Latest news with #Machiri
IOL News
16-05-2025
- IOL News
Visa woes no more: an essential guide to smooth travels for South Africans
A South African passport, also called the Green Mamba, is an important document folr travellers applying for visas to travel. Recent statistics from the US International Trade Administration further underline this anxiety, revealing a nearly 10% decline in international air visitors to the States in March alone, compared to last year. With diplomatic relations between the US and South Africa currently under strain, even valid visa holders are questioning their welcome in America. As South Africans eye international travel, particularly to the United States, apprehensions about visa-related issues are mounting. This cultural and economic shift has put traveller confidence in a precarious position, as having a visa does not guarantee entry. Lynette Machiri, customer experience leader at Flight Centre South Africa, emphasises that 'Customs and Border Protection officers make the final call at the airport.' Machiri says this assertion rings true not only for the US but for every global destination. She notes that the onus is on travellers to ensure that they meticulously prepare their documentation and understand travel requirements. Here are essential dos and don'ts to navigate visa travel, according to Machiri. Dos of visa travel Double-check personal information and ensure consistency across all documents. Select the right visa type and tailor the visa application to your purpose of travel to avoid complications. Prepare detailed documentation and have a clear record of your travel plans, including confirmed accommodation and return tickets when required. Provide proof of funds while being ready to show evidence of finances to support your stay. Allocate time for visa processing, including preparing ahead, taking into account varying processing times. Disclose previous visa refusals as transparency in your visa application may prevent future complications. Consider flexible travel fares and book flexible or unrestricted flights, accommodating potential visa delays. Invest in comprehensive travel insurance and make sure the policy covers various contingencies; read the terms carefully. Seek professional advice so a knowledgeable travel advisor can streamline the process and provide targeted support. Be prepared to explain your travel purpose, as providing clear and consistent communication with border officials is crucial. Keep hard and digital copies of documents and ensure easy access to important papers during travel. Don'ts of visa travel Don't apply for the wrong visa type, and avoid tourist visas if your visit involves work, study, or other business-related activities. Don't assume a transit visa is unnecessary. Check if a visa is required, even for airport layovers. Avoid travelling with near-expiring documents. Ensure your passport has at least six months' validity beyond your departure date. Do not provide vague answers. Be specific and consistent in your explanations to border control. Don't rush the visa application process. Patience can prevent errors that lead to denial. Don't believe a visa guarantees entry. It only authorises you to apply for entry; the final decision rests with immigration officials. Don't neglect the fine print of insurance. Understand what your travel insurance covers and excludes. Avoid last-minute visa appointments and plan accordingly to secure timely application submissions. Don't travel without hard copies. Always have printed versions of relevant documents readily accessible. Lastly, Machiri notes that being informed and prepared are essential steps to ensuring a smooth passage through immigration. "The majority of international travellers navigate the process without incident, with the right precautions and diligent preparation playing pivotal roles," she says.
IOL News
08-05-2025
- IOL News
Golden Years to Gap Years: Every Age Deserves Travel Time
Retirement, for millions of South Africans, doesn't mean slowing down. Rather, it means finally going everywhere they didn't have time for. If you think retirement is all about slippers, Sudoku, and staying home with a cup of rooibos, it's time for a total rethink. Retirement, for millions of South Africans, doesn't mean slowing down. Rather, it means finally going everywhere they didn't have time for. Globally, around 37% of all travellers in 2024 were aged 60+, with retirees spending between 5% to 10% of their annual budgets on travel. Retirees are now one of the most powerful segments transforming the tourism industry as we know it. 'Today's over-50s are seasoned, self-assured, and often very well-travelled,' says Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa. 'They're not chasing checklists of tourist spots. They want soul-filling journeys. They're savvier about their time, money and energy – and travel is something they're deeply intentional about.' Retirees have the upper hand. Think about it: You're no longer at the mercy of school schedules or limited leave days. You might have built-up savings or rental income. Your time, finally, is your own. According to Machiri, many of Flight Centre's most seasoned travellers are those who've recently retired or downsized their careers. 'They're free to travel midweek, book shoulder-season specials, and take longer trips. That flexibility makes a huge difference in both cost and experience.' But there's more to it than logistics. The emotional and mental benefits of travel at this stage of life are deeply valuable: It reignites your sense of identity and adventure post-career. It provides precious opportunities for connection – whether it's couples rediscovering intimacy or grandparents travelling with grandchildren. It keeps your brain agile, your senses stimulated, and your spirit young. Machiri adds: 'We're seeing more multigenerational trips than ever before. Families want to create memories while they can. A trip to Mauritius can be more bonding than a dozen Sunday lunches. That kind of time is priceless.'
