ATIA members are being asked to help raise awareness with clients on two key areas — Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
Information on these and related important advisories is available on the Travel Exchange, on ATIA’s website, to support members.
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
The Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control has asked for the assistance of ATIA members in making sure more Australians know how to protect themselves from the risk of MERS, a rare but serious viral respiratory illness. The Centre advises that around 84% of MERS cases are reported from Saudi Arabia. MERS is thought to spread through contact with camels, camel products or another person with MERS. So far there have been no cases in Australia.
A MERS information card is available for travellers, which explains what to do during and after travelling to an area affected by MERS. For more information and to download the information card, which is available in a number of languages, please visit www.health.gov.au/MERS.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration and changes to eGate eligibility
With an expected increase in travel to New Zealand in the coming weeks, it’s important travellers are aware that everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This includes babies and children.
The NZTD collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It’s free and can be started at any time. The earliest it can be submitted is 24 hours before a person starts their trip to New Zealand, and it must be submitted by the time they reach passport control in New Zealand.
The NZTD can be done online at www.travellerdeclaration.
Recent changes mean 10-year-olds can now use Customs’ automated eGates on arrival and departure from New Zealand.
ATIA DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY INGRID FRASER:
“ATIA works closely with Government, Government bodies and related authorities in key markets to promote the Australian Travel sector and the work of our members in making travel as safe and seamless as possible for their clients.”
“ATIA established the Travel Exchange as a platform for the industry to collaborate and as a channel to share tips, advisories and insights, and we encourage all members to take advantage of this resource.”
