Happy holidays from Russia, where due to an historical anomaly of having the Julian calendar run shorter than the Gregorian calendar used by most places, Christmas and New Year fall two weeks later than in the west.
So Russian holidays start early and run long. The Russian foreign ministry will be closed from 31 December 2011 through at least 9 January 2012. This means no vouchers, invitations or telexes will be processed by the Russian government.
The Russian Embassy and consular offices in canada will also be closed for extended holidays. Now is definitely NOT the time to try for Russian visas.
Just so you will know, the Julian calendar has 365 days, whereas the Grgorian caendar has 365.25 days, or a leap year every four years. The Julian calendar has been fixed to the Gregorian so it no longer shifts every four years.
Click here for Russian forms.
22 December 2011
02 December 2011
Angolan Holidays
When we think of Christmas and New Years, we naturally think of Angola!
Well, maybe not, but beware, the Angolan Embassy in Canada is closing for another annual extended holiday.
The Angolan Embassy will be closed from Thursday 22 December 2011 until Monday 09 January 2012.
Angola regularly takes three working weeks to issue an ordinary visas, and all applicant must have a police clearance certificate and fingerprints, and both documents must be translated into Portuguese.
Click here for Angolan visa forms.
Well, maybe not, but beware, the Angolan Embassy in Canada is closing for another annual extended holiday.
The Angolan Embassy will be closed from Thursday 22 December 2011 until Monday 09 January 2012.
Angola regularly takes three working weeks to issue an ordinary visas, and all applicant must have a police clearance certificate and fingerprints, and both documents must be translated into Portuguese.
Click here for Angolan visa forms.
Kenya closed for a month
The Kenyan High Commission in Canada is closed from today, 2 December 2011 until Tuesday 03 January 2012. Yes, they are closed for one month.
Canadian nationals with Canadian passports can legally get Kenyan tourist and business visas at Nairobi International Airport upon arrival.
Canadian nationals with Canadian passports can legally get Kenyan tourist and business visas at Nairobi International Airport upon arrival.
Saudi Arabia slows Canadian visa processing
Saudi Arabia slows Canadian visa processing
Embassy Magazine, 30 November 2011
Click here for the full article.
Saudi Arabia is deliberately prolonging the processing of Canadian visas in a retaliatory move to protest what it says are too-slow processing times of Saudi visas to Canada. (Blog note: this should read "Saudi Arabia is deliberately prolonging the processing of Saudi visas in a retaliatory move to protest what it says are too-slow processing times of visas to Canada.")
The Saudi mission in Ottawa says officials brought the issue up to Canadian authorities. "The Kingdom's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to apply the principle of reciprocity in order to send a clear and strong message to our friends in Canada that the current situation is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue, hoping that they will understand and value the relationship the two countries share."
The Saudi decision, which went into effect Sept. 1, means processing of Canadian visa requests takes between 30 and 45 days. A message alerting Canadians to the change appears on the Saudi embassy website. "[T]he waiting period for issuing a visa to Canadian citizens wishing to enter the Kingdom has been prolonged to meet the same amount of time it takes Saudi citizens to obtain a visa from the Canadian embassy in Riyadh," wrote the spokesperson, who did not give their name.
But the added delay is already having an impact on some Canadians, said one director of a company that helps facilitate the visa process, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to speak candidly about the situation. "The Saudis were very blunt; they said this is retaliation," said the director. "We used to be able to get visas same day—walk in at 10, pick it up at 2, at the Saudi Embassy." "The international oil companies are redeploying their Canadians elsewhere, oil fields that can use Canadian specialists but don't have the Saudi problem. And then they'll put in, say, Brits, people who've worked in the North Sea, because it doesn't take as long."
Saudi Arabia isn't the first country to retaliate against Canada using visa policy changes. Its neighbour in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, slapped new visa requirements on Canada last year during a dispute with Canada over landing rights at Canadian airports for its airlines.
Embassy Magazine, 30 November 2011
Click here for the full article.
Saudi Arabia is deliberately prolonging the processing of Canadian visas in a retaliatory move to protest what it says are too-slow processing times of Saudi visas to Canada. (Blog note: this should read "Saudi Arabia is deliberately prolonging the processing of Saudi visas in a retaliatory move to protest what it says are too-slow processing times of visas to Canada.")
The Saudi mission in Ottawa says officials brought the issue up to Canadian authorities. "The Kingdom's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to apply the principle of reciprocity in order to send a clear and strong message to our friends in Canada that the current situation is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue, hoping that they will understand and value the relationship the two countries share."
The Saudi decision, which went into effect Sept. 1, means processing of Canadian visa requests takes between 30 and 45 days. A message alerting Canadians to the change appears on the Saudi embassy website. "[T]he waiting period for issuing a visa to Canadian citizens wishing to enter the Kingdom has been prolonged to meet the same amount of time it takes Saudi citizens to obtain a visa from the Canadian embassy in Riyadh," wrote the spokesperson, who did not give their name.
But the added delay is already having an impact on some Canadians, said one director of a company that helps facilitate the visa process, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to speak candidly about the situation. "The Saudis were very blunt; they said this is retaliation," said the director. "We used to be able to get visas same day—walk in at 10, pick it up at 2, at the Saudi Embassy." "The international oil companies are redeploying their Canadians elsewhere, oil fields that can use Canadian specialists but don't have the Saudi problem. And then they'll put in, say, Brits, people who've worked in the North Sea, because it doesn't take as long."
Saudi Arabia isn't the first country to retaliate against Canada using visa policy changes. Its neighbour in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, slapped new visa requirements on Canada last year during a dispute with Canada over landing rights at Canadian airports for its airlines.
08 November 2011
Brazil increasing wait times
Yes, Brazil has given official notification that as of 15 Nomber 2011 they intend to increase the processing times for visas for people in Ontario and Manitoba.
Up until this week, resdients of Ontario and Manitoba have had the fastest Brazilian visa processing in the country. But as of next week that time will increase to 15 working days according to the Brazilian consul general in Toronto.
This will have no effect, for bettr or for worse, on the already abysmal processing times of up to a month experienced by Western Canadians.
So apply early!
Click here for Brazil visa forms.
Up until this week, resdients of Ontario and Manitoba have had the fastest Brazilian visa processing in the country. But as of next week that time will increase to 15 working days according to the Brazilian consul general in Toronto.
This will have no effect, for bettr or for worse, on the already abysmal processing times of up to a month experienced by Western Canadians.
So apply early!
Click here for Brazil visa forms.
07 November 2011
Sri Lanka introduces E-visas
Sri Lanka will require all foreigners to acquire visas prior to travel starting in the new year (01 January 2012).
The Government of Sri Lanka is rolling out a new on-line visa system. All foreigners will be required to apply on-line to get approval for a tourist or business or visit visa.
The new prices are:
US$50. for a visas valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
US$75 for a visa valid for a stay of 31-90 days.
Applicants will apply and pay all fees on-line directly to the Sri Lankan government computer system. Th3 exact computer address has not yet been announced, but we will get it for you as soon as we can do so.
Once you have applied and paid, you will receive an electronic reference number which you print and take to Sri Lanka. At the airport upon arrival you will hand over the reference number and your passport. The immigration officials will then confirm you are registered and place the paper visa in your apssport.
The Government of Sri Lanka is rolling out a new on-line visa system. All foreigners will be required to apply on-line to get approval for a tourist or business or visit visa.
The new prices are:
US$50. for a visas valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
US$75 for a visa valid for a stay of 31-90 days.
Applicants will apply and pay all fees on-line directly to the Sri Lankan government computer system. Th3 exact computer address has not yet been announced, but we will get it for you as soon as we can do so.
Once you have applied and paid, you will receive an electronic reference number which you print and take to Sri Lanka. At the airport upon arrival you will hand over the reference number and your passport. The immigration officials will then confirm you are registered and place the paper visa in your apssport.
Eid closures - 7 November
It is the Islamic holiday of Eid, and the following embassies are closed:
Iran, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, and most other Arab or muslim countries.
Russia is closed for a national holiday, and India is closed for a religeous holiday.
Iran, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, and most other Arab or muslim countries.
Russia is closed for a national holiday, and India is closed for a religeous holiday.
UK closes visa office in Canada
Although Canadians do not need visas to visit the UK on business or tourists trips, stuents and various other categories of travellers do need UK visas. Until last month these visas were issued in Ottawa by the UK High Commission to Canada.
Due to severe budget cuts in the UK, the High Commission in Ottawa was forced to close their visa processing office in October 2011. All visas for people in Canada are now processed in the United States. After biometrics processing in Canada, you must ship the sealed package to the UK visa office in the USA. There is no longer an office in Canada. Please allow a couple of months for processing due to the massive backlog and reduced staff numbers.
Due to severe budget cuts in the UK, the High Commission in Ottawa was forced to close their visa processing office in October 2011. All visas for people in Canada are now processed in the United States. After biometrics processing in Canada, you must ship the sealed package to the UK visa office in the USA. There is no longer an office in Canada. Please allow a couple of months for processing due to the massive backlog and reduced staff numbers.
20 October 2011
Tanzania -- New Price
After years of price stability, the Tanzania government has directed a modest price increase for visas.
As of 01 November 2011 a basic single-entry tourist visa will cost $80. The old price was $75, so the new price represents a mere 6.6% increase.
And remember, most flights to the safari region on Tanzania and Kenya land at Nairobi airport in Kenya, so you will need a visa for Kenya.
All visa forms for both Tanzania and Kenya require the full name and address and contact details of one hotel or safari lodge at which you intend to stay.
Click here for Tanzania visa forms.
As of 01 November 2011 a basic single-entry tourist visa will cost $80. The old price was $75, so the new price represents a mere 6.6% increase.
And remember, most flights to the safari region on Tanzania and Kenya land at Nairobi airport in Kenya, so you will need a visa for Kenya.
All visa forms for both Tanzania and Kenya require the full name and address and contact details of one hotel or safari lodge at which you intend to stay.
Click here for Tanzania visa forms.
14 September 2011
Be kind to cats & dogs
When you travel abroad, and especially in the third world, you are likely to see domestic animals such as cats & dogs which are not well cared for. Consider a donation to a local animal shelter in your destination. They are usually very easy to find on-line.
We take care of our friends because they take care of us.
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
2. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
3. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments; but I have only YOU.
4. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
5. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
6. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to.
7. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
8. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.
9. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
10. Let my last memory be of your kind face, gentle voice and of your loving arms holding me.
We thank the Turks & Caicos RSPCA "Potcake Foundation" for the quote.
Click here for the Potcake Foundation.
We take care of our friends because they take care of us.
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
2. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
3. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments; but I have only YOU.
4. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
5. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
6. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to.
7. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
8. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.
9. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
10. Let my last memory be of your kind face, gentle voice and of your loving arms holding me.
We thank the Turks & Caicos RSPCA "Potcake Foundation" for the quote.
Click here for the Potcake Foundation.
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