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News and Resources

Santa Barbara Travel Bureau is currently open and fully staffed in both our Montecito and Santa Barbara offices.

Office Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm PST Monday – Friday  If you need after-hours assistance, please call 800-823-2590

We are continually monitoring the everchanging factors affecting travel, such as weather disruptions, COVID-19 and the need for a Real ID.

This page has resources and information relating to travel.  If you have any questions or concerns, you may refer below or feel free to call our main line at (805) 966-3116. We are here to help our clients and travel partners. The policies, regulations, and updates are happening by the minute, so it is best to double-check information or contact one of our Travel Advisors.

Kenya is going visa-free in 2024 to attract more international visitors and has introduced a mandatory electronic travel authorization (ETA) system. The ETA fee is $30, and processing time is a maximum of 72 hours. To apply, travelers need a valid passport, contact details, proof of accommodations, and flight information. We suggest applying a minimum of three days prior to travel.

Brazil’s e-visa requirement for US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders has been postponed until April 10, 2024. Now, applying for an e-visa is paperless, hassle-free, and can be done conveniently online, for a fee of $80. Travelers need to submit some basic documents, including ticketed airline reservations and their most recent bank statement.

Europe requiring ETIAS form in 2024 – Americans who plan to travel to the 26 members of Europe’s Schengen Zone in 2024 will have to apply for a new travel authorization called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This new travel authorization form will be required upon entry and is another layer that the European Union is using to protect and strengthen its borders. The U.S. currently requires an ESTA for people entering the U.S. and this is to mimic our system. The application form will take about 10 minutes to fill out and yes, there will be a 7 euro fee to get your ETIAS approval.  For a list of all the countries you will need an ETIAS in 2024 please CLICK HERE

 What to know about the ETIAS ‘visa’ — when to get it, how to apply and how much it will cost

IATA – Personalised Passport, Visa & Health travel documentation advice (iatatravelcentre.com)

The need for a Real ID or a passport to board domestic flights has been pushed to 2025.

China policy change for travel visas for some nationalities –Effective December 1, 2023, citizens of Germany, The Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, and Malaysia may travel visa-exempt to China for up to 15 days for business, tourism, family visits, or transit. (The traveler must exit by midnight of the 14th day). This visa waiver is for single-entry visits only and applies to all international ports of entry. This policy applies until November 30, 2024. ​

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD

TRAVEL RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

Airline Safety & Cleanliness Measures