In travel news for October 23, 2023 we talk about the most recent delay to the European Travel Information and Authorization System, the U.S. State Department issued a global warning for international travel, hospitality workers in Las Vegas could go on Strike potentially disrupting the upcoming F1 Grand Prix.
EU Delays Key Travel Authorization to 2025: What You Need to Know
The European Union has delayed the European Travel Information and Authorization System launch to 2025, a program necessitating pre-travel approval for visitors from 58 visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Similar to the U.S.'s Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the European system is not a visa but an authorization system aiming to secure European borders. Applications, requiring a fee of €7, should be submitted in advance, with approvals often processed within minutes withs some taking up to four days. This postponement is due to necessary infrastructural enhancements by the agency overseeing the program's rollout. Additionally, the complementary Entry/Exit System launch, integral to systems operation, is also deferred to 2024, further impacting the European Travel Information and Authorization Systems rollout.
Global U.S. Travel Alert: New Threats Spark Worldwide Caution
Amid escalating global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, the U.S. State Department has issued a global Travel Advisory, urging citizens to exercise caution. This unprecedented alert, independent of the ongoing pandemic advisories, highlights potential threats such as terrorism, Protests, and violence against U.S. interests worldwide. Travelers are advised to stay vigilant in tourist areas and follow State Department updates via social media or the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. The alert follows increased hostilities in regions such as Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, with specific cautionary measures advised for these areas due to unpredictable warfare dynamics. Simultaneously, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut is urging Americans to depart Lebanon immediately, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Vegas Workers Threaten Strike: Major Rally Set on the Strip
In Las Vegas, the Culinary Workers Union intensifies its campaign for a new contract, announcing a large rally with civil disobedience planned on the famous Strip. This escalation follows a wave of hospitality worker strikes nationally, emphasizing the union's demand for improved wages and benefits amidst casino operators' record profits. With negotiations deemed "disappointing," the union is set for crucial talks with major employers, including MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts. A city-wide strike is a looming possibility, authorized by an overwhelming majority vote among union members, potentially set before the significant F1 Grand Prix weekend. This situation marks a critical juncture in the hospitality industry, as workers actively push for substantial changes in their employment contracts.