Paris attacks choke travel

VISITORS to Europe and the
US can expect travel to be
more cumbersome following
the terrorist attacks in Paris.
Although visa requirements
remain unchanged, the
Schengen agreement on open
borders across Europe has
come under fire. It is expected
that France will call for an
effective suspension of the
Schengen agreement and will
demand that other European
nations begin border identity
checks inside Europe’s free
movement zone, following
concerns raised by France’s
Minister of Home Affairs,
Bernard Cazeneuve.
Xavier Carn, spokesperson
for International SOS, says
Belgium, The Netherlands,
Germany and Sweden have
reinstated border controls,
with increased security checks
at borders, and other countries
are likely to follow suit.
Although the Schengen visa
is still valid, travel agents warn
that application changes could
be on the cards in the near
future.
Jose Cruz, national manager
of Executive Client Services
for HRG Rennies Travel, warns
that the EU Visa Information
System (VIS) could be
reviewed. The VIS exempts
travellers who have obtained
a Schengen visa within the
past five years from having to
appear in person to capture
biometric data when applying
for a new visa.
Jose says SA passport
holders can also expect
more security checks and
disruptions when travelling
within Europe. “These
measures could spoil
travellers’ plans. It’s ugly
and can make travellers
frightened,” he says.
Travellers should be
vigilant, pay attention to their
surroundings and be prepared
to respond to instructions from
the authorities, Xavier says.
“Travellers, particularly non-EU
nationals, should have travel
documents and ID on them at
all times in case of checks.”
France’s State of Emergency
may be extended for the next
three months, he adds. This
will mean that some public
venues may be closed, there
may be traffic restrictions and
a curfew imposed.
The short-term effect is
that passengers are opting
to travel via alternative hubs
when connecting in Europe,
says Jonathan Gerber, director
of TAG.
Trafalgar had clients in Paris
at the time of the attacks,
none of whom were harmed.
Md, Theresa Szejwallo, says
The Travel Corporation hasn’t
yet received any cancellations
but that it is too early to judge
travel patterns. She says TTC
guests due to travel to Paris
within 14 days of the attacks
can cancel or postpone their
trip without penalty.
Historically, SA travellers
have proved to be resilient and
think twice before cancelling
their travel arrangements.
“International travel is very
costly and passengers tend
to stick to their plans,”
says Megan D’Arcy, kulula
holidays’ product manager for
Europe.
Thompsons Holidays has, so
far, only had one cancellation.
However, spokespeson, John
Ridler, warns that if attacks
become more widespread, the
impact will be felt. “Potential
travellers must be a little
rattled by the events. It is
too early to predict the mood
of the public but any further
attacks of this magnitude will
certainly have an impact on
Europe as a destination.”
Megan agrees and says
travellers’ greatest concern
is regarding the refund and
cancellation policies should
further incidents take place.
Clients with travel insurance
will be covered if they cancel
their trips to Paris. Uriah
Jansen, md of Oojah Travel
Protection, says as long as
the terrorist attack is not
related to nuclear, chemical
or biological terrorism, Hollard
Travel Insurance will provide
cover for cancellation under
the ‘Named Reason’ benefit.
Full cover is provided for any
medical expenses incurred
as a result of a terrorist
attack, says Simmy Micheli,
sales and marketing manager
of TIC. “Further lump sum
compensation for accidental
death or a permanent
disability is provided."