Travel News
Tanzania bans plastic bags
The Government of Tanzania advises travellers to the country that, from June 1, all plastic carrier bags, regardless of thickness, will be prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in mainland Tanzania.
This excludes plastic packaging for medical services, industrial products, construction industry, agricultural sector, foodstuffs, sanitary and waste management.
Visitors to the country are advised to avoid carrying plastic carrier bags or packing plastic bags or items in plastic carrier bags in suitcases or hand luggage. Special desks will be present at all entry points for the surrender of plastic carrier bags that visitors bring into Tanzania.
‘Ziploc bags’ specifically used to carry toiletries will, however, be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors, and are not expected to be disposed in the country.
NZ introduces new levy
The New Zealand government has passed legislation for a tourist levy on most international arrivals starting on July 1.
International visitors staying for less than one year will pay $35 (R333) under rules for the new International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
The levy will be collected through the immigration system, with travellers paying the IVL along with visa fees. It will be used to fund conservation efforts and improve tourism-related infrastructure.
Australians and Pacific Islanders are exempt from the fee.