, a third party, a registered agent and Sri Lankan embassies.


Air and ship crew and citizens of Maldives and Singapore would continue to get 'visa on arrival' facilities at entry points.


Both Maldives and Singapore give visa on arrival facilities to Sri Lankan nationals.


http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?nid=605463282


Rgds


Liswith

Sunday, May 22, 2011

GMR issues notice for US$25 fee from Maldives airport

GMR Male International Private Limited has asked airlines to take the Airport Development Fee (ADF) of US$25 from every international passenger, commencing January 1, 2012.

A company official said prior notice was given to the airlines to take the fee, approved by the government under the airport lease agreement, in order to give enough time for the airlines to prepare.

The fee is to be included in the air ticket fare.

“We’re allowed to take the fee from passengers leaving the Maldives, commencing January 1, 2012. We’ve given the notice six months before in order to give enough time for the airlines to prepare,” the official said.

GMR’s decision came hours after the Civil Court held the first hearing of the case filed by the opposition alliance in a bid to block GMR from taking US$27, which includes the US$25 Airport Development Fee and a US$2 insurance fee.


Read more: http://www.maldivestourismupdate.com/#ixzz1N6XzSouO

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment

Please note if you are planing on going on employment out of Sri Lanka:

the below documents are a mandatory requirement for Bureau clearance:

E ticket

Agreement from the job providing party with the approval of the Sri Lankan embassy in the relevant country.

Work Permit Copy

And valid passport for your intended stay in designated country

and payment for insurance which varies according to job category

please ensure the above are in place to avoid hassle and disappointment at the airport.

Liswith

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Taste of Colombo


Sri Lanka is a country that has a rich diversity in terms of its people. Different ethnic groups and the multiple religious backgrounds mainly contribute towards this beautiful mix that has found its right balance through time and age. Our history, heritage, arts and crafts are true evidence to this fact as much as our food. Here we begin the story of “Taste of Colombo”.

The concept of this street fiesta goes a step further from a standard ‘food festival’ as it brings together the elements of history, culture, art, crafts and trade to give the patrons a real taste of our nation. Spanning over three nights this festival has a line up of cultural attractions that is guaranteed to bring back the entertainment we proudly say is original to us as a country. A mini perahera, traditional dance and drum acts, still walkers, fire dancers are some of the many items you can expect here.

Ever famous Green Path Avenue with its history of such celebrations has been carefully selected to be the venue for this inaugural feast where the street will be filled with food vendors ranging from star class restaurants to regular bakeries and the ultimate street stalls. Entrepreneurs from local traditional industries will fill up the remaining slots showcasing their flavors in batik, handicrafts, hand-loom, paintings and many more.

Lanka Event Management, the event planning arm of Lanka Hotels & Travels are the proud producers of “Taste of Colombo”, who have combined the synergies of multiple attractions to put together this mega event, which is scheduled to be held on 31st March, 1st and 2nd April 2011. The last day of this street festival is planned to coincide with the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals where there will also be two giant screens used to telecast the action. Papare music and a DJ is also in place to steer you through the final day as we show the true spirit of Sri Lanka as a nation in love with this beautiful game.

A key objective of this exercise is to promote Sri Lanka tourism to the international community and as such, the event organizers look forward to hosting this event annually. Entrance to the festival is free of charge to everyone while a special invitation is also sent out to all foreign guests who are currently visiting the country. Hence please visit our website www.tasteofcolombo.com for more details on how you can be a part of this national celebration either as a vendor or as a sponsor. This is our invitation for you to taste Colombo through “Taste of Colombo 2011”.

Germaine Perera

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Indian Visa Online

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has taken steps to launch an online visa processing system effective from March 25, 2011. Applicants are required to apply on www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa. The new system is aimed at providing user friendly visa services through the Indian Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna and directly at the Consulate General of India, Hambantota.

Applicant who apply online are required to download the filled-in application, affix two photographs (2.5x 2.5 inches in white background), sign the application and submit the same to the Indian Visa Application Centres in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna and at the Consulate General of India in Hambantota along with the passport, supporting documents and requisite fees.

For further information, please visit www.hcicolombo.org

The High Commission of India remains committed to ensuring expeditious issue of visas.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Tokyo's Narita airport had been indefintely closed

Reuters - Report Many were injured in northern Japan following Friday's earthquake which struck off the north coast with a magnitude of 8.8, Japanese media repored.

Kyodo news agency said that Tokyo's Narita airport had been indefintely closed.

A 10-metre tsunami warning was issued to most of the Pacific coast of the main island of Honshu, broadcaster NHK reported

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Doha-based Qatar Airways will cease flights to Gatwick Airport

Doha-based Qatar Airways will cease flights to Gatwick Airport from June 1st due following seven years. The decision to withdraw its daily flight from Gatwick was attributed to commercial reasons.

Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways’ commented: “We are extremely sad to be losing London Gatwick from our network after serving the route for the past seven years. But following a thorough review and analysis over the past few months, we have concluded that we could no longer sustain the route for commercial reasons. While we continue to grow our business, developing the network further, we do it prudently, cautiously and carefully.”

Qatar will continue to operate unchanged out of Heathrow and has recently announced plans to boost its Manchester flights to twice daily. As of June, Dubai-based Emirates will become the sole Gulf-based carrier operating from Gatwick.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Oman Air unveils spectacular new First Class and Business Class lounges at Muscat International Airport



Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has unveiled spectacular new First Class and Business Class lounges at Muscat International Airport. The lounges continue the themes of luxury, comfort and outstanding hospitality found on Oman Air's aircraft, ensuring a seamless passenger experience.



The two lounges are located on the first floor of the terminal and combine the ultimate in modern and elegant interior design, state-of-the-art materials and technology and the generous hospitality for which Oman and Oman Air are renowned. Each lounge is open 24 hours a day and offers dedicated dining facilities, quiet rooms, men's and women's prayer rooms, wash and shower rooms, a business centre and a 'Chedi' spa with massage rooms, offering complimentary 15 minute treatments.

For those traveling with children, a range of toys and computer games are available to keep them occupied within the dedicated playroom.

Exclusive for Oman Air's First Class passengers are dedicated lifts and staircases to the limousine pick-up point where chauffeurs will take passengers to their aircraft in complete comfort and luxury.

On the opening of the lounges, Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hill, said, "We are delighted to be welcoming our First Class and Business Class customers into these superb new lounges and to be setting new standards for airport hospitality. The exclusivity and refinement of these lounges perfectly complement our vision for Oman Air. They provide the perfect sanctuary for our premium customers and ensure that every journey is a stress-free and enjoyable experience. These new lounges represent the latest stage in Oman Air's transformation into a luxury international carrier and I am sure that our First Class and Business Class customers will appreciate this new benchmark in airport hospitality."

Acclaimed international interior designers JPA worked closely with Oman Air's in-flight management team to ensure that each lounge reflects the quality and values found within the premium cabins of Oman Air's outstanding Airbus A330 fleet.

Oman Air's Chief Officer Hotels and Catering, Richard Hodges, added, "Staff from throughout Oman Air have worked closely with JPA to create exceptional environments in which guests can relax and enjoy our excellent hospitality. Our menus have been meticulously planned to provide the perfect meal for any time of the day or night, from light bites to hearty meals, and our First Class guests can enjoy an a la carte menu, each dish of which is individually prepared to the guest's requirements by their personal chef. The menus are perfectly complemented by the finest selection of soft drinks, wines and spirits and it is all served by staff trained to the highest standards."

The new lounges are the latest demonstration of Oman Air's commitment to becoming the first-choice airline for luxury air travel. Their unveiling follows the airline's recent launch of a new fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft which feature spacious and luxuriously-appointed cabins. Business Class seats are presented in a 1-2-1 configuration, each of which converts into a long, fully lie-flat bed. First Class cabins offer a 'private jet'-style experience, with just six seats, each with direct aisle access, and an exclusive lounge area. Each aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment systems that offer a large choice of the latest movies, music and games, as well as live satellite TV. Furthermore, Oman Air was the first airline in the world to offer simultaneous in-flight mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity when it launched its new service aboard the A330 fleet.

In addition, Oman Air's network has expanded rapidly and now includes more than 40 exciting destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, South and South East Asia, and North and East Africa.

Peter Hill concluded, "Oman Air is increasingly, and rightly, recognized as one of the world's leading luxury airlines and we are committed to even more innovation, expansion and development, and to delivering an unmatched passenger experience for all our customers. The new lounges at Muscat International Airport reflect both that commitment and our dedication to providing our First Class and Business Class customers with unparalleled standards of luxury and service."

Cheers

Liswith


Featured :

http://www.dailymirror.lk/travel/39-business-travel/9307-oman-air-unveils-spectacular-new-first-class-and-business-class-lounges-at-muscat-international-airport.html/travel/39-business-travel/9307-oman-air-unveils-spectacular-new-first-class-and-business-class-lounges-at-muscat-international-airport.html

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Australian Visa Applications - New Service Delivery Partner -VFS Global - Effective 8th Feb 2011

Dear Valued Customer,

The Australian High Commission has introduced its new visa application lodgment arrangements for applicants in Sri Lanka, effective from 8 February2011, which will include the collection of biometrics.

To enable the lodgement of visa applications & the collection of biometrics and to improve the quality of service to clients, Australia has entered intoa new service delivery partnership with VFS Global in Sri Lanka. The Australian VFS Global Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Sri Lanka is located at:

Level 5,
Access Towers,
278 Union Place Colombo 2,
Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka all people lodging paper-based applications, including any dependants listed as travelling in the application, regardless of nationality, will need to attend the AVAC in person to lodge their application and/or provide their biometrics. Applicants will also need to present in person to the AVAC to collect their passports once a decision has been made on their application.

The AVAC will provide a convenient, fast and accessible way for clients to apply for visas to enter Australia. The AVAC will forward visa applications to the Australian High Commission in Colombo for assessment and decision.

Clients will not be charged an additional fee for the collection of their biometrics. However, clients will still be required to pay the Australian Visa Application Charge. This can be submitted to the AVAC at the time the visa application is lodged.

Further information on lodgement will be available from Thursday on the following websites: www.srilanka.embassy.gov.au and www.vfsglobal.com/australia/srilanka

The program is designed to protect the identity of genuine applicants and improve trust and confidence in the visa process for travellers.

Please feel free to contact us for further clarifications.

Thanking You,

Liswith

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

New Visa Scheme to be tested

New visa scheme to be tested

A new online visa scheme Sri Lanka plans to introduce, replacing existing on-arrival visas, will be tested for three months before the government decides to implement it, an official said.

Nalaka Godahewa, chairman of the tourism authority, said the online visa scheme where visitors can apply for and get visas through the internet will be tested as a pilot project from the end of January.

No fee will be charged during the online test phase during which the existing visa on arrival scheme will be continued.

"We will test the online visa scheme for three months and, depending on its success, then go ahead with the new scheme," he told Vimasuma.com, our sister news website. "We will not change the way we issue visas to foreigners all of a sudden. By the end of this month we will start the online visa scheme while continuing with the existing scheme. No fee will be charged during the three-month pilot project. But once the new scheme is officially adopted we will charge a modest visa fee."

Sri Lanka's tourist industry has raised alarm over the new scheme fearing it could deter visitors at a time when arrivals are surging after he end of the island's 30-year ethnic war in May 2009. Sri Lanka received more than 600,000 tourists in 2010 and aims to attract 700,000 this year

http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/8778-sri-lanka-to-test-new-visa-scheme-.html

Rgds

Liswith